Although Christmas and New Years are now a good distance behind us, there are still some celebrations that travelers can catch this spring on their trips throughout the world. Without further ado, here are some of our favorites in the order that they will be held.
A Mardi Gras Float
(Image Source: Flickr)
Mardi Gras. Although this holiday started off as a Catholic celebration to use up extra household goods before the privations of Lent began, it has since become a far more decadent spectacle than its origins would attest. The lavish parades in New Orleans, Louisiana and in Rio de Janerio, Brazil are attended by thousands of people. English people keep things somewhat calmer with pancake flipping races to celebrate the holiday. Although the party is held annually, the date changes as is typical for most religious holidays. The holiday will next be held on February 17, 2015.
A traditional holiday play.
(Image Source: Wikipedia)
Purim. Although this is not a major Jewish holiday, Purim is nonetheless a time of celebration. This holiday commemorates the efforts of one woman, Esther, and her cousin, Mordecai, to save their people from total annihilation. On this day, the story behind it is read aloud, gifts are exchanged, and donations are made to various charities. Families also get together for a special meal. The celebration date varies from year to year. In 2015, this holiday will be celebrated from sunset on March 4 to sunset on the following day, March 5.
Holi Powder
(Image Source: Wikipedia)
Holi. This Hindu festival has become increasingly popular throughout the world as it involves throwing brightly colored powders and scented water onto people as they pass by. Holi occurs near the vernal equinox and celebrates the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Bonfires are held the night before to honor Prahlada who was ultimately rescued from the schemes of his nefarious aunt and uncle by god Vishnu. The colored powders that are thrown also allude to this god, who in one of his avatars got tired of girls ignoring him because he was blue-skinned. So his aggravated mother told him to paint the girl and his skin color wouldn’t matter. Thus, they ended up together after all. The holiday date changes with each passing year and the festival will be held next on March 6, 2015.
Traditional Hafit Sin
(Image Source: Wikipedia)
Nowruz. Celebrated in parts of what was once the Persian Empire for over three thousand years, this festive occasion has its roots in Zoroastrianism. House cleaning prior to this holiday is common. Participants may also choose to jump over the bonfires for good luck and visit their families on this day. A big part of the holiday is a table called Hafit Sin that is traditionally set with seven ceremonial objects that each starting with the letter ‘s’ in Persian and are representative of positive attributes for the coming year. Some countries celebrate for up to seven days while others only observe the festival for one. These events are generally held between March 20 and March 24 annually. However, the party in Azerbaijan last for an extra 2 days and Iranian students get off for 2 entire weeks.
What is your favorite spring holiday? Tell us about it in the comment section.
Sources: Wikipedia; Scholastic; Huffington Post
