Europe – Come Join The Festivities!
One of the best ways to witness the diversity of Europe is to participate in one of the many festivals – be it celebrating a saint, food , film or even the circus.
One of the best ways to witness the diversity of Europe is to participate in one of the many festivals – be it celebrating a saint, food , film or even the circus.
Interactive Map
© holbox
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Fallas de Valencia, Spain
In Valencia, Saint Joseph is celebrated both spectacularly and loudly. Each neighbourhood of the city produces a model known as a falla, often a cartoon-like sculpture made from papier maché. Over 700 of these, sometimes giant, figurines decorate the city. At the end of the celebration the fallas are burnt amidst loud celebrations as firecrackers and fireworks explode, making sure all around can hear the festivities
© Jan Kranendonk
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Edinburgh Fringe Festival , UK
Every August hundreds of thousands of people flock to Edinburgh for the world’s largest arts festival. Actually made up of two separate festivals, the high-art Edinburgh International Festival and the more alternative Fringe festival, the event sees the whole city transformed into a stage, with entertainers from all over Britain and beyond putting on an act.
© Tilo G
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Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany
Ever wondered what the Brandenburg Gate or Reichstag would look like in deep purple or light green? If so, the annual Festivals of Lights in Berlin is your chance to see. Every year Berlin’s most famous buildings are lit up for one of the largest illumination festivals in the world, transforming these world-famous landmarks through light, projections, and events.
© Willard
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La Strada Street Theatre Festival in Graz, Austria
With the focus on how everyday life can give rise to artistic creation, La Strada Street Theatre Festival in Graz gives visitors the chance to experience art and theatre in innovative and sometimes unexpected ways. With performances spilling out onto the street and all around, don’t be surprised if you find yourselves caught up in the action on your tram or bus home…
© Lukas Hlavac
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Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Czech Republic
Utilising its location at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, Karlovy Vary’s International Film Festival brings films from across the world to the diverse audience of Central and Eastern Europe. Started in 1946, it was used as a propaganda tool by the Communist government for many years, but since the Velvet Revolution it has developed into one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
© Ludovic des Cognets
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Cirko Festival, Helsinki
Based at the Centre for New Circus, the Cirko celebrates and provides a modern interpretation of traditional Finnish circus, bringing it to life for a contemporary audience. With performers coming from around the world this is a great way to see juggling and acrobatics as you have never seen them before.
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Galway Oyster Festival, Galway
Oysters are the order of the day in Galway, and especially so on the last weekend of September when the world’s longest-running oyster festival is held. With a wide range of events on offer, from high-class tasting in some of Galway’s best restaurants to fun events for children, this food festival has something for everyone.
© America Studio
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Pizzafest, Naples
Come enjoy one of Italy’s most famous creations, the pizza, at its birthplace in Naples. As well as sampling the true Neapolitan pizza, the festival offers lessons on how to make the perfect dough and traditional tomato sauce, so you can take a little bit of Napoli back with you!
Galleries
The Most Unbelievable Landscapes in Europe
Europe’s landscapes are vast, beautiful and waiting to be discovered. From sand dunes in Spain to forests in Croatia, some of the world’s most fascinating places lay hidden in Europe. Browse this gallery to discover what’s here, and then come see it for yourself.
Your Guide to Late-Night Fun in Europe
Some of life’s best adventures happen when the sun goes down. And it’s no different in Europe. From dancing the night away in Barcelona to walking under the moonlight in Paris, each city offers its own nightlife excitement. Browse this gallery before your next European escapade to see which city’s nightlife is best for you.
Via Francigena: discover Europe on foot or by bike
Modern day Europe is crossed by ancient medieval pilgrimage and trade routes, travelled by walkers and ramblers on a slow adventure, discovering castles, vineyards and olive trees, delicious food and local wines. One of the most famous routes in Europe is the Via Francigena – or the route from France how it was called in medieval Italy. Crossing Europe from Canterbury (England) to Rome (Italy), it reaches Santa Maria di Leuca on the very tip of the Italian heel. The route takes you from Northern Europe to the harbors of the Mediterranean Sea along 3200km, which are manageable in 4 months on foot. Browse the gallery to discover, region by region, some of the most beautiful places along the Via Francigena. Join Via Francigena photo contest!
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