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Contrary to the popular belief that the Germans are very serious people who think only about work and keeping order, they like to have fun and, most importantly, they know how to do it. There are many holidays in Germany.

Some of them are religious, others are based on historical dates. There are events that are celebrated on a grand scale throughout the country, and there are specific events that exist only in a certain federal state. As you know, Germany has developed sufficient independence in the arrangement of parts of the state, which in no way harms its integrity. Since almost every holiday has its own history and long-standing traditions, the day of celebration, as a rule, is a day off either in the country or in the area where it is celebrated.

Variety of holidays

The celebration of religious holidays in Germany is not much different from their traditional celebration in other European countries. Holidays associated with historical dates also have their own traditions and are celebrated with due respect. But, the Germans have a number of fun, specific holidays. The most interesting holidays in Germany .

Fifth season (February-March).

It's a kind of carnival. It took its origin from the time of the Roman founders, and then remained banned for a long time. Now it is taking place in many cities of the country, but they are especially reverent in it. And although it lasts about two weeks, preparations for it begin long before the festival and are carefully carried out for three months. Perhaps that is why it was called the fifth season of the year. During this time, preparations and new ideas excite the city. During the holiday itself, a huge number of tourists come to the city in order to take part in this unusual event. It is interesting for everyone to watch how the Germans, distinguished by their phlegm, relax. We can say that at this time Cologne passes into the control of mummers, dressed in carnival costumes people. Everyone goes to balls and other celebrations. Perhaps only medical workers and the police go to work.

The holiday begins with the so-called Indian Thursday. On this day, matriarchy is proclaimed, and women can do whatever they want. As a rule, this is limited to cutting off men's ties, according to a long-established tradition. Pink Monday becomes the point of development of the carnival, on which the whole carnival procession begins. Ash Wednesday completes the whole action, when a straw effigy is burned, which means the atonement of accumulated sins. This is the preparation for Great Lent.

Fifth Season - Carnival

(July 19).

This is a relatively new holiday, but it has already earned the fame of the most grandiose and shocking in the whole world. It started in 1989, and today has become a kind of annual fashion boom. It consists in holding a huge disco right on the streets of the city. People in the most unexpected outfits, striking in their brightness, fill the city. Sometimes there are so many people who want to participate in this show that they have to sit on the roofs of houses, trees and even on lanterns. Previously, the Love Parade was held in Berlin, but now it is successfully spreading to the surrounding areas.

Kirmes (October 18).

This is a kind of gratitude for receiving a rich harvest. Therefore, it is mainly observed in rural areas. There are many fairs during this time. Half a month before the date of the event, at a certain time, they bury a stuffed animal made of straw, in whose hands they place a bottle of schnapps - this is Kirmes. The day of celebration begins with the ceremony of digging it out. Then a procession begins throughout the village, after which the scarecrow is placed on top of a festively decorated tree. Garlands, bright ribbons and various fruits are hung on it in advance. This is followed by a worship ceremony and a gala dinner. And after that, festivities begin with dances and various rituals. On the second day of the holiday, the Germans visit cemeteries. On the third, final day, the funeral of Kirmes takes place. He burrows in a deserted place, while he certainly needs to put schnapps, broken glass, a cock's head, a ham and a piece of national pie with him. This will be the gratitude of the Germans for a generous harvest. In Germany, they firmly believe that if they have a lot of fun during this time, the next harvest will be even richer, and the participants in the holiday will get rid of all the hardships and troubles that have plagued them in the past year.

Kirmes - Harvest Festival

International Savings Day (October 31).

The holiday is very relevant for the Germans, because it is believed that they earn money by saving them. In addition, it is conceived not only in order to save money, but also time and physical costs. By this day, many banks timed various promotions, and the media tell about the secrets of saving.

Saint Martin's Day (November 11).

This large-scale holiday is dedicated to the end of all agricultural work. The way it is carried out is quite a spectacular sight. According to an ancient tradition, a procession begins in the dark evening, in which adults carry lighted torches, and children carry paper lanterns with candles made in advance. Thus, if you look from afar, you can see a bright flowing stream or a burning snake, as you wish.

