Introduction
The 21st century has seen Europe emerge as a hub for culture. From Oktoberfest to the Eurovision Song Contest, there are plenty of amazing festivals that celebrate everything from music and dance to film and food. Here are some of our favorites:
Bayreuth Wagner Festival
Bayreuth Wagner Festival is held every year from July to August in Bayreuth, Germany. This festival was founded by Richard Wagner and the first performance was held in 1876. The festival lasts for 10 days with two operas being performed each day during that period of time.
The program includes:
- Lohengrin (opera)
- Tristan und Isolde (opera)
Carnival in Venice
Carnival in Venice is a celebration of the end of the Christian fasting period and the beginning of Lent. It’s one of the most famous carnivals in the world, and it attracts millions of tourists every year. The festival lasts for two months and during this time, Venetians wear masks and costumes while they dance in public squares around Venice or visit other cities for parades.
The Carnival has been celebrated since 13th century but its origins are unclear; some people think that it was inspired by pagan festivals held before Christianity came to Italy while others think that it came from France or Germany where similar celebrations take place every year during wintertime (they even call it Carnevale).
European Film Festival
If you’re looking for a film festival that will show you how true culture feels, then look no further than the European Film Festival. This annual event, which takes place in Turin, Italy, is the oldest film festival in Europe and has been running since 1946. It’s also one of the most prestigious competitions for movies from around the globe.
The Golden Lion award is given out each year at this event–it’s given to what many consider to be “the best picture” of any given year (though there are some exceptions).
Oktoberfest
If you’re looking for a festival that has all the makings of a good time–beer, food and music–you won’t want to miss Oktoberfest. This 16-day celebration of Bavarian culture, held annually in Munich, Germany, attracts more than 6 million people each year.
The festival kicks off on September 22nd and runs through October 7th (or 8th). If you’re planning on attending this year’s event or any other time during your travels around Europe: don’t forget your lederhosen!
The Eurovision Song Contest
The Eurovision Song Contest is a unique event that brings together people from across Europe to celebrate diversity and unity. It’s the world’s largest live TV music competition, held every year in May, in the host city of the year’s winner.
The contest began in 1956 with just seven countries competing for first place–it now includes 42 participating nations and an audience of 200 million viewers worldwide!
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival. It was started in 1947, and it takes place in August each year. The festival has more than 3000 shows and 100000 performers.
The main focus of this festival is on comedy acts, although you can also find drama, music and dance performances at it. If you want to see some great comedy shows then go for this one!
Holi Festival of Colours in India
Holi is a spring festival celebrated in India, Nepal and other parts of South Asia. It is also known as the Festival of Colours or the Feast of Love. Holi celebrates the arrival of spring by throwing colors (made from natural materials) at friends and strangers alike, who then smear each other with these colored powders. Partaking in this tradition allows you to connect with people from all walks of life–and experience how true culture feels!
The Montréal World Film Festival
The Montréal World Film Festival is an annual international film festival held every August in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The festival was founded in 1977 by Serge Losique and is held in late August or early September. It has become one of the most important French-speaking film festivals in the world, with an annual attendance of over 500 000 people (notably more than Cannes).
Jazz and Blues in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. (Image credit) (Alexey Govorin/123rf)
New Orleans is the home of jazz and blues, with a rich musical history that stretches back centuries. The city is known for its unique music and culture, which can be experienced at one of the many festivals held throughout the year.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place annually in April and May on Congo Square (formerly Place de Negres), where slaves once gathered to sing songs they had learned from their African ancestors. Today it attracts more than one million visitors each year who come to listen to music performances by artists including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Lenny Kravitz – as well as local stars like Trombone Shorty!
European festivals are so much more than just parades.
European festivals are much more than just parades.
Europe is a great place to travel, and it’s not just because of the food and culture. It’s also because of all the festivals! The European festival scene has something for everyone: music, dance, food–you name it! If you’re looking for an excuse to travel abroad or simply want something fun to do this summer (or any time of year), then look no further than these 10 amazing events happening across Europe in 2019:
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different kinds of European festivals and they cover a wide range of topics. Whether it’s music or art, these events offer something special for everyone who attends them. If you ever find yourself traveling through Europe during one of these events then make sure not miss out on all the fun because they truly do make life more interesting!
