20 AMAZING March Festivals Around the World 2025-2026
To experience a unique insight into a countries culture, here are 20 of the best March festivals around the world to add to your bucket list!
March is a great time to travel and there are many wonderful celebrations in March and cultural festivals around the world held at this time of year. As retired nomad travellers who love festivals, we know March is brimming with vibrant celebrations worldwide.
There is no better way to really experience and try to understand a culture than to participate in a local festival. The memories of the music, food, ceremonies and traditions will stay with you forever
There are so many amazing festivals during March around the world to experience, so here is our bucket list pick of the 20 best festivals in March in 2025 and 2026 that offer something for everyone.
N.B. We will updating this list regularly, so if you have any holidays and festivals around the world you think should make the list, please let us know in the comments section.
Worlds Best Festivals Celebrated in March 2025 / 2026: Key Takeaways
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the best festivals and celebrations in March:
- Cultural Festivals – Cap Go Meh in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska, Maslenitsa in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, Mela Chiraghan Festival in Pakistan, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Up Helly Aa in Scotland
- Religious Festivals – Holi Festival in India and Nepal, Maha Shivaratri Festival in India and Nepal, Moriones Festival in the Philippines, Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza in Mexico, The Falla Festival in Valanecia
- Art Festival – Desert X – Coachella in USA
- Music Festival – Port Fairy Folk Festival in Australia
- Cherry Blossoms / Tulips – Jinhae Gunhangje in South Korea, Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival in Tokyo, National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, Tulip Festival in Amsterdam
- Beer Festivals – Prague Beer Festival in Czech Republic
International Festivals in March
As we embark on planning our next travel adventure, we spend a lot of time researching global festivals for our selected month. From the frosty terrains of Northern Europe to the sun-kissed shores of Southeast Asia, we seek out the ideal countries to visit in March in the world, brimming with diverse cultural celebrations and lively events.
Come along as we delve into the best festivals in the month of March, each guaranteeing distinct experiences and cherished memories.
1. Cap Go Meh Festival (Tatung Parade) – Singkawang, Indonesia
- Where: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore
- When: Annually on the closing day of the Chinese New Year: 12 February, 2025 | 3 March, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
We have also added Cap Go Meh to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in February” as it generally falls in either February or March.
Read more about the Cap Go Meh Festival in our post on the Best February Festivals
Check availability on accommodation options in Singkawang
2. Desert X – Coachella Valley, California, USA
- Where: Coachella Valley, California USA
- When: Biannually in March to early May: 8 March – 11 May, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: approximately 2 months
Desert X is an outdoor art festival in Coachella Valley, California USA every other year for approximately one month. Founded in 2017, Desert X has grown into the hub of Southern California’s indie art scene.
Desert X should not to be confused with Coachella Music Festival, which is also in the same area, also during the springtime. Desert X completely transforms Coachella Valley’s vast desert from humble to extraordinary between March and early May, bringing together dozens of local and international artists from all over the world to display their large scale art installations throughout the canyon valley.
The pieces range in both sizes and mediums, but they are all tough on current social and ecological issues such as rapid climate change, unbalanced immigration policies, women’s bodily autonomy, and even how we see ourselves in an ever changing environment.
The festival is a self-paced experience that is over several months, so people who visit during the beginning of the festival have the opportunity to get the first impressions of the pieces, while those who visit towards the end have more insight to understand the meaning behind the art.
Desert X really stands out against other art festivals in the USA as it is completely free for visitors. As a charitable non-profit organization, Desert X aims to (among other things) make art accessible to those otherwise excluded, and ensures a welcoming and judgement-free zone to everyone. It is definitely one of the cool festivals around the world to visit and participate in!
Check availability on accommodation options in Coachella Valley
3. Fashion Week – New York, London, Milan and Paris
- Where: New York, London, Milan and Paris
- When: Annually in February/ March and September
- New York: 6 – 11 February, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- London: 20 – 24 February, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Milan: 25 February – 3 March, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Paris: 3 – 11 March, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: 6 days
Read more about Fashion Week in our post on the Best February Festivals, as this is when this event starts in New York.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in New York, London, Milan and Paris
4. Holi Festival – India and Nepal
- Where: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Malaysia, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Mauritius, Fiji
- When: Annually on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (February / March): 14 March, 2025 | 4 March, 2026
- Duration: 2 day festival – Holi is only on 1 day
There’s a good chance that you have heard of, or even personally experienced Holi — the Festival of Colours. This two-day religious festival has its origin in India and is celebrated across many countries of Europe and North America, including India. The best place for you to experience what is considered to be one of the biggest Indian cities is at Mathura Vrindavan in India.
