# festival

/ˈfɛstəvəɫ/ (US) · /fˈɛstɪvəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/festival
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. cultural or arts event

noun · CEFR A1

a series of special events, like concerts or films, that happen in one place over a few days.

For teachers: an organized series of performances, exhibitions, or events centered on a specific theme or artistic discipline.

- We bought tickets for the summer music festival held in the park.
- The international film festival attracts directors and critics from around the globe, transforming the quiet coastal town into a bustling cultural hub for two weeks.

### 2. religious or traditional celebration

noun · CEFR A2

a special day or period when people celebrate a religious or traditional event.

For teachers: a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration, often of religious or historical significance.

- Diwali is a major Hindu festival known as the festival of lights.
- The harvest festival remains a vital tradition in many rural communities, serving as a time for collective gratitude and social gathering after the crops are secured.

### 3. Jamaican fried bread

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

a type of sweet, fried cornbread from Jamaica.

For teachers: a traditional Jamaican fried dumpling made from cornmeal and flour, typically served as a side dish with fish.

- We ordered fried fish with a side of festival at the beach stall.
- The vendor specialized in escovitch fish served alongside perfectly golden festival, a staple of Jamaican seaside cuisine.

## Examples

- The city holds a film festival every summer.
- Thousands of tourists visit the city during the annual winter festival to see the ice sculptures.
- While originally a religious observance, the modern festival has evolved into a secular celebration of local heritage and culinary traditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.