Saint Martin's Day in Germany

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Any country has its own calendar of unique and interesting holidays that are not typical of other states. Sometimes the names of the celebrations coincide, but the traditions and customs of their holding do not coincide. Germany also has a lot of exciting and interesting events, which you should definitely know about if you want to visit the country. Each month has its own celebrations, the analogues of which you will not find anywhere else, for example:

• September is famous for such celebrations as Oktoberfest;
• In December, Christmas markets are held throughout the country;
• In February, a unique Carnival (Fasching) is held;
• Berlin International Festival invites everyone in February;
• If you have plans to come to the country in June, then you should definitely visit the Kiel Week.

Each of the marked events is unique and requires separate attention, so it is worth considering them more carefully.

With the exception of ski resorts, there is a tourist lull this month, and the inhabitants of the country are basically left to their own devices. During this period, when cold and short days are outside, it is best to simply get acquainted with the sights, visit museums and churches.

Neuschwanstein Castle in winter, Bavaria, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

Mountain Madness (Berg Wahnsinn)

But, as noted, even in January there are a lot of people who come to ski resorts, which are very numerous. Those who prefer outdoor activities should definitely grab their skis and go on an exciting journey through the mountain slopes, ranging from chic options (Garmisch-Partenkirchen) to calm family-type resorts (Bavarian Forest). Regardless of the level of training, everyone will be able to find a track according to their abilities.

February

The German carnival, of course, cannot be compared with the celebration in Rio, but it is no less hot here. The ski resorts are simply overcrowded during this period, as school holidays are around. Therefore, if you want to visit them, you should take care of booking places to stay in advance.

Film Festival in Berlin (Filmfestival in Berlin)

One of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe is the event that takes place in February in Berlin. These are two weeks unique for the country, during which the brightest and most successful representatives of cinema move along the red carpet, from novice stars to seasoned directors and film critics.

Carnival (Fasching)

The celebration of this event falls on the eve of Lent. People try to spend these days in maximum fun, so costumed performances and processions are organized throughout the country right on the streets of cities and villages. The largest celebrations are held in Mainz, the Rhine, Cologne and Düsseldorf. But to watch unique events with special traditions, it is better to go to the Black Forest or Munich.

March

Spring has come and the days are slowly getting longer and longer. The smell of spring is already in the air. Even the menus at seaside restaurants have a hint of spring as fresh herring begins to appear and food cooked with wild garlic (Barlauch) becomes incredibly tasty and naturally popular.

Outskirts of Brandenburg, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

April

The celebration of Easter in Germany is a magical sacrament that even those who no longer believe in Easter bunnies cannot escape. Already in all its glory spring comes through, because its real personification appears - the flowering of white asparagus. Residents are crazy about this plant.

Walpurgis Night (Walpurgisnacht)

Special attention should be paid to the pagan celebration - the festival of witches, which is held on April 30 in the villages of the Harz. This is a real springtime revival for the area, as both adults and young people dress up as witches and sorcerers, take to the streets to sing and dance in a festive sacrament.

Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgisnacht) in Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

Mayfest (Maifest)

April 30 is also marked by the end of winter, which is celebrated on this day. An important tradition of this event is the felling of the Maypole (Maibaun). Then it is carefully painted, covered with carvings and various decorations. After that, a real festivity begins with ovens, dances and delicious treats.

May

The warmest and most friendly month of spring, when in every yard and street cafe you can already hear the clink of glasses and cheerful conversations. Beer houses are especially saturated at this time. It was during this period that a huge number of holidays are celebrated in Germany, which for the Germans become real mini-vacations, which naturally leads to a large number of traffic jams.

Dresden at night, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen)

It is in May that a huge number of Berliners celebrate the holiday of cultural and ethnic diversity of parties, exotic dishes. Holidays are celebrated with a lot of dancing, pompously dressed dancers, DJs, musicians with bright performances. All this audience is constantly scurrying around the streets of the city, attracting everyone's attention.

Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit)

The Germans made Labor Day in their country a public holiday, which is celebrated almost throughout Germany. Many countries organize solemn processions in support of workers' rights. And in Berlin, recently, only a large street fair has been held on this day.

