Given the strong and historic presence of the Mappila (Malabar Muslim) community, the two Eids are celebrated with immense community spirit. They are marked by congregational prayers, visiting friends and relatives, and preparing special Mappila cuisine, which includes the famous Thalassery Biriyani and unique sweets like Chattipathiri and Mutta Mala. The markets and streets come alive with special food stalls and festive cheer, particularly during the fasting month of Ramadan leading up to Eid ul-Fitr.

Vishu is celebrated as the traditional New Year in Kerala and is marked by deep spiritual reverence. The main ritual involves preparing the Vishukkani—an auspicious arrangement of fruits, vegetables, coins, rice, and gold, which is the first sight the family wakes up to see on the day (mid-April). Families exchange gifts (Vishukkaineetam) and celebrate with traditional feasts and fireworks.

As in the rest of Kerala, Onam is celebrated with immense grandeur in Thalassery. The ten-day harvest festival, which falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August/September), commemorates the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. The town participates in laying beautiful flower carpets (Pookalam), feasting on the massive traditional vegetarian meal (Onasadya), and organizing various cultural programs.

This is a famous annual temple festival specific to the Thalassery area, held at the ancient Andalur Kavu (a prominent Vaishnavite shrine dedicated to Lord Rama). The festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February/March), is famous for visualizing the Yuddha Kanda (War Chapter) of the Ramayana through its unique Theyyam performances, such as the Daivathaar (Lord Rama) and Angakkaran (Lord Lakshmana) Theyyams.

This is the most unique and spectacular ritualistic art form of North Kerala, central to the culture of Thalassery. It is not a fixed annual event but a “season” (November to May), during which hundreds of different Theyyams are performed in local temples (kaavus) and ancestral houses. Performers embody deities through elaborate, vibrant costumes, colossal headgear, and sacred dance, acting as a channel between the Gods and the devotees.