Travelling through Europe is often considered a rite of passage; where else could you discover jaw-dropping historical sights, stumble happily from gigantic beer halls, fall madly in love with the world’s most romantic cities or yodel yourself hoarse on green pastured mountain peaks. With festival season just around the corner, there is no better excuse to start planning your European summer trip!
There’s no better way of getting to know the locals than by throwing tomatoes in their face. Or joining them as they celebrate their King and dress head to toe in orange. Or climbing a mountain and covering them in wine, before they then cover you in wine. Forget the small talk; this is making friends European style.
If you’re looking for a traditional European festival that stems from way, way back, that’s jam packed with local music, food, fun, and some weird, wonderful and unique activities, then check out our European cultural festival calendar and get yourself to the next one ASAP.
1. Oktoberfest
Where? Munich, Germany
When? 19 Sep – 4 Oct
Why? Oktoberfest is the German beer folk festival held once a year in Munich. It celebrates the anniversary of the wedding between Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and his wife. Oktoberfest takes place in giant beer tents, serving the best German beer and food you’ll enjoy for a long time! But it’s not just about the beer, each tent has a brass band playing everything from chart hits to traditional classics. All you have to do is grab your mates, don the lederhosen, pick up a pint glass and party German style…worry about the hangover tomorrow.
Fact: Bavaria does not run out of lederhosen. For cheap outfits try C&A in Neuhauserstrasse at Marienplatz. A one litre Stein costs about £8.
2. La Batalla Del Vino
Where? Haro, La Rioja, Spain
When? June
Why? We’ve always been told wine is too precious to waste, and if you are going to waste it – do it wisely. However, in the small town of Haro – a battle to end all battles takes place to celebrate the Spanish wine festival. This is not the kind of wine festival where people stand around swirling glasses, scoffing camembert whilst discussing bouquets and undertones. This is rioja-soaked carnage involving the entire town throwing over 50,000 litres of red wine all over each other. Rest assured, the wine is no Gran Reserva – so grab a jug and get stuck in. With no rules, teams, winners or losers – why not celebrate St. Peter’s Feast Day with the locals, get a bit drunk and turn a beautiful shade of purple.
3. La Tomatina
Where? Bunol, Spain (close to Valencia)
When? 31 August
Why? There is something strangely enticing about a festival dedicated to throwing squashed tomatoes! That’s why thousands flood in to Valencia each year with the specific intent of taking part in the world’s biggest food fight. The fight begins at 11am when a loud firework will go off, and then participants are left to stand their own over the next chaotic hour as the streets and the people turn into a sea of red, until the second firework goes off to indicate the end. The fun doesn’t stop there, the palo-jambon event will see people climbing a soap-covered pole to reach the prosciutto on the top, with the first person to grab it claiming victory and the ham! So if you are a bit of a foodie, be sure to get a ticket to this event. Be sure to spend time exploring the beautiful city of Valencia – this is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
4. Halloween
Where? Translyvania, Romania
When? 29 Oct – 4 Nov
Why? We know Halloween is worldwide, but there’s something about Transylvania that sends an icy chill down the most fearless adventurer – would you be willing to spend the one of the most haunted days in the year in Dracula’s castle? You can attend a Halloween party in an authentic, gothic castle and rave the night away to the monster mash. While you’re there explore Romania’s haunted castles, Gothic architecture and enchanting forests. You might even meet some lovely locals.
Fact: Dracula was based upon the Transylvanian villain known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’.
5. Hogmanay
Where? Scotland
When? December
Why? Nowhere celebrates New Year’s Eve like they do in Scotland. Hogmanay street parties happen come rain or shine (or snow, being Scotland), and there’s no shortage of entertainment, rides, bands, haggis, and good times. Head on up there on one of our packages and we’ll take you to a ceilidh, throw in a walking tour of Edinburgh, and offer you the chance to take a dip in the ice cold sea – otherwise known as a Loony dork.
6. Up Helly AA
Where? Shetland Islands, Scotland
When? January
Why? On the last Tuesday of January, Lerwick in Shetland, gets ready for it’s annual Viking fire festival to mark the end of the yule season. See over 1000 guizers (they’re the folk dressed up as Vikings) wearing some very impressive costumes, and marching through the town with torches. The big day culminates with the burning of a replica Viking longship or galley that is then put out to sea.
7. Las Fallas
Where? Valencia, Spain
When? March
Why? If you’re a fan of big bangs, bright lights, and giant sculptures, then this festival held in honour of St Joseph’s Day, and dating from the 15th century, is one you need to been seen at. The Falles are huge papier-mâché sculptures that represent current affairs and celebrities. You’ll have four days to explore each sculpture and get involved in the paella eating, street parties, and incredible firework shows. The highlight of the four day festival is the burning of the fallas on the final day – an essential viewing for any trip or gap year in Europe.
8. St Patrick’s Day
Where? Ireland
When? March
Why? St Patrick’s Day is huge the world over, but there’s really only one place to celebrate the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death, and that’s The Emerald Isle itself. Locals in every village, town and city, deck themselves out in green on March 17 to drink, eat and be merry Irish style; this means plenty of shamrocks, Irish jigs, Guinness and a night you’ll never forget (or maybe, struggle to remember the next day)!
9. King’s Day
Where? Netherlands
When? April
Why? Orange is so your colour. Well, it is on the day that celebrates the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. Everyone adorns the streets and canals, wearing the national colour of orange with pride, while listening to DJs, bands and picking up some bargains in the world’s largest flea market; The Vrijmarkt. The best spot to be is definitely on the canal, where hundreds of decorated boats pack the water. Eat oliebollen, drink, be merry, take phots, but just don’t fall in. Proost!
Europe has got some wicked festivals, make sure you to try experience as many as possible! If you would like to be more than just a tourist view our guide to work in Europe for foreigners.