as in celebrations
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something
tourists flock to the town for its annual strawberry festival
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of festivals
November brings a full calendar of festivals celebrating the coastal city, including the Foo Foo Festival, a 12-day arts and culture event with activities from Pensacola Beach to the historic streets of downtown and out to Perdido Key.
—
Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Cartagena’s rich Afro-Colombian heritage pulses through its art, festivals, and everyday life, offering Black women travelers a meaningful way to connect with the region’s cultural legacy.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Why Entertainment and Culture Are Especially Vulnerable Movies, music, streaming platforms, fashion houses and festivals — all of these industries sell stories.
—Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
The documentary has been featured at numerous film festivals, with a wide release date still pending.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Screened widely at festivals and shortlisted for the 2026 Goya Awards.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
During the heart of winter, there are fewer tourists, the weather is cooler, and the number of festivals and big events dwindles.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
In partnership with promoter Ocesa, acquired by Live Nation in 2021, Tecate Pa’l Norte has become one of the largest and most diverse festivals in Mexico.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
It’s also picked up a dozen awards from festivals across the world.
—James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Cartagena’s rich Afro-Colombian heritage pulses through its art, festivals, and everyday life, offering Black women travelers a meaningful way to connect with the region’s cultural legacy.
—Essence, 7 Nov. 2025
Why Entertainment and Culture Are Especially Vulnerable Movies, music, streaming platforms, fashion houses and festivals — all of these industries sell stories.
—Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
The documentary has been featured at numerous film festivals, with a wide release date still pending.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Screened widely at festivals and shortlisted for the 2026 Goya Awards.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
During the heart of winter, there are fewer tourists, the weather is cooler, and the number of festivals and big events dwindles.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
In partnership with promoter Ocesa, acquired by Live Nation in 2021, Tecate Pa’l Norte has become one of the largest and most diverse festivals in Mexico.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
It’s also picked up a dozen awards from festivals across the world.
—James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festivals
Noun
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Starbucks is already doling out holiday cups; stores have skipped over Thanksgiving and are selling Christmas decor; and TV stations are gearing up for the midnight countdown celebrations on New Year's Eve.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
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Karanikolaou, who opted for a Roberto Cavalli glitter maxi dress for the celebrations, also posted a funny video of her and Kylie strutting along a corridor at the party while showing off their outfits.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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On September 27, the Goop founder got all dressed up for her birthday festivities in Portofino, Italy.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Playing into the formal black-tie feel of the night, Meghan Markle rolled up to the festivities wearing a demure—but very chic—black ensemble.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For those traveling with children, TAFER’s signature Little Luxuries family program offers activities including face painting, ancestral Mexican games, traditional Mexican Cumbia live dance performances, beachside fiestas and more.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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The Semana Santa processions in Seville date back to the 16th century and are one of Spain's most famous fiestas.—
Nina Aquino,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festivals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festivals. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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