Germans are pioneers in many fields and how to stage an epic celebration is surely one of them. Over 10,000 festivals validate the German mantra of "Work hard, party harder". From the legendary all-night parties in Berlin to their cosy beer gardens, Germans know how to have a good time. Here are six must-visit German festivals for anyone from a beer drinker to a book lover.
1.Oktoberfest (September to early October)
Oktoberfest is widely recognized around the world as the German beer festival. Started in 1810, Oktoberfest is held in honour of wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women are compulsory. Both are traditional outfits which can be bought anywhere in Germany. Groups of students, beer aficionados and tourists flock to Germany to guzzle down lip smacking pints of Bavarian beer served by friendly barmaids. The festival spans over two weeks held annually close to the Munich city centre. The beers are primarily fetched from Munich breweries and consists of several variations like Augustiner, Paulaner and Spaten. Teetotalers can relish traditional German fare featuring their variety of pork sausages, giant-sized pretzels, freshly smoked fish and a plethora of gingerbread flavours
2. Weihnachtsmarkts (December)
Germany is the pioneer of Christmas markets in Europe, also known as the Christkindlmarkt (Christ child market) or Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Eve market). As the winter cold creeps in, these dainty Christmas markets are erected in all cities of Germany. The wildly famous The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt dates back more than 400 years. Other famous christmas markets can be found in the cities of Dresden, Cologne and Hamburg. Shop for regionally produced crafts to gift your loved ones, enjoy the local cuisine to your heart’s content and spread the Christmas cheer! Drink some warm wine to battle the cold as you walk through the market making new discoveries. Also, do check out the famous cuckoo clocks of Germany.
3. Berlin International Film Festival (February)
Movie buffs can relish a long lineup of motion pictures spanning across all genres at the world's second-largest film festival. The 'Berlinale' hosts 19000 film professionals from all over the world. International films, art-house films, experimental films or German productions - you can have your pick. Dieter Kosslick has been directing the whole festival since 2001. The films are classified in different categories namely, competition, panorama, forum, generation, Perspektive Deutsches Kino, Berlinale Shorts and Retrospective. The prestigious awards include Golden bear and Silver for best film and individual achievements respectively.
4. Karneval (Mid-February)
The festival of Karneval takes place in the period leading up to the Christian season of Lent. An air of festivity engulfs the country during the festival, with parades, costume parties and masquerade balls. The festival also includes mock battles like food fights and political satires. There is a strong sense of togetherness as all Germans unite to partake in this festival of fun, food and color. Though it is not a national holiday in Germany but all businesses remain closed for the festivities in selected cities. The most flamboyant version of the festival takes place in Cologne but the festival also occurs in places like Düsseldorf, Münster, Aachen, and Mainz.
5.Rhine in Flammen (May-September)
'Rhine in Flames' is a succession of eye-catching firework displays that light up the imperious castles and lush landscapes along the river Rhine. Scheduled once a month every month between May to September along the stretch of Bonn to Rudeshe, you can watch this spectacular sight from a boat cruising down the river Rhine. Concerts and enclosures along the banks serve beer and food while you enjoy the cheerful vibes.
6.Long Night of the Museums (August)
Berlin boasts of over 150 museums! And the best way to enjoy them is by participating in this festival. Tailor your experience with several museum packages to choose from based on your interests. There are shuttle bus services available in the city that connects all popular museums for an eventful night. Discover the rich heritage of Germany in one night at their museums. Besides amazing exhibitions, various artistic performances are on display until morning. Visitors can experience popular sculptures and paintings closely during this unique festival.
Germany is rich in heritage and culture. The people here are friendly; you can strike up a conversation with a stranger over a pint of beer. Pick your favourite festival and book your tickets!
A Word of Caution!
The joys of travelling have an inherent risk of something going wrong. God forbid you to have one pint too many and your arm ends up in a cast. We advise you to acquire comprehensive travel insurance in order to ensure that your trip is uninterrupted and mishap free.