Did You Know?

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 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 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 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 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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Mardi Gras New Orleans: A Vibrant Celebration Of Life And Culture

Group of people celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans with colorful costumes and masks

Steeped in tradition as well as embroiled in controversy, Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the American state of Louisiana, with a focus in the French Quarter of New Orleans, starting on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday (Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday”) in February and running about two weeks. Given the good weather in that Gulf of Mexico state at that time of year, outdoors is where things happen.

Visitors enjoy at least one parade per day (check out Mardi Gras World, a huge complex where the floats are made), picnics, dancing, costumes and masks, music, especially jazz (a new Orleans standard), food and drink (lots of drink!), and round-the-clock partying.

Catch trinkets and strands of beads that are tossed from the floats. Be sure to wear the classic Mardi Gras colours: purple, green and gold.

As always, whether Mardi Gras or any day, book your hotel and restaurants well in advance, and remember that New Orleans suffers a fairly high crime rate, so store your valuables and be aware of what’s going on around you.