Understanding German holidays and festivals
Hey everyone,
First of all, it’s important to note that Germany has several national and regional holidays, so the number of days off may vary depending on where you are in the country.
The most significant national holidays are New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Day of German Unity, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. These holidays are celebrated throughout the country, and most businesses and shops are closed
Every employee in Germany has an average of 30 vacation days per year.
There are also school vacations for children.
The vacations must comprise 75 working days In Germany. Saturdays during the vacation period are included in the calculation – Sundays or public holidays, on the other hand, are not.
Germany is a country rich in culture and traditions. From the world-famous Oktoberfest to the colorful carnival celebrations, there are plenty of unique holidays and festivals in Germany that are worth experiencing. In this blog post, I will give you a quick overview of some of the most popular German holidays and festivals.
- Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is probably the most famous German festival worldwide. It is a 16-day beer festival held annually in Munich from mid-September to the first weekend in October. The festival attracts millions of visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer, food, and music.
- Christmas Markets
Germany is known for its Christmas markets, which are held throughout the country in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The markets are famous for their festive atmosphere, mulled wine, traditional Christmas treats, and handcrafted gifts. Some of the most popular Christmas markets are held in Berlin, Munich, and Nuremberg.
- Karneval
Karneval, also known as Fasching or Fastnacht, is the German version of Mardi Gras. The carnival season starts on November 11th at 11:11 am and culminates in a week of wild celebrations before Lent. The cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf are known for having some of the biggest and most colorful Karneval celebrations.
- Easter
Easter is a major holiday in Germany, and it is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions. One of the most popular Easter traditions is the Easter egg hunt, where children search for hidden eggs and chocolate bunnies. Easter markets, church services, and traditional Easter meals are also part of the celebrations.
- May Day
May Day, also known as Labor Day, is a public holiday in Germany that is celebrated on May 1st. It is a day to celebrate workers’ rights and achievements. Many cities organize May Day rallies, and there are also plenty of street fairs and other events.
- Canstatter Wasen
Wait, didn’t we already mention Oktoberfest? Well, there’s another one! The Cannstatter Volksfest, also known as the Stuttgart Beer Festival, is the second-largest beer festival in Germany. It takes place in late September and early October and is similar to Oktoberfest in Munich, but with a more local and traditional atmosphere.
- Christmas Eve
In Germany, Christmas Eve, or Heiligabend, is the most important day of the Christmas season. It is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, and enjoy a festive meal together. Many people attend church services in the evening before returning home to celebrate with their loved ones.
In conclusion, Germany has a rich and diverse culture with plenty of holidays and festivals to celebrate. Whether you’re a beer lover, a fan of traditional markets, or just want to experience German traditions firsthand, there’s something for everyone. So why not plan a trip to Germany and experience these unique celebrations for yourself?