Ah.. Spring! The season when everything turns colorful and lovely. The pure white snow and freezing temperatures melt into the ground, letting verdant dewy grass and multicolored flowers adorn the landscapes. Moreover, a lot of cultures consider spring as a symbol of rebirth, harvest, and joy. Jubilant festivals and buzzing parties are bursting to welcome the blossoming season. Then, traveling to see the most exciting spring festivals is a great idea. Here are the 10 best spring festivals to check out in 2024!
Best Spring Festivals to See in 2024
- Sevilla Feria, Seville, Spain
- Festa della Sensa, Venice, Italy
- Chelsea Flower Show, London, the UK
- St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin, Ireland
- Stuttgart Springfest, Stuttgart, Germany
- Sechseläuten, Switzerland
- Nakameguro Sakura Festival, Tokyo, Japan
- Tejikara Fire Festival, Gifu, Japan
- Jinhae Gunhang Festival, South Korea
- Songkran, Thailand
- Holi, India
1. Sevilla Feria, Seville, Spain
Witness how Seville lights up with an electrifying, centuries-old festival. Sevilla Feria or Seville Fair shows you what partying should be like. People, regardless of their age and gender, are dancing to the beats of flamenco music, having the biggest feast, and putting on frilly bright-colored dresses and shirts (traje de ginata). Traditionally, Sevilla Feria takes place around two weeks after the Holy Week or Semana Santa.
Sevilla Feria makes April the most vibrant month of the year in Seville. Colors are bursting from the gaudy dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and intricate ornaments. Parades feature decorated horse carriages – browsing Seville and stopping at La Plaza de España. Moreover, Sevilla Feria boasts the best out of Spanish traditions. Expect performances such as matador or bullfighting and flamenco, as well as casetas and other Andalusian delights. Therefore, Sevilla Feria is one of the best spring festivals in the world.
When in 2025: 6-11 May 2025
2. Festa della Sensa, Venice, Italy
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Venice has a sturdy relationship with the sea for centuries. Festa della Sensa celebrates the strong romance between Serenissma (Venice) and the sea, in which they are considered ‘married’. In a nutshell, Festa della Sensa is a boat festival featuring traditional boats and Venetian rowing traditions. It takes place during the Ascension of Christ, in the first or second week of May.
Festa della Sensa starts after the Holy Mass at the Church of St. Nicolo. Hundreds of traditional rowing boats are launched from the Saint Mark Basin, heading to the church. The boats are decorated with striking ornaments and the men wear bright-colored uniforms. As the group reaches the Church of St.Nicolo, the mayor throws a ring into the water. It is a symbol of the marriage of Venice and the sea. Therefore, Festa della Sensa is one of the best spring festivals to see in 2025.
When in 2025: May 29th 2025
3. Chelsea Flower Show, London, the UK
What is the best thing about spring? Of course, flowers! London takes the blossoming season seriously with its world-class flower show. As spring arrives, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are embellished with different shades and types of flowers. Chelsea Flower Show showcases the most brilliant horticultural crafts from artists around the UK, along with the British Royal’s well-loved plants.
Chelsea Flower Show dates back to 1912 and has been England’s iconic spring festival. Now, the festival is attended by more than 150,000 people. Both locals and travelers want to witness the avant-garde-styled gardens, beautiful flower arrangements, and distinctive plants in the venue.
When in 2025: 20-25 May 2025
4. St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin, Ireland
“Irish culture is too gorgeous to miss when you visit Ireland. Make sure to be there for the St. Patrick’s Day!” says TripLeader Oxana, an adventure designer with more than 10 years of experience.
Shamrocks, green costumes, leprechaun hats, and beers. Those are the icons of Irish’s beloved national holiday – St. Patrick’s Day. Although the first St. Patrick’s Day parade happened in Boston, the holiday itself originated in Ireland. St. Patrick, the respective patron, left an unshakable mark in Ireland. For that reason, St. Patrick’s Day is both a celebration to recall the saint’s footsteps and cherish the Irish’s vibrant culture.
No other place in the world would be better than Ireland if we are talking about St. Patrick’s Day. Head to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Massive parades, marching bands, and fashion shows pack the streets. The color green and glasses of beer splash throughout the city. A joyful and jubilant atmosphere veils Dublin’s bright spring sky. Therefore, it is one of the best spring festivals to check out in 2024.
When in 2025: 17 March 2025
5. Stuttgart Springfest, Stuttgart, Germany
We won’t leave out Germany when talking about celebrations and festivals. Generous choices of beers, tasty bratwursts, and euphoric get-togethers – German festivals are the best! Then, check out Stuttgart Springfest. As its name suggests, the event takes place in the manufacturing city of Stuttgart. Well, the city is also known for its brilliant Christmas market. Nonetheless, the spring festival is something you cannot miss in 2025.