Mother's Day (Muttertag)

Mothers are celebrated on the second Sunday in May throughout Germany. The eve of this holiday is very busy days for florists, greeting card companies and confectioners, whose products are sold out in huge quantities. If you want to celebrate a holiday in some restaurant, then you should take care of booking a table in advance.

Festival "Wave-Gotik-Treffen"

This festival has rightfully received the title of the most massive festival of the Goths, which is held in Leipzig. During this period, when the celebration of the Trinity / Pentecost is also held, the city is painted in gloomy dark colors, as thousands of representatives of the Gothic direction gather here.

June

With the onset of summer, the pace and frequency of festivals in Germany increases. Gourmets during this period can rejoice at the appearance of a large assortment of fresh products on the market. As the day of the solar equinox draws closer, the intensity of celebrations and celebrations increases in the northern part of the country.

Garden in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

Father's Day (Watertag)

Many people call this holiday Father's Day, and most people call it Men's Day (Mannertag) celebrated in the first month of summer. In fact, this day becomes a good excuse for men for wives to have a good drink in the company of friends. The celebration of Men's Day always coincides with the feast of the Ascension of the Lord.

African Festival (Afrikanische Festival)

The largest festival of African culture and music (www.africafestival.org) is held in Würzburg. It stands out for its unique concerts and fairs, which gather more than 100 thousand people.

Kiel Week (Kieler Woche)

Every year, a huge number of tourists gather on the coast of the Baltic Sea, because at this time the unique sailing festival in the world is held in the city of Kiel, which is distinguished by the presence of hundreds of sailing ships, parades of various ships, historical ships, as well as great and unrestrained fun.

Christopher Street Day

A unique festival that brings together a huge number of homosexuals, even more than other gay parades in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne. But despite your sexual beliefs and orientation, it’s still worth visiting such a festivities, because a huge number of interesting events are held here.

July

With the onset of summer, the hottest time for tourists and residents begins, as this is the period of holidays and trips, because schoolchildren are already on vacation. But it is worth remembering that at this time, regardless of the chosen vacation spot, you should take care of booking a hotel or other accommodation options. The Baltic and Mediterranean seas are already completely ready to accept everyone who wants to swim.

Samba Festival (Samba-Festival)

In July, Coburg invites everyone to a revelry of songs and dances, because about 100 different groups gather here, and the number of speakers on stage is more than three thousand from a dozen countries. The number of spectators sometimes exceeds 20 thousand.

Schlesving-Holstein Music Festival (Musikfestival Shclezvig-Holstein)

Another bright German event, which takes place from July to August in many northern lands. Castles, churches and farms offer unique and very interesting concerts for everyone.

August

August for Germany is considered the hottest month, but the sultry heat gradually subsides after thunderstorms in the afternoon. This is a great season for forest lovers - Pfifferlinge. At this time, many go for fresh berries and chanterelles, some themselves look for them in the forests, while others go to the market to buy the treasured delicacy.

Shooting Festival (Festival Sportschutzer)

Most German men prefer to spend their leisure time visiting shooting clubs in order to demonstrate their marksmanship skills at the Shooting Festival held in August. The oldest is held in Düsseldorf, and the largest is in Hannover.

Wine Festival (Weinfest)

August is also significant for the Germans with the ripening of grapes. When the grapes ripen and fill with juice, the period of festivals begins. This is a huge number of tastings, processions, costumed performances, fireworks. Among the largest events of this kind, the Durkheimer Wurstmarkt (www.duerkheimer-wurstmarkt.de) should be singled out.

Kinderzehe

A unique German children's festival (www.kinderzeche.de), which takes place over 10 days, is held in Dinkelbühl, through which the Romantic Road passes. The festival is unique not only by holding a huge number of children's events, performances and competitions, but also by the participation of children in the restoration of historical monuments.

Richard Wagner Opera Music Festival (Festival der Opernmusik von Richard Wagner)

Even the most elite ingots of the German high patronymic come to the small town of Bayreuth to listen to the epic works of an operatic nature created by Wagner. All concerts are held in a specially built hall. Not every resident can get here, but some still manage to get the coveted tickets.

