Europe is known for its incredible festivals. From Oktoberfest in Germany to the Running of the Bulls in Spain, there is something for everyone when it comes to European festivals. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best and biggest festivals in Europe. Whether you are looking for a music festival, a food festival, or a cultural event, we have you covered! So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of European festivals!
1. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival and traveling funfair). Held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, it is a 16- to 18-day folk festival running from mid or late September to the first weekend in October. With more than six million visitors each year, Oktoberfest is also the largest fair in the world. The Oktoberfest originated in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The festival was so successful that it was repeated the following year and became an annual event. Today, Oktoberfest is the biggest public fair in the world with over six million visitors annually – and still growing! Every year, about seven million liters of beer are drunk (that’s almost two billion pints!) and half a million grilled chickens are consumed.
There are many different ways to enjoy Oktoberfest. The most popular is to visit one of the 14 large tents set up on the fairgrounds, where you can drink beer, listen to traditional Bavarian music, and mingle with the locals. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also join in the traditional dances. Or, for a more sedate experience, you can simply take a stroll through the fairgrounds and soak up the atmosphere. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, Oktoberfest is an unforgettable experience!
If you’re planning on attending Oktoberfest, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance as hotels in Munich are often fully booked months ahead of the event. Also, remember to pack your lederhosen or dirndl (traditional Bavarian clothing) – you’ll fit right in and have a lot more fun if you do! Read the 3 things you need to know before you go to Oktoberfest in my new post here.
2. Carnaval de Nice in Nice, France
Carnaval de Nice is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in all of Europe. Every year, over a million people come to Nice to experience the week-long celebration. The festival features a large parade with floats, costumes, and music, as well as numerous other events and activities. If you’re looking for an exciting and festive way to celebrate, Carnaval de Nice is definitely the place to be.
You will have a chance to see many interesting things at this festival. One of them is the costumes. The costumes worn during Carnaval de Nice are truly a sight to behold. They are often very colorful and intricate, and they really add to the overall atmosphere of the festival.
Another highlight of Carnaval de Nice is the parade. The parade is one of the most anticipated events of the entire festival, and it does not disappoint. Tens of thousands of people line the streets to watch the spectacular procession of floats and costumed revelers. The parade is truly a sight to behold, and it’s definitely an experience you won’t want to miss.
If you’re interested in attending Carnaval de Nice, be sure to book your tickets and accommodations well in advance. The festival is extremely popular and hotels fill up quickly. With a little planning and preparation, you can have an incredible time at one of Europe’s most iconic festivals.
3. La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina is a festival that is held in the town of Buñol in Spain. It is a tomato throwing festival where participants throw tomatoes at each other. The festival is held on the last Wednesday of August and it attracts over 20,000 people from all over the world.
The origins of the festival are unknown but it is thought to have started in the 1940s. The festival was banned in the 1950s but it was reinstated in the 1970s and has been held annually ever since.
If you’re looking for a festival that is a little bit out of the ordinary, then La Tomatina is definitely one to consider. It’s a great way to experience Spanish culture and have a lot of fun at the same time.
4. Sziget Festival in Budapest, Hungary
Sziget is one of the biggest festivals in Europe and takes place on an island in the middle of Budapest. The festival attracts over 400,000 people from all over the world and features a wide range of music genres, as well as art installations and workshops. Sziget is also known for its unique atmosphere, which is created by the mix of people from all walks of life that come together to celebrate.
If you’re looking for a festival that has something for everyone, Sziget is definitely one to put on your list. And, with its convenient location in the heart of Europe, it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re coming from.
5. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
The Running of the Bulls is one of Spain’s most popular festivals and takes place every year in Pamplona. The festival lasts for nine days and features a lot of traditional Spanish food, music, and dance. On the last day of the festival, the bulls are released into the streets and people try to run away from them. It’s a dangerous event, but it’s also a lot of fun to watch. If you’re looking for a unique festival to attend, Running of the Bulls is definitely one to consider.
Besides, Pamplona is a beautiful city to visit, with its ancient buildings and streets. If you’re interested in Spanish culture, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in it. There’s no better way to experience Spain than by attending one of its biggest and most famous festivals.
6. Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the most popular and well-known festivals in Europe. Taking place in Scotland’s capital city, the festival is a celebration of arts and culture from around the world. With over 50,000 performers taking to the stage, there is something for everyone at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. From theatre and comedy to music and dance, the festival has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is definitely one of the top festivals in Europe that you should check out.
Conclusion
There are so many great festivals to choose from in Europe, that it can be hard to narrow it down to just a few. But, if you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, these six festivals are definitely some of the best that Europe has to offer. From the iconic Carnaval de Nice to the out-of-the-ordinary La Tomatina, there’s a festival for everyone in Europe. So, whether you’re looking to experience traditional Spanish culture or immerse yourself in the arts and culture of Scotland, be sure to check out one of these top festivals.