Europe is home to some of the oldest and most culturally rich countries in the world, and what better way to experience the local customs and traditions than by visiting during a national holiday? From colorful parades to lively festivals, Europe has a variety of national holidays that are worth visiting as a tourist. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five European national holidays that are worth a visit for any tourist.
St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, celebrated every year on March 17th. The holiday commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is marked by parades, concerts, and fireworks displays. The festivities last for several days, with green being the dominant color of the holiday. Tourists can also visit the iconic landmarks of Ireland, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.
To get to Dublin, the capital of Ireland where the St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place, visitors can take a train from various locations in Ireland, including Cork, Galway, and Belfast. The train journey to Dublin is a scenic one, passing through rolling green hills and countryside, and taking anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the departure location.
Bastille Day, France
Bastille Day, also known as the French National Day, is celebrated on July 14th every year. The holiday marks the storming of the Bastille, a prison in Paris, which led to the French Revolution. The day is marked by a military parade along the Champs-Elysees, followed by fireworks and a host of cultural activities across the country. Tourists can also visit iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
To get to Paris for Bastille Day, visitors can take a train from other major cities in France, such as Marseille or Lyon, or from neighboring countries such as Belgium or Germany. The train journey to Paris takes around 2-3 hours from nearby cities and up to 5-6 hours from more distant locations.
Oktoberfest, Germany
Oktoberfest is an annual festival that takes place in Munich, Germany, from mid-September to the first weekend in October. The festival is the world’s largest beer festival and attracts millions of visitors from around the world. The festival is marked by beer tents, traditional Bavarian food, and a variety of carnival rides and games. Tourists can also visit nearby attractions such as the Neuschwanstein Castle and the Bavarian Alps.
To get to Munich for Oktoberfest, visitors can take a train from various locations in Germany and neighboring countries such as Austria or Switzerland. The train journey to Munich takes around 1-2 hours from nearby cities and up to 4-5 hours from more distant locations.
La Tomatina, Spain
La Tomatina is a unique festival that takes place in the town of Buñol, near Valencia, Spain. The festival is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August every year and involves participants throwing tomatoes at each other. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world and is a one-of-a-kind experience. Tourists can also visit nearby attractions such as the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia and the Alhambra in Granada.
To get to Buñol for La Tomatina, visitors can take a train from Valencia, the nearest major city. The train journey to Buñol takes around 45 minutes and there are frequent services during the festival period.
New Year’s Eve, Scotland
New Year’s Eve, or Hogmanay as it is known in Scotland, is a popular holiday celebrated across the country. The celebrations last for several days, with Edinburgh hosting one of the largest street parties in the world. The festivities include live music, fireworks, and a variety of cultural activities. Tourists can also visit iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness.
To get to Edinburgh for New Year’s Eve celebrations, visitors can take a train from various locations in Scotland or from major cities in England such as London or Manchester. The train journey to Edinburgh takes around 2-3 hours from nearby cities and up to 5-6 hours from more distant locations.
Europe has a variety of national holidays that are worth visiting as a tourist. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, there’s something for everyone. From St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland to La Tomatina in Spain, these top five European national holidays are sure to provide a memorable experience for any traveler.
