The Water Splashing Festival, China

In the Dai culture, water serves as a symbol of holiness and light. That’s why water is so central to the Dai New Year, which is celebrated in Jinghong, Yunnan at the large Water- splashing Square, where people go completely water-wild with buckets and water guns. Be warned – foreign visitors tend to get special attention during the festival; on the other hand, the wetter you get, the more lucky you’ll be for the rest of the year! There’s also a dragon boat race on the Lancang River and a parade in Gaozhuang Xishuangjing village At night, a resplendent Dai New Year fireworks show is held on the riverbank. (Go Yunnan)