One of my most favorite times of the year is the Celebration of Holi. It is a Hindu festival that celebrates the change from winter to Spring, and love. It is also a reminder of good overcoming evil. Now, I must say, Spring is NOT my favorite season, and I imagine that is due to my geographical location….Idaho. Spring in Idaho is 2nd winter, then mud, then 3rd winter, then mud. There’s a chance of sun, but it will still be muddy…and windy. With that being said, we started going to the Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork, Utah about 12 years ago. This quickly became one of my favorite traditions and a beautiful way to embrace Spring. The Holi festival that takes place in Spanish Fork is the largest celebration of its kind in America.
This is a family friendly event that takes course over two days. Part of the celebration of ringing in the new season is throwing colored chalk at each other and all around. It’s truly just a place where people of all types and ages can come and be together where everyone is happy and excited. You can stay as long or as little as you like. At the top of every hour they gather the entire crowd and do one large color throw. There is live music, and delicious food. And to top it all off they do this at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, with the large beautiful Wasatch mountain range as the backdrop. On the grounds they have llamas, and large ponds with beautiful robust goldfish as their inhabitants.
I really enjoy going to the color festival as it is just a fun lighthearted way to ring in Spring, but I also believe this one is most true to tradition. I’m a little bummed because this year we will not be able to make it due to the weather. However, there is a follow up on in the middle of summer not far from this one that takes place in Salt Lake City. We have not ever done the Salt Lake one, but I’m hoping we can make it. It will certainly be warmer and more enjoyable for our little ones! I 10/10 recommend visiting this if you have ever wanted to. It’s an affordable, joyous, and friendly adventure!
