Carnival
Carnival is a jubilant celebration spanning across continents, with festivities leading up to Fat Tuesday each year, including on February 13th in 2024. Notable for its vibrant "Crazy Days," Cologne hosts a spirited prelude to the main event. Meanwhile, Venice embraces the allure of masked revelry, and cities like Cadiz, Nice, and Basel offer a medley of parades, soirées, and cherished customs. For an exotic twist, Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands mirrors the exuberance of Brazil with its kaleidoscopic extravaganza. In Ivrea, Italy, locals engage in a unique tradition by participating in an orange-flinging skirmish, adding a zestful zest to the festivities.
St. Patrick's Festival Parade
The renowned St. Patrick's Festival Parade is set to return to Dublin's streets on Sunday, March 17. This lively procession, spanning from Parnell Street in the north to Kevin Street in the south, will feature an array of performers, musicians, dancers, and artists showcasing the rich tapestry of Irish culture. While green beer may not be on offer at the pubs afterward, attendees can expect an authentically festive St. Patrick's Day experience.
King’s Day
Got enough orange in your wardrobe? You'll need it for King's Day in the Netherlands on April 27. Despite its regal name, this holiday is anything but dull. Across the country, towns and cities buzz with lively social gatherings, bustling flea markets, and spirited canal parties. While Amsterdam draws the most attention from travelers, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and The Hague also host vibrant celebrations.
Art Basel
Art Basel, taking place from June 13th to 16th, is a prominent event in the global art scene, boasting exhibitions from more than 250 top galleries and presenting the works of over 4,000 artists. Alongside art-focused talks and discussions, the festival transforms the underrated Swiss city and its surroundings into a vibrant hub of expos and events. Whether you're an art enthusiast or not, Art Basel is a highlight of Switzerland's summer social calendar.
The Euros
European soccer continues to captivate fans worldwide, and this summer promises to be no different with The Euros (June 14 - July 14), the prestigious quadrennial tournament that crowns the champions of European football. Hosted by Germany in 2024, matches will unfold in iconic cities such as Berlin, Munich, Dortmund, and Stuttgart, among others. Anticipation for the event is palpable, with the stadiums expected to buzz with excitement, creating an electrifying atmosphere both on and off the pitch. The tournament presents an enticing opportunity for sports enthusiasts to soak up the summer vibes across Europe.
Danube Island Festival
The modern social scene of Vienna often gets overshadowed by its rich historical and cultural offerings, but a visit to the annual Danube Island Festival on June 21-23 can change that perception. This three-day event, held on an island in the Danube, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of music, culture, and summer fun, drawing in over a million attendees with its diverse lineup of live performances across different genres, from established artists to up-and-coming talents, and offering a tempting array of food options—all for free.