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Spring is finally here, but let’s not get overly excited, as temperatures will still take a few weeks to rise.
Although the trees will only begin to bloom in  April, nature blesses us with the most beautiful flowers, like the cheerful Crocus, the elegant Narcissus and the stunning Tulips. These flowers can be seen in most gardens and meadows, adding a touch of colour and beauty to our surroundings.
There is also the anticipation of the upcoming Easter celebrations, and most houses and gardens will be decorated accordingly, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Another great thing about March is the increase in daylight, which gives us more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery around us. Every day the sun comes up a minute or two earlier and sets a bit  later. 
Keep in mind that some places may still have snow, especially in the mountains. So, let’s embrace this transitional period with open arms and cherish all the little joys that come with it!

SeasonSpring
TimeCentral European Time (CET), one hour behind South Africa until the last Sunday of March, when Summertime starts (26 March 2022).
WeatherThe temperatures average between 0.2 °C and 7.4 °C.
Depending on the location, it could be warmer or colder.
The average daily sunshine is 3.8 hours.

Here is a list of food traditionally eaten in Germany over the Easter period

Gründonnerstag:
Gründonnerstag sounds like green Thursday although it is derived from the old German word greinen, which means crying. Thus many people celebrate by eating green dishes, such as the following:
– Seven herb soup / Sieben Kräutersuppe
– Chervil soup / Kerbelsuppe
– Eggs in green sauce / Eier in grüner Sauce

Karfreitag:
Church bells are silent on Good Friday. Families may go to church and in some towns, such as Bensheim you will see processions.
Dancing is not allowed on Good Friday, neither are weddings. The shops are closed.
It is a tradition to eat fish at dinner with your family.
– Fish cakes with green sauce / Fishfrikadellen mit grüner Sauce

Ostersamstag:
In Northern Germany, people light Easter fires (das Osterfeuer) as a symbol of light in the darkness.
These fires are sometimes lit on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

Ostersonntag:
Families come together to celebrate. They may go to church together and then have a big brunch or a festive dinner.
The main dish is often lamb.
Children hunt for Easter eggs.

– Colorful boiled eggs / Bunte Frühstückseier – served with Black Forest ham and Emmentaler cheese
– Easter bunny brioches / Osterhasebrioches
– Roast leg of lamb with juniper berry sauce / Lammkeule mit Wacholderbeerensauce
– Biennenstich cake. Click on this link for other Easter cake recipes
– Easter lamb cake
– Hefezopf
– German Sweat Bread nests

Ostermontag:
Easter Monday is a day of remembrance and reflection.

Other Foods:
Before Easter, you will find Easter bread (das Osterbrot) in most bakeries.
Brightly colored boiled eggs and of course beautiful chocolate easter eggs in the bakeries
The asparagus season (die Spargelsaison) starts in the middle of April.
Traditionally the white variety is eaten with hollandaise sauce, potatoes, and ham.
To find out how to buy and store asparagus, as well as some recipes,  read our page about the German white gold.

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

During the festive season of Easter, several towns organize colourful Easter Markets and embellish the town fountains with eggs. Known as Osterbrunnen, these intricately decorated fountains are a sight to behold. But that’s not all, people also adorn trees and dried sticks with eggs, creating enchanting Easter egg trees, also known as Ostereierbäume.

Snow Info

Looking for information on the latest snow conditions? Check out these resources:

Holidays

HolidayDateInformationStates
Public Holidays
International Woman's Day2024-03-08Berlin, MV
Good Friday / Karfreitag2024-03-29KarfreitagAll
Easter Sunday / Ostersonntag2024-03-31OstersonntagBrandenburg
Observations
Meteorological start of Spring2024-03-01All
Josefstag / Saint Joseph's Day2024-03-19BY
Astrological start of Spring2024-03-20All
Palm Sunday / Palmsonntag2024-03-24The Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Maudy Thursday / Gründonnerstag2024-03-28Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the day during Holy Week that commemorates the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospelsAll
Karsamstag2024-03-30Six days before Ash Wednesday
More info
All
Start of Summer time2024-03-31Clocks are turned forward by one hourAll
Festivals and events
St Patrick's day2024-03-17 The St Patrick's day parade in Munich is one of the biggest in Germany. There is also one in Berlin.
School Holidays and Terms
Easter HolidaysVariousSchool HolidaysAll

