10 most unique spring festivals in the world

(Baonghean.vn) - Lantern festival in China, water splashing in Thailand or sprinkling colored powder in India are the most anticipated activities in spring.

1. Lantern Festival in China

The Lantern Festival, held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month every year, is considered the most important and longest event of the Chinese people. Since ancient times, Chinese people have believed that lanterns have the ability to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and luck, so they often hang them at the gates of houses and shops right before the New Year. Gradually, this ritual became a big activity, at which time, people will wear red clothes printed with flowers and lanterns to hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

2. 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 in the hope of a bountiful harvest.

3. Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

The festival takes place when the cherry blossoms are at their peak, usually in late March or early April. The festival officially begins when the representative cherry blossom trees at Yasukuni Shrine begin to bloom. During the festival, Japanese people gather under the cherry blossom trees, eating, drinking, listening to music, playing and singing. These activities sometimes last all day and night. Food is prepared in advance, including some traditional dishes such as sushi, dango, bento and sake or hanamizake - a special type of alcohol used while viewing the flowers.

4. Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

The Songkran Water Festival takes place in April every year, lasts for 3 days and attracts a large number of tourists to the Land of Golden Temples. Thai people celebrate the Songkran Festival to welcome the New Year. According to tradition, this is an occasion to wash away the bad luck of the old year, look forward to a peaceful new year and show respect to family, 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 every year with a fireworks display at 2 p.m. and lasts until the 19th. During this occasion, visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere with many exciting activities, admiring giant puppets made from paper, wood and wax. Each work costs tens of thousands of dollars, satirizing and out-of-date customs in society.

6. Nowruz (New Year) Festival in Persia

Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is a traditional festival of Central and South Asian countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Türkiye, etc. This festival marks the first day of spring and is held on the day of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. On this occasion, people in areas that used to belong to ancient Persia will wear traditional clothes, sing and dance with trumpets and tambourines in the streets to welcome the new year.

7. Cheese Rolling Festival in England

Cheese Rolling Festival, one of the world's most bizarre festivals, appeared in the 15th century and takes place annually on Cooper Hill (England). The form of this festival is a variation of the ancient ritual of dropping objects such as cakes and candies from the hill to pray for a good harvest. During the festival, people will roll a piece of cheese from the top of the hill and the task of the participants is to chase that piece of cheese.

8. Vernal Equinox Festival in Mexico

Every year on March 20 or 21, thousands of Mexicans gather at the Teotihuacan archaeological site, about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, to attend the spring equinox festival. From about 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 first to the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, everywhere in Singapore is filled with festive colors. People congratulate each other, say good things, and exchange lucky red envelopes. In addition to the lantern parade festival in the days leading up to Tet, the zodiac animal representing the year also appears everywhere with lucky red being the main color. If you come here at the beginning of the year, families will fully feel the lucky spiritual atmosphere and solemnity of the Lunar New Year.

10. Night FestivalWalpurgis (Germany)

This traditional German spring festival is usually held in Central and Northern Europe – exactly 6 months after Halloween. Participants dress up as witches, light bonfires and dance around them. One of the most popular places to celebrate this festival is the Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm.

Kim Ngoc

(Synthetic)