SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 18, 2012
Most people consider Oktoberfest to be the biggest drinking celebration in Germany. Often overlooked are the country's Father's Day celebrations, which involve oddly dressed men pulling wagons filled with beer into parks and drinking until they pass out. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 18, 2010
Swiss editor and publisher Roger Köppel is loud, shrill and provocative -- traits not usually associated with his countrymen. The right-wing positions he takes do not appeal to a majority of people in Switzerland, and yet he is viewed abroad as the new, authentic voice of the Swiss. By Marc Hujer more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 18, 2010
The annual Fallas festival is taking place this week in Valencia on the Spanish coast. During the street parties and parades, giant sculptures are exhibited, judged in a competition and then ceremoniously burnt. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 15, 2010
The traditional Carnival parades held around Germany are famous for strange costumes and wild parties. But the small town of Dietfurt in Bavaria is becoming known for something a little more odd: During the festive season, the whole town turns Chinese. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 06, 2010
The Christmas season only really ends in Europe on Jan. 6. Traditions across the continent vary wildly -- from processions of kings and gift-bearing witches to brave souls diving into icy waters. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- August 14, 2009
Duck races, a beard championship and the Mud Olympics: Germany hosts a wealth of quirky festivals and competitions each year. While some tournaments are a question of brute force, others are all about looking as silly as possible. SPIEGEL ONLINE provides an overview of Germany's strangest competitions. By Stephan Orth more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- July 07, 2009
Spain is renowned for its bull fights and Pamplona's San Fermin Festival capitalizes on this tradition. With nine days and nights of bull runs, it's not surprising that there have been some nasty injuries in the festival's history. There was a collective sigh of relief then as proceedings got off to a relatively a safe start this year. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 19, 2008
Who says Santa Claus is the only one trying to come down your chimney during the festive season? According to Greek mythology, a gaggle of goblin-like spirits are trying to slide into homes -- and instead of presents they are intent on leaving a trail of destruction. By Danylo Hawaleshka in Athens more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 12, 2008
In Babbo Natale, Italy has its own Father Christmas. But it's La Befana, the ugly, broom-flying and present-wielding witch who keeps children on their toes in many parts of the country. Like St. Nick, Befana knows who's been naughty and nice. By Michael Giglio in Urbania, Italy more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 05, 2008
Few European Christmas traditions elicit as many diverse and divergent opinions as Black Pete of the Netherlands. Santa's former slave may have been whitewashed in recent years, but many still view him as a racist caricature from the country's colonial past. By Daryl Lindsey more...
