5 Traditional German Festivals You Need To Enjoy Once In Lifetime

Germans like their festivals loud and fun. Ranging from wine festivals to film festivals, across both cities and villages, festivals in Germany are very diverse. You may think you know a country inside out, but you have to attend one of its traditional festivals to really understand the country. These festivals carry the culture and identity of Germany, making them unique and unmissable experiences.

# Oktoberfest

Celebrated in Munich, Oktoberfest is one of the most famous festivals in Germany. Beer enthusiasts from around the country, and the world, gather to celebrate the Bavarian beer festival, along with food and cultural events and performances. A beer lover’s passion for this fermented drink gets amplified on Oktoberfest as Bavaria has the highest-quality beer and several thousand litres of beer flow at the Oktoberfest annually. It is a very scenic setting with vibrant and colourful parades, exciting rides, music, and concerts providing the background to Munich’s best breweries selling beer from tents.

# Karneval, Fasching Or Fastnacht

If you enjoy a costume party, then this one is for you. Except that it’s larger than life because this party goes on for six days. When you hear the crowds cheering out aloud, “Kölle Alaaf“(a phrase used since the 16th century as a cheer to rally up the crowds), you know it’s the sign for the party to get started. Celebrated in February, people give into indulgences with kölsch (local beer) and krapfen (doughnuts) being consumed in huge amounts.

Germans have three different words for Carnival, namely Karneval, Fasching or Fastnacht. They each have different traditions and customs depending on the regions where they are celebrated. The more vibrant celebrations happen in Franconia in northern Bavaria. Ladies take charge of men on Carnival Thursday by cutting their ties and giving them a kiss, this pleasantly bizarre activity is actually a part of age-old traditions. Whichever part of Germany you witness this amazing festival, and whatever the different celebrations, customs and traditions may be, it’s sure to be loads of fun.

# Berlinale

Berlinale, or the International Film Festival in Berlin, is one of the most renowned film festivals in Europe. It’s the perfect place to indulge your inner cinephile because Berlinale is known for a showcase of experimental cinema curated from the best in world cinema. After the screenings, the director and the cast of each movie usually sit in for a Q&A session allowing more insider access for those who love films.

# Munich Opera Festival

For fans of the opera and ballet, the Munich Opera Festival is a month-long event organised through June and July. This festival is one of the oldest of its kind and has been celebrated since 1876. A unique highlight within it is Opera for All, where performances are transmitted live to the audience at Max-Joseph-Platz.

# Wurstmarkt

Germans know their alcohol well, and along with their beer they celebrate their best of wine too. The world’s largest wine festival takes place in September at Bad Dürkheim. Wurst market holds the largest wine barrel called Dürkheimer Riesenfass that can hold 44 million gallons of wine. Celebrated since approximately 600 ago, this area is believed to be the place of ancient wineries where Romans cultivated a variety of grapes 2,000 years ago.