The days are getting longer, the snow is melting, spring is in the air and the celebrations have begun. Here’s a roundup of the top festivals happening across Europe this April.

First day of Summer, Iceland
16th April
After spending over six months in darkness, it’s hardly surprising that there are huge celebrations on the first day of summer in Iceland. The festivities include street parties, parades, live music, dances and nonstop entertainment.
http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event/1938/Iceland/First-Day-of-Summer.html

Foire du Trone, Paris, France
Date to be confirmed
The Foire du Trone is one of the largest country fairs in France and attracts over five million visitors each year. It has become one of the biggest fairs in the French calendar. It combines a modern day amusement park with charming entertainment from the past. Expect acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and roller coasters at this fun packed, family oriented fair.
http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event/453/Paris-France/Foire-du-Trone.html

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The Grand National, Liverpool, England
2nd – 4th April
Here’s one for horse lovers. The John Smith's Grand National is one of the biggest sporting and social events in the UK with an estimated 150,000 visitors and over 600 million people watching it at home on television. For three days of world class racing, style, competition and prize money, this is the place to be. http://www.visitliverpool.com/grandnational/home
 
The Holy Week, across Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal
This is for the spiritually inclined. Solemn prayers, torchlit processions, masses and rituals including the ‘dance of death’ are performed across various countries in Europe. Chief places that the Holy Week is celebrated in include Braga in Portugal, Gangi, Palermo, Pietraperzia, Prizzi, Rome and Sulmona in Italy, Cadiz, Granada, Seville, Valencia, Verges and Villarelto in Spain and Patmos in Greece.

London Marathon, London, England
26th April
This is for marathon lovers. The world renown London Marathon is hitting the streets of the famous city in April. Put on your running shoes and head out with the thousands of spectators. Mini marathon, wheelchair competitions are all part of this action packed event.
http://www.london-marathon.co.uk

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Scarecrow Festival, Moringhem, France
17th – 19th April
This is a bizarre yet entertaining way to spend a weekend. This slightly spooky scarecrow festival takes place every year in Moringhem. It started in 1989 when the mayor's secretary used scarecrows as an amusing way to direct friends to his home. Now an annual event, the village is 'invaded' by scarecrows and tourists alike during the weekend festival. http://www.holidayfrance.org.uk/

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Spring Festival , Budapest,  Hungary
20th March – 5th April
This is one of the major highlights on Budapest’s cultural calendar. The Spring Festival brings together some of the biggest names in music and dance. From orchestral concerts to chamber evenings, folk dance to the International Theatre Festival, there’s lots going on to entertain the culture bug in you.  http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/calendar_of_events/budapest_spring_festival_2009

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer

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