There's no better way to get to know a country than by taking part in its festivals. Check out our yearly round-up of Germany’s best festivals and events that will give you a taste of German culture, tradition, and art at its best.
1. Carnival in Germany
Patrick Stollarz/ Getty Images
Carnival is also called the “Fifth Season” in Germany; alongside with many colorful costume balls, the highlight of this festival is the Rose Monday Parade with marching bands, dancers, and decorated floats parading down the streets across Germany. Carnival is celebrated throughout the country, and some would say even more so in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Muenster, and Mainz.
2. International Film Festival in Berlin
Dirk Michael Deckbar@Berlinale 2005
Every February, Berlin rolls out the red carpet to host the Berlin International Film Festival. What to expect? More than 400 films from all over the world, parties, and special events open to everyone who loves film. Besides Cannes and Venice, the Berlinale is the most important film festival in Europe.
3. Rhine in Flames Festival
raayab
4. Carnival of Cultures in Berlin
svenwerk
Berlin celebrates its own unique carnival in summer, the colorful Carnival of Cultures - more than 1,5 million visitors pay tribute to the multicultural spirit of Germany’s capital with this four-day street festival. Enjoy exotic food and drinks, concerts, parties, and a carnival parade with decorated floats, singers and dancers from over 70 different countries.
5. Bach Fest in Leipzig
This world-class music festival in Leipzig commemorates the life and work of the city's most famous resident, Johann Sebastian Bach. Renowned artists from all over the world perform Bach's classical masterpieces in historical venues like the Thomaskirche (Thomas Church), where Bach worked as a cantor for 27 years.6. Oktoberfest in Munich
GNTB/Rainer Kiedrowski
The highlight of our German festival calendar: Oktoberfest in Bavaria. Every Sptember and Oktober, over 6 million visitors from around the world come to Munich to celebrate Bavarian cuisine, music, and traditions. There are are many colorful parades, open-air concerts, and fun rides to enjoy for the whole family.
7. Wine Festival and Wurstmarkt in Bad Duerkheim
Although this fair is officially called "Wurstmarkt" (sausage market), it is famous for its celebration of excellent local wines. Located in Rhineland Palatinate, Germany's second largest wine growing region, the Wurstmarkt prides itself in being the world's biggest wine festival. This culinary event has been celebrated every September for almost 600 years.
8. Christmas Markets
Rene Schwietzke
Christmas markets are a wonderful part of the German holiday tradition and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. Every German city celebrates the season with at least one traditional Christmas market; enjoy old-fashioned carousels, buy handmade holiday decoration, listen to German Christmas carols, and sample home made Christmas treats.
