29 Jan 2025
Have you ever wondered how different cultures celebrate the arrival of blooming spring? Across the globe, spring is a time for renewal, joy, and connection. Every culture has its own way of welcoming the season, from vibrant festivals to age-old traditions. While working abroad, expats send money to their home country and enjoy the beauty of new beginnings.
Holi in India offers colorful powder fights, while you can enjoy the serene cherry blossoms in the Hanami festival in Japan. Spring festivals are a way of celebrating spring across cultures. Different cultures celebrate the season of growth in their style, many of which influence the world. Global cultural festivals offer a beautiful blend of history, spirituality, and fun.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore 10 must-know spring festivals worldwide. Get ready to discover new traditions, vibrant colors, and unforgettable experiences that make spring truly special!
Easter is one of the most celebrated spring festivals for millions of people worldwide. At its core, it holds deep Christian significance in traditional spring celebrations of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, it’s a time of hope, renewal, and joy that perfectly matches the energy of spring.
While the spiritual meaning of Easter is central, the ways people celebrate differ depending on where you are. Easter often involves church services and fun-filled activities like egg hunts and family brunches in the United States.
Kids excitedly search for colorful eggs hidden by the “Easter Bunny,” a more cultural tradition than religious. In several parts of Europe, Easter takes on a more solemn tone. Spain is famous for its dramatic processions. People in traditional costumes and carrying religious icons walk through the streets.
Being an expat, you can enjoy online money transfer services and this emotional and visually stunning event. In Eastern Europe, countries like Poland and Ukraine have unique Easter customs, such as blessing food baskets or decorating elaborate eggs called pysanky.
Cherry blossom festivals in Japan are one of the most breathtaking ways to welcome spring festivals worldwide. These festivals, known as Hanami, are all about appreciating the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, or sakura, as they bloom in parks, gardens, and along riverbanks. It’s a magical experience for locals and visitors, combining nature, tradition, and community.
The cherry blossom season in Japan usually begins in late March and peaks in early April, although the timing can vary depending on the region and weather. Popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are must-visit spots during this time. In Tokyo, places like Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen draw huge crowds eager to see the pink and white flowers.
Hanami, "flower viewing," is the main activity during cherry blossom season. People gather under the trees to relax, chat, and soak in the stunning views. It’s common to see families and friends laying out picnic blankets and sharing bento boxes filled with delicious Japanese food. You can see performances like traditional music, dance, and even modern pop concerts and send money online for your loved ones.
Songkran is a traditional New Year of Thailand. It's one of the most exciting and unique festivals in the world. It marks the start of a fresh year in the Thai calendar every year from April 13th to 15th. It's a time to wash away the old and welcome the new in spring holidays around the world.
Songkran is loud, lively, and fun in New Year's celebrations. The festival is best known for its massive water fights, where locals and tourists take to the streets armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses. Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket have become one big party. People get busy laughing, splashing, and cooling off in the tropical heat.
While the water fights are the highlight for many, Songkran also has a deeply spiritual side. During the festival, many Thai families visit temples to make merit, which involves acts of kindness like donating food or releasing fish into rivers. People in Thailand use reliable money transfer services to celebrate this event.
Another important tradition is pouring water over Buddha statues at temples or in homes. In unique spring festivals, this act is seen as a way to show respect and invite blessings for the coming year. It’s also common for younger generations to pour water over the hands of elders as a sign of gratitude and to receive their blessings.
Nowruz is a Persian New Year, celebrated on the spring equinox, around March 20th or 21st. It symbolizes renewal, hope, and the arrival of warmer days. Among popular global cultural festivals, Nowruz is deeply rooted in Persian culture. It's observed in Iran, Central Asia, the Middle East, and among Persian communities worldwide.
Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, with its origins tied to Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions. In Zoroastrian philosophy, spring represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Over time, Nowruz has become a cultural celebration that transcends religious boundaries, bringing people of all backgrounds together to honor nature and new beginnings. Most people send money to their loved ones for the best preparation.
One of the most iconic parts of Nowruz is the Haft-sin table. It's a beautifully arranged display of seven symbolic items. Families gather around the Haft-sin table to welcome the New Year, often sharing poetry, music, and traditional dishes like sabzi polo ba mahi (herb rice with fish). Haft-sin items include:
Another key tradition of Nowruz is khaneh tekani, which literally means “shaking the house.” In the weeks leading up to the festival, families clean their homes from top to bottom. It's a practice that symbolizes sweeping out the old and making room for the new.
Nowruz is also the way to reconnect with loved ones in the best spring festivals in 2025. Family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and visiting elders are essential parts of the celebration. It’s a time to strengthen relationships and express gratitude.
If there’s one festival that perfectly combines art, tradition, and excitement, it’s Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain. Held every year from March 15th to 19th, this festival is a spectacular way to celebrate the arrival of spring. With its larger-than-life sculptures, dazzling fireworks, and vibrant parades, Las Fallas is an experience unlike any other. People of Spain use online money transfer ways to secure the happiness of their loved ones in Las Fallas.
