As the cold winter winds give way to the warm sunshine of spring, cities all around the world gear up for a season of festivities and celebrations. From flower shows and music festivals to religious processions and cultural carnivals, the month of March offers a diverse range of events for people of different tastes and interests. Here are seven notable events that you can look forward to this spring.
1. National Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year, thousands of people flock to Washington D.C. to witness the blooming of the cherry blossoms. This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 20 to April 12. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including a parade, a kite festival, and a yoga session under the cherry trees. The festival also offers a range of cultural performances and workshops that showcase Japanese music, dance, and art.
2. Holi Festival
Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. On March 29, people all around the world will celebrate the occasion by throwing colored powder and water at each other. In India, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, with people dancing, singing, and feasting on sweets and snacks. The festival is a symbol of unity, love, and forgiveness, and brings people of all ages and backgrounds together.
3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
On March 17, the world turns green as people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that honors the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday is celebrated with parades, parties, and traditional Irish music and dance performances. New York City hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, attracting over two million spectators every year. The parade features marching bands, bagpipers, and dancers, as well as colorful floats and giant balloons.
4. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, or simply Coachella, is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Held in Indio, California, the festival attracts around 250,000 visitors over two weekends in April. This year’s lineup includes headliners such as Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott, and Frank Ocean, as well as a variety of other artists from different genres. The festival also features art installations, food vendors, and a range of other activities.
5. Sakura Matsuri
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City hosts the annual Sakura Matsuri, a celebration of Japanese culture and cherry blossoms. The festival features traditional and contemporary Japanese performances, including taiko drumming, martial arts, and tea ceremonies. Visitors can also enjoy Japanese food and drink, and participate in hands-on workshops and demonstrations. The festival will take place on April 25 and 26.
6. Songkran Festival
In Thailand, the Songkran Festival marks the traditional Thai New Year. The festival is celebrated from April 13 to 15, and involves lots of water throwing, as well as religious ceremonies and cultural events. The festival is a time for family reunions, temple visits, and merit-making, and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by people of all ages.
7. Easter Parades
Easter Sunday falls on April 12 this year, and many cities around the world mark the occasion with colorful parades and processions. In New York City, the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is a popular event that attracts thousands of participants and spectators. The parade features people dressed in their finest Easter outfits, as well as colorful hats and bonnets. Other cities that host Easter parades include London, Paris, and Rome.
These are just a few of the many events that you can enjoy this spring. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. So, put on your best spring outfit, grab your friends and family, and get ready to march into spring!