Are you ready for a whirlwind tour of Europe’s most exciting cultural festivals? Europe’s festival scene is a rich terrain of potentially unforgettable experiences just begging to be explored. But with so many to choose from, how to decide which festivals to hit? No worries, we’ve got your back!
In this guide, we take you on a tour of 10 of Europe’s most spectacular cultural festivals, which are taking place this year. You’ll find the wonder of masked balls, the exhilaration of music festivals, centuries-old traditions. Here’s where to start planning your European festival tour, so let’s get into it and discover the best cultural events.
Carnival of Venice: The floating city’s masked fete
A Centuries-Old Tradition
A world of mystery and elegance awaits you with the Carnival of Venice. This centuries-old tradition turns the floating city into a magical world where reality and fantasy collide. Walking through the narrow streets and the beautiful canals, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of beautifully crafted masks and elaborate costumes, each a work of art in its own right.
The Art of Masquerade
The spirit of the Carnival is encapsulated in its classic masks. You’ll get to select from a huge variety of styles, from the traditional white volto to the long-nosed medico della peste. When you wear a mask, you become an essential part of the living tapestry of the festival, participants mingling with locals and tourists in a mass celebration of anonymity and artistry.
Grand Balls and Street Performances
No Carnival visit would be complete without attending at least one grand masked ball of the festivities. You’ll be swept along by the opulence of Venetian palazzos, frolicking and sipping prosecco with fellow revellers in a scene very much removed from the fairytale realm.
During the daytime, street performances, parades and gondola processions fill the city’s waterways with colour and music.
Vinterjazz: A 3-week-long musical feast
Copenhagen’s Musical Extravaganza
You’ll find yourself immersed in a musical wonderland at Vinterjazz, Denmark’s premier winter jazz festival. For 3 weeks from the 30th of January, this celebration sweeps across Copenhagen and the nearby regions, using the city and its people as a canvas for some melodic magic.
As you move through the city, you’ll find more than 600 concerts in 100 venues, from cosy cafes to blockbusters in concert halls at this European festival.
A Diverse Jazz Experience
Vinterjazz gives you the chance whether you’re into classic jazz, experimental pieces or modern fusions, you’ll find shows that suit your ear. As you discover from one venue to another you’ll likely find yourself treating both legendary jazz players and up-and-coming talents, helping you to create a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable musical journey.
St Patrick’s Day: The feast of Saint Patrick
The Feast of Saint Patrick
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the 17th of March, which celebrates Irish culture and heritage. The streets of Dublin are awash with green and revellers will wear shamrocks and raise a pint of Guinness to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.
On this festive day, you can join parades lined with colourful floats, traditional Irish music and step dancing. The energy is palpable, with street performers and live bands entertaining crowds in pubs and squares around the city.
But not just in Dublin
Dublin throws the biggest party but cities throughout Europe will be raising a glass to St. Patrick. London’s Trafalgar Square becomes a sea of green and Paris lights up the Sacré-Cœur in emerald colours.
To be sure, St Patrick’s Day is not only about wearing green and drinking beer. It is a chance to dive into Irish culture, learn about its rich history and encounter the kindness of the Irish people.
Keukenhof: A Colourful Tulip & Flower Festival
A Floral Wonderland
You will transported to a place of colour and fragrance as soon as you enter Keukenhof. Called the “Garden of Europe,” this stunning tulip and flower festival highlights the best of Dutch floriculture. Keukenhof, located in Lisse, Netherlands, opens its gates for a limited season each spring, generally between late March and mid-May.
A Rainbow of Tulips
The centrepiece of Keukenhof’s appeal is its tulip installations. You will be surrounded by millions of tulips in every colour imaginable. From hundreds of rows of classic reds and yellows to exotic purples and striped varieties, the tulip fields stretch as far as the eye can see. You can explore the specially designed gardens that tell their own colourful stories.