On day one, a religious event known as Holika Dahan occurs, and on day two, people play Holi, mostly with colours. Holi is also known as the Festival of Colours.
There are many legends associated with Holi as per the Hindu myth. But the most prominent is related to an evil king named Hiranyakashipu, who had a son named Prahlad. Ironically, his son was a firm believer and worshipped Lord Vishnu — a Hindu god representing good here.
Hiranyakashipu had a sister named Holika who had a boon that fire can’t burn her. Frustrated with his son’s devotion towards a god whom he hated, Hiranyakashipu decided to use Holika. He commanded her to take Prahlad and sit on fire. Lord Vishnu’s grace happened, and Holika died in the fire while Prahlad came out alive.
This event is remembered on day one of Holi that is Holika Dahan. People burn a massive chunk of wood in the fire and worship the Lord.
Holi falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (typically February-March), and marks the end of winter in India and welcomes the spring season. During Holi, people play with colours by putting colours on each other, give hugs, and forget their past enmity.
Holi is a festival that reminds us that no matter how strong the influence of evil is around you, good will always win. It really is a must-experience Asia Festival!
Check rates and availability of accommodation options wherever you choose to celebrate Holi in the world
5. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – Anchorage, Alaska
- Where: Anchorage, Alaska
- When: Annually on the first Saturday of March: 27 February – 7 March, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: 9 – 15 days or more to finish
The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is by far the most famous festivals in Alaska and Alaska’s best known sporting event! This annual long-distance dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska is on the first Saturday of March. The year 2022 marked the 50th Anniversary of the “last great race on Earth.”
The Iditarod Race is held to pay tribute to the history of the sled dog culture and Alaskan huskies, which were being phased out of existence due to the introduction of snowmobiles in Alaska. Today, the race is a reconstruction of the original freight route to Nome in the early 1900s, and commemorates the part that sled dogs played in the settlement of Alaska. The mushers travel from checkpoint to checkpoint much as the early freight mushers did.
Alaska is the world Mecca for sled dog racing, and the race can attract more than 100 participants and their teams of dogs from more than two dozen countries around the world. The race course is roughly 1,100 miles (1,770 km) long and mushers and a team of 16 dogs, of which at least 6 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 9 to15 days, and some will take even longer.
At the finish line, every musher’s arrival is heralded by the city’s fire siren and every musher is greeted by a crowd lining the “chute”, no matter the time of day or night, or if he or she is first or last across the line. This is considered to be one of the most traditional festivals around the world!
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Anchorage or Nome
6. Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival – Jinhae, South Korea
- Where: Jinhae, South Korea
- When: Annually in Late March / Early April: Approx. 23 – 30 March, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: 10 days
Jinhae, a hidden gem in Korea, garners global attention for Jinhae Gunhangje, an annual cherry blossom festival held every April. Spanning 10 days, the festival unfolds in Jinhae, situated in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.
Initially a naval port, Jinhae boasts numerous cherry blossom viewing spots. Notable locations include Anmin Road, a picturesque 4-kilometer stretch lined with cherry trees; Gyeonghwa Station, a quaint train stop preserved for photography; and Yeojwacheon Stream and Romance Bridge, offering a charming wooden boardwalk adorned with cherry blossoms and canola flowers.
The festival features street performances, marching bands, and a plethora of food stalls and hawkers offering delectable local cuisine in the city centre.
Cap off your day with a visit to Jehwangsan Park and ascend to Jinhae Tower for an unobstructed and panoramic view from the observation deck.
N.B. We have also added Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival to our post on the ‘Best April Festivals‘ because it generally falls between the end of March and early April each year.
Check availability on accommodation options in Jinhae
7. Maha Shivaratri Festival – India and Nepal
- Where: Varanasi in India and Kathmandu in Nepal
- When: Annually in February or March: 26 February, 2025 | 15 February, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
Maha Shivaratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. Following the Hindu calendar, the festival is usually at the end of February or in early March.
Shivaratri can be translated as the ‘Night of Shiva’. Hindus believe that this is when Shiva married Parvati. Devotees stay awake all night to meditate and pray. It is a night of introspection and contemplation and about overcoming darkness in one’s life.
During the day there is also enough to see and experience as Hindus gather at Shiva temples throughout the country. In Hindu mythology Shiva used marijuana to strengthen his power. It is therefore accepted to consume marihuana at this day. Women come to pray to the Shiva lingam, a black stone penis, to ask for protection of their husbands.