Events listed on our website

Voting Abroad – 2024 – Berlin

18/05/2024 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Casting of votes at a foreign mission A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices. In practice, this […]

Voting Abroad 2024 – Munich

18/05/2024 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Casting of votes at a foreign mission A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices. In practice, this […]

Trevor Noah Tour – Berlin

01/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website  

Trevor Noah Tour – Stuttgart

03/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website  

Will Linley On Magic Tour 2024

19/02/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Will Linley On Magic Tour 2024 Goosebumps guaranteed! Capetonian rising pop star Will Linley has a show in Cologne and Berlin on 19 & 20 February, respectively. The young musician started to sing at TikTok, and his debut single with the hypnotic track “miss me (when you’e gone)” hit number one immediately. Nowadays, the talented […]

The African Picnic Festival at the Goethe Institute in Schwäbisch Hall

31/05/2024 – 02/06/2024 @ All Day – The African Picnic Festival at Goethe Institute in Schwäbisch Hall, Baden-Württemberg, is the brainchild of Mthunzi Fesi, a young South African, who is also a promoter for South African artists touring Europe. The festival was first hosted on 16 June 2014. This year, the ninth edition of the festival will take place from 31 May […]

Sandy B in Berlin

22/03/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm – Kwaito & BINK legend Sandy B does a gig at the PANDA platforma in Berlin on 22 March To quote PANDA platforma: ‘Sandy B is returning to Panda to welcome Spring, just as he did early last year, aiming to bring people back to happy warm vibes with his timeless legendary sound and moves from […]

Schalk Bezuidenhout keeping up – Berlin

25/09/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Newly married, Schalk feels older, wiser and much more mature (possibly), but all he wants is to stay “hip with the youth”. Can he do it? Can he Keep Up? As seen on Netflix and Comedy Central and fresh from supporting Trevor Noah on his arena tour. This is an external event,  we are not […]

Kearsney College Choir

29/06/2024 – 06/07/2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – The renowned Kearsney College Choir and Rainbow Agency, KwaZulu Natal, have the honour to inform you that former Federal President Professor Dr Horst Köhler is the patron of the choir’s concert tour to Germany from 28 June to 6 July 2024. Professor Dr Köhler will attend a concert of his choice. Kearsney College Choir has […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Hannover

24/05/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Mannheim

26/04/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Augsburg

16/02/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Some foods and drinks to try

01.

Bärlauch

Bärlauch (Wild Garlic) is in season. Wild garlic can be bought at markets or you can harvest it in the forests. I would not recommend harvesting Bärlauch yourself, as the leaves can look similar to those of the Lily of the valley – which is poisonous.

02.

Mussels

During the months that contain the letter “r,” which typically run from September through the beginning of spring, seafood lovers can indulge in a variety of delicious options including oysters, scallops, and clams. Be sure to savour these delectable treats to the fullest during March!

03.

Spinach

The delicious, nutrient-packed leaf spinach (Blattspinat) season typically begins in the month of March.

04.

Morel (Morcheln)

Morels, also known as Morchella, are a delicious and versatile type of sac fungi that can add incredible flavour to any dish.  Here are some recipe ideas

05.

Starkbier is as the name suggests a strong beer.  Starkbierzeit is called the 5th season. It is during Lent (From Ash Wednesday (14.02.2023) to Easter). Read more here

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Springder Frühling
Wild garlicder Bärlauch
Morelsdie Morcheln
Chervilder Kerbel
Turnipsdie Steckrüben
Radishder Rettich
Lamb’s lettuceder Feldsalat
Scallopsdie Jakobsmuscheln
Oystersdie Austern
Clamsdie Venusmuscheln

Sources

Related content

Cycling

The entire cycling scene in Germany took some getting used to when I arrived here. In South Africa its sort of all kitted out serious

Participating in Sports in Germany

Sports in Germany South Africans are generally a sport crazy bunch. Not just watching it, but also actively taking part. Participating in sports here in

Outdoors

Most South Africans love being outside the house. This can sometimes feel like a challenge in Germany, but I have learned very quickly that you

Weather in Germany

German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater

February

February is a month of great importance as it is known for love. This event is celebrated with great vigour and passion in South Africa, where lovebirds often exchange gifts, plan special surprises, and indulge in delicious, romantic dinners. However, it is not celebrated with the same intensity in Germany.
In general, most restaurants and hotels in Germany do not offer any special deals or promotions for Valentine’s Day celebrations. However, some shops offer special deals and sales on Valentine’s Day.
So, if you’re interested in celebrating this day of love in Germany, you might have to be a little creative in planning your celebrations. Nonetheless, with your loved ones by your side, any day can turn out to be a special day filled with love, happiness, and cherished memories.