Beyond Tulips
In addition to the spotlight on tulips, Keukenhof has so much more to offer. You’ll find a wide range of other spring flowers as well, including daffodils, hyacinths and orchids. The indoor pavilions display special flower shows and art exhibitions, making them an ideal refuge if the weather takes a chill.
Ultra Europe: Multi-venue outdoor electronic music festival
Electrifying Atmosphere
Feel the electrifying vibe of one of Europe’s top electronic music festivals at Ultra Europe. This multi-day, between 11-13th July, affair turns the seaside city of Split, Croatia into a dance music utopia. Some of the best DJs in the world are playing you some of the best productions one can hope for across multiple stages.
Star-Studded Lineup
Ultra Europe will feature a world-class lineup of international talent. You’ll get to witness some of the most colossal names of so-called electronic music, from trance gods to techno pioneers. The various acts are representative of the many electronic subgenres, so no matter what you’re into, you’ll find some foot-movers at the festival.
Stunning Venues
Ultra Europe is notable for having multiple venues. You’ll be partying on the beach, dancing under the stars at the main stadium, and even going to exclusive yacht parties. They are all their own Lorde, in a way and that allows you to create your own festival experience at each venue.
Sanfermines: Running of the bulls
The Thrill of San Fermín
Join in the madness of Sanfermines or Running of the Bulls, in Pamplona, Spain. For several days every 6-14th of July, this legendary gala puts you in the middle of tradition, peril and festivity.
Safety First
Although the bull run is the main event, ensure that your safety is the most important thing on your mind. So if you participate, do so at your own risk and be sure to read up on any safety precautions and follow them. And remember, watching from the sidelines can often be just as exciting and far safer.
Beyond the Bulls
Sanfermines is more than just the bull run. You’ll be immersed in a week-long fiesta with parades, fireworks and traditional Spanish music. Don’t miss the “Chupinazo,” the opening ceremony in which thousands of revellers fill the town square to formally launch the festivities.
Sziget Festival: The all-encompassing cultural party
A Musical Extravaganza on Óbuda Island
Known informally as the Island of Freedom, the Sziget Festival is a one-week celebration between 6-11th of Aug, that turns Budapest’s Óbuda Island into a colourful global village of sorts. Once you arrive on the island, with this perfumed atmosphere of music, art and diversity, you know it is like no other European festival.
A Feast for Music Lovers
You can be spoiled for choice at Sziget, with more than 1,000 performances over 60 stages. And the festival will feed every musical taste, from rock and pop to electronic and world music. You can boogie to chart-topping headliners one minute and find up-and-coming local talents the next.
Beyond the Music
But Sziget is not just a music festival. You will discover many things to do that are indeed an all-encompassing cultural experience. Whether you fancy a spot of theatre, circus, art installations or a movie, there’s something in the pipeline for everyone.
A Global Community
Probably the most notable aspect of Sziget is its international crowd. You’ll get to know festival-goers from more than 100 countries, making a great opportunity for cultural exchange and new friendships.
None of us came from the same walks of life or styles of dress but it was living proof that you can let down the barriers we place around ourselves to form real connections.
Oktoberfest: One of Europe’s largest folk festivals
The Bavarian Extravaganza
You may have heard of Oktoberfest, but this is one experience hands down you must be a part of in person. Oktoberfest is this iconic German festival held annually (from the 20th of Sept. to the 5th of Oct.) in Munich to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer and traditional cuisine.
As you enter this European festival grounds, you will be greeted by a sea of lederhosen and dirndls, the traditional wear of locals and travelers alike.
Beer and Beyond
The massive beer tents in the centre of Oktoberfest, each run by a different Munich brewery, are the heart and soul of the festival. You’ll be thrust into the midst of jolly crowds, clinking steins of frothy beer and singing along to conventional German music.
But Oktoberfest isn’t only about the beer, visitors can go for Bavarian specialities such as pretzels, sausages and roast chicken, too.
A Cultural Experience
Along with the food and drink, you’ll be able to experience carnival rides, parades and live music. The celebration of the festival is a fine mix of tradition and modernity. Wading through the revelry, you’re thrust into a distinct cultural experience that has denied tourists a peek for more than two centuries.