The best place to experience Shivaratri is either Varanasi in India or Kathmandu in Nepal. Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva and thousands of colourful holy men gather in the city. There will be hundreds of processions as people visit the Shiva temples and take a dip in the holy Ganges.
In Kathmandu, Hindus will visit the Pashupatinath temple. Here too, you will see holy men that came from all over Nepal to celebrate Shiva Ratri at Kathmandu’s most important Shiva temple.
N.B. We have also added the Maha Shivaratri Festival to our post on the ‘February Festivals Around The World” because it generally falls between the end of February and early March each year.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Varanasi in India or Kathmandu in Nepal
8. Maslenitsa– Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
- Where: Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
- When: Annually in the week before Orthodox Easter (February and/or March): 24 February – 2 March, 2025 | 16 – 22 March, 2026
- Duration: 7 days
Maslenitsa, an ancient Slavic holiday observed in regions like Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, traditionally signifies winter’s end. Lasting a full week, it precedes Lent in the Orthodox calendar, occurring eight weeks before Orthodox Easter, typically falling in late February or early March. Dubbed “butter week” or “pancake week,” it’s a final indulgence in dairy and sugary delights before the fasting period.
Celebrated with fervour, Maslenitsa fairs offer a plethora of buttery treats, symbolized by the sun, alongside traditional activities like sleigh riding and snowball fights. Even organized fistfights are part of the game.
Culminating on Sunday with the burning of Lady Maslenitsa, larger cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg host grand festivities. Saint Petersburg’s regal ambiance adds to the spectacle, with palace gardens transforming into lively fairgrounds abundant with joyous activities and, of course, plenty of pancakes.
N.B. We have also added Maslenista Festival to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in February” as it often begins towards the end of February. However, this festival can also be enjoyed in March each year.
9. Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival – Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Where: Meguro River, Tokyo, Japan
- When: Annually from mid-March to early April: Approx. 19 – 26 March, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: approx.15 days
Visiting Tokyo during the springtime is a unique experience, especially to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese). The city and the rest of the country bursts in pink and white blossoms, which you can witness at parks, temples, riversides, and even in local neighbourhoods.
Tokyo has many places to see cherry blossoms, yet one place that is a must-visit is Meguro River. There are over 800 cherry blossom trees along the river, so locals and visitors have plenty of opportunities to take a stroll and take photos of these trees.
If you’re there from mid-March to early April, enjoy the annual festival called the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival which celebrates the blossoms. The admission is free, and the festival is easy to find as it’s located along the riverside. Small kiosks and restaurants along the road sell snacks such as mochi and sakura-flavoured snacks, and adults can enjoy a glass of pink champagne with a fresh strawberry.
The area is crowded with visitors, especially around the bridge overpasses. Here, you can see how beautiful the trees are with the petals in full bloom and gently falling into the river whenever there is a slight breeze.
During the evenings, the pink lanterns light up along a portion of the river, so it’s another fantastic way to see these blossoms.
Not only is this festival one of the major events in late March to early April in Japan, but it is one of the best March celebrations around the world!
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Tokyo
10. Mela Chiraghan Festival – Lahore, Pakistan
- Where: Lahore, Pakistan
- When: Annually at the end of March: 29 – 31 March, 2025 / 28 – 30 March, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
One of the cool events in March is Mela Chiraghan. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” this event occurs in the foodie city of Lahore, Pakistan where celebrations go on for three days.
It always takes place at the end of March. Though Mela Chiraghan used to be celebrated in the entire Punjab province (where Lahore is), nowadays, it’s held at the shrine of Madho lal Hussain.
The event, which is locally called a Urs, commemorates the death of Shah Hussain, who lived in Lahore in the 16th Century The saint is highly respected for his contributions to a type of Punjabi poetry called Kafi, but it doesn’t stop there. Both the shrine and the festival are incredible welcoming spaces, especially for the LGBT community.
Why so? Shah Hussain fell in love with a then 18-year-old Hindu boy, Madho Lal, who was one of his followers, and much younger than him. The boy went on to convert to Islam, and lived the rest of his life for Shah Hussain after his death. Madho Lal is buried next to Shah Hussain, and the shrine and the festival speak to unity, and of course, the progressive values of a saint who was truly centuries ahead of his time.
