The following are some of the most unique celebrations from all around the world.
Songkran—Thailand
If you're in Thailand between April 13th and 15th, get ready for the world's biggest water fight. The celebration marks the beginning of the Thai New Year, where cleansing with water is meant to purify and renew. In Bangkok or Chang Mai, the water fights can last up to six days. While this is the most popular activity, Songkran is also a time when people visit elders and monks to pay their respects to the New Year.
La Batalla del Vino—Haro, Spain
June 29th is a good day to visit Haro, Spain. Bring a bottle of red wine and prepare to be drenched (湿透) in red wine in the heart of Spain's grape-growing region. After a church ceremony, a large number of people get gathered for the battle, where white shirts will be made bright purple by the end of the day.
Bay to Breakers—San Francisco, California
Created after the terrible 1906 earthquake as a way of lifting people's spirits, the race has become one of the region's most important events. Hosted every year on the third Sunday of May, the race runs approximately 12km through the city. The real highlight, however, is the thousands of people dressed up in a show. Wear whatever you want: Batman suits, purple wigs (假发)...
Koninginnedag—The Netherlands
Although their Queen's birthday is actually during the winter, she celebrates it on April 30—the country's official "Queen's Day" since 1949. Orange is the national color, and the streets become a sea of shining wigs and body paints, as crowds gather in the squares. Amsterdam is the center of this outdoor party, but nearly every town is alive with orange on this day.
