Also known as Holi, it is a religious and Hindu celebration that closes the cycle of winter and welcomes spring. Mainly, it is celebrated in India, although many other countries with Indian diaspora also celebrate it. It takes place during the last full moon of the lunar month Phalguna of the Hindu calendar. In the Western Gregorian calendar, the date ranges between the end of February and the entire month of March.
Traditionally, the celebration also constituted religious rites in prayer for good harvests and fertile land for the new season. It also refers to different Hindu mythological legends. It is said that, in turn, it commemorates love and drives away evil spirits. It is also a cult to Vishnu and his avatar Krishna, representative gods of Hinduism. Today, Holi is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a festive day, neither working nor school day, where people enjoy eating, playing and laughing.
The most well-known and widespread peculiarity is the throwing of colored powders called Gulal. It is precisely this that most enhances the Holi festivals spread throughout the world.
The powerful visual force of colors is undeniable, along with the seductive symbology behind them: dissipating ethnic and racial differences into a homogeneous mass where we are all equal: a large stain of colors. Not only is it hilarious to project bombs into the air of cheerful chromatic tones, but also the fraternal and friendly environment of common interaction. The intrinsic values of the festival, such as mutual respect or tolerance, make it more than just a recreational activity.
Today, Holi is rapidly expanding through Europe. The cities of the continent welcome very warmly this new reception to good weather. Two already consolidated festivals are: Holi One Color Festival (based in England) and Festival of Colors (based in Germany). In Spain it has been celebrated for some years and this is the third year that Holi is celebrated in Lanzarote, specifically in Puerto del Carmen.