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 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.

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.

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Discover The Magic Of Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

The Pingxi Lantern Festival in Taiwan has enjoyed 100 years of candle-lit night skies, but has increasingly come under criticism for environmental issues and fire hazards. A New Years 2020 fire caused by these sky lanterns killed dozens of primates at the Krefeld Zoo in Germany, and has finally put a serious face to this ethereal practice.

The point of the festival is sincere: people write their wishes on these paper lanterns (they are supported by metal wires), light a candle and set them to the night skies, the intention being that their ancestors will read and grant their wishes. It’s a sentimental concept, and makes the night skies dazzle, but the dangers are clear.

Still, it’s an amazing, emotional thing to witness, and advocates have suggested that using the small solar-powered tealight candles will eliminate the fire risk. Let’s hope so, as this is a festival of lights as pretty as any fireworks.