Holidays and seasons
Every season has its own holidays with their own unique traditions that vary from country to country and even region to region. While many interesting traditions and customs are limited to Germany or a particular region of Germany, others are celebrated throughout western Europe or shared with many parts of the world.
It is a time of elaborate parades, masks, balls, election of a Carnival king and queen and official madness. To get an impression watch a video on this page.
Carnival
Easter in Germany has its own specific charm, with a number of traditions, which usually differ from region to region. Most of them have survived the present commercialisation of Easter and can still be found in many towns and villages throughout Germany. We collected a few for you.
Easter traditions
What started as a horse race at a royal wedding has become one of the world's best known folk festivals. Find out about Oktoberfest's origins and how it developed over time.
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3 October is Germany's national holiday to celebrate the reunification of East and West Germany, which took place officially on that day in 1990.
Chronology and images
The Christmas season is now in full swing in Germany: many houses are decorated with lights, the Christmas markets smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, cookies are being baked, and above all, the children are impatiently awaiting the evening of December 24.
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