These 3 festivals from around the world are reminiscent of Holi 

Holi is one of India’s most-loved and fun festivals, with people from all over the country coming together and spreading cheer and colour, quite literally. Also referred to as the Festival of Colours, Holi is the celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It also ushers in the changing of the seasons from winter to spring. With water being splashed around, colour being thrown at one another and community-bonding experiences, it is safe to say that everyone looks forward to it. This year, the colour of festivals is scheduled for 8th March. However, it is not the only occasion in the world which is joyfully messy and colourful. Here are 3 similar festivals from different countries that are extremely reminiscent of Holi. 

La Tomatina, Spain 
The La Tomatina festival has been celebrated in Spain since the mid 1940s. Although its origins are not entirely clear, it is known that the main purpose of it is to bring people together and to promote happiness and entertainment. It is held each year in the Valencian town of Buñol in Eastern Spain. Here, participants indulge in fun by throwing tomatoes at each other which are brought in massive trucks. It is usually held towards the end of August before the autumn season in Europe kicks in.  

Carnival of Ivrea, Italy 
The Carnival of Ivrea, popularly referred to as the Battle of Oranges, is essentially the Italian version of La Tomatina. Evidently, as the name suggests, the only difference is that it involves oranges instead of tomatoes. It is the largest food fight in Italy where people throw oranges at each other in organised groups, and is held in the Northern Italian city of Ivrea. It was first celebrated all the way back in 1808, and is believed to have originated as a tradition to celebrate the city’s defiance of a tyrant who ruled over it. Although details of the tyrant are not certain, it is said that he was either a member of the ruling Ranieri family. It is estimated that around 400 tonnes of oranges get juiced for this fight each year, which is usually held between the end of February and the beginning of March. 

Songkran, Thailand 
Thailand’s Songkran festival is, by far, the most similar to Holi in terms of its traditions. It is celebrated across the country as a way to mark Thailand’s New Year. The festivities and celebrations commence annually on April 13 and last for two entire days till April 15. Here, people gather together in the streets to throw ice cold water and apply a beige-coloured paste to each other. The festival symbolises unity amongst the people, and it also is a way for people to wash away their sins from the preceding year and get purified once again. In fact, its name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Sankranti” which is also an Indian festival that means the transmigration of the sun from one ‘rashi’ (zodiac sign) to the next.