You’d never guess where these photo ops are taken — 5 unique and unusual festivals around the world

By the MOOK Attractions Editorial Team
 
The start of a new year is perfect for planning your travels for the whole year. With proper vacation scheduling and bookings for flights and accommodations, you can fly to the other side of the world and enjoy your trip. These five global carnivals let travelers immerse themselves in unique in-depth experiences, and with holiday leave strategies, travel enthusiasts can prepare in advance for a distinctive cultural journey abroad.

※ Make the most of your 228 holiday with India’s Holi Festival of Colors.

The Holi Festival of Colors in India, also known as the Festival of Colors, is held on the full moon day around March. The two-day celebration culminates on the second day when streets are covered in vibrant powders and paints. People throw colors at each other, symbolizing the end of the dull winter and the arrival of a colorful spring.

It’s recommended to visit Mathura, the birthplace of the Hindu god Krishna, to experience the most traditional festival atmosphere in all of India. You can choose to stay at accommodations like Hotel Spiti, which is less than a 20-minute drive from the Holi Gate celebration site. In the afternoon, follow the event route to the banks of the Yamuna River and fully embrace the color festivity.
 
Holi Festival of Colors
．Festival Date: 2018/03/02
．Leave Strategy: Take leave on 03/01–03/02 for a 5-day long weekend
．Recommended Accommodation: Hotel Spiti
 
※ During the Dragon Boat Festival break, enjoy the White Nights in St. Petersburg.

In Russia, the city of St. Petersburg experiences up to 23 hours of daylight in summer, while in winter the daylight hours are much shorter. Under these unique geographic conditions, the White Nights Festival was born to celebrate the experience of prolonged sunlight. During the festival, events such as the “Stars of the White Nights” arts festival — featuring dance, theater, and music performances — as well as carnival parades take place. Around June 23, the festival reaches its climax with the Scarlet Sails celebration, where a red-sailed ship sets sail and dazzling fireworks light up the sky, marking a new chapter in the lives of high school graduates.

It is recommended to choose accommodations near the Neva River, such as the elegant Pedro Palace Hotel, which also offers spa facilities, local tour packages, and other services. It's especially convenient for travelers planning a night cruise on the Neva River.
 
St. Petersburg White Nights Festival
．Festival Date: 2018/6/11–7/2
．Leave Strategy: Take leave on 06/19–06/22 for a 9-day long weekend
．Recommended Accommodation: Pedro Palace Hotel

※ Catch the tail end of summer vacation and join Spain’s Tomato Fight.

Before summer vacation ends, bring the kids along for an unforgettable festival experience — the Tomato Fight in Spain could be the perfect choice. Held in the town of Buñol, the Tomato Fight has a history of over 70 years and is known as the “world’s largest food fight,” involving the throwing of 100,000 kilograms of tomatoes.