Do you feel spring in the air? We do! And although your children may be asking about chocolate eggs, we’re excited about all the other ways to celebrate the season.
From colourful festivals to solemn observances, we’ll explore some of the most popular spring celebrations from around the world in this blog post, and give you ideas for fun activities you can do with your kids.
Holi
Holi is a colourful and joyous Hindu festival that marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is mainly observed in India and Nepal but has gained popularity in other parts of the world too. The festival typically takes place in late February or early March (in 2023 it was March 8th) and is celebrated over two days.
How is it celebrated?
During Holi, people throw coloured powders and water at each other, sing and dance, and enjoy traditional sweets and delicacies. The festival is associated with the legend of Hindu deity Lord Krishna, who is said to have played Holi with his friends and loved ones.
Activity idea: Get messy with colours! Buy child-friendly face paint and have fun painting each other, or yourselves.
Nowruz
Nowruz is a significant holiday celebrated by many cultures and ethnic groups, particularly in Iran and Central Asia, to mark the start of the new year. The word “Nowruz” means “new day” in Persian and represents the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. It falls on the first day of the Persian calendar, the Spring Equinox ( in the UK, this was on March 20th 2023.).
How is it celebrated?
During this festive occasion, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and gather with their families to share meals and exchange gifts. The holiday also involves various traditional customs, such as setting up a table of symbolic food items, and jumping over bonfires to ward off evil spirits.
Activity idea: Go to the supermarket and pick out 7 different fruits. Bring them home, look at the packaging to see what countries they are from – free geography lesson! – then wash and cut the fruits to have a tasting session together.
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry blossom festival)
The Japanese cherry blossom festival, also known as ‘Sakura Matsuri’, is a celebration of the arrival of spring and cherry blossoms. The festival takes place annually in Japan, typically in late March through to mid April, when the cherry trees across the country burst into a stunning display of pink and white flowers.
How is it celebrated?
People will gather in parks and gardens to admire the cherry blossoms, have picnics, and enjoy traditional activities like tea ceremonies and flower arrangement together. The festival also features parades and fireworks, and is considered a time of new beginnings.
Activity idea: if you’re lucky enough to live near a garden with cherry trees, have your own ‘hanami’ when the blossom shows! Use it as a moment of mindfulness with your children to reflect on the changing seasons and the beauty of nature. If there are no blossoming trees in your area, why not buy pink crepe paper and brown pipe-cleaners to create your own little cherry blossom tree?
Pesach (Passover)
Pesach, also known as ‘Passover’, is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday is celebrated for eight days and typically falls in March or April (in 2023 it’s April 5–13).
How is it celebrated?
During Pesach, practising families come together for a traditional meal called the ‘Seder’, where they retell the story of the Exodus and eat symbolic foods such as ‘matzah’ (unleavened bread) and bitter herbs. Throughout the holiday, practising families also refrain from eating leavened bread and other products made from grains that can ferment, in order to remember the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt.
Activity idea: this simple recipe for matzah (or matzo) makes for fun and fast baking with kids.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holiday observed by Muslims worldwide. It’s a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection, and is considered one of the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’. In 2023, Ramadan began on March 22, as the crescent moon was sighted in Mecca.
How is it celebrated?
Practising Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called ‘iftar’, which often involves dates and other traditional foods. In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran and engage in acts of charity and kindness. Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival of celebration and feasting.
Activity idea: why not make these lovely Ramadan paper decorations with the new moon? Or check this Twinkl page for other crafts and activities. Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy some tasty dates together (just remove the pits beforehand!)
We know we’ve missed many celebrations and holidays, but we hope we gave you some inspiration to share with the children in your life, and ways to see spring in a new light.
