20 Most Famous Festivals in Europe For 2018
Being a land of diverse cultures and traditions, Europe is home to several arts, music and traditional festivals that one should definitely visit in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the unignorable European festivals that you absolutely must experience.
Famous festivals in Europe at a glance for you:
Name of the Festival | Country | Start Date |
The Carnival of Venice | Italy | 27-Jan-2018 |
La Tomatina | Spain | 29-Aug-2018 |
Tomorrowland | Belgium | 20-Jul-2018 |
Cannes International Film Festival | France | 8-May-2018 |
Oktoberfest | Germany | 22-Sep-2018 |
Henley Royal Regatta | England | 4-Jul-2018 |
Edinburgh Festival Fringe | Scotland | 3-Aug-2018 |
Las Fallas de Valencia | Spain | 15-Mar-2018 |
Notting Hill Carnival | England | 26-Aug-2018 |
Il Palio | Italy | 2-Jul-2018 |
Zurich Street Parade | Switzerland | 11-Aug-2018 |
Secret Garden party | England | 23-Feb-2018 |
Cascamorras | Spain | 6-Sep-2018 |
Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling | England | 28-May-2018 |
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival | Scotland | 30-Jan-2018 |
Running of the Bull | Spain | 6-Jul-2018 |
International kite festival | France | 14-Apr-2018 |
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | Scotland | 3-Aug-2018 |
Oerol Festival | Netherland | 15-Jun-2018 |
1. The Carnival of Venice / Carnival di Venezia / Mardi Gras, Italy
Image Source: pixabay.com
The Carnival of Venice is one of the biggest festivals in Europe that originated sometime in the year 1162 AD. This Festival is held in Venice every year between January and February and ends 40 days before Easter with celebration of Lent. This festival was made official during the renaissance period, however was banned by the King of Austria and masks were forbidden. After Napoleon invaded Italy in 1797, the carnival completely stopped for almost two centuries and was recently revived to boost tourism.
In Italy, the festivities usually begin from the weekend before the actual carnival date which is Shrove Tuesday. The official opening of the carnival happens at St. Mark’s Square and it is quite a sight, after which a serious of events like the costume contests, musical performances, theatrical performances and balls continue for a week. At the Carnival, socialites disguise themselves in elaborate masks and costumes, usually from the 18th century and rejoice to their heart’s content. Back then the masks allowed citizens to adopt their alter egos without any fear of the social consequence or judgments based on their roles in the society.
The Carnival of Venice is also known as Mardi Gras and is now celebrated world-over. During the carnival, exquisite Venetian palaces are a host to several Elite Parties that come with a high price tag. Delicious traditional sweets - Frittelle & Galani, can be purchased from any bakery in town, but only during the carnival.
Dates: 27th Jan to 13th Feb 2018
Not to be missed: Flight of the Angel, Candlelight Water Parade, La Notte della Taranta (Night of the Tarantula)
Check availability of best hotels in Venice.
2. La Tomatina, Spain
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
What once started out in 1945 as a brawl to get some attention (as per poplar story) at the Los G Igantes Carnival in Bunol has now become one of the most famous festivals in Europe. After a series on bans and un-bans, the wacky tradition was finally embraced by Spanish authorities in 1957, but only after setting a few rules. At this madcap tomato-throwing event that takes place on the last Wednesday of August each year, participants launch tomato attacks on fellow participants which eventually turns into a full-fledged Food (in this case tomato) war. The chaotic tomato fight takes place between 11 am 1 pm on that day. By the time the event ends, the participants are drenched in squished tomatoes skins, seeds, juice and street salsa, clothes utterly destroyed.
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This event has garnered a lot of attention in the recent years and sees truckloads of tourists visiting the event. Today, the organizers actually cultivate inedible tomatoes especially for this event. Also, to ensure that the festival is happy, hurt-free event for everyone, certain rules have been laid down by authorities - tomatoes have to be squashed before throwing, No other projectiles are allowed other than tomatoes , participants have to give way to the trucks and Lorries carrying tomatoes, etc.
Dates: 29th August 2018
Not to be missed: The entire event!
Check availability of best hotels in Bunol.
3. Tomorrowland, Belgium
Image Source: youtube.com
Tomorrowland is one of the biggest European Music Festivals that takes place in Boom, Belgium that is only 32 Kilometers to the north of Brussels. The first edition of Tomorrowland was held in 2005 which was organized by ID&T, a Dutch entertainment company. There are several other similar music festivals but Tomorrowland distinctly stands out from the rest owing to the Fairytale stage designs that change into castles, cobras, bookcases. The lights and lasers animate the venue in the evenings. Another interesting and infamous aspect of Tomorrowland is the Church of Love, a temple dedicated to love that is guarded by naughty nuns. Couples can cuddle inside the reportedly cozy church for 15 minutes before rejoining the party outside.
