Saturday, May 10th, 3 p.m., Eastsound Waterfront Park
— by Cara Russell —
Disregard social norms and indulge in general merrymaking Orcas Island’s First Annual Festival of Colors!
In the mood for a day of “luminous, benevolent mischief?” asks Andy Martin, coordinator of the First Annual Festival of Colors, which takes place on Saturday, May 10, at 3 p.m., at the Eastsound Waterfront Park. “We will be celebrating Spring, Love, and Happiness, by pelting each other in all natural biodegradable pigments, made from plant based dyed cornstarch that is safe and eco-friendly.”
According to Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India (SCFI), The Festival of Colors, referred to as Holi, Holaka, or Phagwa, is an annual festival celebrated on the day after the full moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna (early March), which celebrates spring, commemorates various events in Hindu mythology, and is time of disregarding social norms and indulging in general merrymaking.
Holi is probably the least religious of Hindu holidays. During Holi, Hindus attend a public bonfire, spray friends and family with colored powders and water, and generally go a bit wild.
Martin believes that there is no better place to do just that than on beautiful Orcas Island. “Based on how creative we all are, I think the event is perfect for this community.”
Over 150 pounds of dry powders will be provided for the event, by Martin and six prominent Island businesses. For the Festival these powders are to be tossed at individuals participating. Do it by the handful, or add to a bucket of water and then douse it onto expecting individuals, and thus get covered in a spectrum of colors. If you want to protect your eyes, Martin suggests bringing swim goggles. “The color powder is safe and made from corn starch, but getting it in the eye could irritate.”
Enjoy music, and food from Hogstone Pizza at this family friendly event. All you need to bring is a “spirit of joy and a good heart” and some white clothing to showcase all the colors that will be tossed around.
The celebration is limited to the park, and not in the street or to any passing cars or pedestrians who do not wish to participate in the event.
If you enjoy the event, and would like to see it again next year, there will be a donation jar at the event to put towards advertising and providing the color powder again next year.
This event is brought to you by The Barnacle, The Golden Tree Hostel, Hogstone Woodfired Pizza, Flyin’ Hawaiian Sushi, Island Hoppin’ Brewery, Cascadia Garden Supply, and Andy and the Outernauts.
Want to make your own all natural color powder? Try this recipe.
Sounds an awful lot like a “been done” and “over” event unfortunately…. MB
Sounds like great fun! Although it’s not in March at the traditional time, the weather’s (probably) better in May. Salmonberry School sometimes celebrates Holi. What kid wouldn’t want to throw colored powder around and have a great excuse to be technicolor?
Spring, love, happiness; luminous, benevolent mischief: what’s not to like? I’m in!
What a delight and a WONDERFUL IDEA!