March 21 marks the first day of spring in the U.S., and though this seasonal change may not be as visible depending on where you live, the coming of spring and the spring equinox is celebrated not only in America, but in many other parts of the world as well. Let's take a look in pictures at of some of the most popular celebrations taking place worldwide in honor of this season.
1. Thailand | Songkran Festival
One of the most popular celebrations in the country, this three-day festival in mid-April marks the Thai New Year and involves an intense water war on the streets among natives and tourists alike.
2. Iran | Nowruz
Nowruz, which means "new day" in Farsi, is the Persian New Year and marks the start of spring with the holiday being observed on the day of the vernal equinox. This holiday is often celebrated over the course of 13 days, with Iranian families cleaning their homes, purchasing new clothing, paying visits to family and friends, and preparing and eating a symbolic meal called Haft seen among other celebrations. People in Iran, Kosovo, Turkey, and many other nations across the Middle East and Asia similarly celebrate their New Year around this time.
3. India | Holi
Though a Hindu festival with Hindu mythological backgrounds, Holi commemorates the end of winter and is usually celebrated on the day after the first full moon of March. This popular Festival of Colors is distinguished by its celebrations with colored powder, water, and distribution of sweets and Indian food.
4. Japan | Shunbun no Hi
Celebrated during the week of Haru no Higan, Shunbun no Hi is the holiday celebrating the spring (vernal) equinox by visiting ancestral graves with fresh flowers, cleaning homes, and observing nature and living creatures.
5. Bosnia | Čimburijada
As a traditional way of marking the first day of spring every year, people in Zenica, Bosnia, celebrate Čimburijada by gathering by the river, preparing scrambled eggs and sharing breakfast with friends and toursits.
6. Spain and Mexico| Semana Santa
Considered the second most important holiday in Mexico behind Christmas and celebrated in almost every Spanish city, Semana Santa, or "Holy Week" commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ. Catholic religious brotherhoods and fraternities perform penance processions on the streets during the last week of Lent, the week immediately before Easter.
7. Mexico | Spring Equinox in Teotihuacán
On the spring equinox, thousands gather in Teotihuacan dressed in white and/or with a red scarf and gather to chant atop the Pyramid of the Sun. Some say the chanting is to follow tradition and others say it is to ask God for health and energy for the new year.
8. Germany | Walpurgis Night
Tthis festival, traditionally held on the eve of May Day and named after Saint Walpurga celebrates the night when witches are reputed to hold a large celebration on the Brocken and await the arrival of spring.
