IELTS Speaking · 11

The most important festival in my country is probably the New Year celebration, which everyone takes part in. I usually celebrate it with my family because it feels warmer to be surrounded by relatives. We prepare lots of special dishes, like roasted meat and sweet pastries, and the table is always overflowing. Honestly, I enjoyed festivals far more as a child because everything seemed magical and exciting, and I received plenty of gifts. Now I appreciate them differently, valuing the chance to relax and reconnect with people I rarely see during the busy working year.

I'd like to talk about a music and food festival I attended in my hometown last summer. It was held in a large central park over a weekend in July, and the whole area was decorated with colourful lights, banners and food stalls. I went there with a group of close friends, and we spent almost the entire day wandering around. During the festival, we listened to several live bands performing on an open-air stage, sampled dishes from different regional cuisines, and even joined a traditional dance that the organisers taught the crowd. In the evening, there was a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the sky and made everyone cheer. What I enjoyed most was the incredible atmosphere of togetherness. Strangers were smiling, sharing food and dancing as if they had known each other for years. It reminded me how festivals bring people together and dissolve the usual barriers between them. I also loved discovering new music, because one of the bands became my favourite and I still listen to their songs today. Although it was tiring and crowded, the experience left me with wonderful memories. I think what made it so special was the combination of good company, delicious food and the sense of celebrating something joyful as a community. I would definitely attend it again next year if I had the chance.

I think festivals remain important because they strengthen social bonds and preserve cultural identity, giving people a shared sense of belonging. The way we celebrate has clearly changed, mainly due to technology. Nowadays many people share their experiences online instead of gathering physically, which is both convenient and slightly impersonal. I don't believe traditional festivals will fully disappear, because communities work hard to keep them alive, though some may evolve. Commercialisation certainly has a major influence, as businesses promote festivals to boost sales. This can make events more accessible and exciting, but it sometimes overshadows the original meaning and turns celebrations into purely commercial occasions.