Unique Spring Traditions

As the gloomy days of winter come to an end, you may be looking forward to enjoying the warmer weather and spring celebrations. Discover how you can enjoy the start of the new season at these unique festivals around the world.

1. Watch Washington, D.C. Erupt Into Pink at The National Cherry Blossom Festival

This spring tradition began in 1912, after Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted Washington D.C. 3,000 cherry blossom trees as an act of kindness. The first Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1927, with the annual event attracting millions of visitors and locals alike to gaze at the blooms.

2. Pink Not Your Thing? Head to Rochester, N.Y. for the 10-Day Lilac Festival

Upstate New York has hosted the largest free flower festival in North America, every year since 1898. Enjoy ten days of non-stop festivities, beautiful gardens, musical performances and even a 10K at this must-visit spring event.

3. Experience “The World’s Happiest Transformational Event” at Holi

Holi is a popular Hindu festival taking place every spring, all over the world. This celebration is all about new beginnings, welcoming the spring season and celebrating the end of winter. Almost every major city hosts a Holi festival, grab a friend and find an event near you.

4. Enjoy Thailand’s Most Famous Festival: Songkran

Songkran is Thailand’s New Year’s national holiday, celebrated in mid-April to pay gratitude with family and friends while moving into the New Year. Events in the festival vary city to city, with some regions of the country celebrating for up to 10 days!

5. Have a “Grate” Time at Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake in England

Have you ever wanted to roll a round of cheese down a hill at up to 70 miles per hour? This spring tradition may be the one for you. Gloucester, England hosts an annual cheese-rolling competition to mark the start of spring and has been doing so since what some believe the early 1800s.

6. Dance and Sing Your Heart Out at a May Day Festival

May Day is a traditional northern hemisphere celebration, falling on the first of May each year. Around the world, people come together to dance, wear flower crowns and sing springtime songs. You can visit Port Coquitlam’s annual May Day festival, dating back to 1923, to experience nine days of maypole dances, artisan markets and celebration.

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