Egypt: $387 billion
Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, dates back over 2,000 years. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People playfully throw colour at each other and enjoy various delicacies associated with the festival. It is celebrated at the end of winters in March.
It is an ancient Japanese Buddhist festival that honours the spirits of the deceased ancestors. It’s believed that during this time, the spirits return to the earthly realm. Families light lanterns and dance to traditional music to guide the spirits back. Every year, it is celebrated around mid-August.
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, has ancient origins and signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, it involves praying for health and prosperity, lighting oil lamps, exchanging gifts, and enjoying sweets. It is celebrated between mid-September and mid-November.
Songkran is the Thai New Year’s festival, rooted in ancient Buddhist and Brahman traditions. It’s marked by water fights and cleansing rituals to symbolise washing away misfortunes and starting anew. It is celebrated on April 13 every day.
The Carnival of Venice began in the 11th century and became a major annual event in the 18th century. Characterised by elaborate masks and costumes, it’s a time for revelry and entertainment before the Christian season of Lent.
Inti Raymi was an Incan festival dedicated to the Sun God, Inti. It marked the winter solstice and celebrated the return of longer days. Today, a modern version is celebrated in Cusco with traditional rituals and performances. It is celebrated every June 24th
Passover, one of the oldest known religious holidays, commemorates the liberation of the Israelis from slavery in ancient Egypt. It involves a Seder meal during which the story is retold, unleavened bread is eaten, and rituals are performed. While the date changes each year, Passover always falls on a full moon in the spring.
Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Indian festival that commemorates the sacred bond of love shared between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in July-August.