Did You Know?

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 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.

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.

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Oktoberfest: A Celebration Of Bavarian Culture And Brews

There is more than one Oktoberfest in the world, but the biggest and oldest (begun in 1810) traditional “Wiesn” takes place in Munich, Germany, annually for about 2-1/2 weeks, beginning mid-September and ending in early October. It is a celebration of German culture, but more than that, beer. Generally, over 6,000,000 attendees drink more than 7,000,000 litres (that’s litres, not pints) of beer during Oktoberfest.

A festival of beer, food and fun, most ethnic Germans wear traditional costumes (like lederhosen) and hats during the festival. Classic German-style meat-based dishes are also consumed in great quantities. The festival offers live music (oom pah pah bands and also pop), food and drink, and parades.

For those living in North America, the world’s second largest Oktoberfest occurs during the same time period in the city of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario (about an hour northwest of Toronto). It has 700,000 attendees on average and can be driven to from all points in America and Canada. It’s been going on for 50 years.