Noteworthy cultural events?

“Noteworthy” depends on what you’re interested in—music, food, religion, or local traditions—but these celebrations are a good starting point: Lunar New Year celebrations across several East and Southeast Asian cultures, Diwali festival of lights in India and elsewhere, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, and Nowruz Persian New Year, marked around the spring equinox.

Their dates and customs vary, and many are celebrated in communities around the world. If you’re looking for events to attend, share a city or country and the time of year; the most interesting local festivals may be quite different from the best-known international ones.