Advent Markets: Austrian Christmas festivities
A Winter Wonderland of Austrian Traditions
With the winter chill, Austria becomes a magical place full of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. You’ll be charmed by the famed Advent Markets, where century-old traditions transition against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains and baroque-style structures.
Immerse Yourself in Festive Splendour
Imagine wandering down cobbled alleyways, where the fragrance of roasted chestnuts and spiced wine enshrouds you. You will find a veritable feast of handmade decorations, beautifully carved nativity scenes and unusual gifts showcasing the tradition of Austrian craftsmanship.
Indulge in Seasonal Delights
You’ll get a taste of traditional delicacies. Enjoy the warmth of freshly baked lebkuchen (gingerbread) and indulge in melt-in-the-mouth vanillekipferl (crescent-shaped vanilla cookies). And don’t forget to drink a steaming mug of glühwein (mulled wine) to keep your winter chill at bay.
Experience Timeless Traditions
As you explore the markets, you will experience centuries-old traditions that have been treasured for years. Hear angelic voices sing carols in ancient churches and watch complex Krampus parades in cities, where the mischievous side of holiday celebration comes to the fore.
Hogmanay: Edinburgh’s roaring NYE Festival
When plotting out your European festival excursion, be sure not to miss the Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh. This Scottish New Year’s extravaganza is a “you-must-experience town” that you’ll be talking about for the rest of the year. You’ll be caught up in the charged atmosphere as thousands gather in the city centre for the iconic Street Party.
For a unique experience, join the Torchlight Procession. From live music and spectacular fireworks to traditional Scottish dance, you’ll welcome the New Year in style. You’ll be part of a river of light flowing through the historic streets of Edinburgh, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the night sky.
When midnight comes, one of Europe’s most spectacular fireworks displays will keep you entertained in front of the breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle. Finishing off the celebrations with live music and entertainment until well into the early hours.
Planning Your Festival Adventure
Best times to visit for festival-goers
The timing is key when planning your European festival adventure. The best times to visit depend on the festivals you want to see. Spring and summer bring loads of events like the Keukenhof Tulip Festival in April-May and the Sziget Festival in August.
Autumn is the time of the famous Oktoberfest in September-October and winter means beautiful Christmas markets and New Year festivities, including Hogmanay.
To maximize your trip:
- Start researching festival dates in advance
- Consider shoulder seasons for better deals and fewer crowds
- At least plan for a few days before and after for exploration at each festival location
Accommodation
Accommodation can get tricky due to the popular festival season. Here are some tips to ensure you have a comfortable stay:
- Book early, ideally 6 to 12 months in advance for major events
- Consider alternatives such as vacation rentals or hostels
- Search for accommodations just outside the festival area, which may have better rates
- Join waitlists and set up alerts for cancellations
Transportation
Getting between festival locations efficiently is crucial. Here are some of the transportation options:
- Rail: Eurail passes offer flexibility and scenic routes
- Budget airlines: Perfect for longer distances
- Bus services: Economical for shorter trips
- Car rentals: Ideal for exploring rural areas and smaller towns
Budgeting
It’s important to have a realistic budget mapped out for your festival-hopping trip. Take into account these main expenses:
- Festival tickets and associated costs
- Accommodation and transportation
- Food and drinks (both inside and outside festivals)
- An emergency fund for unexpected expenses
Do your homework on local currencies and exchange rates. Use travel-friendly credit cards to avoid foreign transaction fees. With proper forecasting and back-to-back planning, you will be ready to dive into the massive festival culture of Europe.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to explore Europe than at one of these cultural festivals. When planning your European festival adventure, keep in mind that these events are more than just entertainment, they’re gateways to understanding and appreciating diverse cultures.
The European festival scene is a rich terrain of potentially unforgettable experiences just begging to be explored. Identify the festivals that speak to you, plan for them and take the chance to create memories for a lifetime.
