Holidays and Celebrations

Though the Germans are known for being very bureaucratic, they also know how to have fun and enjoy life. This statement is best demonstrated by the large crowds that attend carnivals and festivals. Both types of events take place during a joyful time of year when entire cities throw extravagant parties and colorful celebrations. Carnivals have a long history in Catholicism, and they are now celebrated by street parades of people dressed in costumes and masks. There are many carnivals and festivals that celebrate all aspects of life and joy.

Their weddings are also very special. It is customary for the bride to bring bread and salt with her as an omen of good harvest. On the other hand, the groom is supposed to carry grain for good luck and wealth.

Many traditional Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are observed in Germany. German Unification Day, celebrated on October 3, commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany and is the only federal holiday.

The country's biggest beer festival is known as "Oktoberfest," it takes place every year on a Saturday in September and ends 16 to 18 days later, on the first Sunday in October. According to the city of Munich, the tradition began in 1810 with the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.