At the heart of Las Fallas are the Fallas, enormous sculptures made of wood, papier-mâché, and other materials. These works of art can reach several stories tall and are often humorous or satirical, poking fun at politics, celebrities, or current events. Local artists and craftsmen spend months designing and building these masterpieces.
The festival’s climax is the "Cremà" on the final night. In a dramatic and symbolic ritual, the fallas are set ablaze, lighting up the city in a fiery spectacle. The burning represents a fresh start, as the old is destroyed to make way for the new. Seeing these towering sculptures engulfed in flames is a mesmerizing and emotional moment in spring traditions globally.
Las Fallas is about the sculptures and a citywide party filled with nonstop action. Every day at 2 PM, the streets come alive with the "Mascletà," a deafening firecracker display that shakes the ground and fills the air with excitement.
The evenings are just as lively, with spectacular fireworks that light up the Valencian sky. One of the highlights is the Nit del Foc, or "Night of Fire," a breathtaking fireworks display that rivals the best in the world. Throughout the festival, you’ll also see parades of locals dressed in traditional Valencian costumes. They accompany music, dancing, and flower offerings to the Virgin Mary.
Holi, often called the Festival of Colors, is one of the world's most vibrant and joyous celebrations. Originating in India and Nepal, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Indian expats worldwide send money online to India on Holi events. It’s a festival filled with laughter, music, dancing, and, most famously, bursts of colorful powder.
Holi typically falls in March, aligning with the full moon of the Hindu month Phalguna. Its roots are deeply tied to Hindu mythology, particularly the story of Prahlada, a young devotee who survived a fiery ordeal orchestrated by his wicked aunt, Holika. This tale symbolizes the victory of devotion and righteousness over darkness and evil.
The most iconic aspect of Holi is the throwing of colored powders, known as gulal. Streets and public spaces come alive as people splash each other with vibrant pink, yellow, green, and blue hues. Music and dance are also central to Holi. Traditional drums, called dhol, set the rhythm for lively group dances, while modern Bollywood hits keep the energy high.
Food plays a big role in the unique spring festivals. People enjoy special treats like gujiya (sweet dumplings filled with dried fruits), thandai (a refreshing milk-based drink with spices), and other festive dishes prepared for the occasion. Sharing food is another way Holi strengthens bonds among friends and family.
Though it originated in India and Nepal, Holi’s popularity has spread across the globe. Festivals inspired by Holi now take place in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, and Sydney. These events attract people of all backgrounds, offering a chance to experience the joy of Holi through color fights, music, and food. Indian expats celebrate Holi in their country and use reliable online money transfer services like ACE Money Transfer.
The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a cherished tradition in China. Celebrated on April 4th or 5th, it’s a time for families to honor their ancestors while welcoming the beauty of spring. The festival’s mix of reflection, respect, and joy creates a meaningful way to connect with the past and the present.
At the heart of the Qingming Festival is the tradition of tomb-sweeping. Families visit the gravesites of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, place fresh flowers, and offer food or incense. These rituals are a way to show gratitude and respect for loved ones who have passed.
It’s also common to burn paper replicas of money, clothes, or other goods, symbolizing providing for ancestors in the afterlife. This gesture reflects the profound importance of family bonds in Chinese culture, even across generations.
Qingming is about remembering the past and celebrating life and nature. After visiting gravesites, families often head outdoors to enjoy the spring weather. Activities like kite flying are especially popular during this time. Some kites are even designed to resemble animals or mythical creatures, adding an extra layer of fun and creativity. Chinese people worldwide use online money transfer methods to support their families at this event.
Spring in Japan is about stunning cherry blossoms and also the simple joys of food, music, and celebration. The Hanami Dango Festival combines all of these, offering a perfect way to enjoy the fleeting beauty of spring. This charming festival celebrates the season with delicious treats, cultural performances, and the timeless hanami or flower viewing tradition.
The highlight of this festival is undoubtedly hanami dango, a colorful, sweet treat made from rice flour. These soft, chewy dumplings are skewered on sticks, with each piece dyed differently: pink for cherry blossoms, white for purity, and green for new life.
Hanami dango is tasty and symbolic to choose in spring festival travel ideas. Its colors reflect the changing season, and enjoying it under blooming sakura trees adds to the festive spirit. Vendors at the festival often sell fresh dango alongside other seasonal snacks, making it a must-try for anyone joining the celebrations.
The Hanami Dango Festival is about more than just food; it celebrates nature’s fleeting beauty. Cherry blossoms, or sakura, bloom only briefly each spring, reminding us to cherish life’s precious, fleeting moments. Families, friends, and strangers gather under the blossoms to share laughter, conversation, and good food. It’s a time to slow down, take in the stunning scenery, and connect with loved ones.
