Festivals in March 2024 Around the World
March is the perfect time to break free from the ordinary and embark on a unique journey filled with festivals, travel adventures, and the delightful blend of food and nature. Spice up your routine by immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of these diverse celebrations around the world. Plan ahead as some events have limited ticketing, ensuring your March is a memorable feast for the senses.
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Festivals in March 2024 Around The World
Explore the finest March festivities to include in your festival calendar for the year ahead.
1. St Patrick’s Day Festival, Ireland
14th – 17th March 2024
Prepare your green-themed wardrobe for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin. This five-day celebration embraces Irish culture, featuring music, cuisine, and entertainment. Conclude the festivities on St. Paddy’s Day with a grand street carnival on March 17th, complete with parades, vendors, live music stages, and lively activities spanning O’Connell Street and the heart of Dublin. The jubilation extends beyond the capital city, with festivities echoing throughout Ireland. No matter where you find yourself, raise a glass to honor Ireland’s patron saint. Undoubtedly, this stands out as one of the premier March festivals worldwide.
2. SXSW Festival, USA
8th -16th March 2024
South by Southwest, held annually in March in Austin, Texas, is a renowned festival that encompasses a wide array of film, music, and comedy events. Yet, it doesn’t stop there. SXSW is also a hub for tech panels, speakers, and exhibitions, providing an excellent opportunity to mingle with the influential, famous, and entrepreneurial minds. In addition to the festival’s diverse offerings, Austin’s reputation for exceptional food and drink shines through – with Texas-sized BBQ beef and margaritas stealing the show!
Travelers of all ages and interests can discover something to savor at SXSW. Personally, my experience at SXSW was fantastic; you can explore my guide on the costings for SXSW here.
3. Narvik Winter Festival, Norway
16th march 2024
In a realm where the sun never sets during summer and winter is shrouded in darkness, Norwegians take pride in building infrastructure in their arctic landscape. Tracing its roots back to World War II, the Narvik Winter Festival commemorates the Ofoten iron-ore railroad, which played a crucial role in bringing prosperity and materials to the country.
The Narvik Winter Festival is a vibrant gathering, featuring over 200 programs in music, culture, art, theatre, and dance, attracting around 50,000 visitors annually. So, make sure to pack your coziest flannel shirts, dark attire, and hats, while the younger attendees don whimsical costumes to embrace the festivities.
4. Fête de la Coquille St. Jacques
16th March 2024
The Festival of the Scallop is a delightful French celebration observed in several coastal towns in March, particularly in regions like Brittany and Normandy. As the name suggests, the festival revolves around the scallop, as well as maritime traditions and the communities along the coast. Throughout the event, a range of activities is dedicated to the appreciation of the scallop. Chefs conduct cooking demonstrations, and there are tastings allowing you to savor freshly prepared scallops in various delectable forms. Additionally, boat trips provide an opportunity to learn about scallop fishing. The festival is adorned with market stalls where freshly caught scallops are often sold by the very fishermen who harvested them, adding a charming and authentic touch to the celebration.
5. Holi Festival, India & Nepal
25th March 2024
The Holi Festival, renowned for its vibrant color displays and the message of unity, draws people together in India every year.
During this celebration, individuals set aside their differences for the day, breaking societal norms and embracing the mantra, ‘follow no norms and have as much fun as you want.’ Not only is Holi one of the most significant festivals in March, but it also stands among the top celebrations in India. The festival kicks off with a serene morning and transforms into a lively color-bomb party by mid-afternoon. Laughter and smiles characterize Holi, as people momentarily forget their daily lives and engage in playful pranks with friends and family.
6. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
22nd – 31st March 2024
An incredible city, delectable cuisine, exquisite wines, and an all-around fantastic experience – that’s what awaits you at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, an annual event held around March. The festival transforms the city with a diverse array of street food stalls offering a feast for the senses. Renowned chefs from Melbourne and beyond gather to conduct cooking demonstrations, host wine tastings, and deliver more culinary delights. Whether you’re a devoted food enthusiast or simply appreciate fine wines, this March festival in Melbourne is a must-add to your list for an extraordinary time.
7. Ides of March, Rome, Italy
15th March (Annually)
Observed primarily in Rome, the Ides of March signifies the anniversary of Julius Caesar’s assassination, which occurred in 44 B.C. Though not a festival in the traditional sense, it continues to capture attention to this day.
While distinct from other March festivals, the Ides of March in Rome is marked by various events and activities that give it a festival-like atmosphere. Visitors can witness reenactments, participate in guided tours dedicated to Caesar’s assassination, and engage in numerous historical activities associated with this significant date.
8. Nowruz, Iran
Also recognized as the Persian New Year, Nowruz is a festivity that signifies the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of nature. While its roots are deeply embedded in Iranian culture, Nowruz is embraced in various other nations such as Afghanistan, parts of Central Asia, and Europe.
The festivities typically feature intricate table settings known as ‘Haft-Seen,’ fire-jumping rituals, and a diverse array of traditional foods. Much like the other festivals on the March list, Nowruz pays homage to the transition of seasons and the themes of rebirth and renewal.
9. Gudi Padwa/Ugadi
9th April 2024
Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, are New Year festivals observed in different parts of India. Typically falling in late March or early April, these festivals joyously herald the arrival of spring.
Homes are adorned with vibrant rangoli, a special ‘Gudi’ flag is hoisted as a symbol of victory and prosperity, and a delightful array of festive dishes is prepared. These celebrations bring communities together, featuring religious ceremonies and, of course, the enjoyment of delicious food.
10. Las Fallas Festival
15th to 19th March 2024
Can anything be more captivating than standing by a fire, witnessing the flames dance and consume what they touch? Now envision this spectacle on an epic scale, as seen in Valencia, Spain, during the Las Fallas Festival. Artists dedicate a year to crafting 20-foot statues, fully aware that the ultimate fate of their masterpieces is to be set ablaze in front of a jubilant crowd in the spirit of celebration. Las Fallas unquestionably stands out as one of the premier festivals in the world, offering an experience worth exploring.
READ MORE:Festivals in April 2024 Around the World
Festivals in March
Participating in March festivals provides a wonderful chance to savor diverse cultures and embrace pleasant weather. The extended daylight hours make March an ideal time for travel and exploration, offering an opportunity to immerse oneself in new experiences.
March boasts some of the finest festivals worldwide, spanning across Europe and beyond. Many of these celebrations are deeply tied to the seasonal transition, celebrating the arrival of spring through religious, spiritual, or symbolic rituals. Yet, beyond the traditions, these festivals are ultimately about enjoying the moment and having a great time.
What are the festivals celebrated in March?
March is a month filled with numerous festivals and celebrations, with one of the most universally recognized being St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th. Having its roots in Ireland, this festival is now observed globally in March, featuring parades, green-themed events, and a joyful atmosphere.
Another internationally renowned festival in March is Holi, the Indian festival of colors, symbolizing the conclusion of winter and the onset of spring. It draws massive crowds of visitors from around the world every year.
What are the top festivals in March in Europe?
March in Europe offers a plethora of festivals, providing an abundance of choices for enthusiasts. Beyond the widely celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, the Las Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain, captures attention with its renowned intricate sculptures that culminate in a spectacular blaze.
Yet another globally recognized March celebration is the Munich Strong Beer Festival in Germany, often viewed as the lesser-known counterpart of Oktoberfest but equally delightful.