Stuttgart Springfest features an amazing amusement park, indulgent beer gardens, and exciting flea markets. However, they take the phrase ‘the bigger, the better’. You can ride a 47-metre-tall Ferris wheel and a winding roller coaster. A massive Fruit Column stands in the heart of the festival, celebrating spring produce. Moreover, don’t miss the opening ceremony in which the mayor opens the traditional beer barrel to mark the start of the festival.
When in 2025: 19 April – 11 May 2025
6. Sechseläuten, Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland has an enchanting way to welcome spring. Sechseläuten dates back to the 16th century and has been performed by Zurich guilds. The main face of sechseläuten is a doll-like snowman figure calledo Böögg, representing the winter. Sechseläuten means ‘the six o’clock ringing of the bells’, which happens during the festival. Zurich’s second-largest bell, Grossmünster, rings as the clock strikes six, and Böögg is burned. Besides Böögg, the Swiss celebrate with banquets, parades, and humorous speeches.
When: 28 April 2025
7. Nakameguro Sakura Festival, Tokyo, Japan
Japan turns into a springtime paradise as the scenery is tinted in soft pink. Travelers from all around the world fly to Japan to witness the lovely scene of blooming cherry blossoms. Then, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan is the metropolitan Tokyo. The sleepless streets of Shibuya and the never-ending alleys of Asakusa become twice as beautiful as the sakura flowers decorating them. However, the best spot in Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms is Nakameguro.
Stretching a five-minute train ride from Shibuya, Nakameguro is a serene district in Tokyo. The Meguro River flows through the canal-like neighborhood. Its right and left are adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a surreal scene. As the sun goes down, Nakameguro stuns with illumination that enhances the beauty of the cherry blossoms. For that reason, the Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the spring festivals that both travelers and locals are waiting for!
When in 2025: Late March – mid-April 2025
8. Tejikara Fire Festival, Gifu, Japan
Aside from the cherry blossoms, Japan offers a myriad of spring festivals. One of the unmissable festivals is the Tejikara Fire Festival. It features a stunning scene of a waterfall of fire – or should we say firefall? The festival showcases a gunpowder-filled portable shrine carried by a dozen men. The shrine sparks with sizzling fire – shaped like waterfalls and firecrackers. Moreover, the men dance around the perimeter to the sound of clanging bells. Get ready to be bewitched by the enticing scene and intoxicating sounds.
When in 2025: 12 April 2025
9. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, South Korea
Aside from Japan, South Korea is another East Asian country that identifies spring with cherry blossoms. Then, the largest cherry blossom festival in the country is Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. It takes place in Jinhae-gu, a lovely small town located 350km away from Seoul. Travelers hop on a train from Seoul to attend this beautiful flower festival. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival includes exciting events, including cultural and music performances, military unit events, and fireworks shows. It is one of the best spring festivals you should check out for 2025.
When in 2025: TBA
10. Songkran, Thailand
“Songkran is one of Thailand’s most important celebrations. Seeing the festival brings you closer to seeing our cultural heritage,” recommends Chaiwat, a local TripLeader from Thailand.
Songkran traditionally comes from Buddhist traditions as a moment to wash away sins and luck. It is celebrated massively around Thailand, including popular destinations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Travelers are excited to witness the Songkran festival as it incorporates water fights. People use water guns, buckets, and hoses to soak each other. Besides that, you can see traditional ceremonies in temples as a religious aspect of Songkran.
When in 2025: 13-15 April 2025
11. Holi, India
“Holi is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It is a lifetime experience where you can see thousands of colors and people become no stranger to each other,” says TripLeader Om, a local guide from India.
The already vibrant streets of India become twice as colorful when the Holi Festival happens. Holi is a Hindu celebration representing the triumph of good over evil. A jubilant atmosphere fills every part of India, as families come together to offer prayers and cherish the holiday. People celebrate Holi with dance, music, and feasts. And of course, colorful powders and water are thrown, tinting the streets with multiple colors.
When in 2025: 14 March 2025
So, are you excited to say hello to pretty spring by joining these spring festivals? Or do you want to take the perfect spring break? Check out exciting spring activities to fill up your adventures with JoinMyTrip! Whether you want to go for a hanami under the cherry blossoms in Japan or walk through the gardens of London, we have amazing trips for you. Guided by our experienced TripLeaders, you will have a memorable experience. What are you waiting for? Book a trip with JoinMyTrip in many places around the world now!