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 10 must-visit German festivals for anyone from a beer drinker to a book lover.
10 Most Spectacular German Festivals
Below is a list of 10 German festivals that should be on your travel- bucket list-
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Oktoberfest, Munich
Oktoberfest is widely recognized around the world as the German beer festival. Started in 1810, Oktoberfest is held in honour of a wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Lederhosen is compulsory for men, and Dirndl is compulsory for women. 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 and is held annually close to the Munich city center. The beers are primarily fetched from Munich breweries and consist 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.
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Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
This festival, held in September in Reeperbahn (Hamburg), is a feast for music lovers. It is Europe’s largest club fest, with 360 concerts, including musical numbers from different genres and localities. Besides music, film screenings, art exhibitions, and other events for literature lovers make this a complete celebration of arts, drawing international and local talents and cultural enthusiasts.
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Berlinale Film Festival, Berlin
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.
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Karneval, Cologne
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, 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.
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Munich Opera Festival
The Munich Opera Festival, held in July, is a dream for classical music and opera fans. It is organised under the aegis of the Bavarian State Opera, a historic organisation. It invites performers of opera, ballets, and concerts from all over the world. A coming together of heritage and contemporary art, this festival keeps the culture of Germany alive in the legendary streets and stages of Munich.
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Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart
Cannstatter Volksfest, or the Stuttgart Beer Festival, is a three-week celebration beginning in the second half of September. It is one of the world’s largest beer festivals, with large beer tents, Swabian delicacies, and a local flea market, giving a warm and homely welcome to the visitors. The festival started in 1818 as a celebration of the end of the famine, and today it is a symbol of Germany’s hospitality and culture for travellers from all over the world.
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Beethovenfest, Bonn
This fest in Bonn honours the legendary German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Held in September every year, it is a hub for orchestra performers, soloists, and musical ensembles who entertain and enchant visitors. While celebrating Beethoven’s historic works, the festival also gives a stage to modern musicians, bringing Germany’s musical past and present together.
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Rock am Ring and Rock im Park
These are Germany’s biggest rock festivals, celebrated side-by-side in June. Rock am Ring is held at the Nürburgring racetrack, while Rock im Park takes place in Nuremberg. Everything from international rock and metal to local and alternative bands join hands during these festivals to create an uplifting atmosphere that you will not forget.
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Wurstmarkt, Bad Durkheim
Wurstmarkt in Bad Durkheim, beginning in 1417, is the world’s oldest wine festival. Despite its name, which means “sausage market,” it’s famous for its amazing variety of local wines, such as Riesling. It is held in September to celebrate regional food, wines, and culture, with the palatine lands giving a mesmerising backdrop to the festivities.
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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, 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.
Conclusion
A representation of Germany’s rich culture and heritage, its festival calendar caters to the interests of everyone. We do not need to tell you that 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 international travel insurance in order to ensure that your trip is uninterrupted and mishap-free.
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