September

This month is quite attractive not only for residents, but also for tourists. These days are not too hot, but still quite sunny. Despite the fact that the tourist season in Germany is coming to an end, life is in full swing thanks to the huge number of wine festivals. By the end of the month, nature is renewed, the trees shimmer with all the riot of colors.

Berlin Marathon (Berlin-Marathon)

Since 1977, in September, a running marathon has been held on the streets of the capital, in which everyone takes part, and their figure sometimes exceeds 50 thousand runners. During this event, about 9 world records were set during its existence.

Harvest Festival (Erntefest)

In provincial towns and large villages, bright celebrations are held dedicated to the harvest. Festive processions (Erntedankzug) are arranged with dressing up in national costumes.

Oktoberfest (Oktoberfest)

A unique celebration organized for all beer lovers in Munich (www.oktoberfest.de).

Folk festivals, Bavaria, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

October

Autumn is in full swing, as evidenced by a significant shortening of the day, as well as regular cold snaps and heavy rains. It is during this period that the season of trade fairs is in full swing, where you can buy a lot at attractive prices. The largest events are held in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and other major cities. This month there is a significant reduction in the work of travel agencies, museums and attractions, some of them are generally closed during the winter.

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse)

Frankfurt hosts the largest book fair, which brings together more than 7,300 bibliomaniacs from 100 countries.

November

At its core, November in Germany is considered a very dreary month, residents try not to leave their cozy warm homes without any reason. But the advantages of such a lull also exist, because in popular tourist places there are no long queues and crowds of people. It is also worth noting that a huge number of theater and opera productions are held in November. But when visiting such events, you should have warm clothes with you, umbrellas or raincoats.

Saint Martin's Day (Der Tag des Heiligen Martin)

On November 10-11, a unique festival is held, which is dedicated to the modest and generous Saint Martin, who lived in the 4th century. A festive procession with torches marches through the whole city, famous scenes from the life of a great man are played out by the townspeople, for example, when Saint Martin cut his coat to give half of it to a poor man. The festivities are accompanied by a chic feast, at which a roast goose is sure to be present.

Beer barrels during celebration, Munich, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

December

Thanks to the four weeks of Advent identities, winter evenings and days become brighter and brighter. During this time, Christmas markets are held throughout the country, all the streets and houses are decorated with colorful lights, homemade Christmas cookies are baked and Advent-specific events are held. Ski resorts at this time are already completely covered with snow.

Christmas market in Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain license)

Saint Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag)

This unique night from December 5 to 6 is the most long-awaited for children. They leave their shoes outside the door in the hope that St. Nicholas will fill them with gifts and sweets. And those who behaved badly all year and did not listen to their parents, instead of gifts, they can find branches in their shoes, which are left by the assistant of St. Nicholas Knecht Ruprecht.

Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt)

German Christmas markets always attract visitors with a huge amount of fragrant gingerbread, mulled wine and shimmering decorations. These are all essential attributes of the Christmas holidays, which begin at the end of December 24th. The most popular and famous are the Christmas markets in Nuremberg.

Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany (Photo from above © pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)

Saint Sylvester's Day (Tag Des Heiligen Sylvester)

In Germany, New Year's Eve is called Saint Sylvester's Day. The Pope, in whose honor the celebration is held, lived in the distant 4th century. Thanks to his efforts, Christianity was adopted as the official religion in the country. The New Year is celebrated throughout the country with the launch of a huge number of fireworks, which are launched not only by professionals on holidays, but also by amateur pyromaniacs.

Watch a video about Christmas in Germany at the link below:

(Photo above © paulinasahz /pixabay.com/ Licensed under CC BY 2.0)

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For each of the holidays, whether religious or state, the Germans treat with great respect and carefully prepare, decorating houses, buying gifts and laying a rich table with beer invariably present on it.

Some solemn dates are days off for the whole country, others are celebrated only in some regions. And of course, during the year you can catch a lot of bright outstanding festivals, fairs and carnivals. Residents of Germany just love to have fun and do it with soul and scope.

Winter and annual events of this season in Germany

The coldest time of the year is traditionally the busiest and richest in annual events. Already from the first days of December, a series of fairs and sales, shows and carnivals begin in the country, and thousands of garlands and tall fir trees appear on the streets, on the fluffy paws of which stars, Santa figures and other decorations are hung.

