6 Spectacular Festivals in Germany Worth Experiencing
Check out these awesome annual events and immerse yourself into the fun-loving culture and traditions of Germany.
There’s no better way of experiencing a country than by visiting during a festival, and Germany hosts plenty of them throughout the year. There’s always something exciting going on here for all interests, whether you visit in the summer, spring, winter or autumn! Here are six particularly special German festivals that perfectly represent the country’s unique culture and heritage.
Oktoberfest, Munich: 19th September - 4th October 2020
Oktoberfest is definitely the most famous German festival, as well as the world’s largest folk festival. Held in Munich, the Bavarian capital usually between late September and October, this immersive event attracts over 6 million visitors to celebrate everything Bavarian; particularly beer, which is served in giant steins at hundreds of beer tents, restaurants, breweries and taverns across the city. Expect to see people dressed in dirndl and lederhosen simply celebrating food and drink. It’s more than just eating, drinking and being merry though; the festival also comprises of games, fairground rides, street-side performances, parades and concerts. This year will be the 187th Oktoberfest celebration!
Cologne Carnival: 20th - 26th February 2020
Carnival is an incredible event celebrated all over the world; each country’s celebration of this festival features its own unique traditions. Germany celebrates Carnival in style and the major centre for these celebrations is certainly Cologne, which hosts the week-long event that sees locals dressed in colourful costumes, traditional music and dance performances and concerts throughout the day, and the evenings consist of vibrant street parties and shows. A highlight of the Cologne Carnival is the Rose Monday Parade, the biggest and most colourful event in the city with colourfully decorated floats, marching bands and dancers.
Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg: 16th - 19th September 2020
This important music festival hosts many musical themed celebrations spread across the charming German city of Hamburg. Many of the city’s clubs, music venues, bars and cultural centres form part of the Reeperbahn Festival, and there more than 1000 events to enjoy including around 600 music concerts, film screenings, a diverse range of literature, virtual reality, networking events and art exhibitions. The festival provides a variety of genres and themes and promotes up and coming local and international artists. Head to the Reeperbahn festival and appreciate some great music in a great city.
Berlin International Film Festival, Berlin: 20th February - 1st March 2020
The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the world’s largest public film festivals and a glamorous red carpet event which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each and every year. The event is dedicated to the film industry and media, and has been going since 1951. The great thing about this prestigious festival is that it isn’t limited to invite only; public tickets are available for screenings. The Berlin International Film Festival now hosts international stars and new local talent, screening around 400 international films from all genres which are showcased through presentations, as well as other special events and parties.
Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim: 11th-15th September & 18th-21st September 2020
Wine lovers rejoice! Experience the largest wine festival in the world, Wurstmarkt, aka the Dürkheim sausage market which has been going for almost 600 years. This unique festivity in the German town of Bad Dürkheim features around 300 different wines including sparkling wine, whites, rosé, reds and seasonal wines. The main wine featured at Wurstmarkt is Riesling which makes up more than a third of the total. German sausages come just as abundant as the wine here, so it’s an event to truly celebrate excellent local food and drink at hundreds of food stalls and enjoy a carnival atmosphere.
Rhine in Flames Festival, Upper Middle Rhine Valley: May - September 2020
This enchanting festival takes place on five weekends throughout summer, featuring a parade of illuminated river boat fleets which glide down the banks of the Rhine River and incredible fireworks displays which light up the sky in the evening, reflecting off the waters. Enjoy a kaleidoscope of colourful lights among lush countryside landscapes, as well as music concerts and food and wine events. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in Germany, filled with vineyards, charming ancient towns and castles, so if you do want to experience Rhine in Flames, make sure you take extra time to see the sights.
If you’d like to experience one of these epic German festivals, why not take a look at our excellent flight deals to Germany and inclusive holiday packages?
