7 Amazing Spring Festivals in Europe
As winter ends, and better weather is on the horizon, Europeans take to the streets to celebrate with public parties, surprising spectacles, and food, and drink. Dress in head-to-toe orange for King’s Day in Amsterdam, or don a polka-dot flamenco gown in Seville and become a local for the day.
Highlights
Hochstraße 77, 81541 München, Germany
Paulaner Knockerberg is a local favorite. Guests can sip beer and nosh on Bavarian food in one of the comfortable dining rooms, make themselves cozy around the fireplace, or settle down in the basement. Paulaner Knockerberg is also known for its beer garden in summer. Of special interest is the Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), which takes place for 17 days each year from early to mid March (check the website for exact dates). It’s called “Starkbier” for a reason; the alcohol content is higher than usual, so go easy.
4 Plaza Monteolivete
Even if you can’t be in Valencia for its fiery Les Falles festival, you can view the popular ninots (figures and effigies) at the Fallero Museum. Some ninots are chosen to be spared from the flames by popular vote—and then end up on display at the museum, where visitors can also view photos of the festival’s best falles (the scenery created around the ninots), as well as winning designs from the festival’s annual poster competition.
Edinburgh EH7 5BN, United Kingdom
Climb Carlton Hill with the May Queen, the Green Man and their procession of performers as night falls on April 30th. Watch as they celebrate the end of dreary winter weather with fire, dancing and re-enactment of ancient religious rituals. Just be sure to take a jacket--it gets pretty nippy after sunset.