 

SeasonWinter
TimeCentral European Time (CET), one hour behind South Africa
Weather

The temperatures average between -2.4 °C and 3.5 °C. It could get much colder, depending on the location.
Snow is likely in the mountain areas. Coastal cities have a milder climate and the possibility of snow is low.
The average daily sunshine is 2.7 hours.

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

Carnival

It is an exciting time in Germany as the Carnival season, also known as the fifth season, is in full swing. This time of year is marked by colourful parades, lively music, and elaborate costumes. People from all over Germany come together to celebrate in a joyous atmosphere and things can get a bit “Narrisch”. This playful German word loosely translates to crazy or chaotic, and it is a testament to the spirited nature of Carnival season.  
Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, that starts on Ash Wednesday.
Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter.

So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching
These are basically regional names for Carnival.

  • Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen
  • Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxumbourg
  • Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf
 

Narrenzunft
This is yet another version of Carnival.
The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic and some of the Rhenish clubs describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).
You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.
You can find a list of the associations / Vereine here.

Holidays

DateHolidayInformationStates
Public Holidays
-
Observations
Women’s Carnival / Weiberfastnach08.02.2024All
Fastnachtssamstag10.02.2024
Fastnachtssonntag11.02.2024
Rose Monday / Rosenmontag12.02.2024
Fastnacht / carnival13.02.2024
Aschermittwoch/ Ash Wednesday14.02.2024A Christian holy day of prayer and fasting, and the first day of LentAll
Valentines Day14.02.2024All

Events

For concerts and shows, have a look on Eventim

Going to the movies

It is always exciting to plan a visit to the movies! There are so many things to consider, like choosing the right movie theatre, picking

Events listed on our website

Will Linley On Magic Tour 2024

19/02/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Will Linley On Magic Tour 2024 Goosebumps guaranteed! Capetonian rising pop star Will Linley has a show in Cologne and Berlin on 19 & 20 February, respectively. The young musician started to sing at TikTok, and his debut single with the hypnotic track “miss me (when you’e gone)” hit number one immediately. Nowadays, the talented […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Augsburg

16/02/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Stuttgart

10/02/2024 @ 8:15 pm – 11:45 pm – @Thabilé ‘s first awesome concert in 2024 is on 10 February, a great chance to experience this charming singer, who was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not […]

Some foods and drinks to try

01.

Krapfen

This delectable treat is also known as a Berliner or Berliner Pfannkuchen. The soft and fluffy doughnut features a generous filling of sweet and tangy jam that adds a burst of flavour with every bite

02.

Hearty Food

Stay warm in winter with hearty German dishes like Eisbein, Sauerbraten, Falscher Hase, and Kartoffelsuppe. These dishes are rich and savoury, perfect for satisfying your cravings. Warm up with a glass of Glühwein for added comfort. Don’t let the winter blues get you down, indulge in these delicious and cosy meals to brighten up your day!

03.

Reibekuchen

Potato pancakes, more commonly known as Rosti, are a classic culinary creation that is sure to please your palate. These delectable pancakes are available in a variety of serving styles, ranging from sweet to savoury. You can enjoy them with a side of delicious Appel sauce for a sweet and tangy taste sensation, or opt for a more savoury flavour by pairing them with egg or onion.

04.

Himmel und Erde

Himmel und Erde, which is also known as “heaven and earth” in English, is a mouth-watering and delightful side dish that has been enjoyed by many people for centuries. It is a traditional German dish consisting of mashed potatoes and mashed apples sautéed in a pan with bacon bits and onions.

05.