Today, the event is celebrated with fervour and zeal. Dhamal, a meditative type of dance, is performed, copious amounts of hashish is smoked, candles are burned, and food and some carnival rides are often present. People from all over Pakistan come to experience the event, and it’s for sure one of the most inclusive and fun Urs celebrations you can attend!
Check availability on accommodation options in Lahore
11. Moriones Festival – Marinduque, Philippines
- Where: Marinduque, Philippines
- When: Annually during Holy Week (March / April): 13 – 19 April, 2025 | 29 March – 4 April, 2026
- Duration: 8 days
The Philippines stands out for its vibrant Catholic traditions, particularly during Holy Week. Penitents seek spiritual cleansing through walks, Catholics visit seven churches for divine favour, and towns host parades depicting Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
Marinduque Island hosts the Moriones Festival, one of the more colourful Holy Week traditions. It recounts the story of Longinus, healed by Jesus’ blood, and typically occurs between March and April, spanning Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.
Participants wear intricate Moriones masks, portraying Roman soldiers from Christ’s Passion. Passed down for generations, these masks, along with elaborate costumes, have been a part of the festival since 1887.
N.B. We have also added Moriones Festival to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in April‘ because it is generally held at the end of March or early in April.
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Marinduque
12. National Cherry Blossom Festival – Washington DC, USA
- Where: Washington DC, USA
- When: Annually in March and April: Approx. 20 March – 14 April, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: 3 weeks
Washington DC is awash in delicate Japanese cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin in the nation’s capital. This three-week National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in March and April each year.
The Festival features an opening ceremony, “Pink Tie Party,” Blossom Kite Festival, Parade and “Petalpalooza.” There is nothing to compare with standing to watch the Parade performers, singers and dancers stream by on Constitution Avenue NW between 10 am and noon. Arrive early to get a front-row view.
The official festival art is entitled “Blossom Dance” and showcases the monarch butterfly fluttering amongst the cherry blossoms. Other exciting features include Giant Cherry Blossom sculptures and a cherry blossom treasure hunt! Pink road signs proclaim Washington DC as home of the National Cherry Blossom Festivals on the main avenues of the National Mall.
Visitors can watch festival performances that demonstrate cross-cultural exchange through a dynamic mix of American and Japanese performing arts on the ANA Stage. Plan to stay for a weekend and enjoy the special Cherry Blossom packages at local hotels. Destination DC operates the Festival hotline at 877.44.BLOOM. Blossom Watch offers a 24/7 live, real-time view of the Japanese cherry trees on the Tidal Basin.
N.B. We have also added the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington to our post on the ‘Best World Events in April‘ because it is annual festival at the end of March end of March or early in April.
Check availability and rates of accommodation options in Washington DC
13. Port Fairy Festival – Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia
- Where: Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia
- When: Annually on Victoria’s Labour Day long weekend: 8 – 10 March, 2025 | 7 – 9 March, 2026
- Duration: 3 days
The Port Fairy Folk Festival is one of my favourite festivals in Australia. But I am not the only one who likes it. In 2019, Conde Nast Traveller ranked it as one of the “World’s Best Festivals”. It takes place in the little seaside town of Port Fairy along the Great Ocean Road and has an awesome vibe. I typically visit Port Fairy a few times a year but the town really comes alive with this important events in March.
What I love about this festival is not only the great vibe, but that it features a lot of great bands that I wouldn’t otherwise know about. You won’t find the biggest mainstream names, instead, you’ll find bands from all over the world and lots of emerging artists.
It is not your typical music festival crowd either. You’ll find everyone from families, friends, couples, seniors and groups of teens – every type of music lover comes out for this festival. There is also a ton of workshops, live theatre acts, carnival games and of course the beer tents. It is all arranged by a Port Fairy non-profit group whose main objective is to support the local community and foster culture and the arts.
The Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place each year on the Labour Day long weekend. If you follow their Facebook or Instagram you can see that they are adding acts daily. Get ready to add them to your Spotify playlist if you like Folk music.
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Port Fairy
14. Prague Beer Festival – Prague, Czech Republic
- Where: Prague, Czech Republic
- When: Annually in late March / early April: 11 – 12 April, 2025 | 2026 dates TBA
- Duration: 2 days
The Prague Beer Festival is held annually from mid to late May at Prague Tržnice in Holešovice. It is held over 2 days which allows for plenty of time to sample and enjoy over 120 beers, including 70 beers of Czech origin including Pilsner, Budweiser, Staropramen, Gambrinus, and Bernard.
