German festivals, events, and celebrations are an important aspect of Germany's culture. Check out information on the many Germany festivals and events below, from Oktoberfest to the Rhine in Flames, Luther's Wedding, and much more.

The Ruhr Region was nominated European Capital of Culture 2010 for undergoing one of the most spectacular metamorphoses from industry to culture and back to nature. Located along the river Ruhr in North Rhine-Westphalia's industrial center, Ruhr2010 was once home to mine shafts and industrial plants and is now being discovered as a very special tourist destination where the existing coal mines make this region a hub for green travelers and art lovers. With an outstanding festival throughout the year, Germany's cultural focus will be on this fascinating urban area in 2010, attracting visitors with versatile events.

Carnival is celebrated with greater dedication in parts of Germany than in any, other European country. It is a time of elaborate parades, masks, balls and election of Carnival king and queen and official madness and generally takes place in early spring, seven weeks before Easter. Towns famous for their Carnival celebrations include Aachen, Cologne, Duesseldorf, Mainz, Munich and Muenster.

The Passion Play in the breathtaking town of Oberammergau in Bavaria dates back to 1633, and is held only once every 10 years. Thousands of spectators from all over the world witness this fascinating world-famous play of the suffering, dying and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is performed by more than 2,000 local residents over the course of 5 months from May 15 through October 3, 2010.

This annual June event is one of Germany's most delightful festivals attracting 100,000 visitors and celebrates the marriage of Martin Luther, the Reformer to Katharina von Bora in 1525. The highlight of this three day event is a large parade through the streets of Wittenberg where around 1,000 participants dress in historical costumes.

Every year, the Bach Festival in Leipzig presents the immortal music of the great erstwhile cantor of St. Thomas' Church in locations where he lived and worked. Concerts by the famous St. Thomas' boys' choir are always a truly memorable experience.

The northern German city of Kiel welcomes more than 2,000 boats and 5,000 sailors to its coast, town center and the Olympic harbor at Lake Schilksee during this annual sailing event and exhilarating summer festival. Visitors from all over the globe flock to experience this social and cultural highlight and get close to the action, sailing alongside the regatta.

There simply aren't enough superlatives to describe Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest. Held on the Wies'n fairground from the middle of September to the beginning of October.
Tradition has it that the festival is opened by Munich's mayor with the words "O'zapft is" (the barrel is tapped).

When 2,000 red Bengal lights bathe the famous sights of the Rhine and the riverside promenades between Bonn and Linz in a festive glow on the first Saturday in May, the illusion of the "Rhine in Flames" is created.

Germany's Christmas markets are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. As day becomes night at the Christmas markets, millions of Christmas lights sparkle and delicious aromas of mulled wine and spicy gingerbread waft through the air. Germany's Christmas markets usually start around the end of November and finish on Christmas Eve. If you are after unusual gift ideas, handmade items or traditional Christmas decorations, then the Christmas markets are the perfect place to look.

Celebrate Silvester, as New Year is known in Germany, at Berlin's most famous landmark. Each year the Bradenburg Gate attracts thousands of people from across Germany and much further afield to see in the New Year. There is live music throughout the evening to entertain the crowd and at midnight there is a spectacular firework display that lights up the Berlin sky whilst revelers crack open bottles of champagne and celebrate.

German festivals like the world-famous Oktoberfest or the Kiel Sailing Regatta are not to be missed.  Learn more about all the entrancing German festivals and events simply by clicking on the links below each description above. Begin Planning Your Trip with the events and festivals of Germany today!