March marks the arrival of spring, when nature awakens in full bloom and the world comes alive with vibrant celebrations. From lively parades to serene cherry blossoms, here are 12 spring festivals in 2025 that should be on your travel bucket list. Pack your bags and get ready to embrace the season like never before!
1. Holi – India
Get ready to immerse yourself in a burst of colors! India’s Holi, the vibrant Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring in March. Across the country, cities like Delhi, Mathura, and Vrindavan come alive with joyous celebrations—think colorful powders flying, lively music, and mouthwatering treats. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that unites people in happiness and festive spirit.
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2. Cherry Blossom Festival – Japan
March marks the start of Japan’s breathtaking Cherry Blossom Festival or Hanami. Witness delicate pink petals fluttering in the breeze as parks across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima come alive with color. The fleeting beauty of the blossoms, paired with serene picnics and traditional tea ceremonies, makes this a must-see for nature lovers.
3. Sevilla Feria – Seville, Spain
Step into Spain’s most spectacular fiesta, Sevilla Feria! The Feria de Abril, often kicking off in late March, features flamenco dancing, horse parades, and the irresistible rhythm of Spanish guitars. The streets of Seville become a whirl of traditional costumes, mouthwatering tapas, and sparkling wine—an experience you won’t want to miss.
4. Festa della Sensa – Venice, Italy
Venice’s Festa della Sensa marks spring’s arrival with a “wedding of the sea.” Though the festival officially takes place in May, its celebrations begin as early as March, offering a chance to experience Venetian tradition without the summer crowds. Watch the mayor throw a golden ring into the lagoon, honoring Venice’s historic ties to the sea.
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5. Chelsea Flower Show – London, UK
Get a taste of what’s to come in May at the Chelsea Flower Show in London! Known as one of the world’s most prestigious garden festivals, March brings a preview of floral designs, with early blooms and expert horticulturists offering a glimpse of the stunning gardens that will take center stage in May.
6. St. Patrick’s Day – Dublin, Ireland
The Irish know how to throw a party, and St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a celebration like no other. On March 17th, the city transforms into a sea of green with lively parades, traditional Irish music, dancing, and, of course, Guinness. It’s the perfect way to experience the charm of Ireland with a pint in hand!
7. Stuttgart Springfest – Stuttgart, Germany
Stuttgart Springfest is Germany’s answer to a spring party. Known as the Frühlingsfest, this fun-filled carnival includes beer tents, thrilling rides, and traditional German food. Held in late March, it’s the ideal way to embrace the warmer weather with friends, great food, and even better beer.
8. Sechseläuten – Zurich, Switzerland
Experience Zurich’s unique spring tradition, Sechseläuten, where locals burn a giant snowman-like effigy called Böögg to banish winter and welcome spring. Parades, traditional Swiss costumes, and the spectacle of the Böögg’s fiery end make this festival a cultural highlight of March.
9. Nakameguro Sakura Festival – Tokyo, Japan
Nakameguro Sakura Festival is the perfect way to soak in Tokyo’s cherry blossoms. As Meguro River is lined with hundreds of cherry trees, the whole area transforms into a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms. Add to that boat rides, street food, and light-up events, and you’ve got a festival you’ll never forget.
10. Tejikara Fire Festival – Gifu, Japan
Prepare for an explosion of flames at the Tejikara Fire Festival in Gifu, Japan. Held in March, this thrilling festival is filled with fire-breathing rituals, vibrant firework displays, and sacred ceremonies that herald the arrival of spring. It’s one of Japan’s most dramatic festivals, offering a fiery start to the season.
11. Jinhae Gunhang Festival – Jinhae, South Korea
South Korea’s largest cherry blossom festival, Jinhae Gunhang, takes over the coastal city of Jinhae in late March. With over 300,000 visitors, the festival is a visual feast of blooming cherry blossoms. Expect parades, musical performances, and stunning views along the Jinhae Canal.
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12. Songkran – Thailand
Although Songkran officially begins in mid-April, the festival’s energy starts to build in late March. Thailand’s famous Water Festival is a massive celebration of the Thai New Year, with water fights, parades, and joyful street parties. Whether you’re dousing your friends with water or joining the vibrant ceremonies, Songkran is the ultimate spring festival for fun-seekers.
Spring brings a worldwide celebration of vibrant cultures, timeless traditions, and stunning natural beauty. From the colorful chaos of Holi to the dance-filled Sevilla Feria and the serene cherry blossoms of Japan, these 12 festivals promise an unforgettable season. Pack your bags and immerse yourself in a spring full of renewal, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime!
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