Beer is served either in the tents or in open air bars by staff dressed in the Czech national costume. Unlike other beer festivals around the world, the beer is served in glass mugs as the Czechs say that it is a sin to spoil a good beer by plastic packaging. And we couldn’t agree more…
Accompanying the free flowing beer are an abundance of sausages including vaclavska, Prague sausage, and staropramen.
Check availability on accommodation options in Prague
15. Sa Sartiglia – Oristano, Sardinia, Italy
- Where: Oristano, Sardinia, Italy
- When: Annually on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Sunday in February and/or March: 2 March + 4 March, 2025 | 11 February + 13 February, 2026
- Duration: 15 days
We have added Sa Sartiglia to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in February” as they are also held in this month in certain years. Read more about the Sa Sartiglia Festival in our post on the Best February Festivals
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Sardinia
16. Spring Equinox Festival – Chichén Itzá, Mexico
- Where: Chichén Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico
- When: Annually around 21 March: 20 – 21 March, 2025 | 20 – 22 March, 2026
- Duration: approx. 3 days
Renowned for their meticulous observation of celestial events, the ancient Mayans of Mexico held a special reverence for solstices and equinoxes. Towering at the heart of Chichén Itzá, the pyramid of Kukulcán stands as a testament to their dedication, intricately aligned with the play of light and shadow during the equinox.
Every year, visitors from across the globe pilgrimage to the Mayan remnants of Chichén Itzá, converging at the grand pyramid of Kukulcán during both the spring and autumn equinoxes.
As dusk descends, an enchanting spectacle unfolds: the interplay of light and shadow gives rise to the illusion of a serpent gracefully descending the pyramid’s steps, culminating at the serpent-head sculpture below. For the Mayans, this phenomenon symbolized Kukulcán’s return to earth, a moment prompting fervent prayers for a bountiful harvest in the seasons ahead.
To visit Chichén Itzá, we recommend basing yourself in Valladolid, a short 20 minute drive away. This unique colonial town has lots of things to do in the town itself such as visiting the largest Mexican Folk Art Museum in Mexico and nearby attractions such as the Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Valladolid
17. St. Patrick’s Day – Dublin, Ireland
- Where: Dublin, Ireland – St. Patrick’s festivities can be found in cities all around the world
- When: Annually on the 17 March: 17 March, 2025 | 17 March, 2026
- Duration: Typically 1 day, but 7 days in Dublin, Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest festivals which originated in Ireland, but it takes place all over the world nowadays. Anyway, if you want to celebrate in the most authentic way you will have to go to Dublin where it is called ‘Paddy’s Day’ and is a national holiday. This is probably one of the most fun events in March and one of the most fun festivals around the world!
The celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day takes place on the 17th of March and it celebrates the figure of Saint Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland.
During the day the streets of Dublin are tinged with green banners, shamrocks, ribbons, and celebrating corianders. There is a parade held in the morning of the 17th and then the rest of the day is spent by Dubliners and people from all over the world partying in some of the famous pubs spread throughout the city.
On this day the booze literally is flowing and the live Irish music echoes from each pub window and at any street corner, especially in Temple Bar. The atmosphere is festive and joyful, you can easily see people from different parts of the world gather together and enjoy the event.
Because Saint Patrick’s Day has become so popular, the prices for both accommodation and life are quite expensive, definitely way more than during the rest of the year. Also, if you are not a big party lover, it would be better to avoid Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day because it is absolutely frantic and chaotic.
On the other side, I think that is what is fascinating about this day. I have personally participated in the event around 5 times and enjoyed it every single time. There is just something about Saint Patrick’s Day that you will never experience at any other event in the world and will make you love it!
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Dublin
18. The Fallas Festival – Valencia, Spain
- Where: Valencia, Spain
- When: Annually on the 15 – 19 March: 15 – 19 March, 2025 | 15 – 19 March, 2026
- Duration: 5 days
The Fallas 2025 / 2026 Festival is a traditional celebration held in commemoration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. But to us as outside visitors, it is better known as the festival during which they set fire to giant statues all over the city.
This once-small event has evolved into a large, five-day celebration attracting an incredible crowd from all over the world. It is considered to be one of the best festivals in Europe in March to visit, and also one of the most unique festivals in the world!
The focus of the festival is the creation and eventual burning of so-called ‘fallas’. These are huge, largely paper-mâché statues, made up of several ninots, or puppets. They often depict satirical scenes and current events.
From Michael Jackson to Donald Trump, every year you’ll find carricatures of internationally famous people in several of the fallas.
