The World’s Biggest Parties, Part 1

The Hindu Festival of Colors, Holi, is one of the biggest parties in the world. The festival takes place in honor of a young boy who escaped, without injury, from the clutches of a demoness named Holika after she lit him on fire. The festival also marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with bonfires, throwing colored powder and water on everyone and often involves marijuana-laced beverages.

The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that occurs in Haad Rin on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand. It takes place on the night before or after every full moon. The first of its kind took place in 1985, and was an improvised wooden disco that comprised approximately 30 people. Nowadays it attracts about 30,000 revelers with beachside bars open all night for the festivities.

Arguably the largest party in the world, there ain’t no party like a carnivale party. From its humble beginnings during Lent in 1723, the party is now a household name, complete with costumes, parades and scantily clad girls and boys. And, naturally, quite a bit of booze. The most spectacular display occurs in Rio de Janerio.

Originating in Ireland and celebrated the world-over, St Patty’s day is one of the biggest drinking parties in the world. The holiday originated in Ireland in celebration of Saint Patrick, one of the most commonly recognized patron saints of Ireland. The day consists of church services, parades, processions and green attire, but the religious sentiments are often eclipsed by the copious consumption of alcohol and food.

The biggest pillow fight party occurred on March 22nd, 2008, in 25 cities across the world including Boston, Copenhagen, Dubai, London, Shanghai and Sydney. Organized via social media, email, texting and word of mouth, the international flash mob proved to be quite a success. But as expected, the mess created didn’t go down too well with officials.

The Love Parade began as a political demonstration in 1989, promoting peace through music, and evolved into one of the biggest dance parties in the world. Millions of people are drawn to the huge outdoor party, jiving to trance, house and electronica music.