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.
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
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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!
Europe’s heritage and culture date back thousands of years. And some of the most ancient remnants of the earliest European cultures can still be found today. From prehistoric cave drawings to mysterious stone formations, discover the continent’s past at its oldest locations. Browse this gallery, then come see these magnificent sites for yourself on your next trip.
Europe is full of iconic sites and landmarks. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to flower fields of the Netherlands, there’s always something new and exciting to see. In this gallery, you’ll find just some of the must-see landmarks scattered throughout Europe in this gallery. Get to know a little about them here so you know which ones to add to your trip itinerary.
Europe has been around for a long time. That’s why some of its most celebrated buildings are some of the oldest. But newer, more modern buildings can also be found. From Italy to Denmark, modern architecture has found its way into Europe’s heart. Browse this gallery to see some of the newest architectural marvels found throughout Europe.
Europe is a jolly place to be any time of the year. But when Christmas time rolls around, some places become nothing short of magical. It all starts at the Christmas markets sprinkled throughout the continent. From Finland to France, unwrap the wonder of European Christmas markets with this gallery. Then, find your way here in December to experience it firsthand.
With a past as storied as Europe’s, it’s impossible not to take in some history while on your trip. Find out more about UNESCO World Heritage Site in the European territory.
Embrace the joy of ancient customs, vibrant music, and community spirit at Latvia’s beloved summer festival.
The picturesque parish square in the agricultural village of Imgarr will host ‘Festa Frawli’ – the annual Strawberry Festival.
The true origin of the Wiener Schnitzel has again become a matter of vigorous debate between culinary historians in recent times. One thing, however, is absolutely certain: the Wiener Schnitzel is truly cosmopolitan. The earliest trails lead to Spain, where the Moors were coating meat with breadcrumbs during the Middle Ages. The Jewish community in Constantinople is similarly reported to have known a dish similar to the Wiener Schnitzel in the 12th century. So whether the legend surrounding the import of the “Costoletta Milanese” from Italy to Austria by Field Marshal Radetzky is true or not, a nice story makes very little difference. The main thing is that the schnitzel is tender and crispy!
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The therapeutic use of hot springs has been present in Europe from ancient times to the present day, giving birth to a number of spa towns well-known for the beauty of their buildings, or long tradition of welcoming guests and the healing properties of its springs.
