March is a very spiritual time of year around the world. Practically every country around the world has some elaborate celebration to mark the changing of the seasons.
In the northern hemisphere, warm weather is finally coming back. In the south, it’s one last hurrah before the chill of winter sets in. Regardless where you are for this month, the influence of holy weeks and spring solstice celebrations can be felt.
If you’re looking for an escape this month, consider spending March taking part in a traditional ceremony. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the changing of the seasons with a glass of wine and some live music.
No matter how you mark the passing of the seasons, these eight destinations around the world come alive this month to help you do so with a memorable vacation.
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Cape Town, South Africa
March may be shoulder season in Cape Town but the city is no less vibrant. Come for the International Jazz Festival, which brings A-list names together for one weekend. This time of year is autumn in Cape Town, so venture outside the city to the vineyards to see harvest season in action.
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Chichen Itza, Mexico
The Mayans were amazing engineers, especially considering the pyramids at Chichen Itza were built thousands of years ago. To see their masterwork, the Pyramid of Kukulcan, at its most brilliant, book a trip for the spring equinox. Every year, on March 21, the pyramid becomes a “stairway to heaven” as the setting sun creates a shadow that looks like a snake slithering its way down the pyramid. The serpent is meant to represent the god Kukulcan (called Quetzalcoatl in Central Mexico) as he comes down to earth to provide hope to his followers.
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Mathura and Vrindavan, India
Holi is a traditional Hindu celebration that typically takes place the day after March’s full moon. Travelers looking to participate in a traditional Holi ceremony—which involves wearing white and throwing saturated pigments—can venture to Mathura and Vrindavan for a weeklong celebration. It’s one of the biggest and most famous Holi festivals in India.
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Armagh, Ireland
Avoid the crowds in Dublin by celebrating in the birthplace of the actual Saint Patrick. Every year, the town hosts “Home of St. Patrick” festival, complete with parades, historical tours and traditional Irish concerts. Locals say that in the year 445, Saint Patrick founded his first large stone church and established the town as Ireland’s spiritual center.
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New Orleans
No city welcomes spring quite like the Big Easy. Weather is typically in the high 70s and festive spirits are even higher. Whether the city is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, or just a sunny Friday afternoon, everybody will be out on the streets and in good spirits this month.
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Buenos Aires
Autumn arrives in Buenos Aires in March, making an agreeable atmosphere to walk around and discover the city. (If any Latin American city was designed for aimless walks, it is Buenos Aires. Temperatures tend to stay in the 70s but, for locals, that’s a welcome relief from the heat of January. Pack a good pair of shoes as you’ll likely want to be outside all day, soaking up the flavor of the city.
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Doha, Qatar
Doha is starting to get recognized as one of the most sophisticated cultural capitals of the Middle East. Doha’s March weather is pleasant, just before the oppressive heat of spring and summer start to set in. Take advantage of the climate and meander along the waterfront, pop between the city’s bountiful art galleries, or wander through the eclectic open-air markets.
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Valencia, Spain
Valencia remains one of Spain’s hidden gems. It’s located on a warm, southern beach but doesn’t have the international vibes of Barcelona. Valencia still retains the vibe of a small, unique city, Especially in March during the Las Fallas festival. To celebrate the day of St. Joseph, the town basically sets effigies on fire and parades the flames around town. There are also elaborate fireworks displays. While the festival is a treat for pyrotechnics, it’s also a great time for foodies. Don’t leave without eating paella.