Kölsch

Kölsch is a light, clear (filtered) and top-fermented beer with an average original gravity of 11.3 °P and an average alcohol content of 4.8%.. It must be brewed in Köln

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Narrenrufe

The origins of these “fools calls” are not always clear and their exact meaning is also lost in time. Most villages have their own call.
Here are some of the most well known:

CallWhereMeaning
HelauMainz, Düsseldorf,
Koblenz
 
AlaafBonn and AachenAlles ab or
everything down
Kölle alaafonly in Köln 
Wau-Wauall over 
Narri-NarroSchwabenlandI’m a fool,
your are a fool
AhoiLudwigshafen and
in the North
 
Hasi PalauPaderbornDie Hasen.
Palau is a different
form of Helau.
Alleh hoppSaarlandLos geht’s

 

Sources

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Travel ideas within Germany

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German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater

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We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany, that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year.  If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form. We value your input and suggestions in making our list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. 

List of events

Use the search option to filter by Month, State, City or Type of Event

MonthDurationStateCity or RegionTypeEvent and Link
0101 JanuaryAllAllCelebrationNew Years Day
0106 JanuaryAllAllCelebrationHeilige Drei Könige
01January and FebruaryBayern and Baden-WürttembergVariousKarnevalZunfttermine
02February and MarchNordrhein-WestfalenKölnKarnevalKarneval in Köln
02FebruaryBerlinBerlinFilm FestivalBerlinale
03March or AprilAllAllCelebrationEaster Traditions
03March and AprilBayernNürnbergFrühlingsfest / VolksfestNürnberger Volksfest
04April and MayBaden-WürttembergStuttgartFrühlingsfest / Volksfesthttps://www.stuttgarter-fruehlingsfest.de/de/home/
04April and MayBayernMunichFrühlingsfest / VolksfestMünchner Frühlingsfest
051 MayAllVariousMay DayMay Day Traditions
05MayNordrhein-WestfalenBonnFireworksDen Rhein in Flammen
05May (over Pentacost)BayernRothenburg ob der TauberTraditional FestivalMeistertrunk
05May and JuneBayernWürzburgWine FestivalWeindorf Würzburg
05MayHamburgHamburgCelebrationPort Anniversary
06JuneSchleswig-HolsteinKielMartimeKieler Woche
06JuneSachsen-AnhaltWittenbergTraditional FestivalLuthers Hochzeit
06June and JulyHesseFrankfurtTraditional FestivalGrüne Soße Festspiele
06June and JulyBayernLandshutTraditional FestivalLandshuter Hochzeit
07JulyBaden-WürttembergUlmVolksfestUlmer Volksfest
07JulyBaden-WürttembergUlmTraditional FestivalUlmer Nabada
07JulyRheinland-Pfalz.Bingen RüdesheimFireworksDen Rhein in Flammen
07JulyBayernSchloss KaltenbergMedieval FestivalKaltenberger Ritterturnier
08August and SeptemberRheinland-Pfalz Bad Dürkheim Wine FestivalDürkheimer Wurstmarkt
08August and SeptemberBaden-WürttembergStuttgartWine FestivalStuttgarter Weindorf
08AugustBayernRothenburg ob der TauberWine FestivalRothenburg Wine Festival
08August, September, October, NovemberBaden-WürttembergLUDWIGSBURGTraditional FestivalPumpkin Festival
08AugustBrandenburgPotsdamTraditional Festival
Postdame Schlössernacht
08AugustBayernBambergTraditional FestivalBamberger Sandkerwa
08AugustRheinland-PfalzSpay Koblenz FireworksDen Rhein in Flammen
08August and SeptemberBayernNürnbergHerbstfest / VolksfestNürnberger Volksfest
08August and SeptemberNordrhein-WestfalenBonnTraditional FestivalPützchens Markt
08August and SeptemberHesseFrankfurtWine FestivalRheingau Wine Festival
08AugustRheinland PfalzCohemWine FestivalHeimat-und Weinfest
09SeptemberRheinland-PfalzOberwesel FireworksDen Rhein in Flammen
09SeptemberRheinland-PfalzSt. GoarFireworksDen Rhein in Flammen
09September and OctoberBayern and Baden-WürttembergBayern, dem Allgäu, Tirol, Montafon, Vorarlberg, Zillertal, Kärnten, Steiermark, restliches Österreich, Schweiz und Südtirol.AlmabtriebTermine Almabtrieb und Viehscheid
09September and OctoberRheinland-PfalzNeustadt an der WeinstraßeWine FestivalWine Harvest Festival
09SeptemberBerlinBerlinBeer FestivalBerlin Beer Week
09SeptemberBayernSelbMedieval FestivalFestival-Mediaval
09SeptemberBayernRothenburg ob der TauberTraditional FestivalReichsstadt Festival
09September and OctoberBayernMunichOktoberfestOfficial Oktoberfest website
09September and OctoberBaden-WürttembergStuttgartVolksfestCannstatter Volksfest
09September and OctoberBerlinBerlinOktoberfestOktoberfest in Berlin
10First Sunday in OctoberAllVariousHarvest FestivalInformation in German about the Ertedankfest
10OctoberThüringenWiemarTraditional FestivalZwiebelmarkt Weimar
10OctoberBerlinBerlinCelebrationBerlin Festival of lights
1111 NovemberAllVariousCelebrationMartinstag
11NovemberBayernBad TölzTraditional FestivalTÖLZER LEONHARDIFAHRT
12November and DecemberAllVariousChristmas MarketsChristmas Markets
12December and JanuaryAllVariousChristmas GardensChristmas Garden
12ChristmasAllVariousChristmasChristmas Traditions
1231 DecemberAllVariousSylvesterNew Year’s Eve Celebrations

