The diversity of Europe is perhaps broader than any other continent, with an abundance of attractions, landscapes and people across its lands. The continent also holds a number of fantastic events and festivals throughout the year, with plenty of food, cinema, music, drink and a bunch of unique and unusual offerings if you’re seeking something strange.
One of these unique events is La Tomatina, in which thousands of red-splattered fun-lovers throw tomatoes at each other in the small Spanish town of Bunol. Spain also hosts the Running of the Bulls Festival, while the Cheese Rolling Festival sees thousands of hungry Brits chasing cheese down a steep hill. Other oddities include France’s Festival of the Unusual, Wales’ Bog Snorkelling competitions, Finland’s Air Guitar World Championships and Germany’s anti-Santa Krampusnacht… and that’s only the tip of the idiosyncratic iceberg.
Europe’s festival scene is perhaps best known for its music events. The most famous of these include England’s Glastonbury Festival, Belgium’s Tomorrowland Festival, Serbia’s Exit Festival, Barcelona’s Primevera Sound and Budapest’s Sziget. Many of these offer huge names in rock and pop, while others are a more alternative affair with dance, folk, electronic, DJs and plenty more.
One of Europe’s most iconic festivals is the Bavarian bonanza that is Oktoberfest, of which there are many in Germany. These events are a boozy affair full of beer, bratwurst, Lederhosen and polka music. The Oktoberfests throughout the country are raucous, noisy and infectious, and they’re full to the brim with fun and energy.
If you’re looking to fill your belly with more saliva-inducing servings of local food and drink, Europe has plenty of diverse fayre to rumble your tum. Among the tasty offerings are seafood festivals, cheese festivals, wine and beer festivals and plenty more. Some of the most prestigious events include Weimer Onion Festival, Italy’s Slow Food Festival, Taste of London and Bordeaux Wine Festival.
Cultural offerings throughout Europe include Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day Festival, Art Basel (which is one of the best modern art festivals on the planet), the Carnival of Venice and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which showcases the work of thousands of high-profile and upcoming minds in the world of theatre. Cinema festivals include the iconic Cannes and offerings in Wroclaw, London and Berlin.
It’s impossible to summarise the breadth and scale of what’s on offer, but there’s plenty for everyone and loads of fun to be had.