Thousands of historical places, a centre for some powerful religious movements, and a place where beauty, architecture, science, and religion flourished through centuries. This place is something that can be only called “unforgettable”. Europe, the beautiful continent of cultures and festivals, has a plethora of things to offer tourists.
From the Beer Festival in Germany to Running with the Bulls in Spain, these festivals have made a place in the hearts of Europeans and people across the world. If you are planning to take a trip to Europe to witness some of its beauty, here are some major festivals that you should not miss out on in your trip to Europe.
Also Read: 7 Best Christmas Markets in Europe You Must Visit in 2024!
1. Oktoberfest, Germany: The World’s Largest Beer Festival
As the name suggests, Oktoberfest takes place in October in Germany and is dubbed the world’s “Largest Beer Festival.” Held in Munich, Bavaria, this festival typically takes place from mid or late September to the first Sunday in October, pulling in more than seven million visitors annually.
Huge tents are set up with tables while people carry up to 14 beer mugs in each arm to serve and drink with others. The festival is littered with amusement rides, live Bavarian music, some unique and cultural costumes, and delicacies from German cuisine. The festival is a celebration where beer is not consumed in litres but in gallons and Munich becomes a merrier place during the days of Oktoberfest. The best part? You don’t need tickets to enter the Oktoberfest or the beer tents!
With the festival usually taking place from mid-September to the first Sunday of October, the best time can be any day (or all days) within the timeframe.
2. La Tomatina, Spain: A Wild Tomato Fight
The La Tomatina made its way into the hearts of people with the 2011 film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Taking place in Buñol, Spain, the La Tomatina Festival is a celebration that originated as a food fight between a couple of friends back in the 1940s!
The event is now attended by approximately twenty thousand visitors where people can indulge in the world’s biggest food fight. The festive and joyous atmosphere is quite a must-see experience if you’re planning a trip to Spain.
Since the festival is a limited window, La Tomatina Festival will fall on 27 August 2025 across the city of Buñol.
3. Venice Carnival, Italy: A Magical Masked Celebration
The Carnival of Venice (or Venice Carnival) takes place annually in the streets and alleys of Venice. People often don iconic and elaborate costumes and masks to celebrate the iconic festival.
Taking its roots in 1162, people started dancing in St. Mark’s Square when the Venetian Republic won against the Patriarch of Aquileia. Ever since then people have donned some iconic and complex costumes, masks, and dancing styles as they gather every year at St. Mark’s Square to celebrate their culture and history.
Being held annually, the upcoming dates for the Venice Carnival are 14 February 2025 to 4 March 2025 in Venice.
4. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland: The Largest Arts Festival
Turning northwest towards Scotland, we arrive at the iconic Edinburg Festival Fringe. The festival is the world’s largest arts festival, with millions of people joining in the festivities. Taking place in Edinburg, the Festival Fringe usually starts during the first week of August and continues for 25 days.
During this time, tourists can see some diverse and varied performances by professionals as well as the common people. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be described as the world’s biggest stage where professionals and tourists/locals can perform any form of art that they prefer. From comedic pieces to literature to performance art and theatre, you can find it all at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe among the Scottish landscape.
The 2025 dates for the Edinburg Festival Fringe are scheduled to be from 1st to 25th August 2025.
5. Running of the Bulls, Spain: A Thrilling, Historic Tradition
Another event that found prominent fame in India with the help of the 2011 film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the Running of the Bulls festival takes place in several places across the world. However, it all started in the city of Pamplona in Spain, where bull herders would use this method to transport the bulls from one place to another. Back in the early 14th Century, young boys used to jump in front of the bulls as a show of bravado. Well, that turned into the iconic Running of the Bulls festival that we know and love today.
The event starts with the participants singing a benediction three times. The first and second rockets are fired at 8 A.M. and mark the inception of the event. Running in front of the bulls gives people an adrenaline rush that many would describe as “unimaginable”. There are almost no severe rules for taking part in the event.
The festival is held annually from 7th to 14th July every year where these bull runs of Pamplona take place every morning until the festival’s end.
Conclusion
All in all, there are hundreds of things, memories, and experiences that can make your trip to Europe an exciting affair. From the adrenaline-inducing bull runs of Pamplona to the serene and hilarious arts of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, several of Flamingo Travels’ iconic Europe Tour Packages offer you a chance to glimpse the beauty and traditionality of these festivals that have been ongoing for decades or centuries.
Also, check out the Europe tour packages with Indian food!