Special days and observations

DateDayObservationEnglishStates
08.02.2024ThuWeiberfastnachtWomens CarnivalALL
10.02.2024SatFastnachtssamstagALL
11.02.2024SunFastnachtssonntagALL
12.02.2024MonRosenmontagShrove MondayALL
13.02.2024TueFastnachtShrove TuesdayALL
14.02.2024WedValentinstagValentine’s DayALL
14.02.2024WedAschermittwochAsh WednesdayALL
01.03.2024FriFrühlingsanfang meteorologischStart of the meteorological Spring
19.03.2024TueJosefstagBY
20.03.2024WedFrühlingsanfangStart of Spring
24.03.2024SunPalmsonntagPalm SundayALL
28.03.2024ThuGründonnerstagMaundy Thursday or Holy ThursdayALL
30.03.2024SatKarsamstagHoly SaturdayALL
31.03.2024SunSommerzeitbeginnStart of Summer TimeALL
30.04.2024TueWalpurgisnachtSaint Walpurgis NightALL
09.05.2024ThuVatertagFathers DayALL
12.05.2024SunMuttertagMothers DayALL
01.06.2024SatSommeranfang meteorologischStart of the meteorological Summer
01.06.2024SatInternationaler KindertagInternational Childrens DayALL
17.06.2024Mon17. Juni 1953 *Uptil 1990 it was the German Unity DayALL
20.06.2024ThuSommeranfang, SommersonnenwendeStart of Summer
24.06.2024MonJohannistagSt. John’s DayALL
29.06.2024SatPeter und PaulThe Feast of Saints Peter and PauALL
08.08.2024ThuAugsburger FriedensfestBY
01.09.2024SunHerbstanfang meteorologischStart of the meteorological Autumn
22.09.2024SunHerbstanfangStart of Autumn
06.10.2024SunErntedankfest *Haverst FestivalALL
27.10.2024SunSommerzeitendeEnd of Summer TimeALL
02.11.2024SatAllerseelenAll Souls’ DayALL
11.11.2024MonMartinstagSt Martins DayALL
17.11.2024SunVolkstrauertagRemembrance DayALL
24.11.2024SunTotensonntagSunday of the deadALL
01.12.2024Sun1. AdventFirst AdventALL
01.12.2024SunWinteranfang meteorologischStart of the meteorological Winter
04.12.2024WedBarbaratagSt Barbara’s Day
06.12.2024FriNikolausSt Nikolau’s DayALL
08.12.2024Sun2. AdventSecond AdventALL
15.12.2024Sun3. AdventThird AventALL
21.12.2024SatWinteranfang, WintersonnenwendeStart of Winter
22.12.2024Sun4. AdventFourth AdventALL
24.12.2024TueHeiligabendChristmas EveALL
31.12.2024TueSilvesterOld Years EveALL

Karneval/Fasching/Fastnacht

Also called the fifth season, and things can get a bit “Narrisch” 
So what is Carnival, Fastnacht and Faching
These are basically the same but they differ from region to region.

  • Fasching – Austria, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Sachsen
  • Fastnacht – Baden, Franconia, Hesse, Saarland, Mainz, Swabenland, Switzerland and Luxumbourg
  • Karneval – Rhineland: Aachen, Bonn, Köln and Düsseldorf

Carnival is a celebration of excess and includes parades, floats, dancing, formal balls, wearing costumes, noise and a lot of partying. It is the period before Lent, that starts on Ash Wednesday.
Lent is a time of repentance and abstinence in preparation for Easter.