The festival also brings Japanese culture to life with traditional songs, dances, and performances. Japanese expats worldwide remember their loved ones and send money online to their loved ones for event expenses. Musicians playing instruments like the shamisen (a three-stringed lute) or singing ancient folk songs create a magical ambiance. Dance troupes often perform graceful routines that honor spring's beauty and the season's joy.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the heart and soul of Spain, Feria de Abril in Seville is the place to be. Held every April, this iconic festival celebrates Spanish culture with a special focus on Andalusian traditions. With flamenco dancing, horse parades, and colorful costumes, Feria de Abril is a feast for the senses, offering an unforgettable cultural immersion.
One of the main attractions of Feria de Abril is the flamenco dancing. This passionate and expressive dance form, with its rhythmic foot stomps and dramatic movements, captures the spirit of Andalusia. During the festival, you’ll see dancers in vibrant dresses twirling to the beat of live guitar music, creating a lively and emotional atmosphere.
Moreover, people in Spain receive money from their overseas family members through money transfer services. Also, flamenco performances take place in many of the festival’s casetas, or private tents, where families and friends gather to eat, drink, and dance. It’s common for locals and visitors to join in, making the experience even more special.
Another highlight of the Feria de Abril is the horse parades, which take place through the fairgrounds. Spectacularly dressed horses and riders showcase Andalusian pride, often adorned in traditional costumes.
People attending the festival also dress up in their best flamenco-inspired attire, from polka-dotted dresses and vibrant shawls to sharp suits and hats. The sight of hundreds of people in traditional costumes adds to the festival’s magical, celebratory atmosphere.
Feria de Abril is a visual feast and an excellent culinary experience in spring traditions globally. Visitors can indulge in traditional Spanish dishes like tapas, paella, and jamón ibérico in spring holidays worldwide. Food stalls and casetas serve fresh, mouthwatering meals with flavors that highlight the best of Andalusian cuisine.
Music plays an important role, too, with live bands and guitarists filling the air with the sounds of Spain. The lively beat of flamenco or the soulful rhythm of a guitar, the music at Feria de Abril adds a layer of depth to the festivals in April and May.
Vesak is the most essential spring festival for Buddhists around the world to celebrate the life and teachings of Buddha. Known by different names in various regions, it honors three significant events in Buddha's life: his birth, enlightenment, and death. Spanish expats send money online to their loved ones for celebrations on this special event. Vesak is a day of deep reflection and spiritual renewal observed in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, and many other Buddhist nations.
Vesak falls on the full moon in May, marking the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. The festival focuses on the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who became Buddha after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
For Buddhists, Vesak is a celebration of historical events and an opportunity to reflect on Buddha’s teachings and how they can apply them to their own lives. It’s a day to reflect on compassion, mindfulness, and the path to enlightenment.
Buddhists spend the day at temples, focusing on quiet contemplation and prayer. People also make temple offerings as a gesture of gratitude and respect. These offerings often include flowers, incense, and food to honor Buddha and the monks who preserve his teachings. Foreigners enjoy every moment of this festival with great pleasure. They receive and send money to their family using online money transfer services.
In spring festivals worldwide, the candlelight processions are a beautiful and moving part of Vesak celebrations. In the evening, devotees carry candles, incense, and lanterns to temples or outdoor shrines, creating a sea of lights. The glow of the candles represents the light of Buddha’s wisdom, which illuminates the world and helps guide followers along the path of enlightenment.
Spring festivals are a fantastic idea for celebrating spring across cultures worldwide. Each celebration offers a unique perspective on renewal, unity, and tradition, from colorful parades to spiritual rituals. Whether you’re watching cherry blossoms in Japan, dancing through the streets of Spain, or lighting candles during Vesak, these festivals offer something special for everyone.
In spring festival travel ideas, don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of these festivals. It’s a chance to embrace new traditions, make lasting memories, and join in the collective joy that spring brings across the globe.
Make sure you can join the celebrations with your family, no matter where they are. Use ACE Money Transfer for fast, secure, and affordable money transfer services to more than 100 countries. You can use our reliable services to enjoy your trip to any spring festival in 2025.
Spring festivals usually come from ancient traditional spring celebrations linked to agriculture, religion, and culture. They celebrate renewal, growth, and abundance after the cold months.
Holi in India stands out as the most colorful spring festival. People use powdered colors to throw at each other during the celebration.
Spring festivals can be both religious and cultural. Some, like Easter and Vesak, have strong religious meanings. Others, like Hanami and Songkran, are more about celebrating seasonal changes or local traditions.
It depends on what you enjoy. If you love adventure, Songkran (Thailand) is perfect for a fun water fight. For a peaceful cultural experience, Hanami in Japan offers a serene way to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Spring festivals vary by continent. Asian festivals often center around nature and spirituality. However, European festivals focus on history and art, while global festivals offer a mix of unique traditions and celebrations.
