All about Indigenous Festivals 
                     All about 
Indigenous 
Festivals 

Who are the Indigenous 
people?

 The United Nations has stated that there are about 370 million 
indigenous people in the world who represent 5000 different 
cultures in about 90 countries.
 The Indigenous people and their communities have been 
ignored and discriminated for several decades, who have lost 
their lands, identity and basic rights.
worldbank.org
Indigenous festivals

 Over the past few years, the United Nations has spearheaded an 
effort to recognize and increase cultural awareness of these 
communities. These are some of the festivals celebrated by the 
indigenous people around the world.
cbc.ca
Guelaguetza Festival, 
Mexico

 This festival is celebrated in the town of Oaxaca in southern 
Mexico, it is a mixed celebration of pre-Hispanic and Catholic 
traditions, where tribes from Oaxaca showcase their culture in a 
vibrant celebration.
theculturetrip.com
Nadaam Festival, Mongolia

 This festival celebrates the spirit of true Mongolian culture 
featuring Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, folk music and 
traditional dance. It also celebrates the freedom of 
Mongolia from China and the Soviet Union.
nadaamfestival.co
m
Qoyllur Rit’l Pilgrimage, 
Peru

 Indigenous tribes in Peru celebrate Lord Qoyllur Rit’l or the 
‘Lord of Snow Shine’ in the Cusco valley, which also features 
processions, Catholic masses and traditional dance 
performances.
amautaspanish.co
m
Riddu Riddu Folk Festival, 
Norway

 This festival is celebrated in the coastal village of 
Manndalen in northern Norway by the Sami people, to 
protect their customs and heritage. It is one of the most 
significant indigenous celebrations in Europe.
riddu.ro
Gawai Dayak Festival, 
Borneo

 Indigenous tribes of Borneo across Indonesia and Malaysia 
celebrate this festival featuring traditional dances, feasts and 
cock-fighting. It is aimed at strengthening the unity of the 
Dayak tribes.
barcroft.tv
Kadayawan Festival, 
Philippines

 In the city of Davao in Manila, the Filipinos celebrate the 
cultural wealth of the island nation, with horse fighting, unique 
dance performances and a Miss Kadayawan contest, instilling 
a sense of pride among the Filipinos.
sunstar.com.ph
First Peoples Festival, 
Canada

 This festival celebrated in Montreal celebrates the aboriginal 
heritage and history of Canada showcasing dance, music, film 
and art produced by the indigenous tribes of North America.
quebecoriginal.co
m