Carnivals around the world similar to Holi

Fun, frolic, food and more
2023-03-07
/
/ New Delhi
Holi
Carnivals around the world similar to Holi

The festival of fun, colours, bhaang (cannabis), and more is almost here now.

As India prepares to don colours of Holi, Indian travelers or residents in various parts of the world can have their own local version of Holi. Catch up with these carnivals from all around the world that share the same spirit of Holi, a festival of water and colours.
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An ancient Indian festival to celebrate the onset of spring, the festival of Holi not only spreads cheerful colours everywhere, but is also a symbol of starting afresh and a celebration of love. The palpable enthusiasm felt in the streets or in the uninhibited smiles of people comes alive in the vibrant festival that sees colours splashing across everywhere.  Call it unmatched in its essence, but here are some festivals around the world that are just as much fun and replicate the spirit and essence of Holi.

Flour war festival in Galaxidi, Greece

Flour war festival in Galaxidi

Flour war festival in Galaxidi

The tranquil little harbour town of Galaxidi, in the south central part of Greece, hosts the traditional flour wars. Legend has it that in the 19th century Greece, carnivals were forbidden by the Ottoman Empire in the region. So rebelling against the then government, people flocked to the streets in their old clothes and engaged in an all out flour war but in smiles and humour. The contemporary rendition of the festival has added colours to the flour battle that takes place every year on the “Clean Monday”, that was celebrated on February 27 this year.

Songkran water festival in Thailand

Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea

Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea

Songkran derives from the Sanskrit term Sankranti, which essentially means to pass through, transform, or change. To mark the Thai New Year, that falls in April 13-15 this year, the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand is a sacred ritual meant to symbolically wash off all misfortune and welcome the new year with a fresh start. Although getting soaked is what Songkran is most famous for, the lunar change is also marked by parades, dancing, and traditional entertainment, just like Holi in India. What makes the celebration more special is that April is the hottest month of the year in Thailand. So people gleefully grab giant buckets, squirt guns and splash each other in a friendly water fight. 

Battle of oranges in Italy

Songkran water festival in Thailand

Battle of oranges in Italy

Next up is the riotous scene of the Battle of the Oranges in Italy. In this fruity mayhem, people throw oranges at each other in organised teams. They take to the streets to eat, drink, and enjoy the season during one of the craziest and messiest festivals in all of Italy that takes place in the heart of Ivrea. This magnetic carnival, that was celebrated on February 11-13 this year, is reported to attract around 100,000 spectators annually.

Haro wine festival in Spain

Haro wine festival in Spain

Haro wine festival in Spain

The battle of the wine in Haro, Spain, is a Spanish festival unlike any other. Wet, steamy, sticky, and unquestionably exuberant, the La Rioja region of Spain hosts the Haro Wine Festival every year from June 28-30. Haro wine festival, also known as Batalla del Vino or San Vino, is centred on an early-morning wine combat, with the combatants donning the traditional red and white garb and frolicking drenched in wine. Red wine is catapulted during this wine battle by consenting participants on the other members. This exotic festival also hosts Batalla de Vino, youth bullfights and is considered a “Festival of International Tourist Interest”. 

Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea

Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea

Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea

 What began as a 1990’s campaign to promote Boryeong’s mud based-products that are sold for cosmetic purposes, is a festival of national interest in South Korea today. According to legend, this mud has healing and anti-aging elements that leaves the skin looking and feeling young and vibrant. This mud-flinching carnival attracts not only locals, but international visitors too, becoming increasingly popular with the rise of Korean pop culture from all over the world. The 2023 Mud Festival will be held on July 21-30.

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