Family-friendly festivals and events in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has a variety of vibrant festivals and family-friendly events. From colorful parades to cultural celebrations, I would say there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning your next holiday or looking for activities to entertain the kids while in the country, here’s a roundup of Sri Lankan festivals that the whole family can enjoy! Each month, I provide you with invaluable insider travel tips and highlight must-see attractions for your journey to Sri Lanka. Subscribe to not miss out! |
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Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudu) |
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Celebrated in mid-April, Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural festivals. This holiday brings families together with traditions such as cooking sweet treats, playing outdoor games, and exchanging gifts. The whole country is alive with a sense of joy, and the children love the fireworks, games and delicious food. |
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When: April Where: Nationwide Tip: Head to rural towns and villages to experience the full charm of traditional New Year games and rituals. You'll have so much fun! |
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Vesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha and is a magical time to visit Sri Lanka. Streets across the country are illuminated with glowing paper lanterns and temples are adorned with beautiful decorations. Most buddhists dress in white, visit local tempels and light oil lamps as a symbolic offering to Buddha. Free food stalls offer tea, drinks and snacks to passersby. |
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When: May Where: Nationwide Tip: Colombo and Kandy are great cities to witness the largest Vesak displays. But even in our small village you can see beautiful decorations everywhere. |
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The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the oldest and biggest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. The highlight is the majestic parade of decorated elephants, beautiful traditional dancers, drummers, fire jugglers and more. It is all very beautiful, you will definitely be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and music. Learn more about the festival here. |
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When: July/August
Where: Kandy The elephant is a symbol closely tied to Sri Lankan culture and traditions and many cannot think of having a Perahera without elephants. However there is a discussion with regard to the usage of elephants in such traditional acts. Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot along the streets or book seats in advance. Make sure to bring snacks and water for the kids, as the procession can last a few hours. You can of course leave whenever you had enough. |
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For anyone who love books and creativity, the Galle Literary Festival is a must-visit. Held in the historic Galle Fort, this event brings together world-renowned authors, poets and artists. The festival includes a range of children's activities, making it a great way to enjoy the charm of Galle's beautiful coastal setting. |
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When: January
Where: Galle Tip: Keep an eye out for special children’s workshops, book signings, and interactive storytelling events designed specifically for kids. |
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This vibrant Hindu and Buddhist festival is held in Kataragama, a sacred town in the south of Sri Lanka. It includes devotional processions, traditional music, fire-walking, and acrobatic performances. The excitement and energy of the festival make it a fascinating event and the colorful atmosphere will give you a unique cultural experience. |
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When: July/August
Where: Kataragama Tip: While this festival is exciting, it can get crowded. Keep a close eye on little ones and plan to attend the quieter daytime events. |
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Sri Lanka’s festival calendar offers an incredible variety of events that are perfect for families. Whether you're experiencing the greatness of the Kandy Perahera or reading books at Galle Literary Festival, these celebrations bring people together through joy, culture, and tradition. Visiting a Sri Lankan festival you'll learn about the culture and get an experience you will not forget. I highly recommend it! |
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If you have any questions about your upcoming family trip to Sri Lanka feel free to drop me a message, I am happy to help! //Lisa | | |
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Villa Vanna - A family friendly villa |
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At Villa Vanna, we welcome families with open arms! We have a wide range of activities to keep children of all ages entertained, ensuring that both the little ones and older kids have plenty of fun. And our dog Maya is always up for a cuddle. | | |
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