New Year and Christmas in Germany

The main attributes of the Christmas holidays are a wreath with four Adventskranz candles, an Advent calendar with windows and chocolate. Windows are painted in the houses, candles and images with biblical scenes are placed on the windowsills, and elegant Christmas trees flaunt on the balconies of residents. It does not do without fabulous German heroes - the Nutcracker, Frau Holle and others.

The most famous fair on Christmas Eve takes place in the city of Nuremberg. It is traditionally opened by a girl dressed in a golden-winged angel. As in many other seasonal holiday markets (Chriskindlesmarkt, Alexanderplatz, etc.), the number of which exceeds 2500, the stalls are bursting with sweets, mulled wine and painted souvenirs.

Christmas in Germany They celebrate for three days: December 24 - Christmas Eve, 25 - Catholic Christmas and 26 - the day of St. Stephen. The first of three days, Christmas Eve, the Germans spend in the church (including at night mass), and the evening at a gala dinner with the always present pie - Stollen, after which the children are given long-awaited gifts. On December 25, families again gather at the table, in an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness, celebrating the favorite holiday of the year. After dinner on December 24 in the country - a short working day, 25 - a day off.

New Year in Germany celebrate noisily and violently. On December 31, Germans prefer to take to the streets, drink champagne and watch musical performances, laser shows and grandiose fireworks. A wonderful New Year's tradition is to "jump" into the coming year. With the last stroke of the clock at midnight, the Germans climb onto their chairs and, shouting Prosit Neujahr, jump down. Also, traditionally on the 31st, a sports race is held for everyone.

After incendiary dances in discos and a lot of drinking all day on January 1, the Germans sleep off and "improve their health."

But do not think that the Christmas holidays are already over by January 1st. The spirit of Christmas is in the air January 6 - Three Kings Day when children go to neighboring houses to sing songs and receive treats deserved by their talent from adults. And on January 7 in Munich you can catch a grandiose carnival.

February holidays in Germany

The largest of all film festivals in Germany - " Berlinale". Every year, the novelties of the film industry are presented here to the audience. The winners are awarded honorary gold and silver bears. The event takes place over several days at the Berlinale Palast.

Also in February (in the middle or at the end) a large carnival is held in Cologne and Munich Fastnacht (Fasching). Getting ready for the carnival. On one of the Thursdays of February, the women's holiday of permissiveness is held - Weiberfastnacht. And on the following Monday, with grandiose street processions, concerts and festivities, the Germans celebrate Rosenmontag (Rosenmontag). The next day, Tuesday, is traditionally a children's holiday with gifts and reduced classes at schools. Wednesday, among all this carnival sequence, justifies the name “ash”: on this day, after a storm of fun with a headache and a hangover, carnivals are preparing for the great forty-day Lent, which begins after “Ash Wednesday” and continues until the Easter holiday.

Spring annual events in Germany

Easter- a religious holiday that is celebrated all over the world at the end of March or in mid-April. Germany is no exception. The most magnificently celebrated two days of the entire Easter week: Sunday and Monday (public holiday). Traditional symbols are eggs and rabbits. Finding yourself in Germany during this event, which ends Great Lent, you will see a lot of beautiful customs, interesting fun, games and interesting traditions of celebrating Easter in Germany.

1st of May, as elsewhere in the world, Germany celebrates the Labor and Spring Festival with traditional Maypole decorations and demonstrations.

Mother's Day and Father's Day in Germany- revered events and public holidays. They are celebrated respectively on the second Sunday of May and on the fortieth day after Easter. And if it is customary to give signs of attention and give gifts to beloved mothers and grandmothers, then men gather on their day and leave for picnics, taking a good basket of goodies and booze.

Summer Love Parade in Germany

In summer, a whole season of gay pride parades called Christopher-Street-Day opens in Germany. At the same time, in several German cities, adherents of free sexual relations take to the streets at once, dressed in carnival costumes and with funny slogan signs in their hands (for example, “Did you hug a gay today?”). Musical support is provided by cars (sometimes very unusually decorated) and buses slowly moving behind a colorful procession. At the same time, a huge number of residents gather to admire the procession.

