The sky above Colombo shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes on August 25, 2025, as the Colombo International Kite Festival took flight in Sri Lanka’s bustling capital. This annual event—already a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar—reached new heights this year as hundreds of kites, crafted in the likeness of elephants, leopards, pandas, birds, snakes, and more, soared above Galle Face Green, captivating both locals and visitors alike.
According to the Associated Press, the festival drew passionate kite flyers and spectators from all walks of life, transforming the city’s skyline into a living work of art. The event wasn’t just a local affair; it was a truly international gathering. Enthusiasts from 25 countries—including Germany, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Australia, China, Thailand, South Korea, India, and Singapore—joined some 500 Sri Lankan kite flyers, making this year’s festival one of the most diverse in its history.
The spectacle began early in the morning, with participants arriving in droves, their arms laden with intricate kites of every conceivable shape and size. Some brought traditional diamond-shaped kites, while others unveiled elaborate creations, meticulously crafted to resemble animals both real and mythical. The elephants, leopards, and pandas were crowd favorites, their vibrant colors and lifelike movements drawing gasps of delight from children and adults alike. Birds and snakes swooped and danced on the breeze, their tails fluttering against the deep blue of the August sky.
For many in attendance, the festival was more than just a visual feast—it was a chance to connect with fellow kite enthusiasts from around the world. “It’s amazing to see so many different designs and techniques,” said one participant from the Netherlands, as reported by AP. “We’re all here because we love kites, and it’s wonderful to share that passion with people from so many countries.”
The festival’s international flavor was unmistakable. Teams from Asia, Europe, and Australia mingled freely, exchanging tips on kite construction and flying strategies. Language barriers melted away as participants bonded over their shared love of flight. Sri Lankan organizers, meanwhile, took pride in showcasing their country’s hospitality and rich tradition of kite flying—a pastime that has been woven into the fabric of Sri Lankan culture for generations.
“Kite flying is something that brings people together, no matter where they’re from,” said a Sri Lankan organizer, echoing a sentiment felt by many at the event. “We’re proud to welcome so many visitors to Colombo, and we hope they leave with wonderful memories of our city and our people.”
Throughout the day, the festival grounds buzzed with activity. Children darted between the legs of adults, clutching their own handmade kites, while seasoned flyers demonstrated daring aerial maneuvers. The air was filled with laughter, shouts of encouragement, and the occasional gasp as a particularly ambitious kite took an unexpected nosedive. Vendors sold snacks and drinks to keep energy levels high, and local musicians provided a lively soundtrack to the festivities.
For the international visitors, the festival offered a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lankan culture up close. Many took time to explore the city’s historic sites and sample its renowned cuisine, adding a dash of adventure to their kite-flying escapades. “I’ve always wanted to visit Sri Lanka,” said an Australian participant. “The festival was the perfect excuse. The people are so friendly, and the atmosphere here is just incredible.”
According to AP photo editors, who curated a gallery of images from the event, the sheer variety of kites on display was a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the participants. Some kites were adorned with intricate patterns and bold colors, while others featured clever engineering that allowed them to perform loops, dives, and spins. The animal-shaped kites, in particular, seemed to come alive in the hands of skilled flyers, drawing admiring crowds wherever they went.
The festival also served as a reminder of the enduring appeal of simple pleasures. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology, the sight of hundreds of people—young and old—gazing skyward, their faces lit with joy, was a welcome respite. For a few hours, at least, the worries of daily life were forgotten, replaced by the thrill of flight and the camaraderie of a shared experience.
Local businesses benefited from the influx of visitors, with hotels, restaurants, and shops reporting brisk trade. The festival provided a much-needed boost to Colombo’s tourism sector, which has worked hard to recover in the wake of global disruptions in recent years. City officials expressed hope that the event would help put Colombo on the map as a destination for cultural tourism, attracting even more visitors in the years to come.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, the kites continued to dance against the fading light. Participants lingered on the grass, swapping stories and making plans to return next year. For many, the festival was not just a competition or a display of skill—it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the simple joy of watching a kite soar.
Reflecting on the day’s events, one Sri Lankan participant summed it up best: “When you look up and see all those kites together, you realize how much we all have in common. No matter where we come from, we all feel the same excitement when a kite takes flight.”
With hundreds of kites painting the Colombo sky and friendships forged across continents, the 2025 Colombo International Kite Festival proved once again that sometimes, all it takes to bring people together is a little wind, a bit of string, and a dream of flight.