Narrenzunft
This is yet another version of carnival.
The local carnival clubs of the Swabian-Alemannic carnival and some of the Rhenish carnival describe themselves as fools’ guilds. These guilds are mostly organised in the legal form of a registered association (Verein).
You can find the “Zunfttermine” here.
You can find a list of the associations / Vereine here.

Oktoberfest or Bierfests

The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The start date has been moved to the end of September to take advantage of the milder weather. The original festival is held in Munich on the Theresienwiese, or “Wiesn,”. Other cities are now joining in the celebrations with their own bierfests.

Bierbörse or Beer exchanges are also very popular. A beer exchange is an event dedicated to the art of brewing from around the world and is not comparable to other city festivals. The fair consists of two-thirds beer outlets and one-third food outlets. The event is characterized by peaceful and cosy beer enjoyment, with visitors able to choose from several hundred local and exotic beers. The beer specialties are not only available fresh from the tap, but can also be bought as bottled beers and taken home with you. See the Bierbörse page for event dates

 

Frühlingsfest

One of the most exciting events in Germany during springtime is a Frühlingsfest. It is a wonderful opportunity to take part in traditional German music, dance, and food. From the colorful decorations to the lively crowds, there is a sense of excitement and joy in the air. It’s a time to indulge in delicious German cuisine, from sausages and pretzels to sweet pastries and refreshing drinks.
A Frühlingsfest is truly a must-see event in Germany during the spring season. With so much to see and do, it’s a fantastic way to experience German culture and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.

Wine festivals

There are a variety of wonderful wine festivals held in Germany throughout the year. From the iconic Oktoberfest (yes also for wine) to smaller, more intimate celebrations, these festivals offer a great opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest wines and experience local culture. Some of the popular festivals include the Wurstmarkt in Bad Dürkheim, the Mosel Wine Festival in Bernkastel-Kues, and the Wine Village Festival in Freinsheim. Each festival has its unique charm and distinctive wine varietals to explore. In addition to wine tasting, visitors can also enjoy traditional German cuisine, live music, and other delightful cultural activities. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, these wine festivals are definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in Germany!

Almabtrieb

In the Alpine regions, the Almabtrieb (Bavarian) or Viehscheid (Allgäu) refer to the drive of cattle from the mountain pastures into the valley, where they spend the winter in the farm stables. Depending on the regional climate, the cattle drive takes place between mid-September and mid-October and is often accompanied by festive customs.

The Viehscheid in Immenstadt is considered the only urban alpine cattle drive in Germany.  Musical entertainment is provided all day and there are food and drinks to be enjoyed. In the afternoon, the Scheidschellenwürfeln takes place. 
The Almabtrieb über den Köningsee is also a highlight.

Harvest festivals

Harvest festivals or Erntedankfest is an annual celebration to give thanks to God for the gifts of the harvest. On this thanksgiving Sunday, churches are decorated and the steps in front of the altar are decorated with the gifts of nature. In some places, there are processions with colourfully decorated floats and music.
It is always on the first Sunday in October.

Ritterspiele

Ritterspiele, often referred to as jousting games or tournaments, are a highly skilled and immensely entertaining art form that has its roots firmly planted in the rich traditions of European Middle Ages. It is a fascinating sport that has gained immense popularity and has since evolved into both an art form and a mode of entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide. The event often features highly skilled and well-trained knights, battling it out on horseback while using lances to strike their opponents with the objective of knocking them off their horse. The Ritterspiele events are characterized by intricate costumes, beautifully designed shields, and awe-inspiring armor that speak to the grandeur of the medieval era. It is a perfect representation of a bygone era, one that brings to life a time when courage, chivalry, and honor were the watchwords of the day.

Volksfest

A Volksfest is more than just a festival; it is a deeply-rooted cultural tradition that has been observed and celebrated for many years. This type of festival is typically held in towns and cities around the country, where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy various activities and attractions.

One of the main features of a Volksfest is the traditional costumes that many people wear. These costumes vary depending on the region but often include items like lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Along with the costumes, there is plenty of delicious food to enjoy, including classic local dishes like schnitzel and sausages.

Of course, no Volksfest would be complete without beer and music, and both are in abundant supply at these events. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, dancing, and perhaps even a sing-along or two. To top it all off, there is often a funfair with rides and games, making a Volksfest an unforgettable experience.