Immediately before thousands of processions, thematic events (parties, concerts, exhibitions, etc.) are held in Germany for two weeks. In 2014, the annual love parade became the 36th in a row and took place on June 21.

Autumn holidays in Germany

Autumn is not only a season that heralds the onset of cold weather, but also a very rich season for various events and holidays.

September 1 schoolchildren from all over the world go to school after the holidays. But only in Germany it is customary for children to give huge paper cones filled to the brim with sweets on this day to show how sweet it is to study at school.

Oktoberfest

The main beer festival in Germany has been celebrated for over two hundred years. Fans of the beer produced by the Munich breweries have been having fun for almost three weeks. In 2014 the festival will begin on Saturday 20 September and end on 5 October.

Traditionally, on the first morning of the festival, the procession of the owners of beer tents begins, and at exactly 12 noon, the foam festival officially opens with cannon volleys. The next Sunday, the holiday takes on an even grander form: more than eight thousand people dressed in historical and carnival costumes, accompanied by the sounds of orchestras, pass from the Bavarian parliament building to Teresa meadow, where many tents with an amber-colored drink and a myriad of sausages await their guests. and other snacks. In addition to alcohol revelry, attractions are available at the festival for everyone. And control the health of those who came to Oktoberfest, medical workers.

October 3 - German Unity Day

This holiday is perhaps the most modest of all. In honor of the great event for the country, musical performances and fireworks are organized in Berlin and some other cities.

Feast of Kirmes (third Sunday in October)

An old rural holiday dedicated to the harvest. A symbolic straw effigy a couple of weeks before Kirmes is buried in the ground along with a bottle of schnapps, and on the holiday itself it is dug up and attached to a decorated tree. The event is accompanied by divine services, games, dances and songs. The next day, the scarecrow is sent to the ground with pieces of cake, glass fragments, a rooster's head and the same bottle of schnapps. This tradition is similar to a symbolic offering to the earth for a rich harvest.

Halloween and All Saints Day, October 31 - November 1

In Germany, they love to dress up in all sorts of evil spirits and other terrible carnival costumes on the eve of All Saints' Day. Not complete without an old pumpkin candlestick and traditional treats. The biggest party is usually held at Castle Frankenstein. And the very next morning, the Germans rush to the graves of deceased relatives to honor their memory. In some regions of the country, November 1 is a public holiday.

National Day of Sorrow in Germany, November 18

Day of mourning with a rich historical background is held in all cities of Germany. The chancellor, the heads of the cabinets of the government and the diplomatic corps make a speech, the country's anthem is necessarily played, and mourning rallies are held. Residents mourn for those who died in the first and second World Wars.

"Fifth season" in Germany

According to ancient tradition, the “fifth season”, which means the beginning of preparations for the Christmas festivities and the opening of the festival season, begins annually on November 11 at 11:11. This season will last until the very end of February and end with a magnificent carnival.

In addition, many religious and secular holidays are celebrated in Germany. Some of them are traditionally celebrated at night, while others are associated with very interesting historical events. And there are so many festivals and carnivals throughout the year that it is simply impossible to count them. Having visited the country and having visited several celebrations, you will not only be imbued with love for this cheerful people, but also feel how they know how to relax in Germany.

Often we perceive the inhabitants of Germany as dry and callous pedants. But as soon as you get to know them in an informal setting, you will surely be convinced of the opposite. The most fully conducive to communication is visiting establishments, whose doors swing open for guests after dark.

The European "brother" of one of the most popular US music festivals fills the capital of Germany with the rhythms of top-notch rock for two autumn days.

Initially, he gained fame in the early 90s of the last century, wandering around American cities, like a traveling fair or circus. Although today the alternative music festival has found a permanent venue in downtown Chicago, the travel impulse it created has found expression in the creation of "daughter" festivals in different countries. In 2014, after a successful start in Chile, Brazil, and Argentina, the American cultural franchise first came to Europe, settling in Berlin.

