The festival of Holi is an important part of Indian culture, but do you know that just like Holi, some other festivals are celebrated all over the world which you might be surprised to hear about.
The tradition of applying colours on each other during Holi festival is quite old. At many places, we often come across news of people playing Holi with mud, clay, paint etc. But do you know that there are many festivals celebrated around the world which look like Holi, but their importance is not religious but social. These festivals are considered a part of the culture of many countries like Spain, Korea.
1. Mud Festival
Place- South Korea
In the olden days, people used to apply mud on their bodies to escape the heat. This practice is still prevalent in the Boryeong area of South Korea . It is 200 kilometers away from Seoul and people from all over the world gather here in July. This festival started in 1988 and lasts for 10 days.
The reason for celebrating this festival here is to tell the local people the importance of soil. It is believed that many minerals including geranium are present in the soil of this area. If someone does not want to play Holi with mud here, then he can also take advantage of it by just applying a clay mask.
2. Songkran
Place- Thailand
In Thailand, New Year is celebrated on 13th April and this celebration continues till 15th. During this time, there is a tradition of throwing ice water on each other. People also apply bean paste on each other. This is celebrated during summer and hence ice water does not cause any problem to anyone.
This festival is especially like Holi. Now colors are also being used in this festival.
3. Wine Battle
Place- Northern Spain
Drinking wine is one thing, but throwing it on each other might seem strange to some people. But every year a wine festival is held in a town called Haro in the La Rioja province of northern Spain. Every year on June 29, people compete in drinking wine. After this competition, they also throw wine on each other.
Here, wine is not poured in buckets rather it is a matter of a glass or two. Now, this festival can prove to be very good for those who like wine.
4. War of the Oranges
Place- Italy
This is one of the strangest festivals in Italy . This festival lasts for three days and is so important that the local government promotes it for tourism. It takes place in Ivrea (name of the place). It started after the war between Portugal, France and Spain over oranges.
Now it has been turned into a fun festival where people throw oranges at each other. More than 400 tons of oranges are used in this festival. People get divided into two groups and rain oranges on each other.
5. La Tomatina
Place- Spain
This festival is probably mentioned everywhere. After Holi, if there is any festival that people from all over the world celebrate and throw something at each other, then it is La Tomatina. Holi is played with tomatoes and it is celebrated in the city of Buinol in Spain.
Here people play Holi with tomatoes and before throwing tomatoes they press them well so that they do not cause any injury. This is celebrated in the last week of August and thousands of people reach Buinol to attend it.
6. Watermelon Festival
Place- Australia
A very unique festival is celebrated in the Darling city of Queensland, Australia. This city is called the Melon Capital of Australia and that is why Holi is played here with watermelon. It is celebrated every second year in February and many games related to watermelon are organized.
People come here dressed in different ways and a Water Melon Fancy Dress Competition is also held.
7. Flour Festival
Place- Greece
In the city of Galaxidi in Greece, people throw colorful flour at each other. More than 1500 kg of flour is used in this festival. The carnival starts in early March and the locals take to the streets.
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