Oktoberfest
20 Sep – 5 Oct 2008 (annual)
Munch, Germany
Beer, beer, and more beer: At the biggest festival in the world, that’s what it’s all about. However, food and all kinds of entertainment will not be missing of course. Each year more than six million visitors from all over the world enter one of the many breweries’ festival tents, each with their own style and audience. Be there to believe it!
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Waiter Race
20, 21 Sep 2008 (annual)
Esplanade du Cinquantenaire, Brussels, Belgium
This two day event is all about waiters and their skills. Professionals are put to the test with a race, but also amateurs can show what they are capable of. Different concerts, brass bands and other entertainment. Two exciting days…with great service!
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Milan Fashion Week
22 – 29 Sep ( Various dates)
Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy
Prominent fashion designers present their latest designs on the catwalk, during one of the most vital fashion weeks in Milan where the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ for the season are revealed.
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Spanish National Day
12 Oct 2008 (annual)
Plaza de Colon, Madrid, Spain
This day of dedication, also known as the ‘Day of Spanishness’, is in honor of the discovery of new land by Christopher Columbus and to all Spaniards who died for their country. Together with the Royal Family and a number of selected veteran soldiers they are remembered at the Plaza de Colon in Madrid.
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Witches in Selvino
31 Oct – 2 Nov 2008 (annual)
Selvino, Italy
Being a real Halloween event, everybody in town comes out, dressed up in the most scary costumes. Scary parties, lots of drinks and not to be missed - the pumpkin lanterns!
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Copenhagen Night of Culture
10 Oct 2008 (annual)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Explore the city’s museums, libraries, churches, galleries and much more during the Copenhagen Night of Culture. Music, parties, talks and a huge variety of other entertainment is there for your enjoyment.
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Bric-A-Brac Fair
20 - 21 Sep 2008 ( various dates)
Parc des Expositions, Strasbourg, France
This Bric-A-Brac Fair is organized four times a year as part of the Puces Brocantes, hosted by the Strasbourg’s Parc des Expos. All kinds of appreciable and valuable antiques are displayed.
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Brussels Marathon
5 Oct 2008 (annual)
Brussel, Belgium
It doesn’t matter if you choose the half, mini or the kids run…as long as you participate in the annual marathon through the city of Brussels while enjoying the centre’s avenues and all the beautiful streets, parks and boulevards that the route allows you to see.
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Wexford Festival Opera
16 Oct – 2 Nov 2008 ( annual)
Theatre Royal, Wexford Town, Ireland
First held in 1950 as the Wexford Opera Study Group, this successful festival is visited by people from all over the world, bringing rediscovered masterpieces of famous composers, brand new productions by its annual trio, several new talents and much more.
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Saint Dimitri’s Day
26 Oct 2008 (annual
Bulgaria
Saint Dimitri, who is the patron saint of the winter, frost and snow, is commemorated at the beginning of the winter. Delicious dishes such as cabbage, salads of peppers and eggplants are typical for the traditional way this day is celebrated.
Fiesta de la Almuneda
9 Nov 2008 ( annual)
Madrid, Spain
The 9th of November is the day of ‘La Virgen de la Almudena’, the patron saint of Madrid. A morning mass, followed by a procession and offers of flowers are just 3 of the celebrated traditions in honor of the Virgin.
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Cologne Carnival
11 Nov 2008 ( various dates)
Cologne, Germany
This colorful celebration that lasts for days is known as one of the biggest street parties of Europe and guarantees tremendous fun and pleasure. A cavalcade, as main event, is followed by various parades and traditions making sure you’ll have the time of your life together with the locals.
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L-day
15 Nov. 2008 ( annual)
Vooruit, Ghent, Belgium
The L-day is the annual day of celebration for all lesbians. A day full of music, political debates, cultural exhibitions and contests can be expected.
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Leopardstown Christmas Racing Festival
Dec 2008 ( annual)
Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin, Ireland
For 4 days, starting on boxing day, the 26th of December, the Christmas Festival Race Meeting takes place in honor of Saint Stephen, the patron saint of horses. During the so called meeting, jockeys, trainers and owners prepare to win the National Hunt Race and capture the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
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Saint Barbara Day
4 Dec 2008 ( annual)
Bulgaria
Saint Barbara is the Saint who takes care of children and protects them from all kinds of diseases.
As proof of their gratitude, everybody takes part in the celebration on the 4th of December, but especially the children. Traditionally made dishes play a very important role on this occasion.
St. Nikolaos Day
6 Dec 2008 ( annual)
Agios Nikolaos, Greece
Saint Nikolaos is the city’s patron and the Greek are very proud of him, his good deeds and the protection he provided.
On the 6th of December his day is celebrated with all kinds of tributes and traditions.
Lourdes Jubilee Year
8 Dec 2007 – 8 Dec 2008
Lourdes, France
The 150th jubilee, of the appearances of the blessed Virgin Mary to 14 year old Bernadette Soubirous when she found herself in a cave in Lourdes, will be celebrated during a whole year starting on the 8th of December 2007, various special services and celebrations being organized throughout the year.
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Drekkedagsnatta
22 Dec ( annual)
Kongsberg, Norway
In memory of the mine-workers who commerorated Christmas on this day, the Kongsberg population observe a celebratory march to/through the city. Together with much drinking, dancing and bonfires it becomes a Norwegian happening that can’t be missed.
The Little Shepherdess
23 Dec 2008 ( annual)
Civitavecchia, Italy
In the Lazio region this charming celebration takes place where children offer traditional Christmas-style entertainment.
Singing and playing instruments, the boys and girls wander through the streets in return for money or sweets.