April is a month of blossoms, beginnings, and bizarre traditions across the globe. As spring breathes new life into the world, different cultures welcome the season in their own colorful and often quirky ways. From flying kites in India to chasing cheese down hills in England (yes, really!), April brings with it a mix of joy, playfulness, and age-old customs.
Let’s explore some of the most unusual and fascinating April traditions from around the world that might just surprise you.
1. Songkran – Thailand’s Water Festival (Mid-April)
Perhaps one of the most famous (and wettest!) April festivals, Songkran marks the Thai New Year. Celebrated from April 13 to 15, this tradition turns the streets into a massive water fight. Buckets, water guns, and even elephants are used to spray people, symbolizing purification and renewal
2. Easter Witch Tradition – Sweden & Finland
In Sweden and parts of Finland, children dress up as Easter witches in April—with headscarves, long skirts, and painted red cheeks—and go door to door offering handmade drawings in exchange for candy (similar to Halloween)
3. Cheese Rolling Practice – UK (Warm-up for May)
While the official Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling event takes place in May, local training and practice runs begin in late April in Gloucestershire, England. Participants chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, often tumbling their way to the bottom.
4. Hōnen Matsuri – Japan’s Fertility Festival (Early April)
Held annually in Komaki, Japan, the Hōnen Matsuri is a fertility festival featuring a giant wooden phallus paraded through the town. The festival celebrates agricultural abundance and prosperity, accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and generous servings of sake.
5. Shakrain Kite Festival – Bangladesh (April Variant)
While Shakrain is officially celebrated in January, an April kite-fighting revival takes place in parts of Dhaka and other South Asian cities to enjoy the spring wind. Participants fly vibrant kites, engage in battles mid-air, and light up the sky at night with fireworks.
6. Patios Festival – Córdoba, Spain (Late April Preview)
Though officially held in early May, the locals of Córdoba start decorating their courtyards and flower-filled patios by late April. This tradition honors the arrival of spring with jaw-dropping displays of colorful flowers, mosaics, and fountains in private homes, open to public viewing.
7. Bisket Jatra – Nepal (Mid-April)
In Bhaktapur, Nepal, Bisket Jatra is a thrilling festival that includes a chariot tug-of-war, tongue piercing, and street parties. Celebrated during the Nepali New Year, it’s a mix of religious reverence and raw energy that brings entire communities together.
8. April Fish Day – France (April 1st)
France’s version of April Fools' Day is called “Poisson d’Avril” (April Fish). The tradition involves sticking paper fish on people’s backs as a prank and shouting “Poisson d’Avril!” when they notice.
Conclusion: April is More Than Showers and Flowers
While many of us associate April with spring blooms and longer days, it’s also a time when the world bursts with culture, color, and creativity. These unusual April traditions show how people everywhere find meaningful (and often playful) ways to welcome change, celebrate life, and stay rooted in their heritage.
