Berlinale, Berlin
The Berlin International Film Festival is already in its 58th year. The public program features around 350 films, most of which are world or European premières. It functions both as a showcase for international filmmaking and as a global industry event, attracting talent from all over the world to Berlin.
> www.berlinale.de
Feb 14 - Feb 17
Eclat - New Music Festival, Stuttgart
The festival's goal is to search out and introduce all of the innovative movements in contemporary music today, and to present them in connection with the great compositions of the twentieth century. Non-musical art forms and interdisciplinary projects play central roles in the festival's itinerary.
Eclat intends to serve as a forum for young artists, to support the new generation and provide it with performance opportunities.
> www.eclat.org
Feb - Mar
Easter Markets
The Easter traditions in Germany can be traced back to the pagan tradition of worshiping the maiden-goddess of fertility Easter and the coming of spring. Before the Easter celebration, Easter egg markets are popular throughout the country. With all of the crafts, decorated eggs and Easter goods they are wonderful way to rediscover traditions and rituals and to prepare for the Easter holidays.
The Easter bunny, egg decorating and egg hunts are all well known traditions in Germany, some of which have been around for thousands of years.
> www.cometogermany.com
Feb - Apr
Strong Beer Season, Munich*
It's 'Strong Beer Season' in Munich! Traditionally strong beers are served during Lent. The tradition, "spring health cure," started with the monks who since time immemorial brewed an especially "nourishing" beer during Lent to strengthen the body weakened by fasting. In Munich, the Loewenbraeu Cellar festival takes place from February to April and the barrel is tapped in the Paulaner Wirtshaus am Nockherberg in early March.
> http://www.muenchen-tourist.de/
*exact dates tba