The German outpost of American pop culture offers its guests an invigorating musical cocktail from a wide variety of genres, from arena rock to hip-hop and EDM dance hits. Past seasons have featured headliners such as New Order, Sam Smith, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Muse, Martin Garrix, The Libertines, Radiohead and Major Lazer. Lollapalooza's signature atmosphere is traditionally supported by such pleasant additions as an open-air contemporary art gallery, performances by street actors, the Kidzapalooza interactive playground and the Lolla Fun Fair mini amusement park. German listeners had time to appreciate the bright replenishment of the entertainment program of the capital. Around 70,000 people attend Lollapalooza Berlin concerts per day.

After the debut edition on the territory of the former Berlin-Tempelhof Airport and the second edition of the fest in the disputed territory of Treptow Park next to the legendary monument to the Liberator Warrior, the Olympic Stadium and Park was chosen as a permanent venue for the Berlin Lollapaluz. The large area and developed infrastructure of the Olympiastadion made it possible to completely separate the noisy event from public recreation areas or other places where loud music would be unnecessary.

The ticket price for the Lollapalooza Berlin festival is 149 euros.

The most effective way to better feel the spirit of the country and learn more about its culture is to visit some kind of folk festival or folklore festival. There are plenty of such events in Germany: in addition to the well-known Oktoberfest, fairs, parades, processions, competitions and other interesting events are held all over the country on a grand scale.

During mass festivities, tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with national cuisine, see traditional costumes, hear German folk songs and, in general, get deeper into the atmosphere of the country, which is invaluable for forming the right idea. The largest number of festive events occurs in the summer, and many events are also held in autumn and spring.

The biggest holidays in Germany

1 Oktoberfest

Perhaps the most famous and grandiose festival in Germany, which annually gathers millions of tourists from all over the world - connoisseurs of quality German beer and folklore traditions. It takes place in Munich in the second half of September-early October. Pavilions of brewing companies (only Munich ones) are set up on Teresa Meadow, which produce a foamy drink in accordance with the laws of the 15th-16th centuries.

2. Kranger Kirmes

Fair festival, which takes place in the city of Herne. It starts on the last Friday of August and lasts a whole week. This is a fun extravaganza with carousels, music and rides. In terms of the scope of events, the event is second only to the famous Oktoberfest. It is believed that Kranger Kirmes appeared in the 15th century, when illusionists, jugglers, street performers and magicians began to perform at the local wild horse market.

3. Cannstatter Volksfest

Another beer festival in Germany, but already in Stuttgart. Its history began in the 19th century. At first, beer was not the main "protagonist", but gradually the focus shifted, and today visitors can taste the foamy drinks of hundreds of companies that place their tents on an area of ​​16 hectares, as well as eat hearty schnitzels, roast beef and other delicacies. Kannstatter Volksfest takes place in September-October and lasts 16 days.

4. Great Fair on the Rhine

A large-scale holiday in Düsseldorf, which takes place in July for 10 days and annually gathers about 4 million people. Events are organized in a large clearing in the Oberkassel district. Trade tents and attractions are set up in the middle of ancient buildings, which become natural decorations for the fair. Traditionally, the festival is organized by the St. Sebastian, which has a 700-year history.

5. Kiel Week

A folk festival that combines traditional festivities, carnival processions and a sailing regatta. It takes place on the territory of the port of Kiel in June and lasts a little over a week. The first ship race took place in the 19th century under Kaiser Wilhelm II. The main events can be seen on the embankment: on specially constructed stages, visitors are entertained by musicians, circus performers, and comedians.

6. Festival of St. Liborius in Paderborn

The holiday is dedicated to St. Liborius, the patron saint of the city. It is held in the last days of July. Festive events begin with the ringing of the bells of the cathedral and the solemn procession with the relics of the saint. After the end of the official ceremony, fairs, concerts and colorful shows open in the center of Paderborn. The event ends with a massive fireworks display.

7. Cologne Carnival

Carnival takes place in February before the start of Lent (there are similar traditions in many European countries). At this time, the city turns into a theatrical stage: thousands of residents in bright costumes, balls, carnival meetings, gala dinners and mass processions - all this accompanies the holiday. For a few days, life in official institutions stops.

