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In March, spring is emerging. Nature gradually reclaims its rights, days are lengthening, and holidays are approaching. We all need a good breath of fresh air after a long winter, and luckily, Europe offers a variety of destinations with very pleasant temperatures for the season. But that’s not all: March is also marked by numerous traditions, often linked to religion. This is particularly the case in Spain and Italy with Holy Week, and of course, it’s also the month of St. Patrick’s Day, which, while celebrated across Europe, has a particularly unique flavour in Ireland. Without further ado, here are places to travel in March in Europe, depending on the events taking place there.
In Valencia for the Fallas | Spain
Where? Valencia, southeastern Spain (map)
When? For dates, consult the official website of the city of Valencia
Las Fallas de Valencia is an unmissable Spanish festival, an annual event combining art, satire, and fires of all kinds. The origin of this event dates back to the Middle Ages, when the city’s carpenters would burn pieces of wood in front of their workshops to celebrate the arrival of spring. Each day, a noisy “mascleta”, a kind of firecracker, is set off in the early afternoon. On March 15th, the Planta takes place, where gigantic statues made of composite materials are erected. It’s a neighbourhood competition, each presenting its most beautiful statues. Before continuing, don’t forget to read our guide to Valencia.
In Seville for Semana Santa | Spain
Where? Seville, capital of Andalusia, southern Spain (map)
When? From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday
Holy Week is celebrated throughout Spain, but it has a special character in Seville. Balancing between religiosity and artistic performance, the celebrations are world-famous for the processions taking place and attracting tens of thousands of spectators. Each year, from all the city’s churches, processions of penitents, masked, head towards the cathedral, carrying the “pasos”, these altars topped with richly decorated statues.
In Paris for Fashion Week | France
Where? Paris (you know roughly where that is, right?)
When? For dates, check the official Fashion Week website
London, Milan, New York… the major fashion cities all have their Fashion Week and Paris is no exception. Since 1973, every six months, the French capital lives to the rhythm of fashion shows and outdoor photoshoots, delighting fashion enthusiasts. Just stroll through the streets to encounter gatherings of budding photographers snapping pictures of models for a day. It’s a concept worth discovering.
👉 And if you really want to have the time of your life, don’t miss our selection of hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower, or with a secret garden.
In Cardiff for the St. Davids Day parade | United Kingdom
Where? Cardiff, capital of Wales, western United Kingdom (map)
When? March 1, date of the death of Saint David
Every March 1st, Cardiff celebrates this saint, who lived in the 6th century AD. He is the patron saint of Wales, and it has been a national holiday since the 18th century (but not a public holiday). In Cardiff, festivities begin a few days earlier. But on the day, a huge parade is organised (official website), and concerts take place throughout the city. The most important, by the national orchestra of Wales, traditionally takes place in the evening.
In Glasgow for the Glasgow Comedy Festival | United Kingdom
Where? Glasgow, Scotland, northern United Kingdom (map)
When? For dates, consult the official Festival website
This is a relatively recent comedy festival. It was founded in the early 2000s. But its international reputation is well established. Every year, the crème de la crème of British humour (and beyond) gathers in the Scottish city, which already holds a prominent place in culture. Usually, the festival lasts about two weeks. Of course, if you’re not proficient in English, it may not be for you.
In Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day | Ireland
Where? Dublin, capital of Ireland (map)
When? March 17, but the party starts before
This is the unmissable event of March, all over Europe. But of course, St. Patrick’s Day has a particularly unique flavour in Ireland, its homeland. Every March 17th, the anniversary of the death of this saint who evangelised the country in the 5th century, all of Ireland is out and about. In Dublin, the heart of the festivities, which usually start around March 14th, it’s the grand parade that traverses the city, drawing thousands towards the city’s pubs. The party doesn’t end until the next day. It’s an unforgettable experience, trust us.
In Ostend for the Dead Rat Ball | Belgium
Where? Ostend, on the Belgian coast, in the Flemish zone (map)
When? For the date, consult the Facebook page dedicated to the ball
Ostend is certainly among the destinations to visit in March. And the Dead Rat Ball is the highlight of the city’s carnival. It’s the most popular masked ball in Belgium. It dates back to 1898 when young locals decided to organise a party for philanthropic purposes at the Casino-Kursaal after a wild trip to Paris.
In Lucerne for the Lucerne Festival (spring) | Swiss
Where? Lucerne, in central Switzerland (map)
When? For dates, consult the official Festival website
This is one of the major events for lovers of classical music in Europe. Each year, Lucerne and its festival attract the best orchestras, the best soloists, and a numerous and loyal audience. While the whole city is dedicated to it, the cultural and convention centre, designed by Jean Nouvel, is the main venue: the acoustics are perfect! Can’t make it to the Lucerne Festival in spring? No worries, the bulk of the festivities take place in summer.
In Oslo for the Holmenkollen Ski Festival | Norway
Where? Oslo, capital of Norway (map)
Where? For dates, consult the official Festival website
This is a festival dedicated to Nordic skiing, deeply rooted in the country’s history. Indeed, the Holmenkollen Ski Festival has been organised since… 1892. It’s a time of conviviality around winter sports, but above all a time of competition: ski jumping, biathlon, cross-country skiing, there’s something for everyone. And it’s a great opportunity to explore the natural landscapes of Norway, before or after the festivities. And to read our guide to Oslo, click here.
😍 The most beautiful fjords of Norway. In this article, we tell you, in our opinion, which are the most beautiful fjords to visit during a stay in Norway.
There you have it, our little list of places to go on a trip to March in Europe is complete. But if you have other ideas, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments or on our social networks.