Christmas Markets

German Christmas markets are truly a magical and delightful experience that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. These markets are not just marketplaces, they are cultural events that showcase the best of German traditions and hospitality.
Each market is unique in its own way, some are vibrant and lively, while others are cozy and intimate, but all of them are filled with the smells of gingerbread and roasted nuts, twinkling lights, and cheerful carolers. Visitors can shop for handcrafted ornaments, toys, and gifts, or try traditional foods such as sausages, mulled wine, and stollen cake.
Every stall offers a glimpse into the country’s history and culture, and the festive atmosphere is contagious. From the largest markets in Berlin and Munich to the smaller markets in cozy towns, German Christmas markets are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should definitely be added to any traveler’s bucket list.

Christmas

Christmas Christmas is a very important celebration in Germany. The festive season starts on St Nickolas day, the 6th of December and ends with “Heilige Drei Könige” on the 6th of January. Nikolastag 06 December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots outside their door and the boots are filled with

German Christmas Traditions

St. Nicholas Day St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots outside their door on the evening of the 5th. The boots are then filled with sweets and small gifts. According to legend, Nicholas of Myra

Christmas Markets

Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is a delightful way of celebrating the festive season. The heavy scent of sweets, fried sausage and warm wine welcome you to a variety of Christmas delicacies. If you’re feeling a little chilly, grab a warm mug of Glühwein and catch up with friends. Not only

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Ah, September is such a beautiful time of year in Germany! As the leaves begin to change colour and the air starts to feel crisp and refreshing, it’s a gentle reminder that the summer season is winding down and making way for autumn. The start of autumn brings with it a whole new host of activities for people to enjoy – from apple picking to pumpkin carving to cozy evenings spent with family and friends. And, let’s not forget about the delicious seasonal foods that become available during this time of year, like warm soups, hearty stews, and comforting baked goods.
The mornings now have a hint of chilliness in the air, signaling the changing temperature trends. However, the beautiful fall weather is still warm and inviting enough to enjoy the outdoors during the daytime. In fact, it’s the perfect season for indulging in a wide variety of physical activities ranging from hiking to biking, camping to picnicking.
If is also the perfect time to visit any of the stunning Mediterranean countries. The weather, while still hot and balmy, is a pleasant change from the scorching heat of summer. Plus, the crowds of tourists have headed back to their homes and schools, meaning you’ll have more of the beach and other attractions to yourself.

SeasonAutumn
TimeCentral European Time (CET), Summertime – the same time as South Africa until the last Sunday of October, when Wintertime starts (29 October 2023).
Weather

The temperatures average between 9.6°C and 18.3 °C. It could be warmer or colder, depending on the location. The average daily sunshine is 5.2 hours.

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

The most famous festival in Germany, the Oktoberfest in Munich, starts on 16 September. Another great beer fest to visit is the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart from 22 September. Similar festivals will be celebrated all over Germany and you can search for Oktoberfest and your town to find one close to you.
Autumn is also a time for  wine festivals.
If you love Pumpkins, head out to Ludwigsburg for the biggest Pumpkin festival in the world. It will run from 25 August until 3 December 2023.
Farmers across the region will start harvesting. This is celebrated with traditional harvest festivals or “Erntedankfest”, which is celebrated with church services and processions on the last Sunday of September or the first Sunday of October.

Events listed on our website

Voting Abroad – 2024 – Berlin

18/05/2024 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Casting of votes at a foreign mission A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices. In practice, this […]

Voting Abroad 2024 – Munich

18/05/2024 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Casting of votes at a foreign mission A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00, depending on the host country’s dominant religious and cultural practices. In practice, this […]

Trevor Noah Tour – Berlin

01/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website  

Trevor Noah Tour – Stuttgart

03/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website  

Will Linley On Magic Tour 2024

19/02/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Will Linley On Magic Tour 2024 Goosebumps guaranteed! Capetonian rising pop star Will Linley has a show in Cologne and Berlin on 19 & 20 February, respectively. The young musician started to sing at TikTok, and his debut single with the hypnotic track “miss me (when you’e gone)” hit number one immediately. Nowadays, the talented […]

