The state's calendar is anchored by vibrant cultural, religious, and sporting events.
* **Onam:** The official state festival. A harvest celebration that spans ten days, marked by floral carpets (Pookkalam), grand feasts (Sadya), and boat races. * **Thrissur Pooram:** The most spectacular of Kerala's temple festivals, featuring a massive procession of caparisoned elephants and a magnificent percussion ensemble (Panchavadyam). * **Vishu:** The Malayalam New Year, celebrated with the traditional viewing of auspicious items (Vishukkani). * **International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK):** Held annually in Thiruvananthapuram, it is one of the most prominent cultural events in India for cinephiles. * **Kochi-Muziris Biennale:** An international exhibition of contemporary art held every two years.