Festival of the world

From the largest annual tomato fight in Spain, to Scotland's "Up Helly-Aa" fire festival,
a look at those special days when people around the world go slightly nuts

Shetland Islands, Scotland:
"Up Helly-Aa" Fire FestivalA tribute to the islands' Viking Past, Up Helly-Aa ("End of the Holy Days") culminates with the burning of a 32-ft. Replica of a Viking longship.

Bobr, Belarus:
Ivana Kupala NightOn the night of this pagan festival, celebrated on July 7,
the Gregorian summer solstice, young women don wreathes and celebrants
jump through fire and swim naked. The rites are connected to ancient beliefs about fertility and autopurification.

New Delhi, India:
Holi, the Festival of ColorsIndian girls throw gulal (colored powder) on each other
during a Hindi holiday which marks the onset of spring.

Bunyol, Spain:
Tomatina In late August, thousands of people pelt each other with over 250 lbsOf tomatoes in a span of 60 minutes in an event modestly described as the world's largest tomato fight.

Nobsa, Colombia:
International Poncho Day Designed to promote the work of local artisans who weave traditional wool ponchos, the parade and festival are a relatively new celebration.

Novgorod, Russia:
MaslenitsaIn Orthodox countries, the week before Lent is marked with a series of celebrations,
including a free-for-all boxing match in which there are no rules.