However, since Tomorrowland is a music festival, it has much more than just visual delights. The top notch music systems literally make your heart beat harder than ever. Your feet start tapping involuntarily to the superlative beats dished out by some of the best performers, DJs and musicians. Most people attending Tomorrowland choose camping as their accommodation.
Dates: 20th July to 22nd July, 27th July to 29th July 2018
Not to be missed: Stage designs, church of love
Check availability of best hotels in Boom.
4. Cannes International Film Festival, France
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the most revered events in the film fraternity, Cannes International Film Festival is the place to be if you are a self-proclaimed fan girl or boy and a people watcher because you are bound to be just another face in the crowd at this festival. The beautiful town of Cannes on the breathtaking Cte d’Azur is buzzing with crowd from across the globe who have come to get a glimpse of their favorite stars, truckloads of journalists camping outside hotels, film makers and buyers at this European film festival. Although most of the film screenings at Cannes will require industry accreditation, there are some public screenings as well. However, there is more to Cannes than just the film festival, so if you need a breather from the hustle bustle and all the mingling at the Film Festival, a visit to a beach restaurant, explore the streets or watch a movie under the stars at Ciné ma de la Plage on Mac é Beach. The Cannes International Film Festival is no doubt a glamorous and glossy affair but it is a great time to meet new people, watch new films and explore the place in its full glory.
Dates: 8th to 19th May 2018
Not to be missed: Beach parties, Boat parties, movie premiers, celebrity spotting
Check availability of best hotels in Cannes.
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5. Oktoberfest, Germany
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
This festival is one of the most famous events in Europe. ‘Oktoberfest’ is synonymous with dousing oneself in beer, after all it is the beloved beverage in Germany. The Oktoberfest takes place in Munich on the well-known open space by the name of uo; Theresienwiese’. The big tents are erected especially for the festival and it takes about three months to be completed.
The Oktoberfest begins in September and ends on the first Sunday of October or on October 3rd whichever comes later. Minimum duration of the festival is 16 days. During this festival, visitors can enjoy different beers along with live orchestras and many fun rides such as the Frisbee Carousel, roller coasters, etc. More than 6 million people from around the world attend the festival.
Dates: 22nd Sept to 7th Oct 2018
Not to be missed: Beer, rides and traditional food
Check availability of best hotels in Munich.
6. Henley Royal Regatta, England
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Considered as one the most aristocratic sporting events in the world, the Henley Royal Regatta is an annual rowing event that lasts for 5 days over the first weekend of July on the Thames River. The rowing races are knockout races over a course of 1 mile. The festival attracts crews from across the globe including Olympic rowers. The most prestigious event being the Grand Challenge Cup for Men. The festival is a fashion event as well as it sees sophisticated designer outfits flaunted by blue bloods at the event. Even the drinks at the event include classics Pimm’s and lemonade, Champagne and Gin & Tonic.
Dates: 4th 8 July 2018
Not to be missed: Olympic rowers, Classic drinks, Thames River Valley
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7. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world that takes place almost throughout the month of August. Over 40,000 performances, 3,000 shows and artists from as many as 50 countries can be witnessed at this festival. The festival pulls a crowd of about 2 million people. Events and performances such as ballet, opera, plays, comedy, pyrotechnics and much more can be enjoyed by the visitors. As elaborate as this festival may sound it had very humble beginnings back in 1947. Although the festival is jam-packed, you will wish to stay at this superlative festival for as long as you can.
Dates: 3rd to 27th August 2018
Not be missed: Don’t miss anything! Thank us later
Check availability of best hotels in Edinburgh.
8. Las Fallas de Valencia, Spain
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Falles, this crazy event held in Valencia, Spain is one of the best festivals of Europe, thanks to its quirk. The festival made it to the list of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Las Fallas is a five day five night festival where the people of Valencia as well as nearby towns and villages gather for the fun and frolic. It started as a feast for St. Joseph in the middle ages, the patron saint for the carpenter community.
In the course of festival, different groups take out the puppets known as ninots in local language, that have been prepared by them for a parade. These quirky puppets are mounted on platforms along with firecrackers and at the end of the parade, are burnt. These puppets are themed each year and the entire parade is a fun to watch.
What earlier was just a parade of a local community is today a place for lot of events. With artists and performers adding to the fun of the festival, the entire week is dedicated to the festival and whole of the suburban area is declared as Ciutat fallera (Falles City). The parade is replete with comedic, religious as well as historical processions and beautiful fireworks that bright up the night sky!
Restaurants are flooded with locals and tourists, as the parade with colourful costumes, quirky theme and music dot the streets.
Dates: 15th to 20th March 2018
Not to be missed: The events within the Las Fallas de Valencia festival- La Desperta, La Mascleta, La Planta, L'Ofrena des flors, Els Castells and La Nit del Foc, Cavalcada del Foc and La Crema
Check availability of best hotels in Valencia.
