Did You Know?

Did you know that the Carnival of Venice, famous for its elaborate masks and costumes, originated in the 12th century and was initially a time for people to mix and socialize anonymously regardless of their social status? The masks allowed individuals to set aside societal roles and freely engage in festivities.

Did you know that the Holi festival in India, known as the Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated by throwing vibrant colored powders and water at each other? It's a joyful and lively celebration of love, unity, and the victory of good over evil.

Did you know that the Lantern Festival in Taiwan, also known as the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, holds the Guinness World Record for the most lanterns simultaneously released? In 2020, over 120,000 lanterns lit up the night sky during the festival.

Did you know that the world's largest food fight takes place during the La Tomatina festival in Buñol, Spain? Participants throw over 150,000 tomatoes at each other in a friendly, tomato-based battle.

Did you know that the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China showcases breathtaking sculptures made entirely of ice and snow? This winter wonderland festival spans across multiple city blocks and attracts millions of visitors each year.

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The Extravagant Elephant Festival Of Jaipur

Group of elephants adorned with vibrant decorations during the Elephant Festival in Jaipur, India

The annual Elephant Festival, held at the Jaipur polo grounds in the city of Jaipur, state of Rajasthan, India, has been continuous since ancient times and is therefore one of the oldest world festivals. It is entirely a tribute to the intelligent, strong and wise elephants that have been essential to Indian culture for centuries. For those who fear that elephants are not kindly treated, rest assured this celebrates them, not abusing them, and they are kept well by trained “mahouts”. The pachyderms seem to understand this is all about them and they get into the swing.

Held on the eve of the Holi Festival, the Elephant Festival is a delight for young and old, with street food and vendors, music and dancing. It starts with a parade of female elephants, decorated with colourful rugs, anklets and other jewellery, and even with painted designs. These natural paints (the orange ones are, for example, made from turmeric), in their dry form, are tossed about the human celebrants, so everybody turns pink or orange!

This festival demonstrates the high regard in which elephants are held in this area of India. They are royalty to the locals. A few camels and horses also participate in the events. After the parade, there are elephant races, dances, polo matches and tug-of-war competitions. It’s a fun day for all.