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There’s a lot to celebrate in Europe – especially during one of Europe’s many fire and ice festivals. Each festival is different from the rest, but they’re all a good time. From Iceland to Malta and everywhere in between, Europe’s festivals are some of the most colorful, festive and energetic celebrations on the planet. Browse some of the best and literally the brightest fire and ice festivals in Europe with this photo gallery.
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© William Warby/Flickr
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Snow and Ice Festival
Belgium’s Snow and Ice Festival is a true winter wonderland. Artists create breathtaking ice sculptures. Children glide down ice slides. And live performances bring it all to life.
© LUISMARTIN
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Las Fallas de Valencia
Pyrotechnic magicians put on awe-inspiring displays at Las Fallas de Valencia. Participants create puppets known as ninots to be destroyed by fire at the peak of the festivities. It’s a satirical celebration that’s all in good fun and is always a yearly highlight in Spain.
© Francesca Aquilina
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Malta Fireworks Festival
See the sky shine brightest after sunset at the Malta Fireworks Festival. The festival consists of three days of fireworks, food and fun. It’s all to pay tribute to Malta’s accession into the European Union back in 2004.
© Turismo da Madeira
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Festival do Atlântico
The premier summer celebration in Portugal, Festival do Atlântico is a party that needs four Saturdays in July to be fully appreciated. It’s all topped off with an array of firework displays choreographed alongside music.
© Visit Estonia
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Leigo Lake Festival
Music takes center stage at the Leigo Lake Festival in Estonia. Witness professionally trained orchestras strum their stuff with Leigo Lake as the backdrop at this tranquil August celebration.
© Daria Medvedeva
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Fireworks at Jokulsarlon
One of the biggest fireworks shows in Europe has taken place in Iceland for the past 15 years. Vibrant colors of fireworks not only illuminate the night sky but also reflect off of the calm waters during the Fireworks Show at Jokulsarlon.
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