German Holidays and Traditions

Germany is a country in which punctuality, scrupulousness and order are the most important. Not surprisingly, German holidays are events, to preparation of which are extremely responsible. However, the celebrations are as fun as in any other country in the world. So, what dates are of particular importance for the residents of the state?

German Holidays: Oktoberfest in Munich

For more than two centuries, the Oktoberfest has been celebrated annually in Munich, with which not one beer festival in the world can match the popularity. Like many other German holidays, this event lasts several days. It is usually held in the first decade of October. According to statistics, the celebration annually attracts over 6 million connoisseurs of good beer that flock to Munich from all over the world.

The venue for the celebration is the meadow of Theresa, located in the heart of Munich. Here are built 14 huge tents, inside each of which is a place for ten thousand people, as well as 15 small tents, the capacity of which allows you to take about a thousand people. Listing other German holidays, one can not recall a more lively event than this. In the tents, waitresses are sipping, beer is distributed to guests, and legendary pork sausages are also offered. Of course, the organizers of the event do not forget about music.

The harvest festival in Stuttgart

Volksfest - this is the name of the famous harvest festival, which takes place every year in Stuttgart. The event begins on September 23, lasts until October 9, competing with the Munich festival. German holidays are hard to imagine without tasting beer, a drink is also offered in Stuttgart. However, the festival is different in that it provides a wide range of entertainment for the whole family. While parents pay tribute to the Bavarian sausages and beer, children have fun, riding on attractions.

The Volksfest festival is extremely important for the Germans, these days the traditions are being told to thank God for an excellent harvest. Special church services are conducted. The festive procession looks very colorful and large, after the parade thousands of residents and visitors of the city follow. There are hundreds of jugglers and artists performing at the fair, music plays everywhere.

Day of Unity of Germany

Listing the German holidays and traditions associated with them, it is impossible not to mention the Day of Unity of Germany. The celebration is dedicated to the unification of the country, which ended in 1990. The date of the event has since been unchanged - on October 3, the holiday is official, it is celebrated in all corners of the state.

In terms of scale, this event can hardly be compared, for example, with the American Independence Day. There is no military parade, however, the citizens of the country take part in mass festivities, watch free concerts. Of course, the celebration ends with fireworks. Also on this day, parliamentary meetings are traditionally held.

St. Martin's Day

Calling the most famous German holidays and customs associated with them, we must not forget the St. Martin's Day. Many residents of Germany mention this celebration as one of the most beloved ones, it is held on November 11th. There is even a beautiful legend relating to this event, the main character of which is the Roman legionary, who helped people out of trouble.

St. Martin's day is loved not only by adults, but also by children. The guys run around the streets, lighting their way with flashlights and singing songs. At this time, their parents are engaged in a festive dinner. A roast goose is considered an obligatory guest on the festive table , without which it is impossible to imagine this event. It is interesting that St. Martin's Day is also respected in other countries: Austria, Switzerland.

Parade of love

The Germans are not so stiff as it seems to the inhabitants of other countries. Original German holidays can serve as proof. For example, the Parade of Love is held annually in the country, an event is scheduled for July 19. In honor of the celebration, women dress in frank outfits, everywhere music sounds.

Of course, the Parade of Love does not pass without a drink that is beloved by virtually all residents of the state, which literally flows like a river. Thousands of people are joining the festive procession, professional DJs are responsible for the musical accompaniment of the ceremony.

Official celebrations

Easter is an event that can not be forgotten by listing German holidays and weekends associated with them. Religious celebration, lasting three days, has its own symbol - colored eggs, and the inhabitants of the country traditionally attend Sunday worship. Then adults and children congratulate relatives and friends, everyone exchanges gifts and songs.

By the New Year and Christmas, Germans are beginning to prepare for about a month. Festive fairs are starting to work in all parts of the country. The appearance of streets is changing, which are filled with colored lanterns, ribbons, garlands. The New Year celebration is traditionally accompanied by dances and songs, and fireworks can not be dispensed with.

Noteworthy are other German holidays. In May, the residents of the country celebrate the Day of Workers' Solidarity, the celebration is traditionally held on the first day of the month. Attending the rallies are thousands of people armed with banners and flags. Of course, sing songs.

Religious holidays

Religious celebrations can not be ignored by listing German holidays. The calendar shows that most of them fall in November. For example, the first day of this month, considered the day of the saints and the deceased, is important for the Germans. Tradition says November 1 to remember people who left this world, visit the graves of friends and relatives, decorate them with flowers.

An important part of the holiday is the church service, during which the orchestra performs mourning music. After the service is over, the priest sprinkles the burials with holy water.

Festival of Light

This event has no history rooted deep into centuries, like many other German holidays, since it was first held in 2005. However, the Berlin Festival of Light came to the liking of the Germans, forever falling into the number of favorite celebrations of the inhabitants of Germany. Famous monuments of architecture, among which the Chancellery Residence, the Bergamon Museum, the Berlin Cathedral and others, for two whole weeks become light installations. City streets sparkle thanks to lanterns and searchlights, which do not have a number.

Book Fair

The Frankfurt Book Fair is an event that considers it its duty to visit every bibliophile. It is arranged in October, publishing houses from many countries of the world (about a hundred) take part in the festival. It is interesting that this holiday has been celebrated for more than 500 years, but its popularity remains consistently high.