Valencian neighbourhoods get together and work for nearly the entire year to create their own falla, with a total of several hundred fallas throughout the city and in surrounding towns.
The Fallas festival has been added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity list. This has given the festival even more international attention, drawing an even bigger crowd each year.
The best description of the Fallas festival is perhaps this:
“Fallas is a spectacular celebration of Valencian tradition for the locals and an enormous street festival for the visitors.”
For many Valencians it’s what they look forward to and work towards the entire year. It comes with many official activities (ceremonies, offerings, etc) and they take real pride in being a part of it all. For outside visitors, it’s days of street parties, eating, drinking, watching fireworks and walking around the crowded city to check out really impressive statues.
On March 19, after days of festivities throughout the city and in neighbouring towns, participants burn the fallas in huge bonfires, and all the hard work goes up in smoke.
Check availability on accommodation options in Valencia
19. Tulip Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- When: Bloom annually in late March through to mid-May: 10 March – 11 May, 2025 | 21 March – 10 May, 2026
- Duration: approx. 7 weeks
If your travels bring you to Amsterdam during the months of March to May, a jaunt to Keukenhof, often dubbed the “Garden of Europe”, is an absolute must. Renowned as the largest flower park on the planet, it boasts a spectacle of over 7 million blossoms in full bloom.
To make the most of your visit, it’s advisable to secure your entrance tickets online, thereby sidestepping the queues. Plus, online purchases often come with a slight discount of 1-2 Euros per ticket.
Within the park’s sprawling grounds, visitors are treated to an awe-inspiring array of tulips, lilies, carnations, roses, orchids, and myriad other floral wonders. The sight of meticulously curated flowerbeds is nothing short of mesmerizing, accompanied by the intoxicating scents that waft through the air. Keukenhof only opens during the peak bloom season—a fleeting but magical period dictated by the whims of nature.
Though tulips have become emblematic of the Netherlands, their roots trace back to the rugged Tien Shan mountain ranges of Central Asia. Once considered rarities of the highest order, tulips captured the imagination of Western Europe upon their introduction. By the latter part of the 16th century, these exotic blooms had found their way to Dutch shores, forever intertwining their fate with that of the nation.
N.B. We have also added the Tulip Festival to our posts on the ‘Best Festivals in April Around the World‘ and the ‘Best Festivals in May‘, as this festival can be enjoyed from March through to May each year.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Amsterdam
20. Up Helly Aa – Shetland Islands, Scotland
- Where: Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
- When: Annually between January and March, but the largest in Lerwick is held annually on the last Tuesday in January: 28 January, 2025 | 27 January, 2026
- Duration: 1 day
We have added Up Helly Aa to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in January” as the biggest of these festival is held in Lerwick in January. However, this festival can also be enjoyed from January through to March each year.
Read more about the Up Helly Aa in Shetland Islands, Scotland in Festivals in our post on the Best January Festivals
FAQs: March Celebrations Around the World
Now that you have read our pick of the best March events and celebrations, you might still have a few questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions about festivals happening in March.
Which festival is celebrated in the month of March?
One of the biggest and the best festivals in the world celebrated in March is Holi, known as the festival of colours, primarily observed in India and other parts of South Asia.
What is March known for in UK?
March in the UK is known for the arrival of spring, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the changing of the seasons with blossoming flowers.
Which are the best festivals in March in Europe?
Some of the famous festivals in March in Europe include St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland and Las Fallas in Spain.
How many celebrations are there in March?
March hosts numerous celebrations worldwide, including cultural, religious, and seasonal festivals, making it a month filled with diverse festivities.
Are there religious festivals in March around the world?
Yes, March features several religious festivals globally such as Holi, Purim, Easter, and Passover, observed by various faiths.
What is the festival of March 14?
March 14 is celebrated as Pi Day, honouring the mathematical constant π (pi), observed with various educational and fun activities.
What happens in March in Australia?
In March, Australia experiences events like the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and various cultural festivities.
In Summary – The Best World Festivals in March
You can find many celebrations and festivals around the world which are held throughout every month of the year. You will be spoilt for choice if you choose to celebrate at a festival in March as there are lots of both major festivals around the world and smaller festivals out there for you to pick from and enjoy.
What is your favourite March festival in the world and why? Have you been to any of our list of the best festivals around the world in March listed above? Have we missed any you think we should add? Leave your tips, comments and questions through Messenger on our Facebook page.
Choosing Your Next Travel Destination: Related Blog Posts
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JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
BEST FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD IN…
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
FESTIVALS IN…
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