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EVENTS

Nine unmissable events in Germany in February 2023

From carnival in Cologne to Berlinale in Berlin, there are some incredible events happening in Germany this February. So while the weather's still gloomy, why not check out our top picks and pencil in some fun things to do in the coming weeks?

People dressed up for the start of Carnival in Cologne on November 11th.
People dressed up for the start of Carnival in Cologne. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Rolf Vennenbernd

February 2nd – 3rd: Feel Jazz Festival in Hamburg

Whether you’re a jazz music convert or a curious newcomer, it’s worth heading down to Hamburg’s Hafenklang nightclub at the start of February to enjoy two full evenings of innovative jazz-inspired music.

The motto is “Discover Jazz”, which means festival goers will be treated to a diverse array of artists from across the jazz scene – and there’s likely to be something for everyone. From classical smooth jazz to electronic pulses and funky beats, this is set to be a whirlwind tour of jazz in all its guises, and what better setting than Hamburg’s atmospheric harbour to enjoy it in?

For more information on the line-up or to book tickets, head to the Feel Jazz website here.

February 3rd onwards: Flower Power Festival in Munich

You don’t have to be a hippie to enjoy this one – but it certainly helps! On Friday, February 3rd, the Flower Power Festival will kick off in Munich under the theme of “Celebrating Nature in the City”. 

One of the highlights in February is set to be a stunning installation by artist Juli Gudehus. Noticing the sheer scale of waste produced in society, Gudehus decided to cut down her own waste and rework it into blossom sculptures, which will be on display at the Nymphenburg Botanical Gardens. Art fans can also catch an exhibition on the history of flowers in art and culture at the Kunsthalle that starts on February 3rd. 

Don’t worry if you haven’t got time to catch an event in February, though. The festival is set to run all the way until October 7th, with numerous family-friendly exhibitions and events run by the Botanical Garden, the BIOTOPIA Natural History Museum and Munich’s Kunsthalle all throughout the year. You can find out more about the Flower Power Festival here.

February 16th – 22nd: Cologne Carnival

Traditionally held just before Lent, carnival in Cologne involves around 1.5 million people visiting the city to dress up, party, sing, and drink. Costumes people pick out can range in everything from mostly festive, historical wear to clear political satire – much resembling a drunken Halloween in February. 

February 20th Rosenmontag – or “Rose Monday” parade often involves parade floats with on-the-nose political humour.

This Carnival float comments on the current traffic light government’s plan to legalise cannabis. Many floats are satirical. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Henning Kaiser

February 16th – 22nd: Düsseldorf Carnival

Given the rivalry between the two cities, you may want to be careful about telling Cologne revellers if you’re headed to Düsseldorf’s Carnival about a half-hour train ride from Cologne. While Cologne’s Carnival is definitely larger, Düsseldorf’s has a reputation for being a little bit less rowdy and a bit cleaner, but with a more full-bodied Altbier instead of Kölsch.

February 16th – 26th: Berlinale Film Festival

One of the world’s “Big Three” film festivals, along with Venice and Cannes, tens of thousands of people visit the Berlinale every year. Running for ten days in mid-February, Berlinale takes over many of the city’s cinemas. The final 2023 schedule won’t be publicised until February 7th, but to give you an idea of just how huge the festival is – in 2014, 441 films were shown at Berlinale in over 900 different screenings.

Berlinale 2023 will feature many world premieres and a few star appearances, as films from around the globe enter into its competition for the Golden Bear trophy, awarded by an international jury to the year’s best film.

Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack during a Berlinale photo call.

Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack during a Berlinale photo call. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Gerald Matzka

February 16th – 22nd: F.r.e.e Trade Fair in Munich

Are you a travel enthusiast looking to keep up with everything from your camping gear to bikes and water toys?

F.r.e.e is Bavaria’s largest fair for leisure and travel, with a trade exhibition and presentations on everything from travel destinations to fitness and outdoor gear.

February 17th – Schall & Rausch Music Theatre Festival in Berlin

Berlin’s Komische Oper starts up its new annual festival for new musical theatre this month. With seven separate events going on at the city’s Vollgutlager, Centre for Contemporary Art, and SchwuZ queer club, this festival promises a bit of glitz and glamour, along with experimental music that explores contemporary culture issues.

Komische Oper performances also venture out into these Berlin venues, with its normal home currently under renovation.

February 18th: Valentine’s Day Zoo Tour in Nuremberg 

How do animals love? Are there gay penguins? What species mate for life?

You can find out the answers to these questions and more during the Nuremberg Zoo’s Valentine’s tour. Although not technically on Valentine’s Day, it obviously follows the theme. 

Two special tours set off at the Zoo on the 18th, starting at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.

February 21st: Dance of the Market Women in Munich

Once a year, on Munich Carnival’s Shrove Tuesday, women who spend most of the year selling everything from fresh vegetables to spices hang up their aprons and don colourful costumes. As the Carnival season ends, they show off the typical “Line 8” dance followed by newly rehearsed and choreographed numbers.

