October Festivals
Yes, autumn has definitely moved in to Europe. But that doesn’t mean the cultural calendar is shutting down for the winter. Check out these interesting festivals happening around the continent. Even if you aren’t big on the the festival’s theme, they are a great way to mix with the locals, meet some interesting craftspeople and enjoy a (often) free afternoon of entertainment.
October 3 is the Day of German Unity (on this date in 1990 East and West Germany were reunited.) If you happen to be in Berlin, you have the opportunity to partake in the festivities. This is a free event at the Brandenburg Gate with music, food, live entertainment and supposedly lots of dancing.
If you want to celebrate Halloween early and/or enjoy sorcery and vegetables head to Marchiennes, France October 4-5. This is more of a children’s festival; events on the 4th are directed at them. Set in the ruins of a Benedictine abbey, the Cucurbitades celebrates? recollects? France’s last sorcery trial. Witches show up to denounce the tragedy, and on Saturday throw chocolate coins to the kiddies. It gets its name from the generic French term for pumpkin-like vegetables such as cucumbers, eggplants, etc. Entry is 5 EUR for adults, 2 EUR for children. On Saturday (Children’s day) children must be accompanied by an adult, who gets in free!
October 11-12 sees the annual Duck Festival in San Miniato, Italy. This unique tradition cleverly combines a historic parade with a duck race. Contestants from the area’s four localities of Il Borgo, Fondo di Scesa, Buecchio and Fornacino good-naturally waddle as fast as they can, hoping to bring pride to their borough. Lots of regional specialities are served up as well; beware of any booths offering duck…
Amsterdam will be having a ball when it presents the hottest in dance and electronic music. It’s actually a conference, but each night venues across the city will be thumping with a variety of DJ’s showcasing new styles and music. Check out the Amsterdam Dance Event October 23-25.
Photo Credit: Dan@Flickr
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