The World's Best Spring Festivals 2024 – Our Best of the Bunch!
Author: Tima Maherali, Senior Content Creator
The season of renewal is just around the corner and when spring has sprung what better way to celebrate the warmer weather than to go full bloom at one of the world’s fun festivals! People around the globe are about to join the heartwarming spirit of their local cultural and fun events and with a myriad to choose from, we’ve picked the best bunch for you.
Bursting with festivities from ancient traditions, authentic delights and colourful parades to lively music, dance shows and more, we reveal our top 2024 Spring Festival Favourites:
Bloemencorso of the Bollenstreek - Netherlands
Kicking off with a blooming great time at a floral fiesta is the Bloemencorso of the Bollenstreek in the Netherlands. Picture a parade of vibrant amusement and music from marching bands on and around colossal flower floats and luxury motors covered in masses of flowers. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths cruise to the beat, enjoying the 26 mile route of picturesque landscapes.
The profound experience transforms your surroundings into a kaleidoscope of colours, as you sip on local brews, dance through flower-lined streets, and revel in the beauty of a Dutch spring masterpiece.
We Love: The night parade is particularly dazzling with thousands of lamps illuminating the floats as they travel through the charming village of Noordwijkerhout.
When is The Netherlands Spring Festival? 17th to 21st April 2024*
Zurich Beer Festival – Switzerland
Ready to hop into a beer lover's paradise? Zurich's Beer Festival is a frothy celebration that beckons enthusiasts from around the globe. Sip on craft national and international brews, indulge in beer-infused delicacies, and join the lively atmosphere of this cheery haven.
Enjoy workshops during the entire festival that explore the fascinating field of beer production. From malt to hops, there are workshops aimed at experienced homebrewers as well as beer-ginners!
We Love: The fab live music and interesting food trucks that make the experience a fun spirited way to toast to a springtime full of good vibes and even better brews!
When is The Zurich Beer Festival? 22nd to 23rd of March 2024*
Fallas in Valencia - Spain
Head south to the sunny city of Valencia for the Fallas, a fiery yearly spectacle that lights up the night sky. Witness a street party of colossal sculptures, intricate costumes, and dazzling fireworks as the city comes alive with passion. Dive into the vibrant street parades, indulge in traditional paella, and let the rhythm of Spanish music fuel your dance moves well into the night.
This significant UNESCO World Heritage Spanish event that dates back hundreds of years, sparks up the city’s different ‘barrios’ (areas) to compete against each other with the most spellbinding show.
We Love: The iconic bonfire of huge papier-mâché sculptures from the parade on the final night, known as “La Crema.” The energy is literally on fire!
When is Valencia’s Spring Festival? 1st to 19th March 2024 (with the five main days from 15th - 19th)*
Spring Equinox Festival - Mexico
Celebrate the changing seasons at Chichen Itzá during the Spring Equinox in Mexico. Watch in awe as the ancient pyramid casts a shadow resembling a serpent descending the steps. Immerse yourself in the mysticism, explore Mayan ruins, and embrace the magical energy of traditional ceremonies, rituals, and dances during this celestial celebration. From delicious cultural sweetbreads and candied fruits to rock bands and a parade of brightly-clad costumes marching to drums, this one is strictly good vibes only!
Join thousands of participants dressed in white and coming together to rejoice the natural world, reconnect with the earth and celebrate the cycle of life, death and rebirth as they partake in the vibrant festivities.
We Love: The location itself is an extraordinary phenomenon and makes a legendary experience - “Chichen Itza” is a wonder of the world and the iconic Mayan Ruins are an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site – take your camera!
When is The Mexico Spring Equinox? 19th to 21st March 2024*
Noto Flower Festival – Italy
Italy beckons with the Noto Flower Festival, a floral spectacle that paints the historical streets in vibrant hues. Adorned with intricate flower carpets, the town transforms into a fragrant wonderland. Revel in the aromatic air, attend flower-themed events, and sample Sicilian dishes and wines, providing an authentic taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage.
The festivities also enjoy a series of cultural events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and traditional craft markets, which add to the celebratory spirit. The most popular event is the Baroque procession, where you can witness swarms of locals in period costumes parading through the streets accompanied by musicians and a marching band.
We Love: The perfect Instagrammable moments! This festival resembles a huge floral painting, inspired by a different theme each year from art, mythology, religion or local folklore. It's a visual feast that goes beyond stunning.
When is The Italy Spring Festival? 17th to 21st May 2024*
Holi Festival - India and Nepal
Brace yourself for an explosion of color during the ancient “Festival of Colours”, that celebrates the arrival of Spring, the Hindu New Year and the coming together of friends and family to rid of bad blood. It’s an amazing way to experience traditional Indian culture firsthand as it’s one of the best festivals in the country to witness.
Join the joyous chaos as locals and visitors alike take to the streets with dry dyes and water to let loose in friendly coloured water fights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Dance to lively tunes, savour traditional sweets, enjoy bonfires and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Holi.
We Love: The skies of colourful rainbowed hues are magical to see as well as symbolic: red means love and fertility, yellow represents purification, green equals new beginnings, pink is for happiness and love, purple, power and ambition...
When is India’s Spring Festival? 25th March 2024*
Songkran - Thailand
Take your water guns and get ready for Songkran, Thailand's exhilarating Water Festival. Dive into the festivities as streets transform into water battlegrounds. Wash away the past and welcome the new year’s rejuvenation with laughter, water fights, and traditional Thai blessings.
The festival roots from Buddhism and marks the Thai New Year. People spend time spring cleaning their homes, paying respect to their elders and ancestors and visiting temples for prayer, before splashing each other with water as a tradition of purification and renewal.
We Love: The heartwarming vibe of the lively street parties and iconic parades, where people dance, play traditional games and literally get soaked!
When is The Songkran Water Festival? 13th to 15th April 2024*
Ready to Spring into Action? Unleash your inner globetrotter and secure your spot at these sensational spring festivals by booking your festival adventure now! Whether you're a flower fanatic, beer buff, or cultural connoisseur, there's a spring celebration with your name on it. So embrace the magic of the season and let the festivities begin here.
*Holiday Best is not liable for festival dates, which may be subject to change. Please check official websites for confirmation before booking.