Want to explore the top 5 festivals in Germany? Read this!
Many students learning German tend to draw likeliness towards Germany because they love its people, the beer, or the culture, but there’s another reason that people flock to Germany every year: its festivals. This can be an effective yet natural way to learn German language lessons.
There are more than 1,000 festivals in Germany annually, which is more than any other nation in the world! Here are listed the top 5 most famous festivals in Germany, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy and explore some German culture during their time abroad. Meanwhile, you have to keep learning German with the best online German language course.
The Oktoberfest –
The best-known German festival, The Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich and attracts over six million visitors per year. The first Oktoberfest was held on October 12, 1810, to celebrate Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
It is the most famous German festival is also one of its oldest and largest. Held every year since 1810, it has long been synonymous with beer, food, culture, and celebrations. Today’s Oktoberfest – which runs from late September through early October – takes place at three large tents called Theresienwiese that can hold more than 10k people each.
More than six million guests visit annually for a two-week party that features plenty of drinking contests, live music performances by popular local bands (such as Brings), and an annual highlight for millions all around Germany and beyond!
New Year’s Eve –
As you might have guessed, New Year’s Eve is a major event all across Germany. While there are plenty of celebrations to choose from, perhaps none are more famous than those held in Berlin, Munich, and Cologne.
If you’re interested in an active New Year’s celebration that allows for lots of merry-making, then Berlin should be your number one pick. Thousands flood into Berlin each year to take part in its massive street parties and a parade of lights on December 31st.
Carnival –
Cologne Carnival (Kölnerc Karneval) is a week-long street festival that occurs before Lent. Cologne’s Carnival, otherwise known as Fasching, draws visitors from all over Germany and even Europe to celebrate. The festival has its roots in celebrations during medieval times, and today it has taken on several traditions of its own: giant parades with elaborate costumes take place every day through February 11th, followed by fireworks displays and costumed balls at night.
Walpurgis Night –
Walpurgis Night (sometimes also called Hexennacht) is celebrated annually on April 30. In German tradition, it falls exactly one week before May Day (May 1). Walpurgis Night is based on a pagan tradition and marks an important event in Germanic history. According to legend, Walpurgis Night celebrated Wodan’s defeat of fire-giant, Thiass.
Christmas Markets –
Christmas is an extremely popular time of each year in Germany, and there are several Christmas markets dotted around the country. Food and drink feature prominently at Christmas markets. Do look out for huge mugs of glühwein (mulled wine) and plates piled high with Lebkuchen (gingerbread).
German Christmas markets are well worth visiting, even if you’re not travelling to Europe at that time of year.
A great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Germany is by attending one of the country’s most famous festivals. With festivities celebrating everything from drink and food to music and dance, these top five festivals in Germany will give you insight into this richly diverse country! Live online German classes on sites like Latogo are perfect for those who want to learn German while they travel around.
