Germany: the country of fairytale castles and sausages and... grand festivals! As an international student in Germany, you will be doing yourself a favour. Other than the studying and exploring, there is a rich festival life that will provide the ideal mix of cultural exploration, entertainment and socialisation. And the best part? A lot of these festivals are affordable and fit well into the student life.
Enough about textbooks, shall we plunge into some of the greatest German festivals that students will enjoy spending their time on:
Oktoberfest (Late September - Early October, Munich): The Big One!
Alright, we will begin with the elephant in the room. Oktoberfest is the German festival which everybody knows. Taking place in Munich, it is a huge beer festival with huge tents and singing and dancing people and, naturally, lots of beer.
Student Appeal:
The air is electric! It is an awesome way to learn about Bavarian culture, people representing over a hundred countries, and celebrating (responsibly, obviously!).
Budget Hack:
Admission into the festival is free! But food and beer are expensive indoors in the tents. Think about pre-drinking (responsibly) or bring your own snacks. In addition, visit smaller, regional Volksfeste (people festivals) in other towns - these can be equally a good experience at a lower cost.
Beyond the Beer:
There are also carnival rides, traditional Bavarian food booths ( think pretzels, sausages, and gingerbread hearts) and parades which makes it an enjoyable experience to everyone, even those who do not really drink beer much.
Karneval/Fasching (February/March, Cologne, Mainz, Dusseldorf): Get Your Costume On!
This pre-Lenten Carnival has various names, in Cologne and Dusseldorf: Karneval, in Mainz: Fasching and in other regions: Fastnacht. It is an explosion of colour, costumes, parades, street parties. Imagine the Mardi Gras with a German touch!
Student Generation:
Karneval is a festival of letting go, fun and the silly side of life. It is an excellent chance to dress in a wild outfit, participate in the street celebrations, enjoy cultural peculiarities of the region.
Budget Hint:
You have to make a costume yourself! Be innovative, recycle and enjoy it. Crowds Street parties are free to attend but expect crowds.
Regional Differences:
There are distinct traditions of each city. Cologne is also known as a home of its revellers (Jecken) and large processions. Mainz is famous in its political satire. Dusseldorf has more classy and chic Karneval.
Christmas Markets (Late November - December, all over Germany): Christmas Magic!
Christmas markets were almost entirely invented in Germany! Between the last days of November and the eve of Christmas, towns and cities all over the country become twinking wonderlands with festal stalls offering handmade gifts, good food and warm beverages.
Student Appeal:
Christmas markets are a fairy-tale that best reflects the holiday mood. They can be a good place to get unusual gifts, taste some of the more classic German food (such as Lebkuchen and Gluhwein), and get into the Christmas spirit.
Budget Hack:
Gluhwein (mulled wine) is a drink worth trying, yet it can become a little expensive. Remember to share a cup with a friend or to go to a smaller market at lower prices. Most of the markets have free entertainment such as live music and carol singing.
The Key to Change:
Each city is unique in its Christmas market and that is why you have to try various ones and discover your favourite! One of the most well known is the Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg, but smaller towns usually have smaller but lovely markets.
Wine Festivals (Summer, wine areas all over): Cheers to the Grape!
The wine festivals during the summer seasons in Germany provide vibrancy to its wine regions as they celebrate the local wines. These festivals provide an opportunity to sample various wines, live music and taking in the scenic beauty.
Student Appeal:
Wine festivals are a less laid-back and a more sophisticated version of beer festivals. They are an excellent means of discovering the wine culture of Germany, tasting some tasty wine, and have fun in the summer sun.
Budget Idea:
A lot of festivals provide wine tasting with an affordable price. When purchasing a reusable wine glass, you may want to get one which can be used in various stalls. Also, seek smaller, less popular festivals in less well-known wine areas they may be better-priced.
Explore the Regions:
There are many favourite wine-festivals in the Rhine valley, Mosel valley and Baden-Wurttemberg.
Summer, different cities: Street Food Festivals: A Culinary Adventure!
Germany is following suit in the street food trend; and street food festivals are taking place in cities around the country during the summer. During these festivals there is a great variety of international cuisine and culinary works.
Student Attraction:
Street food festivals are a tasty and cost effective method to sample foods of various global cuisines. They also provide the ideal spot to spend time with friends, listen to music and taking in the energetic atmosphere.
Budget Advice:
Take bites of the vendors so as to experience a lot. Share with your friends in order to save and taste even more.
Foodie heaven:
Burgers and tacos are gourmet, and Asian cuisine is also represented, as well as vegan delicacies, so no one will go hungry in a street food festival.
The suggestions of How to get most out of German Festivals as a Student:
Book in advance:
If you have to book a place to stay or a means of transport, research the event.
Accommodation in time:
Monthly festivals are popular and can be full in time, therefore, it is always advisable to make your accommodation early.
By Train:
The German transportation system is superb with train transportation as one of the most frequent and cheap methods of moving around.
Study a Little German:
The basic knowledge of a few phrases will help you feel more relaxed and easier to communicate with the locals.
Be Responsible:
Drink responsibly, observe local traditions and know your environment.
Get Acclimatized:
Attend the culture, eat the local cuisine and drink the local beverages and absorb the ambience!
Now here is the tasting spurt of the thrilling festival life in Germany. Don't study all the time, study hard and play hard! Get out, travel and see the rich culture Germany has to offer. Prost! (Cheers!)
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