10 of the world's most unique spring festivals.

(Baonghean.vn) - Lantern festivals in China, water splashing in Thailand, or scattering colored powder in India are some of the most anticipated activities in spring.

1. Lantern Festival in China

The Lantern Festival, held annually on the 15th day of the first lunar month, is considered the most important and longest-running event in Chinese culture. Since ancient times, the Chinese have believed that lanterns can ward off evil spirits and bring peace and good fortune, so they often hang them at the gates of their homes and shops just before the New Year. Gradually, this ritual became a major event, during which people wear red clothing adorned with flowers and lanterns, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

2. The Holi Festival in India

Every year, Indians, as well as people in many Hindu countries, celebrate the Holi festival to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring, hoping for a bountiful harvest.

3. Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

The festival takes place when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, usually in late March or early April. It officially begins when the representative cherry trees at Yasukuni Shrine start to bloom. During the festival, Japanese people gather under the cherry trees, eating, listening to music, playing games, and singing. These activities can sometimes last all day and night. Food is prepared in advance, including traditional dishes such as sushi, dango, bento, and sake or hanamizake – a special rice wine served while viewing the blossoms.

4. Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

The Songkran water festival takes place every April, lasting three days and attracting a large number of tourists to Thailand. Thai people celebrate Songkran to welcome the new year. Traditionally, it's an occasion to wash away the misfortunes of the old year, welcome a peaceful new year, show respect to family and elders, and strengthen relationships with neighbors.

5.Las Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain

The Las Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain, officially begins on March 1st each year with a fireworks display at 2 PM and continues until the 19th. During this time, visitors can immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere with many exciting activities and admire giant puppets made from paper, wood, and wax. Each puppet is worth tens of thousands of dollars and depicts satirical and outdated social customs.

6. The Nowruz (New Year) festival in Persia

Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is a traditional festival in Central and South Asian countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. This festival marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, people in areas that were once part of ancient Persia wear traditional clothing, sing, and dance to the sounds of horns and drums in the streets to welcome the new year.

7. The Cheese Rolling Festival in England

The Cheese Roll, one of the world's most bizarre festivals, originated in the 15th century and takes place annually on Cooper's Hill in England. This festival is a variation of the traditional ritual of dropping objects like cakes and candies from a hill to pray for a bountiful harvest. In the festival, a slice of cheese is rolled from the top of the hill, and the participants' task is to chase after it.

8. The Spring Equinox Festival in Mexico

Each year on March 20th or 21st, thousands of Mexicans gather at the Teotihuacan archaeological site, about 48 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, to participate in the spring equinox festival. From approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., they climb 360 steps to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun, believing that the gods will grant them energy and health.

9. Lantern Festival in Singapore

From the 1st to the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, Singapore is filled with festive spirit. People exchange greetings, good wishes, and give lucky red envelopes. Besides the lantern parades leading up to the New Year, the zodiac animal representing the year is also featured everywhere, with auspicious red as the dominant color in decorations. Families visiting Singapore for the New Year will fully experience the spiritually significant and solemn atmosphere of the Lunar New Year.

10. Night FestivalWalpurgis (Federal Republic of Germany)

This traditional German spring festival is usually celebrated in Central and Northern Europe – exactly six months after Halloween. Participants dress up as witches, light bonfires, and dance around. One of the most popular venues for this festival is the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm.

Kim Ngoc

(Synthetic)