Young women dance flamenco on Plaza de Espana during famous Feria festival
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From spectacular cultural celebrations like the Festival of Lights in Croatia (March) and the vibrant Festival of Flowers in Madeira (May) to the Venice Architecture Biennale (May-November) and the Berlin Marathon (September), there are many reasons to visit Europe in 2025.
1. Festival of Lights, Zagreb, Croatia (19- 23 March 2025)
The National Theatre lit up for Zagreb Festival of Lights
M. Tomaš
The Croatian capital hosts one of the trippiest annual light festivals in over 20 locations across the Upper and Lower Town showcasing Zagreb’s most beautiful streets, buildings, parks, squares and promenades. This year’s edition blending art, design, architecture and entertainment, will feature installations from international artists from Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Italy, bringing their unique creativity and vision to Zagreb’s dazzling nightscape. The festival will include projection mapping and animations, turning Zagreb into a living canvas.
The famous Flower Festival (Festa da flor) in Madeira.
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The Madeira Flower Festival, one of the island’s most iconic events, transforms the streets of the capital, Funchal into a breathtaking floral wonderland each spring. Bursting with vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and artistic displays, this festival celebrates the island’s rich natural beauty and cultural traditions. Highlights include a “Wall of Hope” where children place flowers on a symbolic wall, promoting messages of peace and unity. and a flower Festival Float Parade with over a thousand participants dressed in stunning floral costumes, accompanied by lively music and festive energy.
People dressed in traditional costumes at the Seville’s April Fair.
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The Feria de Abril in Seville is one of Spain’s most vibrant festivals, celebrating the essence of Andalusian culture. For an entire week, the city comes alive with the sights and sounds of flamenco music, traditional Sevillanas dancing, and the clatter of horse-drawn carriages parading through the streets. The festival is a riot of color, with locals dressed in vibrant flamenco attire and the bustling casetas (private tents) offering a welcoming space for food, drinks, and lively festivities. Visitors are welcome to participate with locals, including learning the Sevillanas, the traditional Andalusian dance.
“MACK The Sky Over Nine Columns” by Robert Fleck Biennale Architecture, Venice, Italy.
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The world’s most impressive showcase of architecture runs every two years in Venice. Like the Art Biennale, which it alternates with, the architecture exhibition sprawls from the Giardini, the gardens in the eastern part of the city housing the central pavilion and individual country pavilions to the massive Arsenale, a former shipyard. Outside of the two main venues of the biennale are plenty of free and often excellent exhibitions throughout the city.
Swedish pop group Abba, perform their winning song Waterloo during the the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 in Brighton, England
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The famous and sometimes controversial Eurovision Song Contest will take center stage in Basel, Switzerland this year, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of musical talent, cultural exchange, and unforgettable performances. The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a competition—it’s a global celebration that unites millions of fans worldwide.
The teams gather for the traditional Battle of the Oranges on February 11, 2018 in Ivrea, Italy.
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The picturesque streets of Ivrea, Italy near Turin in northwest Italy, are transformed every March into a vibrant and lively battleground of tradition, culture and citrus. The Ivrea Battle of the Oranges is more than just a carnival event—it’s a centuries-old tradition that celebrates freedom, community, and the spirit of resistance. The Battle of the Oranges, the largest food fight in Italy, takes place during Carnival season and is a symbolic reenactment of a revolution which took place in Ivrea in the Middle Ages, featuring nine teams of walking-aranceri (orange handlers) throwing oranges against aranceri riding on carts.
7. Berlin Marathon, Germany (21 September 2025)
Berlin Marathon
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On 21 September, the Berlin Marathon will once again take over the streets of Germany’s vibrant capital, drawing elite runners, passionate amateurs and enthusiastic spectators from around the globe. Renowned for its fast, flat course and electric atmosphere, the Berlin Marathon is one of the most prestigious road races in the world. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, cheering on the participants, or simply soaking in the city’s energy, this iconic event is not to be missed. Participants cross the finish line under the Brandenburg Gate, one of Berlin’s most historic and iconic monuments, a moment of triumph for runners and a breathtaking sight for spectators.
8. Tomorrowland, Boom, Belgium (18 -27 July 2025)
Tomorrowland electronic music festival in Boom on July 21, 2023.
Belga/AFP via Getty Images
On two weekends this July, Tomorrowland will once again transform the town of Boom, Belgium, into a fantastical wonderland of music and lights. Tomorrowland is a global gathering of electronic music lovers featuring spectacular stages and a world-class lineup. As well as music, the festival has interactive art installations and dazzling fireworks shows.
9. Royal Ascot, UK (17-21 June 2025)
Royal Ascot at Ascot racecourse
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Elegance, tradition and world-class racing unite every June in the English town of Ascot, near Windsor. Known as one of the most prestigious events on the British social calendar, Royal Ascot has always attracted a royal presence, and features thrilling races for racing enthusiasts and socialites alike. Each day begins with the regal pageantry of the Royal Procession, as members of the British Royal Family arrive in horse-drawn carriages to the delight of spectators.
10. Santa Cruz Carnival, Tenerife, Canary Islands (until 9 March 2025)
A participant presents her outfit during the Queen of the Carnival pageant contest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts one of the largest and most spectacular carnivals in the world. Known for its dazzling costumes, lively parades, and infectious rhythms, the Santa Cruz Carnival is a celebration of creativity, culture and joy. With a packed schedule of events and a festive atmosphere that lasts for days, it’s a must-see experience for travelers seeking the ultimate party. The festival kicks off with the election of the Carnival Queen, a breathtaking spectacle featuring extravagant costumes that can weigh over 100 kilograms.
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Publish date : 2025-02-03 14:21:00
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