Top Festivals around the World in March

I can’t believe we’re on the first of March already, time is truly flying by! Today is St David’s Day in Wales so if you are celebrating, I wish you a very happy St David’s Day! Over the last couple of months I’ve been sharing some of my favourite festivals from across the globe. From the truly unique, to the most colourful and vibrant occasions, here are my top festivals from around the world in the month of March!

Bali Spirit Festival

March 29^th-April 4^th, 2021 – Ubud, Bali

Bali Spirit Festival is a celebration of yoga, music, dance, and wellbeing and is one of the most popular wellness events in the world. The festival embodies the Balinese Hindu idea of Tri Hita Karana – living in harmony with our environments (whether that be spiritual, social, or natural). The festival was born in 2008 with the goal of creating a global community of different cultures who would gather in Bali for inspiration to make the world a better place. With over 5000 people heading to Bali every year for the event, it has become a real magnet for anyone who loves yoga, dance, and music!

Spring Equinox

March 20^th-22^nd – Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Since ancient times, the Spring Equinox has been a celebration of the turning point when the days start to get longer, a time of renewal, rebirth, and fertility in the natural world. For agricultural communities, it’s also the time to start planting crops. Throughout Mexico, there are countless festivals and events to celebrate the starting of this lighter and brighter season. The ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá is the most popular spot in Mexico to celebrate the Spring Equinox. The Kulkulkan Temple is one of the key sites at Chichén Itzá, where the light of the sun makes a play of the light and shadow which makes it look like a serpent is slithering across the steps of the pyramid.

Narvik Winter Festival

Early March – Narvik, Norway

The Narvik Winter Festival is perhaps the most popular event in Northern Norway, organised by a non-profit organisation which promotes and stages various events throughout the year. The festival’s weeklong programme offers over 200 events all of which are deeply rooted in the area’s cultural and historic heritage, as well as forming collaborations with neighbouring countries. Through music, literature, art, and dance, attendees can truly experience the area’s rich heritage and culture.

Saint Patrick’s Day

March 17^th – Ireland

St Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland, who is said to have driven snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Initially, the Irish commemorated St Patrick’s Day with religious services and feasts. Over time it has been transformed into more of a secular event, ultimately celebrating all things Irish. It’s incredibly popular in the US after many Irish people emigrated to the country and is now one of the biggest celebrations of a Patron Saint in the world. In fact, since 1962, Chicago has turned it’s river green to mark the day!

Cherry Blossom Season

Roughly between 20^th March and 14^th April – Kyoto, Japan

One of the most common reasons why people visit Japan – and Kyoto in particular – is for the stunning cherry blossom season. Although the cherries blossom at different times each year, they usually bloom in the last week of March through to the second week of April. The Philosopher’s Path is a great place to visit if you’re in Kyoto for the Cherry Blossom Season; with trees lining the walkways, there’s also a stunning canal which connects Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion) with the vicinity of Nanzenji. Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s most popular park for Cherry Blossom parties – a large tree stands in the centre of the park and is lit up every evening to highlight the beautiful blossoms!

Have you been to any of these festivals before? Let us know in the comments below!

Charley x