Entering the month of March means the start of spring in many parts of the world and with it, a whole bunch of events that thaw the winter’s chill! From the iconic Holi Festival in India to the delight of St. Patrick's Day parades across the United States and beyond, each event is a unique narrative, a distinct beat in the heart of cultures worldwide. The season of renewal also hosts the vibrant cherry blossoms in Japan, an awaited spectacle that paints the landscape with delicate pinks and whites.
This period isn't just for globally recognized occasions, though. March offers a variety of regional gems waiting to be explored. Here are some of the standout events and phenomena that make March truly special:
Holi
When: March 25, 2024
Place: India
Holi, celebrated as the Festival of Colors, rejoices in the triumph of the virtuous Prince Prahlada over the female demon Holika, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil by good. While it originates in India, Holi transcends borders and is celebrated by diverse communities around the globe. Participants throw colored powders, share sweets, and enjoy cultural performances. The festival fosters unity and inclusivity, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together for the celebration.
What's special: Gulal, the vibrant colored powder, fills the air with hues of joy. People use pichkaris (spray guns) to drench each other in color. Thandai, a refreshing spiced milk drink, is prepared to enhance the festive spirit.
St. Patrick’s Day
When: March 17, 2024
Place: Globally
St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday steeped in history and is now celebrated worldwide, often with parades, green attire, and festive gatherings. Commemorating the patron saint of Ireland, this day is synonymous with the shamrock, a three-leafed clover that St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity. Cities with significant Irish populations, like Dublin and New York, showcase impressive parades, while rivers and landmarks around the world are famously dyed or lit up green.
What's special: The celebratory atmosphere is elevated by live music, with traditional Irish folk tunes resonating in the streets. Pubs often overflow with patrons enjoying Guinness and Irish whiskey. Some cities organize 'greening' events, lighting up major landmarks in emerald tones to honor the day.
Cherry Blossom Festival Japan
When: March 20 - April 14, 2024
Place: Japan
The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, is a time-honored tradition in Japan that celebrates the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms or 'sakura'. Friends and families gather under the blooming trees for picnics and parties, embracing the transient nature of life. Many also engage in 'sakura-viewing', traveling to the best spots to experience the stunning vistas of pink and white blossoms that symbolize renewal and the arrival of spring.
What's special: Hanami celebrations often involve outdoor festivities with plenty of traditional foods like dango, a sweet dumpling, and bento boxes.
Easter
When: 31 March 2024
Place: Globally
Easter is a major Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's celebrated with different traditions around the world, including church services, family gatherings, and, especially in Western cultures, the giving of Easter eggs. These eggs, often made of chocolate or decorated hen eggs, symbolize new life and rebirth. Many cities organize egg hunts, where children search for hidden eggs as a part of the celebration.
What's special: Easter celebrations often include the Easter Bunny, a character who delivers goodies to children. In many communities, the Easter Bunny is a central figure, symbolizing the joy and energy of a hare in spring.
Harmony Week
When: 20 March 2024 – 26 March 2024
Place: Australia
Harmony Week celebrates inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. It's observed through community participation, schools, and workplaces, focusing on the cohesive and diverse nature of modern Australia. Events during Harmony Week feature storytelling, traditional dances, and shared meals where people contribute dishes from their respective homelands.
What's special: The week's highlight is Harmony Day, where people are encouraged to wear orange to show their support for cultural diversity.
Ramadan
When: 10 March 2024 - 9 April 2024
Place: Globally
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. From dawn to sunset, observers abstain from food and drink, focusing instead on spiritual growth and charitable deeds. Cities like Istanbul, Dubai, and Cairo become illuminated with lanterns and decorations, inviting both locals and tourists to participate in the rich cultural experiences. Evening brings 'iftar', the breaking of the fast, often with family and friends gathering to share hearty meals.
What's special: The night prayers, or 'taraweeh', add to the communal spirit, with recitations of the Quran resonating throughout the mosques.
Tomorrowland Winter
When: 16 March 2024 - 23 March 2024
Place: France
Tomorrowland Winter is a spectacular music festival set amidst the snow-covered peaks of the French Alps. Bringing together the magic of the world-renowned summer festival, this winter version delights electronic music enthusiasts with performances by some of the biggest DJs and producers.
What's special: The fusion of adrenaline-pumping music with the stunning alpine backdrop creates an unforgettable party experience in the snow.
Starkbierfest
When: 1 March - 24 March 2024
Place: Germany
Starkbierfest, often referred to as Munich's fifth season, is lesser-known than Oktoberfest but equally cherished by locals. It celebrates strong beer, or "Starkbier", with a history dating back to the Paulaner monks. This strong lager was originally brewed to sustain them through Lenten fasting. Today, many beer enthusiasts gather in beer halls to taste various potent brews, accompanied by hearty Bavarian food and lively traditional music.
What's special: The festival features performances from local bands and serves steins overflowing with rich, dark beer. Patrons often engage in jovial singing, and the festive atmosphere is complemented by the aroma of classic German delicacies like pretzels and sausages.
Valencia Fallas
When:1 March - 19 March, 2024
Place: Spain
The Valencia Fallas is a fiery Spanish festival that ignites the streets of Valencia with monumental sculptures, known as 'ninots'. These huge satirical figures made from papier-mâché are displayed throughout the city, only to be set ablaze during the 'La Crema' ceremony, symbolizing the destruction of negativity and the rebirth of society. The celebration also features impressive fireworks, parades, and folkloric performances, culminating in a cultural extravaganza that engulfs the senses in vivid color and sound.
What's special: The intensity of Valencia Fallas is heightened by the 'mascletà', a coordinated display of rhythmic fireworks that creates a symphony of sound that echoes through the air. Nightly events include the 'Nit del Foc,' the night of fire, where the sky is illuminated with a spectacular pyrotechnic show.
