Did You Know?

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.

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 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 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.

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Discover The Magic Of The Albuquerque International Balloon Fesival

Crowd enjoying the colorful spectacle at Albuquerque International Balloon Festival, with numerous hot air balloons dotting the sky

For nine days, beginning in the first full week of October every year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico, USA. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see as many as 600 hot air balloons aloft (yes, participants in the festival can get rides) in the popular Mass Ascension event.

Close to a million people turn up annually to see the balloons and enjoy adjunct events like chainsaw carving, live concerts, fireworks and the ever-popular Special Shapes (think cartoon characters and animals) balloon rodeo. There are two competitions, one for hot air balloons and one for photography.

Take in the ethereal Dawn Patrol and the Twilight Balloon Glows events. It’s a popular, uplifting (pun intended) event that attracts about 900,000 visitors, so book tickets, as well as hotels in advance. Up, up and away at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!