White Nights in Europe
Paris started it all back in 2002 with Nuit Blanche. Its success led to the organization of Operation “European Notti Bianche“. And now, 4 other cities are organizing their own White Nights in Europe: Rome, Riga, Brussels and Madrid.
What exactly can you expect during these White Night festivals?
It’s mainly a cultural event held between the end of summer and the beginning of Autumn. It starts at sunset and the party continues on until the sun rises the next day. Yes, it’s a whole night affair!
You can expect art exhibitions, music, theatre and performances. Restaurants, museums and shops in the area are also open during this all-nighter. The city center will be closed to traffic during this time so you have to take public transportation.
For those on a budget, you’d be happy to know that admission is FREE on all locations organized by the European Notti Bianche. Plus, public transportation is available all night and will only set you back around 1€.
Unfortunately, Riga had theirs last weekend. It’s not too late, though. You can still join this year’s White Night in other European cities:
- Rome’s La Notte Bianca will be on September 8
- Madrid’s La Noche en Blanco will be on September 22
- Brussels‘ Nuit Blanche 07 will be on September 29
- and to end the season, Paris will have the gala Nuit Blanche on October 6.
We have something quite similar here in Frankfurt (Nacht der Museen) but unlike the free admission offer at White Nights, Nacht der Museen costs 11€.
Flickr Photo Source: Riga White Nights 2007
