Festivals around the world

Every country has its own traditions and ways of celebrating. Let's take a look at some of them:

1. Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festivals — Chiang Mai, Thailand:The Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festivals happen simultaneously each November. Orange lanterns take to the skies while paper lanterns line the lakes and rivers, honoring the goddess of water and illuminating the city.  

Thailand

2. Diwali India Taking place each November, Diwali is India’s “Festival of Lights.” Shimmering lanterns appear in cities throughout the country, and kolams, colorful designs made from rice flour and chalk, cover the streets and squares. Fireworks shows light up the skies at night.

India

3. Hogmanay, Scotland: December may be the best time of year to visit Scotland — at least, if partying in the streets is your thing. Hogmanay is what the Scots call New Year’s Eve. Live drum ensembles, torchlight processions, fireballs parades, and steak pies ring in the New Year, Scottish style. 

Scotland

4. Mardi Grass, New Orleans, USA: The parade, the beads, and especially the parties have come to define the annual “Fat Tuesday” celebration, which brings over one million people to New Orleans each February. Though based around Tuesday, the party lasts all week — and sees the city swell to about three times its normal size. 

USA

5. Holi Phagwa, India: Like the Diwali festival, this March event takes place across India and brings bright colors to the forefront. This Hindu festival, which takes place each spring, celebrates both the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of a new, brighter season. At Holi Phagwa, participants cover each other in colorful paint mixed with powder.

India

If you had the opportunity to attend one of those festivals, which one would you choose and why?

If I had the chance to attend one of these festivals, I would choose Hogmanay in Scotland. I would love to experience the parade and immerse myself in a different culture, celebrating the New Year in a unique way. Watching people dressed as Vikings, the torchlight processions, and the fireball parades would be an exciting experience. I think the energy would be vibrant and interesting. 

Pdta: Mi segunda opción sería el festival Diwali en India, más conocido, como le Festival de las Luces, que dura 5 días y es famoso por las lámparas de arcilla que se colocan frente a las casas.