5 Vibrant March Festivals You Need to Know About

What makes the world a fun and crazy place to live is the festive spirit of its people. Every year many countries across the globe celebrate fascinating and delirious festivals, featuring everything from imaginative stages lit up with color and music to inspiring and energetic yoga sessions in paradise. Whether you want to party in a Mad Hatter costume or get yourself covered in rainbow colors, here are a few fests you may want to check out this month.

Post-Rio Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro-Brazil

Even though carnival celebration at Rio ended just a few days ago, the acclaimed and world’s biggest carnival has made it to our list. This year’s carnival was marked with political undertones, thousands of people taking to the streets to take part or just watch the spectacle. After the carnival’s glory the streets are still filled with a festive atmosphere –Cariocas who leave town are back home, friendly visitors that come to Rio enjoy the beach and music creating a non-stop party mode. The best part is hotel rates are lower, a few parades are still going on in the Sambadrome (Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí) –a long, straight custom-built stadium, with the best Samba schools.

Although you won’t see as many of the extravagant costumes strolling around the streets after the official carnival days, you’ll still feel the cheery vibes and enjoy the beautiful summer days in Rio.

When: Feb. 29-March 2

Las Fallas de Valencia, Spain

Spain is well known for its festive spirit. Every March, the streets of Valencia fill up with joyful people and a fiesta atmosphere that welcomes the spring season. Las Fallas (which means "the fires" or "torches" in Valencian) started as a pagan ritual and commemoration of St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters. It's since become a five-day versatile celebration. Today the festival's protagonists are the lifelike puppets or ninots, which are crafted for more than a year before they're set on fire at midnight during the festival. Lively music, crazy dancing, pyrotechnics, parades and bullfights will surely incite your high partying spirit. Expect to wake at 8 a.m. with La Despertà, followed by the explosion blast of La Mascletà, and you'll probably make it to the final night of the burning fallas, best known as La Cremà.

When: Through Mar. 15 (best days, Mar. 15-19)

Beyond Wonderland, San Bernardino-California

Beyond Wonderland, California via Facebook

Jump down the rabbit hole and you'll land in Wonderland, a place beyond your imagination where a vibrant cast of characters awaits you. Abounding with enchanting Alice in Wonderland imagery, this two-day electronic dance festival and performance party will plunge you into a glittering and colorful world. Four main areas feature stages where the most bizarre and fantastic characters linger: The Queen's Domain, a musical land of royalty; the Mad Hatter’s Castle, where high, lofty melodies greet eager dancers; Cheshire Woods, blaring deep house and marvelous beats,; and the Caterpillar’s Garden, where an overflow of delights will keep your mind entertained and your feet rousing. Check out this year's lineup before tumbling into the pulsing, dreamlike experience.

When: Mar. 20 & 21
Where: San Bernardino, California

Holi, India

Holi is known as the “Festival of Colors,” a name given by Lord Krishna, who enjoyed playing tricks on village girls by using watercolors. This celebration takes place during the last winter lunar cycle, welcoming the beginning of the spring season. Celebrated in most areas of India, this joyous event is filled with celebrants covered in bright dyes and dancing under water sprinklers. During Holi's eve, a crowd lights bonfires known as Holika Dahan, which symbolize the burning of the evil Holika and the triumph of good. If you plan to attend the Holi celebration, you better not mind getting wet and camouflaged in multicolored powder. Wear old clothes and remember to take proper precautions in the wild and crowded streets.

When: Mar. 10
Where: India and around the world

BaliSpirit Festival, Ubud-Bali

BaliSpirit Festival, Indonesia via Facebook. Photo by Elena Ray

To wake up and take a yoga class in the blissful scenery of Bali sounds like a great start. Feeling physically and emotionally good is the basis of the BaliSpirit Festival. Wellness experts, yoga teachers and participants from around the world come together to connect with their community, nature and the self. Yoga is an essential part of BaliSpirit, so you're likely to find a variety of yoga classes each day, plus a healing hut where you can receive an Esalen-style massage and workshops encouraging positive and healing experiences. To enjoy all events, including a few cocktail parties, we recommend buying a VIP Full Pass.

When: Mar. 29-Apr. 5

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