In photos: Festivals that celebrate nature

From trees and flowers to rivers and forests, many unique festivals across the globe honour nature directly. Let’s explore some truly nature focused celebrations. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )

Arbour Day (USA and Worldwide): Dedicated solely to planting and nurturing trees, Arbour Day (first celebrated in 1872 in Nebraska) honours the role of trees in supporting life. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )

Cherry Blossom Festival (Japan): Known as Hanami, this centuries old festival is dedicated to the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, symbolizing renewal and the impermanence of life. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )

Green Man Festival (Wales, UK): A summer arts and music festival deeply rooted in nature, held in the Brecon Beacons. It celebrates environmentalism and the mystical “Green Man,” symbol of nature. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )

Kanamara Matsuri (Japan): Held in Kawasaki, this Shinto festival honours fertility and the natural forces of creation, with deep ties to agriculture and protection of crops. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )

Madeira Flower Festival (Portugal): Celebrated in spring on the island of Madeira, streets are filled with carpets of flowers, symbolizing rebirth, fertility, and the bounty of nature. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )

Tu BiShvat (Israel): Called the “New Year of Trees,” this Jewish festival is marked by planting trees and eating fruits of the land, celebrating nature’s gifts. (Source: Photo by Wikimedia commons )