9. Notting Hill Carnival, England
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
A cultural event that has been absorbed in the British Culture like it belongs; Notting Hill Carnival was conceptualised by the British West Indian Community. The event takes place since 1964 on the streets of Chelsea, Notting Hill and Royal Borough of Kensington in the month of August. The roots of Notting Hill carnival can be found in the complex racial conflict and a response for the same.
Today, it is one of the biggest street festivals of Europe with a large participation from all communities of Britain. The splash of people dressed in vibrant outfits with the typical carnival-style feather hats envelope the streets of London and the entire atmosphere is filled with enjoyment.
The Caribbean music that is played around the carnival can transfer you to another world. This event is considered to be an epitome of London’s cultural and ethnic diversity. More than 50,000 performers participate in the parade that sees a crowd of at least one million.
Dates: 26th to 27th August 2018
Not to be missed: The fun, frolic, performances, the music, and the food!
10. Il Palio, Italy
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
11. Glastonbury, England
Image Source: Flickr/RussGarrett
The next Glastonbury Festival is going to happen in 2019. 2018 will be a fallow year.
Check availability of best hotels in London.
12. Street Parade Zurich, Switzerland
Image Source: Flickr/FrancoisRegny
Date: 11th August 2018
Not to be missed: The after party events held in the different pubs of Zurich such as Hive Club, KaufLeuten Zurich, and Zurich Langstrasse
Check availability of best hotels in Zurich.
13. Secret Garden party, England
Image Source: Flickr/HollyGable
Dats: 23 to 24 February 2018
Not to be missed: Get a relaxing massage in the sanctuary, Playing your favorite games in the Games Arena and Clicking some pictures in the Barbie Booth
14. Cascamorras, Spain
Image Source: Flickr/MateoAngelini
Dates: 6th Sept to 10th Sept 2018
Not to be missed: The delicious food, the hospitality of the folks and nice ambience of the surrounding
15. Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling and Wake Festival Gloucester, England
Image Source: Flickr/WillDeFreitas
Date: 28th May 2018
Not to be missed: The madness and fun in the air
16. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival Lerwick, Scotland
Image Source: Flickr/DavidPaul57
Date: 30th January 2018.
Not to be missed: The elaborate costumes, spectacular view of the marches and delectable culinary delights.
17. Running of the Bull, Pamplona
Image Source: Flickr/WreckedDeco
Dates: 6th to 14th July 2018
Not to be missed: Earlier preparations of Plaza Consistoria and delightful afterparty cuisines.
Check availability of best hotels in Pamplona.
18. International kite festival in Berck-Sur-Mer, Europe
Image Source: Pixabay
Dates: 14th to 22nd April 2018
Not to be Missed: The colourful display of unity, art and sportsmanship, delicious food and friendly vibes of the surrounding.
19. Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Image Source: Flickr/Mick
Regal and all military like, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival has everything to chart in your list of best European festivals in 2018. A unique and one of its kind festival, the Tattoo lets you indulge in a magnificent audio-visual journey filled with royally dressed marching bands singing their songs of valour and patriotism. The event is held in the magnificent premises of iconic Edinburgh castle featuring splendid march bands from all across the world including Uk and Scotland.
Dates: 3rd to 25th August 2018
Not to be Missed: The magnificent display of old and new. The festival can be quite informative if you don't mind delving into it.
20. Oerol Festival
Held in the small island of Terschelling in the Netherlands, the Oerol Festival is considered to be among the best European festivals in the world. Every year, in the months of June, the island comes alive with a magnificent spectacle of mirth, music and fun. The unique festival goes on for 10 days in which performers from all over the world showcase their talent and love for arts. Known to be a highly diverse platform, this theatre festival welcomes every kind of arts that are probably there. From enthusiastic dance, street theatres to music and autonomous performances, you can find everything here.
Dates: 15th to 24th June 2018
Not to be Missed: A walk through the surrounding landscape and beaches along with wild after party drinks in one of the many joints
This world is full of magical festivals and cultures and one life may not be enough to see it but you can at least visit some of these biggest festivals in Europe. Start planning your visit with Triphobo.
Here's the summary of best European festivals happening in 2018:
- January - The Carnival of Venice, Up Helly Aa Fire Festival
- February - Secret Garden Party
- March - Las Fallas de Valencia
- April - International Kites Festival of Burck-Sur-Mer
- May - Cannes International Film Festival, Cooper Hill’s Cheese Rolling
- June - Oerol Festival
- July - Il Palio (Palio di Siena), Henley Royal Regatta, Pamplona Bull Running Festival, Tomorrowland
- August - Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Zurich Street Parade, Notting Hill Carnival, La Tomatina Festival, Royal Edinburg Military Tattoo Festival
- September - Cascamorras, Oktoberfest