It's hard to tell where these photo ops are taken — five of the world’s most unique and special celebrations

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
The start of the year is perfect for planning your annual travels. With well-arranged holidays, flights, and accommodations, you can fly to the other side of the world and enjoy your trip. Here are five global carnivals that let travelers fully experience something different in-depth, paired with holiday leave strategies to help travel enthusiasts prepare in advance for culturally distinctive journeys abroad.

※ For the 228 Holiday, head to India’s Color Festival.

The Indian Color Festival, also known as Holi Festival, is held around the full moon in March. Lasting two days, by the second day, all streets are covered in colorful powders and paints. People throw colors at one another, symbolizing the end of the dull winter and the arrival of a vibrant spring.

It’s recommended to visit Mathura, the birthplace of the Hindu god Krishna, to experience the most traditional festival atmosphere in India. You can stay at places like Hotel Spiti, which is less than a 20-minute drive from the celebration site at Holi Gate. In the afternoon, move along the activity route to the banks of the Yamuna River and enjoy the full-on color attack.
 
The Indian Color Festival (Holi Festival)
．Festival Date: 2018/03/02
．Leave Strategy: Take leave on 03/01–03/02 to get a 5-day long weekend
．Recommended Accommodation: Hotel Spiti
 
※ For the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, enjoy the White Nights in St. Petersburg.

In Russia, St. Petersburg experiences up to 23 hours of daylight in summer, while the winter days are much shorter. Under these unique geographic conditions, the White Nights Festival was born to celebrate this special daylight experience. During the festival, events include the “Stars of the White Nights” arts festival featuring dance, theater, and music performances, as well as festive parades. Around June 23, the festival reaches its climax with the Scarlet Sails, where a red-sailed ship sets sail accompanied by spectacular fireworks, symbolizing high school graduates stepping into a new phase of life.

It’s recommended to choose accommodations near the Neva River, such as the Petro Palace Hotel, which features elegant architecture, as well as spa facilities and local tour packages, making it a great choice for those planning a night cruise on the Neva.
 
St. Petersburg White Nights Festival
．Festival Date: 2018/6/11–7/2
．Leave Strategy: Take leave on 06/19–06/22 to get a 9-day long weekend
．Recommended Accommodation: Petro Palace Hotel

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

Before summer ends, bring the kids for a once-in-a-lifetime festival experience — the Tomato Fight in Spain might be the perfect choice. The Tomato Fight in Buñol 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.