10 Spring Festivals Around the World You Have to Check Out

When: April 13 to 15

Songkran is Thailand's longest and most famous public holiday, held on the same dates every year in various towns throughout Thailand. Although this tradition originated in India, it now officially serves to celebrate the Thai New Year. This holiday and festival consists of unloading water pistols and buckets full of water on people who pass by.

When: May 29

This event takes place on the UK's Spring bank holiday at Cooper's Hill in Brockworth, near Gloucester, England. Participants gather at the top of a hill, where they chase a nine-pound round of double Gloucester cheese as it rolls down the hill. Whoever first crosses the finish line is named the winner and receives the cheese wheel as their prize.

When: March 15 to 19

This bonfire festival takes place on the same dates each year in Valencia, Spain. This event originally began as a feast day in tribute to Saint Joseph, the saint of carpenters. Now centered around fire, this highly anticipated week is highlighted by the cardboard monuments and statues that are burned at the festival. Other activities include open-air celebrations, parades, bullfights, and other competitions.

When: March 13

Hailed for its colored celebrations, the Holi festival takes place in various locations in India on Phalgun Purnima, a holiday that always occurs in late February or early March. The festival begins with a lighting of a bonfire to celebrate the "good" in life over the "bad" in an effort to foster positive relationships.

When: May 12 to 22

This Canadian festival, which takes place in Ottawa, Ontario, aims to celebrate international friendship and the return of Spring and represent peace and freedom. The largest festival of its kind, it features over 1 million blooming tulips of 50 varieties all over public spaces across the city.

When: May 23 to July 23

This festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, (the biggest northern city in the world) is an annual international tradition to mark the season of the midnight sun with music, opera, and ballet performances and events at Mariinsky Theatre and Concert Hall, as well as a series of carnivals featuring period costumes. The city's Palace Square is also a famed stage for big-name performers – recent performers have included The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney.

When: March 20

This celebration takes place at Chichen Itza, a World Heritage Site and the centerpoint of Mayan culture in the Yucatan Jungle. The equinox, which happens twice a year in March and September, is defined as the point in the Earth's path around the sun when day and night match in length. Every year, this event draws curious and spiritual visitors to celebrate among the historic buildings that point toward the astrological mysteries the Mayans worked to solve.

When: April 15 to May 7

Taking place in Aguascalientes, Mexico, this festival combines artistic expressions with rodeo-style shows and exhibitions and, of course, traditional food and music. Held in honor of the saint of the San Marcos neighborhood, the family-friendly feria invites visitors to celebrate the high level of activity and wander in the city's temple, bullring, and garden.

When: April 27

Translating to King's Day, Koningsdag is Amsterdam's biggest open-air street festival. Bursting with its trademark orange all over the city's parks and streets, this festival is complete with live music and citywide parties and markets. The celebration also isn't complete without a traditional visit from the royal family to one of the Netherlands' towns or municipalities.

When: April 9 to 17

Going into its 25th year, Northern France's International Kite Festival takes place in Berck-sur-Mer. This colorful, family-friendly celebration draws more than 700,000 attendees each year to fly or even just admire giant kites in the shapes of creatures and animals. The event even holds a world championship, complete with performances and choreographies for your entertainment.