As winter gives way to spring, Europe comes alive with colorful festivals rooted in centuries-old traditions. From St. Patrick’s Day parades in Munich to Hungary’s historic National Day, March is a month of celebration, cultural identity, and seasonal renewal.
It is the perfect time to travel deeper into local traditions, experiencing Europe beyond the peak-season crowds, while staying in heritage hotels that place you at the heart of the festivities.
Austria – Easter Markets and Spring Traditions
In Austria, March marks the arrival of early spring festivities, especially in years when Easter falls late in the month. One of the highlights is Vienna’s Easter Markets, particularly the iconic market in front of Schönbrunn Palace, which usually opens in the second half of March. Here, visitors browse stalls filled with hand-painted eggs, artisanal crafts, and seasonal delicacies, all set against a stunning imperial backdrop.
In Salzburg, classical music enthusiasts gather for the Salzburg Easter Festival, featuring world-class opera and orchestral performances during Holy Week. Even when Easter falls in April, March still offers Lenten traditions, village processions, and the first outdoor wine taverns, making it an elegant and culturally rich time to visit.
To experience Austria’s spring celebrations at their finest, stay at one of our heritage hotels in Austria, where imperial history and refined hospitality go hand in hand.
Czech Republic – Masopust and Easter Preparations
March in the Czech Republic bridges Carnival traditions and Easter preparations. Many towns celebrate Masopust, the Czech version of Carnival, with masked parades, music, and dancing, marking the final days before Lent.
As spring approaches, communities observe the ancient custom of vynášení Moreny, the symbolic “throwing out” of Morana, the Slavic goddess of winter. Around March 21, villagers burn or drown an effigy to farewell the cold season and welcome renewal. In Prague, early Easter markets sometimes open by late March, filling Old Town Square with stalls selling decorated eggs, trdelník pastries, and folk ornaments, framed by Gothic architecture and spring blossoms.
If you are visiting the Czech Republic in March, stay at our heritage hotel in the Czech Republic, our only property in the country, and experience these traditions from a truly historic base.
Germany – St. Patrick’s Day in Munich & Starkbierzeit
Germany in March offers a fascinating mix of international celebrations and local traditions. In Munich, one of Europe’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades outside Ireland fills the streets with green attire, Irish music, and festive energy. The two-day celebration includes parades, live Celtic performances, and cultural events along Munich’s historic avenues.
At the same time, Bavaria celebrates Starkbierzeit, the strong beer season traditionally linked to Lent. Local breweries host gatherings where visitors can taste Doppelbock beers, originally brewed by monks, accompanied by hearty Bavarian cuisine.
For an authentic German spring experience, stay at one of our heritage hotels in Germany, set in historic inns, manor houses, and countryside retreats.
Great Britain – Cheltenham Festival and Spring Fêtes
March ushers in the first major social events of the year in Great Britain, led by the renowned Cheltenham Festival. Held in mid-March, this prestigious four-day horse racing event culminates in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators dressed in tweed, hats, and racing elegance.
Elsewhere, St. David’s Day on March 1 is celebrated across Wales with parades and music, while St. Patrick’s Day lights up cities like London with green illuminations and festive gatherings. By late March, spring fairs and flower shows begin to appear, celebrating longer days and blooming landscapes.
If you are visiting Great Britain in March, stay at one of our heritage hotels, perfectly located for both countryside escapes and cultural events.
Italy – Feast of San Giuseppe and Spring Food Traditions
Italy welcomes spring with La Festa di San Giuseppe on March 19, celebrating Saint Joseph and Father’s Day. Particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, the day is marked by religious processions, communal feasts, and symbolic bread altars created as offerings.
Bonfires known as vampa di San Giuseppe light up the night before the feast, while bakeries across the country prepare zeppole di San Giuseppe, indulgent cream-filled pastries. March also signals the beginning of spring food festivals, from artichoke celebrations to early wine events.
If you are visiting Italy in March, stay at one of our Italian heritage hotels, where culinary tradition and historic settings come together.
Malta – Carnival and Freedom Day Regatta
Malta’s March calendar is rich with color and history. When Carnival falls in early March, Valletta and Gozo host vibrant parades, masquerade balls, and street performances blending medieval tradition with Mediterranean flair.
At the end of the month, Freedom Day on March 31 commemorates Malta’s independence from British rule. The highlight is the traditional Regatta in Grand Harbour, where teams row colorful boats in a lively competition watched from historic bastions and waterfronts.
If you are visiting Malta in March, stay at our heritage hotel in Malta, the island’s sole Heritage Hotels of Europe property, for an authentic and atmospheric stay.
March is a remarkable time to experience Europe through its living traditions. From bonfires and parades to food festivals and national commemorations, this month celebrates renewal, identity, and heritage. With Heritage Hotels of Europe, every festival becomes part of a deeper journey — one where history is not only visited, but lived.