8 Must-See Cultural Festivals In Europe
1. KING'S DAY
Place: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: April 27, 2018
Held on the king’s birthday every year (April 27th), King’s Day is one of Amsterdam’s most cherished festivals!
Be sure to follow Dutch tradition and dress in orange as you explore the many events going on throughout Amsterdam. Browse the famous street markets, locally known as vrijmarkt, and grab a handmade stroopwafel. They are so delicious and a must for anyone visiting Amsterdam. The festivities and parties begin the night before the 27th and continue late into the next day. There is no shortage of DJs, dancing, colorful boats in Amsterdam’s beautiful canals, and late night live music.
For more information on events, check out this link from iamsterdam.com, the city’s premier site for all information regarding Amsterdam:
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/whats-on/major-events-and-celebrations/kings-day/whats-on
To learn about the history of King’s Day, click here: https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/whats-on/major-events-and-celebrations/kings-day/all-about-kings-day-in-amsterdam
Josh Montgomery
April 16, 2018
Don't Forget to Grab Some Orange Gear Before You Go!
2. SAN FERMÍN
(Running of the Bulls)
Place: Pamplona, Spain
Date: July 7th – 14th
The Running of the Bulls during San Fermín in Pamplona is one of the most thrilling festivals in the world and a none-stop party!
Running takes place every morning at 8am and typically lasts only 2-3 minutes. If you decide not to run for your life and just want to watch, you can line up along the fences that lead to the coliseum or pay about $5 Euros to get a seat inside the arena. Be sure to show up early whatever you decide: 6:30am should be safe.
For more information about running with the bulls, check San Fermin’s official website here: http://www.sanfermin.com/en/running-of-the-bulls/quick-guide-what-is-the-running-of-the-bulls/
Even if you decide not to run, attending San Fermin is a thrill that will give you days of fun and stories to tell for years to come.
3. BASTILLE DAY
Place: Paris, France
Date: July 7th – 14th
If you enjoy seeing impressive military parades and fireworks shooting out of the Eiffel Tower, don’t miss Bastille Day in Paris!
The Military Parade takes place the morning of the 14th on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. With trumpets, marching, tanks, fighter jets, and even a special appearance by the French president, the parade will not disappoint.
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After the parade, check out the many museums and moments open throughout the city. Click here for more information: https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris/recommendations-for-the-national-holiday/museums-and-monuments-open-on-bastille-day
After the sun sets, enjoy a free concert at the base of an Eiffel Tower and a spectacular thirty-minute firework show. After the firework finale, head over to the nearest fire station to keep the celebration going and dance the night away. There are various Fireman’s Balls throughout Paris lasting late into the night.
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Click here to find a list of fire stations and locations: https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris/fireman-s-ball-in-the-fire-stations/balls-in-fire-stations
4. NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
Place: London, England
Date: August 26 - 27, 2018
The Notting Hill Carnival in west London boasts to be not only the largest street festival in London but in all of Europe!
This colorful Caribbean festival is truly one of a kind and a fun weekend full of music, dancing, costumed performers, decorative floats, and food. The main parade begins at 10am on Great Western Road and winds its way around the city. Be sure to map out the parade route before you go, and get there early!
Want to find our more? Check out these 10 helpful tips for attending Notting Hill Carnival from VisitLondon.com: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/special-events/10-tips-for-notting-hill-carnival
Source: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/9023471-notting-hill-carnival
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5. OKTOBERFEST
Place: Munich, Germany
Date: September 22 - October 7, 2018
Grab your lederhosen, and get ready for the most iconic festival in Germany! Full of food, beer, and days of fun, Okotberfest will not disappoint.
The 2018 festivities begin on Saturday, September 22nd with the opening ceremonies in the Schottenhamel tent. Watch the Mayor of Munich tap the first keg and let the party begin! Be sure to show up early for great seats. You’ll want to be there around 9am to see the Mayor tap the first keg at noon.
There are many tents and buildings to explore during your time at the festival. Be sure to check out https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/ for information on beer tents, maps, and other Oktoberfest details.
6. CARNIVAL
Place: Venice, Italy
Date: February 16 - March 5, 2019
As one of the oldest Italian traditions, Carnival in Venice lives up to its hype! From masks and costumes to parades and live music, Carnival is two weeks of non-stop fun. There is so much to see including colorfully decorated gondolas, traditional parades, street performances, magic, and masked balls.
Key Events 2019:
February 17th – Festa Veneziona on the Water
February 23rd – Feste delle Marie (The Parade)
February 23rd – Dinner & Ball
March 3rd – Best Mask Contest – Grand Final
If you decide to explore Venice during Carnival, don’t forget your mask! Get yours from Amazon.com using one of the links below. For more information on Carnival in Venice and 2019 Events, visit http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/
7. LAS FALLAS
Place: Valencia, Spain
Date: March 15 - 19, 2019
Las Fallas in Valencia is one of the most incredible cultural experiences in Spain and a must-see event for any study abroad student in the region!
Groups and organizations work through the day and night of the 15th to have their fallas (monuments) constructed before sunrise on March 16th. The fallas range in design and size from several feet to several stories tall. Each falla has a hidden meaning or a unique story to tell. Peruse around Valencia from the 16th to the 19th enjoying hundreds of these colorful works of art constructed mostly of wood and papier-maché.
The last day of Las Fallas is the one you must attend! Called La Cremà (The Burning), March 19th is when they burn EVERY Falla. Imagine hundreds of fallas on fire throughout the city at the same time. It is a jaw-dropping sight to see!
This four-day event will blow your mind! It is an awesome festival to attend with friends from your university. Most universities in the area will have programs that provide you with transportation to and from las Fallas. Be sure to inquire about it in your international studies department.
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For more details on las Fallas, be sure to check out: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/events-valencia/festivities/the-fallas
8. ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Place: Dublin, Ireland
Date: March 15 - 18, 2019
Ever wanted to see a sea of green or a giant treasure chest full of gold? Well, you’re in luck!
St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Dublin, Ireland is your perfect opportunity to do just that. 2019 festivities will begin Friday, March 15th and will run through Monday, 18th. Lucky for you, there is plenty of fun to be had over those four days!
With food, parades, art shows, and carnival rides, there is more than plenty to do throughout Dublin during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. For more information on events and times, check out http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/events.
Don’t forget your St. Patrick’s Day gear before you go. Check out the Amazon.com links below to get everything you need.