Germany — Events
Oberammergau Passion Play
May 1, 2010 - September 30, 2010
In the midst of the Thirty Years War and months of suffering and death from the plague, the villagers of Oberammergau swore they would perform a play re-creating the “Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every 10 years. The first performance of the now-famous “Passionsspiele” was staged in 1634, in the cemetery above the fresh graves of the plague victims. Since the 1890’s the play has taken place in a huge, purpose-built theater in the center of town. More than 2,000 actors, singers, musicians and stage technicians from Oberammergau begin preparations long beforehand.
European Horse Fair
July 1, 2010 - July 31, 2010
"Eurocheval” is a showcase for more than 400 exhibitors from Europe and abroad to present anything and everything to do with horse breeding, equestrian sport and horse ownership. Since it began in 1976, Eurocheval has enjoyed continuing success as a mixed program of commerce, information and horse shows. The events take place at the multi-facility exhibition center at the edge of town, with indoor and outdoor arenas. The event attracts over 50,000 visitors with attractions, special shows, supporting events, presentations, entertainment and merchandise.
Love Parade
July 1, 2010 - July 31, 2010
The annual Love Parade takes place each July and is one of the largest and best free parties in the city. A fantastic procession of trucks and floats accompanied by sound systems and live music makes its way through the city promoting the message of peace, love, respect and tolerance. The history of the event dates back to 1989 when the German DJ Dr Motte first staged the free party. The parade has grown into one of the biggest street parties in Europe and attracts over a million revelers who come to enjoy themselves late into the night.
Hamburger Dom
November 4, 2011 - December 4, 2011
With over 3km of carousels, a big-wheel, booths and stalls, as well as hi-tech white-knuckle rides, Hamburger Dom is the largest fair in northern Germany with plenty on offer for all to enjoy. Open until 2300 from Monday to Thursday, the fair comes to town for a full month three times a year (in April, August and November), bringing a welcome splash of vibrancy and color to Hamburg.
Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market)
November 25, 2011 - December 24, 2011
Munich’s Christmas Market is a great place to soak up the festive spirit and buy Christmas gifts. There are also plenty of stalls offering traditional Bavarian culinary delights, including baked apples, roasted almonds and pepper nuts. Particular regional specialties includeLebkuchen,Springerle (aniseed-flavored biscuits),Fruechtebrot (loaves containing dried fruit),Schmalzgebaeck (deep-fried cakes), hot chestnuts and figurines made from plums. When the shopping gets too much, head to one of the drinks tents for a warming glass of glühwein (hot mulled wine).
Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Market)
November 29, 2011 - December 24, 2011
With Germany being home to so many key Christmas traditions, as you can imagine, the festive season is a big deal here, and Hamburg is no exception. From the end of November onwards, the city hosts a number of picturesque Christmas markets. A favorite is the one held in the square against the perfect backdrop of the Old Town hall, but all sell traditional gifts, such as hand-made wooden toys, and a warming mug of mulled wine.
Boot Düsseldorf
January 22, 2012 - January 30, 2012
The International Boat Show at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Center is one of the biggest boat shows in the world.
Berlinale International Film Festival
February 9, 2012 - February 19, 2012
The first International Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) was held in 1951 in the Titania-Palast cinema only six years after WWII when Berlin yearned for international attention and recognition. Large areas still lay in ruins, but reconstruction had begun and post-war Berlin was working hard to rebuild itself as a lively artistic center.
Heidelberg Music Festival
March 1, 2012 - April 30, 2012
The much loved ‘Heidelberger Fruhling’ features about 80 classical music events, set to a different theme each year and staged in historic venues. Each year, internationally renowned orchestras and artists appear at the festival with past performers including Thomas Hampson, Helene Grimaud, Andreas Scholl, Jorg Widmann, Steven Isserlis, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, the Hilliard Ensemble, and many more. The festival has staged many world premieres by accomplished composers.
Hamburger Dom
March 23, 2012 - April 22, 2012
With over 3km of carousels, a big-wheel, booths and stalls, as well as hi-tech white-knuckle rides, Hamburger Dom is the largest fair in northern Germany with plenty on offer for all to enjoy. Open until 2300 from Monday to Thursday, the fair comes to town for a full month three times a year (in April, August and November), bringing a welcome splash of vibrancy and color to Hamburg.
