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 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 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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Immerse Yourself In The Songkran Water Festival

Until the mid-1900s, Thailand (together with Malaysia and Siam) celebrated only their traditional new year, Songkran, on April 13 of each year, not the typically global January 1st; that’s because they were on the Buddhist calendar. Although for world business purposes, the new year is set at January, Thailand continues to celebrate its traditional and ancient Songkran.

How would you say Happy New Year to a Thai person? “Sah-wah-dee pee mai.” Why is it a “water festival”? During Songkran (extended a few days so people can get home for the event) people pour water over statues of Buddha, as well as young and elderly people, the intent being to wash away their sins and/or bad luck.

Because so much water is tossed around during the celebration, attendees tend to wear clothing that will dry quickly, and never white. We hear that loud Hawaiian-style short are the go-to apparel. It sounds like a fun, easy way to wash away your negatives once a year.