The most effective way to get a better feel for the spirit of the country and learn more about its culture is to attend a folk festival or folk festival. In Germany, there are plenty of such events: in addition to the well-known Oktoberfest, fairs, parades, processions, competitions and other interesting events are held throughout the country on a grand scale.
During mass festivities, tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the national cuisine, see traditional costumes, hear folk German songs and, in general, to penetrate deeper into the atmosphere of the country, which is invaluable for forming a correct presentation. The largest number of festive events falls on the summer, and many events are also held in the fall and spring.
The biggest holidays in Germany
Oktoberfest
Perhaps the most famous and grandiose festival in Germany, annually gathering millions of tourists from all over the world - connoisseurs of high-quality German beer and folklore traditions. It takes place in Munich in the second half of September and early October. On the Teresa's meadow, pavilions of brewing companies (only Munich ones) are installed, which produce a foamy drink in accordance with the laws of the 15th-16th centuries.
Kranger Kirmes
Fairytale festival that takes place in the city of Herne. It starts on the last Friday of August and lasts a whole week. This is a fun extravaganza with carousels, music and attractions. In terms of the scope of events, the event is second only to the famous Oktoberfest. It is believed that Kranger Kirmes appeared in the 15th century, when illusionists, jugglers, street performers and magicians began to appear in the local market for the sale of wild horses.
Cannstatter Volksfest
Another beer festival in Germany, but this time in Stuttgart. Its history began in the 19th century. At first, beer was not the main "character", but gradually the emphasis shifted, and today visitors can taste the foamy drinks of hundreds of companies that set up their tents on an area of 16 hectares, as well as eat hearty schnitzels, roast beefs and other delicacies. The Cannstatter Volksfest takes place in September-October and lasts 16 days.
Great fair on the Rhine
A large-scale holiday in Dusseldorf, which takes place in July for 10 days and annually gathers about 4 million people. Events are organized in a large meadow in the Oberkassel area. Market stalls and attractions are set up in the middle of old buildings, which become natural scenery for the fair. Traditionally, the festival is organized by the St. Sebastian, which has a 700-year history.
Kiel week
A folk festival where traditional festivities, carnival processions and sailing regatta are combined. It takes place in the port of Kiel in June and lasts a little over a week. The first ship race took place in the 19th century under Kaiser Wilhelm II. The main events can be seen on the embankment: musicians, circus performers and comedians entertain visitors on specially constructed stages.
Festival of Saint Liborius in Paderborn
The holiday is dedicated to St. Liboria - the patron saint of the city. It is held in the last days of July. Festive events begin with the ringing of the cathedral bells and a solemn procession with the relics of the saint. After the end of the official ceremony, fairs, concerts and colorful shows open in the center of Paderborn. The events end with a large-scale fireworks display.
Cologne carnival
Carnival takes place in February before the beginning of Lent (similar traditions exist in many European countries). At this time, the city turns into a theatrical area: thousands of residents in bright costumes, balls, carnival meetings, gala dinners and mass processions - all this accompanies the holiday. For several days, life in official institutions freezes.
Cologne gay pride parade
The gay pride parade in Cologne is considered one of the largest in Europe, annually gathering up to a million spectators and tens of thousands of participants. The main event is a carnival procession, during which representatives of the LGBT community follow the streets of the city on special platforms. The main theme of the gay pride parade (like all similar events) is the struggle for the rights of sexual minorities and the promotion of public tolerance.
Hanseatic regatta
International competition in the port city of Rostock, which attracts participants from all over Europe. Regatta spectators have the opportunity to admire a wide variety of sailing ships, stylized as old ships. Some captains even allow tourists to board or go out to sea for a short walk after the race. The regatta is held in August and lasts only 3 days.
Berlin marathon
The mass race, which started officially in 1974 for the first time. Since then, the number of its participants has only increased, sometimes the organizers are even forced to reject applications due to the large number of applicants. In addition to the classic distance, you can join the roller skating marathon and children's competitions. During the event, several world records were set.
"Documenta"
This is an opening day dedicated to contemporary art that has been held in Kassel since 1955. The first exhibition featured works by Picasso, Kandinsky and other representatives of this genre. Dokumenta became the successor to a tradition interrupted in 1937 when the Nazi regime banned the demonstration of "degenerate art". Vernissage is held once every five years.
Bochum Total
A music festival that takes place in the city of Bochum in early summer. As a rule, it lasts several days. It hosts bands playing in various genres from jazz to hard rock, so the event is attended by a very motley audience. For the first time, the festival was held in 1986 on two small venues, today city clubs, pubs, streets and parks are used for the stages.
Port birthday in Hamburg
A maritime holiday, striking in its scope: sites where mass events are held stretch for many kilometers along the Hamburg waterfront. The festival starts on the first Friday of May and lasts for several days. Opening and closing is accompanied by a colorful parade. The program includes processions, fireworks, a ceremonial passage of ships along the river and rowing competitions.
"Cologne Lights"
Summer fireworks festival in Cologne, famous for its colorful shows. Numerous tourists watch the fireworks from the shores, ship decks, bridges and rooftops, from where the most advantageous angle opens. In order to take a suitable position, you have to come a few hours before the start. The Cologne Lights is a one-day festival, culminating in a grandiose light show.
Berlin Light Festival
During this festival, the sights of Berlin are adorned with incredible light installations. The Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, Pergamon, government residences turn into an arena for a fabulous play of spotlights that create vivid and memorable images. Observing the facades of buildings, you can watch a whole light performance created by skilful directors. The festival has been running since 2005 in November and lasts about two weeks.
Rock festival Rock am Ring
One of the key rock music festivals taking place at the Nürburgring - the Formula 1 race track since 1985 (early June). Since 1987 it has been held in the open-air format. Since then, such mastodons as Eric Clapton, AC / DC, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Van Halen have performed there.Tickets for the festival are sold together with places in the campsite, on the territory of which visitors will have to live for three days.
Wurstmarkt Wine Festival
Germany isn't just producing great beer. German wine is also distinguished by its excellent quality and excellent taste characteristics. The festival dedicated to this drink is traditionally held in Durkheim (Bavarian Palatinate). During the festival, visitors can taste dozens of varieties, appreciate the local wine culture and enjoy the special atmosphere of the event.
"Lights of the Rhine"
Festival events cover several cities located on the Rhine. They start in Bonn in May and end in Bingen in September. The Fires of the Rhine is a celebration of colorful fireworks, light installations accompanied by music, chivalrous tournaments in castles, ship parades and concerts. It is the longest in time, for almost 4 months almost the entire population of the cities standing on the river and numerous tourists have time to take part in it.
Berlin Film Festival
The first film festival was held in Berlin in 1951. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious and significant events in the world of cinema. It is especially important that directors from various countries, and not only from Europe and America, present their films to the jury. For many aspiring masters, the Berlinale becomes a successful debut, after which a successful career begins. The festival takes place in February.
Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival
A classical music festival held in the cities of Schleswig-Holstein. Leading symphony orchestras and world-renowned performers come to it to perform against the backdrop of stone vaults of ancient cathedrals and castles, illuminated by the lights of embankments, in parks and workshops of old factories. Within the framework of the festival, about 200 concerts are organized at dozens of venues.
