MARY Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Joburg, will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour next Saturday. With spring teasingly close, the Holi Festival of Colour will see an explosion of hues ushering in the season of brightness and rebirth.

Thirty cities around the world will join in spreading the colourful message of this traditionally Hindu religious fete.

Holi is one of the largest festivals in India, announcing the arrival of spring and the passing of winter and marking the victory of the good over the bad.

During the celebrations in India, the segregation of the caste system is put on the back burner and everyone comes together as equals, which is what the different colours are taken to symbolise.

Now in its second year in Jozi, the festival supports the Holi custom of loosening strict social structures and bringing communities together for an exhilarating experience.

People of the rainbow nation will come together in this open-air venue and turn their beaming faces into masks of bright yellow, red, green and blue as they dance the afternoon away.

So if you happen to venture into Newtown on Saturday, be prepared to join in the festivities.

Every hour on the hour from 3pm, a countdown will culminate in revellers throwing their powder in the air to create a massive colourful explosion. The coloured powder is environmentally friendly, nontoxic and allergen-free.

DJ Fresh and Crazy White Boy will provide the kwaito, house and electro beats soundtrack while Dirty Herz, The Kiffness, Speedy, Mark Stent and Royal K will perform live. It starts at noon and ends at 8pm. For more info and to buy tickets, visit http://holifestivalofcolours.nutickets.co.za/joburg.