Summary: Festivals in Europe (Last Updated: August 2025) – Discover Europe’s most exciting festivals—from Venice’s grand carnival and Munich’s Oktoberfest to Tomorrowland, La Tomatina, and more—offering unforgettable celebrations filled with culture, fun, and vibrant experiences.
For most of us, Europe is synonymous with our summer holidays. Europe conjures images of snow-clad mountains, lush greenery, famous historical sites, and beautiful landscapes. There are infinite options for all – young and old, honeymooners and family. Amongst all these features of Europe – we tend to overlook the rich festival culture of Europe. Europe tourism boasts a range of festivals in Europe – for you to engage in across its numerous countries.
There is no better way to experience and explore a country than getting to know its culture. And what could be more fulfilling than experiencing it through its festivals? So this time, while you are planning your Europe Trip – consider exploring the festivals of this continent.
The list could be lengthy, and preferences may vary depending on an individual, but I have enlisted here a few, which you can include in your Europe tour packages.
Image Source: https://www.helitaly.com
One of the oldest and most famous festivals in Europe is the Carnival of Venice. This traditional festival features a gala ball and colorful elaborate masks. Though the roots of this festival are ancient, it became more prominent in 1979 to restore the Venetian culture. The duration of this festival is around twenty days and is generally held in February each year.
Several competitions are held during this festival, such as Popularity Contest, Best Mask Design Contest, Grand Ball, and others. Opt for our highlights of Italy Tour package to experience this festival in Feb.
The Carnival of Venice originated in 1162. This festival was celebrated as a mark of victory in Venice over its enemy. The citizens of Venice gathered at San Marco or Saint Marks Square to dance and celebrate their victory. Ever since then, this festival is celebrated on Venetian streets.
But in 1797 – this festival was outlawed. Even using the mask was banned. Still, during the 19th century, this festival was celebrated privately without much fanfare. But in 1979, the Italian government decided to revive its festival heritage to restore the economy and culture of Venice.
Venice – Italy
Also Read: The Magic Of Venice – Italy : Where To Go, What To Do & What To Eat!
Image Source: https://www.muenchen.de
Are you in the mood to experience local culture in a European country and at the same time, wish to have a pint? Sounds interesting? Then you should try this German beer festival – Oktoberfest. It is a world-famous folk festival. One of the must-visit festivals in Europe – Oktoberfest, began in 1810 in Munich.
While the beer tents serve alcohol, they also play traditional Bavarian music. People dress in traditional Bavarian costumes to highlight its culture. Though the focus of this festival is beer – there is much more about the culture than beer. Experience this exciting festival with our Germany Tour packages.
Oktoberfest was first held two hundred years ago to commemorate the union of Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen and Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig.
On October 12, 1810, they exchanged vows. The wedding was celebrated over many days with feasting, drinking, and horse races.
Munich – Germany
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If you are a movie buff – you must be aware of this renowned and best festival in Europe. Cannes Film Festival is famous for glamour, glitz, and cinematic excellence. This globally renowned festival is held each year in Cannes. It is as popular as the Oscars. A prestigious film festival shows practically all movie genres throughout the year to a specific audience.
Each year, actors and directors from around the world gather at Cannes to screen the newest movies. Each year, the festival also bestows the coveted Palm d’Or, which is frequently regarded as a more prestigious award than the Oscars, on the best film. Explore this beautiful country and its many attractions and festivals with our France tour packages.
The Cannes Film Festival is an annual international film festival held in Cannes, France. It was first established in 1946 and has since become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. The festival was created as a response to the Venice Film Festival, which was seen as being too heavily influenced by fascist propaganda during World War II.
The first Cannes Film Festival was held in September 1946 and featured 18 international films. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and scope, with hundreds of films showcased each year and numerous awards being given out. Today, the Cannes Film Festival remains a vital event in the film industry and is known for premiering some of the most highly anticipated films of the year.
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès – Cannes – France.
Image Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk
If you like tomatoes, fun food fights, and a European destination – La Tomatina Festival is for you. It is one of the biggest European food festivals held in Bunol – Spain. The crux of this festival is a food war on the streets in which over-ripe tomatoes are smashed by each other, including locals and tourists.
A few years back, this festival was not that popular amongst Indian tourists – but after the famous Bollywood movie – ZNMD, everyone knows about it. La Tomatina has raised the bar for Spain tour packages. Before you delve into this fun festival – you should be aware of all the rules of La Tomatina.
Some of them are to squash the tomatoes before throwing them, not to carry sharp objects or bottles, not to tear t-shirts, etc. There is no set age limit for La Tomatina, however, it is advised not to bring young children as the celebration can become very chaotic.
The bizarre La Tomatina food-fighting festival began in 1945, but why is unknown. Locals have many beliefs, including the widely held belief that furious citizens attacked city councilors during a local festival. It may, however, is linked to anything from an anti-Franco rally to a friendly food battle between friends.
