Travel Tips

Things You Can Only Do in the Month of March

Locations in this article:  Dublin, Ireland New York City, NY Philadelphia, PA

st patrick dublinReady to beat the winter blues? Even if the weather doesn’t change fast enough for you, you can still celebrate the beginning of spring and all that it brings—including flowers, maple syrup, and festivals. We discovered events across the country and around the world that you’ll only be able to celebrate this month.

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland

Where better to celebrate the Irish holiday than Dublin, Ireland? From March 13 through 17, locals and visitors alike will revel with gallons of Guinness and tons of leprechaun jokes. At the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade held on March 17th, join the million-strong, Guinness-fueled, Irish jigging, green-clad participants in celebrating this traditional Irish holiday.

The Philadelphia Flower Show

Flower lovers from around the nation will want to see the spectacular PHS Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This show is the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show and was awarded the 2014 Grand Pinnacle Gold Award from the International Festival & Events Association’s annual competition. Large-scale floral displays, elaborate gardens, and over-the-top floral creations will be displayed at this week-long event with different highlights each day, such as an LGBT Party and Wedding Wednesday. The show runs from Saturday, February 28 to Sunday, March 8.

Maple Sugaring in Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County

In Western Connecticut, the sweet scents of maple syrup begin to fill the air in March. There are a dozen sugarhouses and private farms that have visitor centers and offer tours of their grounds. You can view the process of turning thin tree sap to thick syrup, and even get a taste at the end. One of the busiest sugaring farms is Flanders Nature Center Sugar House at Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary in Woodbury. On March 5, 6, 12, and 13, you can see staff and volunteer demonstrations, and on March 19, you’ll get to witness the grand Maple Celebration, featuring music, bird talks and walks, maple food sampling, cooking demonstrations, and arts & crafts. Be sure to call ahead to the farm you would like to visit to check for visiting hours and dates.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons User Jacv85

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons User Jacv85

Equinox in Chichén Itza, Mexico

March 21 marks the Vernal Equinox, at which point the sun is positioned directly over the equator. This day marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated by many as a time of fertility, regeneration, and rebirth. The Mayan archaeological site of Chichén Itza is the most popular spot in Mexico to celebrate this event. Visitors will see the play of light and shadow that creates the image of a serpent slithering down the steps of the ancient Pyramid of Kulkulkan.

The Art Show by the Art Dealers Association of America

At the Park Avenue Armory in New York, from March 4 through 8, Art Dealer’s Association of America is holding its 27th annual Art Show showcasing 72 of the nation’s leading art dealers. Solo and two-person shows and thematic exhibitions will be featured at the fair. The Art Show will begin with a grand Gala on March 3, and all proceeds will go toward one of New York City’s leading social services agencies, the Henry Street Settlement.

Songkran Water Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

It’s not in March, but we’re giving you a heads-up about one of our favorite festivals. But be sure to wear appropriate clothing—stuff you don’t mind getting really wet. The Thai New Year is on April 13 this year and is traditionally celebrated with water pouring at a temple. This water pouring symbolizes the spiritual washing away of all bad and evil, and the invitation of good blessings and good wishes. However, for those celebrating nontraditionally—which are most people countrywide—water fights ensue for three days. People bring out their biggest Super Soakers, water balloons, spray bottles, and whatever water weapon they have to douse each other in the hot, humid weather.

For more information about spring activities, check out:

By Jessica May Tang for PeterGreenberg.com