The African Picnic Festival at the Goethe Institute in Schwäbisch Hall

31/05/2024 – 02/06/2024 @ All Day – The African Picnic Festival at Goethe Institute in Schwäbisch Hall, Baden-Württemberg, is the brainchild of Mthunzi Fesi, a young South African, who is also a promoter for South African artists touring Europe. The festival was first hosted on 16 June 2014. This year, the ninth edition of the festival will take place from 31 May […]

Sandy B in Berlin

22/03/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm – Kwaito & BINK legend Sandy B does a gig at the PANDA platforma in Berlin on 22 March To quote PANDA platforma: ‘Sandy B is returning to Panda to welcome Spring, just as he did early last year, aiming to bring people back to happy warm vibes with his timeless legendary sound and moves from […]

Schalk Bezuidenhout keeping up – Berlin

25/09/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Newly married, Schalk feels older, wiser and much more mature (possibly), but all he wants is to stay “hip with the youth”. Can he do it? Can he Keep Up? As seen on Netflix and Comedy Central and fresh from supporting Trevor Noah on his arena tour. This is an external event,  we are not […]

Kearsney College Choir

29/06/2024 – 06/07/2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – The renowned Kearsney College Choir and Rainbow Agency, KwaZulu Natal, have the honour to inform you that former Federal President Professor Dr Horst Köhler is the patron of the choir’s concert tour to Germany from 28 June to 6 July 2024. Professor Dr Köhler will attend a concert of his choice. Kearsney College Choir has […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Hannover

24/05/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Mannheim

26/04/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Thabile – Read my lips – Augsburg

16/02/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm – @Thabilé is a South African-born singer and was rightly chosen as “Artist of the Year 2023” at the African Festival Award (AFA) in Würzburg. Today, Thabilé lives in Stuttgart and campaigns for better coexistence, especially for the rights of women, who are not only oppressed in South Africa. Her songs tell of difficult living conditions […]

Some foods and drinks to try

Berries

Make your own Rote Grütze and serve it with Ice cream, Milchreis or pudding. Rote Grütze is a traditional German dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. Originating from northern Germany, this dish has become a favorite in homes throughout the country and beyond. To prepare your own Rote Grütze, simply gather a mixture of red fruits such as cherries, raspberries, and currants, and cook them together with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a thick, fruity sauce.

Take a look at this selection of delicious recipe ideas with berries
We can also recommend this delicious Milchreis recipe 

Hearty Food

When the weather outside is chilly and cold, there's nothing more comforting than a warm and hearty meal! Why not try some German classics like Rouladen, Linseneintopf or Kartoffelsuppe? Rouladen is a delicious beef dish that is stuffed with bacon, onions and pickles, while Linseneintopf is a hearty lentil soup that is both filling and nutritious. And if you're in the mood for something more potato-based, you can't go wrong with a steaming bowl of Kartoffelsuppe.

Pumpkins

During the autumn season, the markets and farms are vibrant with an abundant variety of squashes and pumpkins waiting to be discovered and savored. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the many shapes and sizes of these delicious vegetables. Some of the popular types of squashes and pumpkins include butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and sugar pumpkins.

More information about the varieties of squashes and pumpkins.
Try a hearty pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil or Stuffed Hokkaido Pumpkin.

Zwetschgen

The Damask Plum, also known by its German name, Zwetschgen, is among the delicious and flavorful fruits that are enjoyed during particular seasons. It is important to know that these plums are not to be confused with the more common plums, known as Pflaumen, which are more widely available in many grocery stores. The Damask Plum is unique in its taste and texture, with a slightly tart yet sweet flavor which makes it perfect for use in a variety of dishes.

Here is a recipe for Zwetschgendatschi. Eat it with a big dollop of cream or ice cream.
You can substitute the Zwetschgen for Mirabellen

Beer

The breweries in Munich prepares a special Festbier for the Oktoberfest. Up until 1970 it used to be a Märzen bier but was replaced by a much lighter lager.

The difference between Festbier and Märzen. More information about Marzën bier

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Autumnder Herbst
Autumn leavesdie Herbstblätter
Damask plums

die Zwetschgen

Plumsdie Pflaume
Pumpkinder Kürbis
Pumpink seed oilDas Kürbiskernöl
Blueberriesdie Blaubeeren
Raspberiesdie Himbeeren
Elderberriesdie Holunderbeeren
Mirabelles or yellow plumbsdie Mirabellen  (Marillen is Apricots)

Sources

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