Belmond’s 2026 Culture Calendar

The start of the year in Italy belongs to the well-heeled, style-savvy travellers who refuse to miss a beat in menswear. Over in Florence, where we're gearing up to re-open the renovated Villa San Michele, the Pitti Uomo 2026 trade show is the hottest event in the month’s fashion calendar and one of the world’s premier luxury fashion events.

Elsewhere: Men’s fashion weeks are also being held in Milan, Paris, Hong Kong, London and beyond; the Singapore Art Fair kicks off at the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Samba rhythms, free-flowing sequins and endless caipirinhas are the focus each February in Rio de Janeiro. The hottest post-parade ticket in town is the annual Copa Ball at Copacabana Palace, where festivities continue long into the night.

Elsewhere: The Year of the Horse begins with Lunar New Year, Cape Town Art Fair kicks off and art lovers flock to Zona Maco in Mexico City.

March is arguably one of the best months to visit Cape Town, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Make Mount Nelson your base, then make sure to visit the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world) where live performances from 40-plus international and African artists feature over two days.

Elsewhere: Art Basel Hong Kong begins, uniting Asia’s international art scene around a platform for renowned artists and gallerists.

Held annually in Milan, Salone del Mobile is the world’s leading furniture and design fair showcasing cutting-edge craft innovations. Discover trends before they hit the market, meet industry leaders and explore Milan’s vibrant citywide design events – then take the short train to Venice and unwind at Hotel Cipriani.

Elsewhere: Pinta Lima, Peru’s contemporary art fair, stages its annual celebration of Latin American art.

Moving from Somerset House to Olympia in 2026, Photo London is a leading international photography fair exhibiting masterwork of all kinds. Pair it with a stay at The Cadogan and explore the city from the crossroads of Chelsea, Belgravia and Knightsbridge. May is when the royal parks of London begin to bloom so you should extend your stay to attend the annual Chelsea Flower Show, London’s premier horticultural event that showcases extraordinary springtime garden designs and floral artistry.

Elsewhere: Festivities begin in Mexico for Cinco de Mayo, and the Cannes Film Festival takes over the French Riviera – perfect when paired with a trip aboard Les Bateaux Belmond.

Since its inception, cinematic icons have flocked to Taormina in Sicily each year to enjoy this film festival’s screenings in the Ancient Greek Theatre – conveniently linked to Grand Hotel Timeo by a secret passage.

Elsewhere: In the UK, thousands attend the vibrant Glastonbury music festival and Ascot (the most stylish way to get there is via British Pullman). The Bali Arts Festival is also in full swing, ideal for those staying at Jimbaran Puri.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico; combine a game with a stay at Maroma on Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula or Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel de Allende.

Elsewhere: Bastille Day festivities erupt throughout France, Londoners flock to the courts at Wimbledon and the ancient Palio di Siena race takes place in Siena, Italy – perfect for guests staying at Castello di Casole.

Taking over the historic city of Edinburgh in Scotland for the entire month of August, the Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival with thousands of performances across theatre, dance and comedy. After exploring some shows, head to Edinburgh Waverly Station and embark on the ultimate exploration of the Scottish Highlands aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train.

Elsewhere: The annual Kuru Dance and Music Festival – which celebrates San Bushmen culture – is held in Botswana, the perfect event to visit as part of a Belmond Safari.

Hotel Cipriani has been a celebrity haven during the Venice Film Festival for decades. Stay here for celeb-spotting and seafood before catching a screening or two by the shores of Lido di Venezia, where the finest filmmakers share their words before general release.

Elsewhere: Oeniphiles gather for the island-wide Madeira Wine Festival (Reid’s Palace is the place to be) and Rock in Rio music festival kicks off in Brazil – legend Elton John will headline in 2026.

Frieze London is one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs, held annually in leafy Regent’s Park. Here, discover cutting-edge artworks, meet top gallerists and emerging artists and gain insight into global art trends. Why not pair it with a journey on the Britannic Explorer, which incorporates art gallery visits in its impressive itinerary?

Elsewhere: In Paris, lovers of contemporary art can partake in an all-night festival with Nuit Blanche, while back in London the BFI London Film Festival brings the stars to the big smoke.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a festival held in early November where colourful crowns – made from flowers known as cempazúchitl – and eclectic skull-like face paint are paired with a spirit of festivity. Celebrations are particularly raucous in San Miguel de Allende, where you can stay at luxurious Casa de Sierra Nevada.

Elsewhere: Confections x Collections, an annual coming-together of creative expression that shines a spotlight on slow, considered African fashion, kicks off at Mount Nelson in Cape Town; Paris Photo takes over the City of Light; and literature lovers flock to the Singapore Writers’ Festival.

While New Year’s Eve is celebrated around the world, two destinations are famed for their fireworks displays – Funchal in Madeira (stay at Reid’s Palace for the best views) and Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro (our hotel is mere steps away).

Elsewhere: The Venice Festa di San Nicolò, held annually in early December, honors Saint Nicholas, patron of sailors, with processions, religious ceremonies and traditional celebrations.