Germany has got a lot of history, culture, and Cultural Festivals in Germany that attract millions of visitors annually. Germany visa fees India would have to be considered prior to planning a trip to India. Being aware of the process will guide you.
Other than the paper work, the real beauty of Germany is its vibrant cultural life. The festivals of centuries coexist with the contemporary ones. One of the best ways of experiencing Germany is through cultural festivals, which enable one to learn the history of the country, food, music and the spirit of the people.
In the paper, we shall bring to light the most popular cultural festivals in Germany and why they are an attraction that should not be missed by the global tourists.
Here are the Cultural Festivals in Germany
1. Oktoberfest – The World’s Largest Beer Festival
When one hears of cultural festivals in Germany, the first one that would come to mind is Oktoberfest. This 16-18 day festival is held annually in Munich, normally between the end of September and the first weekend of October. It is known to be full of life with beer tents, traditional Bavarian costumes, lederhosen among men and dirndls among women, parades, folk music and hearty German food including pretzels, sausages and roast chicken.
What started as a royal wedding party in 1810 has evolved into the largest beer festival in the world with over six million people worldwide visiting the festival annually. To tourists, the Oktoberfest provides an insight into the cultural practices of Bavaria and an opportunity to socialize with the locals and sample the best beer in the world.
2. Karneval – The German Mardi Gras
Karneval or Fasching in other regions of Germany is one of the most colorful cultural celebrations in this country. It is primarily celebrated in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Mainz and is held before Lent and is normally in February.
The climax is the title Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). That day, huge processions are passing along the streets, full of floats, costumes, confetti and music. Individuals wear colorful attires making the streets a huge carnival. Karneval is not only fun but it represents freedom, satire and the happiness of community assembling. To the tourists, it is a memorable experience of German laugh and splendor.
3. Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
Cinema lovers believe that Berlinale is one of the leading cultural events that takes place every February in Berlin. It is among the three major film festivals in the world, the others being Cannes and Venice, that presents international films via screenings, red-carpet premieres and question and answer with film directors and actors.
The Berlinale is accessible to everyone, unlike most festivals, where anyone can buy the ticket and watch world-cinema. This transparency is indicative of the fact that Germany has always been known as a cultural center of art and creativity making the event one of the most impactful cultural festivals in the country.
4. Wurstmarkt – The World’s Largest Wine Festival
Germany is known as a land of wines and the Wurstmarkt in Bad Durbheim is a legacy to this fact. The festival was initially documented in 1417 and it is celebrated once in every September and is believed to be the largest wine festival in the world. Visitors have an opportunity to taste various wines of local wineries, listen to music, folk dance and delicious local cuisine.
The Wurstmarkt is not just a wine event, but it is also the celebration of German hospitality and traditions of the countryside. This will be a unique festival to those tourists interested in trying the local flavor of the vineyards.
5. Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg
In case, you are a fan of modern music and culture, the Reeperbahn Festival in September is worth seeing in Hamburg. It is the biggest club festival in Europe and has more than 900 events in 90 locations that include live concerts, art shows and conferences.
The festival unites the artists of various genres and nations and forms a melting pot of creativity. Tourists will observe the modern cultural life in Germany and the position of this nation as a musical and art trendsetter.
6. Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
German cultural festivals cannot be discussed incomplete without the famous Christmas markets. During the late months of November till the eve of Christmas, German towns and cities are turned into winter wonderlands.
The most famous ones are the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt and Dresden Striezelmarkt. They are characterized with wood stalls, festival lights, hot mulled wine (Gluhwein) and homemade crafts. The markets are not merely a shopping place, but they are the Christmas holiday spirit with singing of carols, old-fashioned sweets and even jubilating mood that leaves children and adults both amazed.
7. Wagner Festival in Bayreuth
The Wagner Festival is an absolute must to people, who are fond of classical music. It is a festival to the compositions of composer Richard Wagner, held every summer in Bayreuth. The festival is staged in Bayreuth Festspielhaus, which is a theater constructed with the purpose of staging Wagner operas.
It is the most famous event in the world, and the people who visit it are intrigued by the fact that Germany is closely tied to the classical music and opera. One of the opportunities that the Wagner Festival provides is the ability to see cultural heritage in its full glory.
8. Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart
Often called the “little brother” of Oktoberfest, the Cannstatter Volksfest is Stuttgart’s largest festival, held every autumn. It includes beer tents, amusement rides, music, parades. It is alike Oktoberfest but has a different regional flavor and appeal.
It is particularly among the crowds that want to have a slightly less crowded yet festive experience. Volksfest is a demonstration of the southern German culture and another great option of getting immersed in a local culture.
Conclusion
Germany is one of the countries where traditions exist in the form of festivals that glorify food, music, film, wine, and community. Whether it is the globally renowned Oktoberfest or the magical Christmas markets, there is something significant and unforgotten about the cultural festivals in Germany that every tourist can find in the country.
When going to Germany, you should always remember to know the visa fees of India to Germany to avoid worrying about the prices once you have arrived in the country to enjoy the cultural experiences. You can be attracted to the traditions of centuries old or to contemporary creative festivals, and Germany has a festival of all the interests. Having the right plan and a valid German visa, your trip with Go Kite Tours will plunge you into the core of the German culture and send you back home with the most memorable experiences.