Spring is on its way (apparently) but it doesn’t quite feel like it just yet. So to help bring out the sunny mood in you we’ve rounded up some of the best festivals from around the world this month. Enjoy!
Easter Markets – Prague
Prague’s Easter markets transform the city into a multi-coloured spectacle with painted eggs adorning wooden stalls, and the smell of TrdelnÃk pastries filling the air. Families will enjoy the small petting zoo where children have the chance to feed goats, donkeys or sheep. The markets take place from the 12th March until the 3rd April giving you plenty of opportunity to get into the spring spirit.
Las Fallas – Valencia
This celebration of spring is wholly different to our own Easter egg hunts and chocolate binging events – it’s a festivity which sees the region set ablaze. The festival originated in the Middle Ages when left over wood and waste was burnt at the close of winter. However, over time these wooden structures have evolved from being made of waste wood, to highly ornate wooden ‘puppets’ which are judged and then set on fire.
Alongside these Guy-Fawkes-esque displays, there are competitions (from the 1st – 19th March) between the neighbourhoods to see who can create the most explosive displays of fireworks. For those who never want the party to stop there is late night revelry every evening with live music, and club nights aplenty.
Holi Festival – Mumbai
The Holi Festival, which sees revellers dousing each other in vibrant paint, has been gaining momentum over the last few years in the UK, with a huge celebration in London and restaurants hosting their own events. This year’s celebrations take place on the 23rd March.
However, in order to celebrate this Hindu festival, which revels in good triumphing over evil to the fullest, head to the city of Mumbai. Reality Tours and Travels offer a Holi celebration with a difference. These events begin with a tour of the Dharavi slum where you will learn about what it’s like to live in a community like this one. You will then be invited to take part in a traditional paint party with the locals – around 80% of the proceeds of these trips are fed back into the community.
Saint Patrick’s Day – Dublin
Saint Patrick’s Day (17th March) in Dublin is like no other – here the celebrations don’t stop at a measly evening of drinking. Instead there are fun fairs across the city, walking tours which follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick himself and a festival parade through the centre of town which sees eight pageant companies don the costumes which take inspiration from this year’s theme: Imagine If. Buildings across Dublin will be lit green throughout the festivities ensuring that you get into the celebratory mood.
Happy holiday hunting from the dealchecker team!