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What better way to fully experience a country than to take part in one of its traditional festivals? Europe is host to many festivals every year, each with its own mix of traditions and cultural events.
From the impressive floral demonstrations of the Chelsea Flower Show in London to the green-painted streets of Ireland during St. Patrick’s Day, attending one of these annual events is sure to make some of the best memories.
We’ve come up with four of our top European festivals that we think you shouldn’t miss in 2023.
Chelsea Flower Show, London
Also known as the ‘Great Spring Show’, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an incredible showcase of garden designs and floral displays. Many gardening aficionados and horticulturists flock to London from around the globe for the five-day event.
Here you’ll find a variety of avant-garde pieces that you’d likely see in the Royal Palace. Whilst the theme is yet to be decided, you’re likely to find a variety of unique sculptures and be given lots of gardening techniques for you to try yourself at home.
The fastest way to reach the festival is to get a taxi from London Kings Cross Station, which usually takes around 13 minutes. The show is usually open to visitors at around 8 am each day, so make sure to check the train times in advance to avoid long queues on arrival.
St Patrick’s Day, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the passing of the patron saint and is an official holiday in Ireland. What to expect here: lots of shamrocks, Guinness, and leprechauns. The capital Dublin takes things to a whole other level, with incredible parades, concerts, and displays of heritage. You’ll also get the opportunity to partake in some Irish dancing.
Oktoberfest, Germany
This year will mark the 188th anniversary of Munich Oktoberfest. What was previously a few booths is now Germany’s largest celebration, expected to hold anywhere between 5,000 to 11,000 festival goers.
Whilst the carnival rides and games are nothing short of amazing, the beer tents are where the real action is at. Around 7.7 million liters of beer is enjoyed each year in homage to the Bavarian culture. All participants are encouraged to dress up and join in one of the local parades, which include live performances from brass bands.
Fiesta de San Isidro, Spain
Each year, Spain commemorates the patron saint of Madrid through the Fiesta de San Isidro during the spring. The festival begins with a procession of cabezudos and giants, followed by an opening speech in the Plaza Mayor.
Over the course of a few days, the whole city becomes a riot of Latin culture, embracing Spanish music, dance, and theatre within both indoor venues and alfresco settings in the capital.
San Isidro and his wife were well known for their generosity in giving food to the poor, with this now being the excuse for great festivities. You’ll typically see patrons in their San Isidro costumes selling traditional sweet snacks called barquillos on the streets.
