7 Global Festivals Like Holi for Students Abroad

For students abroad, nothing feels more like home than enjoying the lively festivals of India. 
With Holi just around the corner, if you are missing the vibrant colors and playful energy of this celebration, then worry not; you can still feel the spirit of this festival. Read on to learn about exciting festivals around the world that capture the joy of Holi.

1. La Tomatina in Spain: A tangy fiesta

Whether or not you love tomatoes, Spain’s La Tomatina is a must-see spectacle. Celebrated in Buñol, a quaint town near Valencia, this is one of the world’s biggest food fights. Thousands of people from around the world take to the streets every year in August to throw approximately one hundred metric tons of tomatoes. 

The festivities last for an hour and begin with the “palo jabon,” an event where the attendees climb a greasy pole to grab the coveted prize, a drool-worthy ham at the top. This messy yet quirky celebration resonates with Holi’s joyous spirit.

2. Songkran: Thailand’s Soakfest 

Songkran is a fun-filled water festival that marks the beginning of the new year in Thailand. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Sankranti”( meaning the passage of the sun), Songkran is a celebration of a new start and represents hope for prosperity in the coming year. 

It begins on the 13th of April every year and lasts three days. During this time, people engage in playful water fights, pay respect to their elders, and celebrate with street parties and folk music. Like Holi, the pouring of water in Songkran symbolizes washing away negativity and welcoming good fortune.

3. Boryeong Mud Festival: South Korea

Widely regarded as one of the biggest summer festivals, the Boryeong Mud Festival is a hard-to-resist adventure. Started as a 1990s campaign to promote the cosmetic benefits of  Boryeong’s mud, the festival has become a unique global phenomenon, attracting thousands of visitors each year. 

This mud is believed to have anti-aging and healing properties, leading to younger-looking and healthy skin. The event takes place for over two weeks in July, and several attractions are erected on the seafront of Daecheon Beach, near Boryeong. The festival, like Holi, provides a break from the mundane routine and allows people to indulge in child-like fun. 

People partake in survival mud games, sculpture competitions, and night parties.

4. Haro Wine Festival: Spain

The Haro Wine Festival, or La Batalla del Vino de Haro, is an epic wine fight held every year on San Pedro’s Day, 29th June, in the picturesque town of Haro, La Rioja. The festival is a spectacle to behold for wine enthusiasts who flock from across the globe to compete with others by throwing liters of red wine. Similar to Holi, red-clad people are a common sight in the Haro wine festival. 

The origin of this fascinating event can be traced to legal disputes over territories with the surrounding region of Mirnda de Ebro. The festivities usually end at midday, after which people gather in the nearby Plaza de la Paz Square to feast on Spanish delicacies.

5. Flour War Festival: Greece

Celebrated on Clean Monday annually, the Flour War festival, or Alevromountzouromata, transforms the seaside town of Galaxidi in Greece into a battle zone. This day represents the beginning of the Great Lent, a significant fasting season for Eastern Christians. 

In this messy tradition, people come together to throw dyed flour, embrace the spirit of the festival with dance, and relish popular Greek dishes. The festival, just like Holi, fosters a strong sense of community. 

6. Battle of the Oranges: Italy

The Carnival of Ivrea, popularly known as the “ Battle of Oranges,” is a chaotic citrus battle in Italy. This is a three-day extravaganza carried out in a designated region, where people are divided into nine teams and throw oranges at each other as per specified rules. 

The event involves teams on foot who are unprotected and those on carts protected by leather helmets. This medieval tradition celebrates the city’s rebellion against tyranny. The festivities include historical reenactments, masked balls, and parades. The vibrant atmosphere of this festival mirrors Holi’s energy.

7. Chinchilla Melon Festival: Australia

Popularly referred to as the “Melon Capital” of Australia, Chinchilla is one of the largest producers of melons in the country. This festival is celebrated biennially in February, and residents participate in enjoyable activities. These include melon bungee, melon tossing, melon bullseye, and melon skiing. This event provides an escape from the busy city life and echoes Holi's joyous aura.

So Splash, Smash, Celebrate

You can bid goodbye to the Holi blues by participating in these unique festivals of the country where you are studying abroad. Embrace the opportunity to go beyond your classroom and immerse yourself in these cultural experiences.