Color party in Costa Rica

A festival promoting good-hearted mischief, love and unity through music, dance, performance art and a visual smorgasbord is coming to Costa Rica for the first time August 10.

The festival is inspired by Holi, the Festival of Colors, which originated in India as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. In India, Holi is observed at the end of winter to welcome spring and to celebrate a Hindu legend. On this day, participants chase each other through the streets and throw colored powders, perfumes and water on each other. Some also build large bonfires and burn Holi dolls, which represents the burning of the female demon Holika from the Hindu legend of Prahalad and Holika. The moral of the legend is that good always conquers evil. During the celebration, mischievous behavior is encouraged and cast, class, and status are dissolved; everyone is united.

From the Indian Holi sprang Holi One World Ltd and that group has brought the concept of unity and color to music festivals all over the world, from Germany to the U.S. to Singapore. Now it will come to Costa Rica. Festival-goers are encouraged to come dressed in white and every hour, on the hour, to release bags filled with colored powder into the air, creating a magnificent cloud and covering everyone with a rainbow of hues.

While people in India create their powder in a variety of ways, Holi One has manufactured their own version, which will be used at the festival in Costa Rica. The Holi One powder has been tested and certified in Germany to be environmentally friendly, non-toxic, allergy-free and water-soluble. Despite these tests, the Holi One Ltd website warns that the dyes may permanently stain clothing and temporarily stain light-colored hair. It’s recommended that contact lens wearers bring goggles.

Besides throwing colors at each other, attendees will be treated to a long lineup of international and local bands and DJs. The Holi One Costa Rica crew has been slowly releasing the names of the confirmed performers on its Facebook page. The eagerly awaited closing act was announced Thursday morning. It will be the duet Hard Rock Sofa, DJs and producers from Russia.

The Holi One Festival is scheduled from noon to 10 p.m. on August 10 at the Centro de Eventos Pedregal in Belén, Heredia. Attendance is limited to those who are 18 years or older. Tickets range from ₡16,000 to ₡20,000 and can be purchased online and at Ruta Urbana in San Pedro, Paseo de Las Flores, Multiplaza Escazú, and Lincoln Plaza. Three bags of powder cost ₡3,500.

Performers:

Hard Rock Sofa: https://soundcloud.com/hardrocksofaofficial

Florian Kunicke: https://soundcloud.com/zeitzumfeiern

Christopher Cherubin: https://soundcloud.com/christophercherubin

Bartosz Brenes: https://soundcloud.com/bartoszbrenes

Jalamelule: https://soundcloud.com/jalamelule

Source: https://www.facebook.com/source.cr/app_178091127385

Santos & Zurdo: http://youtu.be/onIM-atqsDc

Alphabetics http://youtu.be/NiENLEkBH-4

Melissa O: https://soundcloud.com/melissao

Patterns: https://www.facebook.com/Patternsdance

Huba & Silica: http://youtu.be/EY2NoiuASEo