The Dance of the Market Women ends Munich’s Carnival season. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Felix Hörhager

With reporting by Aaron Burnett

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EVENTS

Six fascinating events to dive into spring in Germany

Forsythia flowers are in full bloom and April is loaded with events to celebrate the warmer weather and sunshine to come. Here are some of our top picks.

Six fascinating events to dive into spring in Germany

Spring Festivals across Germany 

Starting around Easter weekend, Germany’s myriad spring festivals bring bright colours and beer-fueled revelry to cities around the country. 

Spring festivals come by many names in Germany – there’s the clearly named Frühlingsfest (spring fest) such as in Munich, or the Volksfest (people’s festival) like in Nuremberg, and then there are uniquely named local variations like Frankfurt’s Dippemess. But they all offer carnival rides, abundant food and drink, and an opportunity to see how German’s let loose – think Oktoberfest, but with a palpable spring theme.

This year both Dippemass in Frankfurt and Volksfest in Nuremberg begin in late March and continue until April 14th.

Munich’s Frühlingsfest will run from April 19th to May 5th. Stuttgart’s spring festival is on from April 20th to May 12th.

Readers in the north of the country may want to try Hamburg’s DOM running until April 21st this year.

Cherry blossom gazing

Delicate white and pink blossoms that appear only for a couple weeks in April, cherry blossoms are both a symbol of spring and object of fascination around the world, from the furthest reaches of East Asia to right here in Germany.

The early onset of warmer temperatures in Germany this year is causing cherry trees to bloom earlier than usual, but there should still be some blossoms on the trees during the previously scheduled cherry blossom festivals that take place in many German cities.

READ ALSO: Seven signs that spring has arrived in Germany

The city of Bonn’s old town, with its cherry tree covered streets, has become the go to spot for blossom gazing and photography in Germany. Early to mid-April tends to be the best time to visit, and this year the blossom-adorned streets will be closed to cars for three weekends starting from April 13th.

But if you don’t live close to Bonn you can find several locations around Germany where cherry blossoms are in full bloom here.

cherry blossoms Bonn

Tourists stroll under blossoming cherry trees in Bonn’s old town. In the narrow streets of the old town, blossoming trees form a pink canopy in April. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Thomas Banneyer

Music festivals begin

While the majority of Germany’s bigger music festivals are held in summer, there are quite a few in spring – with a few noteworthy music fests even happening in the coming month.

For fans of metal music, the 19th iteration of Ragnarök Festival will be held at Stadthalle Lichtenfels on April 4th to the 6th this year.

For something a little softer, Polimagie Festival in Dresden features indie, rock and pop artists from Germany, the UK, and Europe – from April 17th to 21st.

Alternatively, jazz and big band lovers are encouraged to check out the fourth Jazz Festival of the Deutsche Oper in Berlin. Several concerts will take place from the 17th to 22nd. Single tickets are around €20, and are found here.

International Women’s Film Fest in Dortmund and Cologne: April 16th to 21st

Germany’s largest forum for women in the film industry, the “Frauen Film Festaims to “strengthen the influence of women in all trades of the cinema industry: first and foremost directors, but also cinematographers, producers, screenwriters, composers, actors and more.”

It’s also an opportunity to see one of 95 films from 40 countries. Choose from screenings of short film collections or feature length films from debuting including those entered in the International Debut Feature Film Competition.

There are also workshops and discussions that allow attendees to meet some of the women behind the films.

Find more information here.

Gallery Weekend Berlin – April 26th to 28th

Since 2005, Berlin galleries have presented exhibitions by emerging and established artists during this three day event. 

The last gallery weekend included performances, screenings, sound pieces, readings, and installations. This year 55 galleries spread across Berlin’s central neighbourhoods will participate.

According to the event organisers, a handful of exciting new galleries will join the event this year including: Galerie Molitor, Noah Klink Galerie, Schiefe Zähne, Sweetwater and Heidi.

More information can be found at Gallery Weekend Berlin’s website.

witches stare each other down

On Walpurgis Nacht, people in witch and devil costumes storm the town hall in Wernigerode. The traditional Walpurgis festival is celebrated throughout the Harz Mountains. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Matthias Bein
 

Walpurgis Nacht

The origins of Walpurgis Night date back 1,000 years to pagan traditions in Germany, and is celebrated on the night of April 30th each year. 

St. Walpurgis was honoured with a feast day on May 1st, and people gathered to dance the night before. It’s also considered to be the time when witches gather. The name “Walpurgis Nacht” was popularised by Goethe’s Faust in 1808.

Smaller villages in some regions in Germany, like the Harz mountains, celebrate Walpurgis Nacht with festivals. Bad Grund, for example, hosts festivities including open air theatre and dancing. 

Walpurgis related celebrations can also be found in Germany’s bigger cities, such as Peaceful Walpurgis Night which is hosted in Berlin’s Mauerpark each year.

READ ALSO: Are you ready for Walpurgisnacht, Germany’s night of witches?

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