8 Cologne Gay Pride

Gay parade in Cologne is considered one of the largest in Europe, annually it gathers up to a million spectators and tens of thousands of participants. The main event is a carnival procession, during which representatives of the LGBT community on special platforms follow the streets of the city. The main theme of the gay parade (as well as all similar events) is the struggle for the rights of sexual minorities and the promotion of social tolerance.

9. Hanseatic regatta

International competitions in the port city of Rostock, which attracts participants from all over Europe. Spectators of the regatta have the opportunity to admire a wide variety of sailing ships, stylized as old ships. Some captains even allow tourists to board or go out to sea for a short ride after the race. The regatta is held in August and lasts only 3 days.

10 Berlin Marathon

A mass run that first started officially in 1974. Since then, the number of its participants has only increased, sometimes the organizers are even forced to reject applications due to the large number of applicants. In addition to the classic distance, you can join the roller skating marathon and children's competitions. During the event, several world records were set.

11. "Document"

This is a contemporary art vernissage that has been held in Kassel since 1955. The first exhibition featured works by Picasso, Kandinsky and other representatives of this genre. Documenta follows a tradition broken in 1937 when the Nazi regime banned the display of "degenerate art". Vernissage is held once every five years.

12. "Bochum Total"

A music festival that takes place in the city of Bochum at the beginning of summer. As a rule, it lasts for several days. It hosts teams playing in various genres from jazz to hard rock, so the event is attended by a very diverse audience. For the first time the festival was held in 1986 on two small venues, today city clubs, pubs, streets and parks are involved in the scenes.

13. Birthday of the port in Hamburg

A maritime festival that impresses with its scope: the venues where mass events are held stretch for many kilometers along the Hamburg embankment. The festival starts on the first Friday of May and lasts for several days. The opening and closing accompanies a colorful parade. The program includes processions, fireworks, a solemn passage of ships along the river and rowing competitions.

14. "Cologne Lights"

Summer fireworks festival in Cologne, which is famous for its colorful shows. Numerous tourists watch the fireworks from the shores, ship decks, bridges and roofs, from where the most favorable angle opens. In order to take a suitable position, you will have to arrive a few hours before the start. "Cologne Lights" is a one-day festival, it ends with a grandiose light show.

15. Light Festival in Berlin

During this festival, the sights of Berlin are decorated with incredible light installations. The Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, Pergamon, government residences turn into an arena for a fabulous game of spotlights that create vivid and memorable images. Watching the facades of buildings, you can watch a whole light show created by skillful directors. The festival has been held since 2005 in November and lasts about two weeks.

16. Rock am Ring festival

One of the key rock music festivals, taking place at the Nürburgring, the Formula 1 race track since 1985 (in early June). Since 1987, it has been held in the open-air format. Since then, such mastodons as Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Van Halen have performed there. Tickets for the festival are sold along with campsites, where visitors will have to stay for three days.

17. Wurstmarkt Wine Festival

Germany produces not only excellent beer. German wine is also distinguished by excellent quality and excellent taste characteristics. The festival dedicated to this drink is traditionally held in Durkheim (Bavarian Palatinate). During the festival, visitors can taste dozens of varieties, appreciate the local wine culture and enjoy the special atmosphere of the event.

18. "Lights of the Rhine"

The festival events cover several cities located on the Rhine. They start in May in Bonn and end in September in Bingen. "Lights of the Rhine" is a celebration of colorful fireworks, light installations accompanied by music, knightly tournaments in castles, ship parades and concerts. It is the longest in time, in almost 4 months almost the entire population of the cities standing on the river and numerous tourists manage to take part in it.

19. Berlin Film Festival

The first film festival was held in Berlin in 1951. Since then, it has become one of the most prestigious and significant events in the world of cinema. It is especially important that directors from various countries, and not only from Europe and America, present their films to the jury. For many aspiring masters, the Berlinale becomes a successful debut, after which a successful career begins. The festival takes place in February.

20. Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival

Festival of classical music, taking place in the cities of Schleswig-Holstein. It brings together leading symphony orchestras and world-famous performers to perform against the backdrop of the stone vaults of ancient cathedrals and castles, illuminated by the lights of the embankments, in parks and workshops of old factories. As part of the festival, about 200 concerts are organized at dozens of venues.