The best festivals in europe

The Biggest and Best European Festivals in 2017

People travel for many reasons. Some travel for food, some travel for culture, some travel for the weather. Others follow the festivals. Many of the world’s most famous events are European festivals. The one to get the festival season going is St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, but this is just the beginning.

Here are 10 of Europe’s biggest festivals taking place before the end of 2017.

March 16th-19th – St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin, Ireland

St-Patricks-Day-Dublin St. Patrick's Day Festival, Dublin

Photo courtesy of William Murphy

While St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world on March 17th, Dublin is the epicentre of the celebrations, mainly due to the St. Patrick’s Festival which is a 4-day event. Over the four days, you can expect treasure hunts, céilís, boat races and a world-famous parade.

For more info visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie

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March 15th–19th – Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain

Las-Fallas-Valencia

Of all the festivals in this post, two need to be seen to believed – this is one of them. Valencia’s Las Fallas festival is a pyromaniac’s dream come true. While the festival officially begins on the 8th February, the event really gets under way on the 15th March. For five nights in a row, firework displays light the Valencian skies, ‘mascletas’ (fireworks displays that take place during the day that are an audio spectacle rather than a visual one) rock the main square, while on the final night

the ‘falla’ (floats) are burned to cinders.

For more info visit www.fallasfromvalencia.com

Book a homestay in Valencia


April 27th – King’s Day, Netherlands

Kings-Day-Netherlands

Netherlands’ national day (formerly known as Queen’s Day) is the day the whole country turns orange for 24 hours. All over the country street parties, parades, markets, fun fairs and non-stop open air fun puts smiles on the faces of one of the world’s most welcome nations. As you would imagine, the biggest party takes place in Amsterdam, but you’re guaranteed a memorable time no matter where you are in the country.

For more info visit www.iamsterdam.com

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July 14th – Bastille Day, France

Bastille Day Bastille-Day-France

Photo courtesy of Side78

Commemorating the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the French Revolution, the French National Day is a day of parades, parties, and fêtes. If you’re looking for something a bit quirkier locate the nearest fire station – this is where you’ll find balls where you can introduce yourself to military forces and more.

Fore more info visit www.rendezvousenfrance.com

Book a homestay in France


Mid-July to August – Edinburgh Festivals, Scotland

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Edinburgh-Fringe-Festival

Photo courtesy of Laura Suarez

Between 15th July and 29th August no fewer than six festivals take place in the Scottish capital. These are:

  • The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival (14th July–23rd July)
  • The Edinburgh Art Festival (27th July–27th August)
  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (4th August–26th August)
  • The Edinburgh International Festival (4th August–28th August)
  • The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (4th August–28th August)
  • The Edinburgh International Book Festival (12th August–28th August)

The best known of this varied bunch of events are the Fringe Festival and the Military Tattoo. Visit the city during August, and you’ll get five festivals for the price of one.

For more info visit www.edinburghfestivalcity.com

Book a homestay in Edinburgh


August 30th – La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain

La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain La-Tomatina-Bunol-Spain

Photo courtesy of Łukasz Lech

Throwing tomatoes at friends and strangers for a few hours might not sound like a whole lot of fun, but this festival in the north-east of Spain is one of the world’s most unique and famous events. The tomato-throwing takes place around Plaza del Pueblo and attracts 30,000 visitors annually. In the run-up to the event, there are daily festivities so try to get there in advance for three or four days of fun.

For more info visit www.latomatina.info

Book a homestay in Valencia


August 27th-28th – Notting Hill Carnival, London, England

Notting Hill Carnival, London, England Notting-Hill-Carnival

Photo courtesy of J C

Originating in 1964, the Notting Hill Carnival is officially Europe’s largest street festival. Taking place at the end of August every year, for three days the most colourful parades imaginable team up with the most memorable parties ever to present you with a festival you’ll never forget.

For more info visit www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Book a homestay in London


September 16th-October 3rd – Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest Oktoberfest-Munich-Germany

Photo courtesy of xsnowdog

I've been to Oktoberfest three times and each time it’s left me gobsmacked. Every time I’ve been there I’ve found it hard to get over the volumes of people that fill each of the 14 tents. From 9 am until 11 pm they are full to capacity with anything from 4,000 to 12,000 people. It really is astounding. What’s also astounding is how social this festival is. Upon arriving you’ll choose your tent, then you'll choose your table. After that, you’ll choose what conversation you want to engage in because, due to the copious amounts of beer consumed on each of the festival’s 18 days, there are many to join.

For more info visit www.oktoberfest.de/en

Book a homestay in Munich


End of September – Festes de la Mercè, Barcelona, Spain

Festes-de-la-Merce-Barcelona

Anybody who’s ever been to Barcelona will know that it’s a pretty lively city. Imagine what that’s like with street parties, free outdoor concerts, parades and more around every second corner. The human pyramids are particularly memorable. The event dates are still to be confirmed for 2017, so keep an eye on the website below.

For more info visit http://merce.bcn.cat/en/

Book a homestay in Barcelona


December 30th–January 1st – Hogmanay, Edinburgh, Scotland

Hogmanay-Edinburgh

There isn’t a city in the world that doesn’t party like it’s the end of the world on New Year’s Eve, but it’s hard to think of one that does it in as much style as Edinburgh. The Scottish capital stages a 3-day festival that boasts torch parades, live concerts, spellbinding fireworks displays and lots of Scottish hospitality.

Book a homestay in Edinburgh


What’s your favourite festival?


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