We all know and love the classic delights of springtime – the longer days of sunshine, the blooming of vibrant flowers, the onset of lively birdsong – which draws us to get outside and participate in annual activities such as garden visits and Easter celebrations. Experienced travelers know that spring is a great time to visit Europe, as it brims with seasonal pleasures such as Semana Santa processions across Spain or the blossoming tulips of the Netherlands. But beyond the famous fests, there’s something even more compelling about a European spring – from citrus-throwing to cheese-rolling, here are some of our favorite far-out festivities that should spark your interest in traveling before the peak of summer!

Battle of the Oranges Piedmont, Italy

Technically the Battle of the Oranges happens just before springtime truly hits (this year’s festivities took place a couple weeks ago) but this iconic event is one of the most unique ways to experience Italy, and it’s worth a mention for booking for late winter/early spring next year! Known as the ‘largest food fight of Italy,’ this unusual celebration occurs during the Carnival of Ivrea, coinciding with the traditional Christian festive season surrounding Lent. For this particular town, the activities commemorate a rebellion against medieval tyranny. For three days leading up to Fat Tuesday, nine teams of orange-throwing pedestrians aim to pelt participants riding in carts, and the streets quickly become adorned with millions of citrus fruits. This unique event transpires in the heart of the Piedmont region, just a day trip away from Turin or Milan, making it a fun addition to an Italian itinerary.

Cheese-Rolling Gloucestershire, England

Cheese is arguably one of the most beloved food items of Europe, whether sprinkled upon pizzas in Italy, melted into heavenly fondues across France and Switzerland, served alongside meats and fresh-baked breads in Germany, or, ya know, rolled down a hill in Gloucestershire, England! On the last Monday of May, hoards of people put their bodies on the line as they hurl themselves 200 yards down Cooper’s Hill in pursuit of a rolling Double Gloucester, all for the chance to make it to the bottom first and win the 8-pound circle of cheese. Though it sounds like a manifestation of a TikTok challenge gone wrong, this event has actually been taking place for hundreds of years, though its exact origins are unknown (some theorize it’s an ancient pagan tradition). Becoming particularly popular after being video-recorded by university students in the 1980s, and of course, reaching peak internet fame in recent years due to social media, this annual celebration is one of the world’s quirkiest events.

Spargelfest Germany 

From beer to Brezel, Germany is known for a lot of things – but did you know that asparagus is one of the most abundant (and beloved) crops of the country? Ready to harvest in April, this popular vegetable sparks delight in the springtime, marking the onset of various Spargelfests, or Asparagus Festivals. Typically more popular across its smaller villages such as Beelitz near Berlin and Schwetzingen in the heart of Baden-Württemberg, a classic Spargelfest will involve cooking and serving various asparagus dishes, drinking lots of beer, and crowning an honorable Spargel Königin – a Queen of Asparagus. These fun festivities are a must-do (and the dishes a must-taste!) when traveling to Germany in the springtime.

Snowbombing Mayrhofen, Austria

While the premise of a music festival is not in itself unusual, the particular location of Austria’s Snowbombing event is what makes it spectacular. Over 80 musicians and DJs perform a variety of electronic tunes across the village of Mayrhofen, a mountain town in the heart of Tyrol just an hour outside of Innsbruck, straddling the Zillertal Alps on the border of Austria and Italy. Stages are set up amongst the peaks, so participants can party in the snow in between action-packed mountain sports such as snowboarding, skiing, trekking, hiking, paragliding, and even pond-skimming. Alternatively, visitors can simply relax and enjoy the music on a deck while having brunch or doing yoga. This annual event is a fun way to enjoy the last bit of snow before the seasons change.

Sechseläuten Zürich, Switzerland

Perhaps akin to Scotland’s famed Beltane and Spain’s lively Las Falles where symbolic figures are burned to symbolize the end of winter, Zürich’s beloved springtime event of Sechseläuten involves a day of bountiful costumed merriment, concluding with the burning of the Böögg – an artificial snowman made of fabric and wood who embodies the sentiment of winter. Following a parade of various local guilds, the Böögg figure is presented, stuffed with fireworks, and set aflame, as costume-wearing guild members circle the effigy on horseback. Legend has it that the quicker the Böögg loses its head, the more enjoyable the upcoming season will be.

Discover more fun ways to experience Europe in the springtime by connecting with your favorite Travel Advisor!