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 29th-April 4th, 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 20th-22nd – 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 17th – 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 20th March and 14th 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
I lived in Japan for three years and loved the cherry blossoms, sakura in Japanese. My town was 25 minutes west of Tokyo by train and I lived a block away from Cherry Street, lined with cherry trees, it was magical in spring! In the parks in Tokyo and elsewhere people bring a tarp and spend the day picknicking and taking photos.
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Wow, that sounds amazing!!
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It just goes to show how much culture there is yet to be explored – I knew of st David’s and Patrick’s day, but not the others
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Oh I wish I could go to a festival. Cant wait until this is all over.
Great list
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Thanks so much for stopping by!
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I’ve been to Chichén Itzá, but not during Spring Equinox. That would make the visit even more special. I wonder how these places are handling March festivals during COVID-19? Our travel plans have been on hold for a year due to the pandemic. Can’t wait to be able to travel again! I definitely want to visit the Cherry Blossom festival in Japan.
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Amazing ideas, also recently I had a blog post about the best places
to visit in March..
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Oh awesome!! I’ll definitely check your post out! X
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I love this monthly episodes about festivals. It would be nice to visit Bali again and take part of their festival. Also the Spring festival in Japan is a must visit.
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It’s a shame we can’t go to any of them this year! I would love to see the cherry blossoms in Japan. Japan is high up on my bucket list!
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I have not been to any of these festivals but your post definitely makes me want to! Thanks for sharing.
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Even though we can’t go to pubs, I am so excited for St Patricks Day!!
Rosie
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Growing up on an island in the Caribbean where St. Patricks Day is celebrated, I can concur it’s a good one! So good, it’s now a week-long celebration!
Now it’s Cherry Blossom Festivals that rank high on my list
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Reblogged this on .
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I like the cherry blossoms one, It is cool. Nice photos 😉
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
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