7 weird and wonderful winter traditions to take part in across Europe
Across Europe, winter is a time for locals and visitors alike to indulge in diverse traditions and celebrations. While Christmas often takes the spotlight, many unique and unusual winter festivals take place that celebrate everything from bears to Vikings and lots in-between.
If you’re searching for a refreshing experience that differs from the typical festivities, continue reading to discover seven European winter traditions to visit.
1. St Mikuláš Day – Prague, Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, the locals celebrate Mikuláš – essentially a counterpart to Santa Claus – in their own distinctive way.
In the Old Town Square in Prague on 5 December, Mikuláš quizzes children about their behaviour while accompanied by a devil and an angel. If he deems the children good, they’re rewarded with sweets.
However, if Mikuláš decides that the children have been naughty, his devil friend threatens to put them in his sack.
The exciting event, which is fun for the whole family, is a unique way to celebrate gift giving and Santa, and you can even enjoy a cup of mulled wine while you watch Mikuláš dish out his judgements.
2. Ursul – East Romania
Villages and cities across eastern Romania host a mesmerising “Ursul” (or “bear dance”) on 30 December, where, as the name implies, locals don real bear skins and participate in well-choreographed dances to music from pan flutes and drums.
Due to the sacred nature of bears in Romania and their deep cultural roots, the ancient dance symbolises the death and rebirth of time, bringing the whole community together.
Even though many locations in the Moldovan region of Romania take part in the extraordinary celebration, one of the most significant events is the “Festivalul de Datini și Obiceiuri Strămoșești” (or the “festival of customs and ancestors’ customs”) in Comănești.
Here, you can join the merriments and enjoy the fascinating tradition.
3. Up Helly Aa – Shetland, Scotland
If you want to embrace your inner Viking this winter, then Up Helly Aa in Lerwick on 30 January could be what you’re looking for.
The festival celebrates Shetland’s history and Norse roots, as Lerwick’s Jarl leads squads of torchbearers dressed as fearsome Vikings through the town with a vast replica galley in tow.
When they reach the burning spot, the Vikings toss the torches into the galley, and it bursts into flame in a true spectacle.
After the main procession, you’ll get the opportunity to visit one of the many halls in the town and have a good sing, dance, and, of course, a drink.
4. Krampus Run – Tyrol, Austria
Krampus is a Christmas character in central and eastern Europe that often appears in popular media, scaring children who have been naughty. In Austria, it is celebrated in his own special way.
On 5 December in Tyrol, the Alpine region of Austria, you can witness the thrills of the half-goat half-demon character during the Krampus Run.
During the event, the locals dress in furry costumes and parade the streets in search of naughty children (as well as fun and laughs).
Even though the run occurs across the region, the main parade usually takes place in Salzburg and the neighbouring village of Innsbruck, where you’re promised acrobatic routines, jugglers, and an all-round feast for the eyes.
5. Els Enfarinats – Ibi, Spain
Els Enfarinats (or “the floured ones”) commemorates the battle of King Herod. During the event, men with painted faces stage a mock military coup d'état armed with flour and eggs.
They declare whimsical new laws for the town, and impose fines on those who break them. Any who resist are pelted with flour and eggs. Any fines they collect are donated to a local elderly home after the lunchtime ceasefire, and the festival concludes with a dance.
If you’d like to take place in Els Enfarinats, you can do so by heading to Ibi in the Valencia region of Spain on 28 December. Just be prepared to get coated in flour and eggs while you’re there.
6. The Burning of the Clavie – Burghead, Scotland
One of the lesser-known winter events in Scotland is the Burning of the Clavie in Burghead, Moray. On 11 January, the small town hosts a pagan festival full of fire and celebration.
Locals carry a burning barrel of tar and staves through the town, followed by a large crowd. Then, when the fire has burnt out, the locals rush to collect the coals and use them to light their first fire of the year back home.
Interestingly, other remnants of the blaze are sent to friends and family members who have moved away from the town.
The festival honours the new year, as 11 January was originally the turning of the year before the Catholic church replaced the Julian calendar. It’s worth noting that if you attend, you won’t be able to collect any coals for yourself as this is reserved for the locals, but you are promised a night of spectacle and celebration while you’re there.
7. Tschäggättä – Valais, Switzerland
During the dark winter months high in the Swiss Alps, locals in the Lötschental valley roam villages donned in fur, oversized wooden masks, and cowbells.
These “creatures” are known as the Tschäggättä, and from 3 to 21 February, they act mischievously and rampage through the town in search of victims. Once they find you, they rub their icy gloves across your face.
It’s such an ancient tradition that no one knows the reason for it, but many believe it was a way to chase away evil spirits so that spring can begin.
Eventually, the event ends with a procession from Blatten to Ferden on 20 February, followed by a large afternoon carnival in Wiler two days later.
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