Regardless of how it began, the people of Bunol enjoyed it so much that it became an annual event. Eventually, it became an officially recognized holiday in 1952. Despite being canceled momentarily in the 1970s due to its lack of religious importance, it has reappeared year after year.
Buñol – Valencia – Spain
Also Read: Spain Tourism And Attractions : A Complete Guide to Experiencing the Best of Spain!
Image Source: https://www.tomorrowland.com
One of the most thrilling and largest electronic music festivals in Belgium– Tomorrowland is a globally renowned festival. Each year music lovers from all over the world visit this festival to experience the best electronic dance music. However, it is not just about the music but the dynamic cultural event that displays the best of Belgian hospitality and culture.
One of the most famous music festivals in Europe, Tomorrowland brings the biggest stars in the electronic music industry to its magical wonderland town of Boom in Belgium. Tomorrowland is the zenith of all worldwide electronic music festivals. You can enjoy the ultimate EDM party in Boom, Belgium, with our Belgium tour packages.
Manu and Michiel Beers, two Belgian brothers, launched Tomorrowland in 2005. This festival was held in Boom – a little town near Brussels. In its first year around nine thousand people attended this festival. Tomorrowland festival stands out from other music festivals as its focus is on offering a unique and engaging experience for attendees.
The stunning visual effects, decorative stages, and innovative use of technology are the main highlights of the event. Despite its mammoth size and international reach – the festival maintains its uniqueness. It offers attendees a memorable experience that cherishes the power of music.
De Schorre Recreation Ground, Boom, 2850, Belgium
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The major cultural festival of Ireland, the 5-day St. Patrick’s Day, is an enormous celebration in Dublin. It draws more than 100,000 visitors annually. When this time of year rolls around, the streets transform into one big party area. During this renowned festival in Europe, all landmark buildings are lit in green to create a joyful atmosphere.
The celebration features a range of events, including a carnival in Merrion Square, a road race, sporting events, a treasure hunt, local craft merchants, and both contemporary and Gaelic music bands. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is by far the highlight of this festival.
Ireland Tour Packages are a fantastic opportunity to see the country and participate in the celebrations for those who want to celebrate the holiday in the truest sense possible.
St Patrick’s Day was first celebrated almost fifteen hundred years ago. Since then, this festival has had a rich and long history. The name of this festival is rendered from St. Patrick as he was influential in introducing Christianity in Ireland in the fifth century.
St. Patrick’s Day is a significant festival and one of the best spring festivals in Europe. It includes parades and other celebrations, especially in Dublin, where the Irish Volunteers march and is most notably defined by the color green of the shamrock.
Dublin – Ireland
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One of the best light festivals in Europe – the Amsterdam Light Festival, attracts tourists from all over the world. As the name suggests, this festival takes place in Amsterdam, a city renowned for its stunning architecture and picturesque canals. To have the utmost fun and experience of this event, go for an Amsterdam light festival boat tour along the canals.
Witness the beautiful artwork and the stunning light installations around the city. During this twelfth season, 20 spectacular works of art are on display throughout the Amsterdam canals. If you intend to visit the Capitals of Europe, such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, etc.
Our Brussels & Paris by Rail Tour package is a great option.
Winter Magic Amsterdam in 2010 featured a boat parade and many other events. A group led by Raymond Borsboom was in charge of management.
After three weeks of lighting up the famed Skinny Bridge, world-renowned light designer Rogier van der Heide suggested that the festival shift its attention to light art in the future. As a result, the Amsterdam Light Festival received a new focus.
Along the Amsterdam canal
The cultural events mentioned above are just a handful of the many; that take place around Europe. Finding a festival close to your next vacation spot is not tricky, as they take place all year long. Plan your next trip to Europe around a cultural festival.
If you want to take a Europe tour that includes a European festival, Flamingo Transworld is only a phone call away.
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is one of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Summer (June to August) is popular for music festivals like Tomorrowland, while winter (December–January) offers Christmas markets and New Year celebrations like Hogmanay in Scotland.
Yes, many festivals such as Venice Carnival and Oktoberfest (during daytime) are family-friendly, but some like Running of the Bulls are more suitable for adults.
Some festivals like Tomorrowland and Venice Carnival require advance ticket bookings, while others like La Tomatina and Hogmanay can be enjoyed in public spaces.
The Venice Carnival in Italy is perfect for culture lovers with its rich history, traditional masks, and vibrant Venetian atmosphere.
I Mrs. Ketika Shah (Sales Manager, Flamingo Transworld) Joined Flamingo Transworld in 2002 and started the outbound tour department. I got a chance to explore many countries, took international tours, deal with many people, and understood customers’ psychology. I graduated with B.sc and entered in Aviation and Tourism Industry with the certified course of IATA. I believe in selling quality tours to our customers as our employees are our biggest strengths.
