Spring, a time for celebration and fresh thinking!
First Published: 5th April 2024
As we come to the end of the Easter holidays in the UK and embrace the start of spring, both are associated with new life, growth, and a sense of renewal. Around the world, traditions and festivities provide an exciting backdrop for event organisers.
Whilst everyone knows of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or carnivals in Rio, there are many other places where spring and Easter are recognised in unusual ways. Take Bosnia, for example, who celebrate with giant pans of scrambled eggs, or the Holi festival in India, where everyone is covered in colourful powder.
As event planners, we are continually looking for something different to help our clients’ events stand out from the crowd. This week we look at some of the lesser-known spring traditions to give you some new ideas and new venue options.
Bulgaria – an increasingly popular choice
Our first location is Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, the arrival of spring is celebrated with a unique tradition involving red-and-white bracelets called martenitsa. These symbolic threads hold profound cultural significance, acting as a unifying symbol that binds Bulgarian communities while embodying collective hopes for strength, health, and happiness across the country. As winter’s grasp begins to fade, loved ones exchange martenitsa. When signs of spring emerge—whether it’s the first bloom, the return of storks, or the graceful flight of swallows—people ceremoniously remove their martenitsa and hang them in nearby trees. Over time, these trees become adorned with a colourful array of martenitsa, symbolizing the full bloom of spring and infusing the landscape with vibrant tradition.
Hotel Marinela, Sofia
Located in the green zone of the capital, the Hotel Marinela offers views of both the night lights of Sofia and the beauty of the Vitosha mountain. The interior combines tradition and comfort with innovation and modern design.
Within the hotel is a multipurpose hall which is ideal for holding large corporate events, exhibitions, shows and balls.
The complex has 13 other meeting rooms, the largest ballroom and conference hall in the capital city and a remarkable room on the top floor of the Hotel Marinela, with a unique view of Sofia.
Poland – exceptional value for money
Another up-and-coming country for the MICE industry is Poland. In Poland, they don’t just celebrate spring, they even have pre-spring or Przedwiosnie which is the name they give to March and April. If you are there on the first of April, be sure to take an umbrella as that is Wet Monday.
Śmigus-Dyngus, also known as lany poniedziałek (Wet Monday), is a Polish Easter Monday tradition that, in short, involves people throwing copious amounts of water at each other! This could make for an interesting teambuilding exercise or just allow your delegates to have some fun and soak up the local culture.
The Marriott Hotel, Krakow
Rather than the obvious choice of going to the capital, Krakow has some excellent options. The Marriott has seven meeting rooms that can be configured in any number of ways. Ideal for meetings, conferences and training courses, the largest room can also cater for banquets and galas for over 600 people.
There are cutting-edge meeting facilities featuring the latest high-tech professional equipment such as live streaming cameras and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Annapolis – the perfect mix of old and new
Somewhere else that has a strange custom for welcoming spring is Annapolis, Maryland in the USA.
In Annapolis, they celebrate the spring equinox with the Burning of the Socks festival. Traditionally, the boating community would only wear socks during the winter. With the approach of warmer weather, they would burn their thick winter socks. Officially, nobody then wears socks until the next equinox. Nowadays, visitors can also join in this strange ritual.
Annapolis has much to commend it with a rich maritime history and everything you would expect to find in a major US city. Two less predictable options for event organisers are The Franklin House and the Blackwell Barn and Lodge.
The Franklin House, Annapolis
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Situated in the heart of downtown Annapolis, Maryland’s State Capital, The Franklin House is perched upon a small hilltop within walking distance to not only Maryland’s legislative and government office buildings but to three nearby churches; rich in charm and history. Dating back to the 18th century, this venue is unusual in the way it marries old with the new.
The owner, himself a veteran of the hospitality industry, has created something special that offers you the chance to stage an altogether different experience.
With its large boardroom and an abundance of space for breakout sessions, the Franklin House is an ideal location for all manner of events. You can hire a room, or a floor or opt to take over the whole house.
The Blackwell Barn and Lodge, AnnapolisÂ
