Esala Perahera — Kandy, July/August

Ten nights of fire dancers, drummers and 100 caparisoned elephants parading the sacred tooth relic. Book seats six months ahead.

Vesak — May full moon

The entire island lights up with paper lanterns to celebrate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing. Colombo and Kandy are unmissable.

Sinhala & Tamil New Year — April

Quieter, more domestic, but the most authentic festival to witness. If a local family invites you for kiribath, say yes.