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Where should you go on holiday in Europe in June? Summer is finally here, the summer holidays are fast approaching, and we really want a taste. Take advantage of a long weekend in Europe. On the menu for this month of June: festivals and culture. For example, the Sonar de Barcelona festival is a big meeting place for lovers of electronic music. There is also the Pride March in Paris, which mixes music and politics. In terms of culture, we are spoiled for choice: the Venice Art Biennale is one of the most unmissable events of the year in the field. There is also Krakow, where the Jewish community pulls out all the stops to show the full extent of its heritage. Without further ado, here is where to go on a trip to Europe in June, based on the festivals and events taking place there.
Update: In 2022, some of these events are either cancelled or have been modified due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lisbon, for the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua | Portugal
Where? Lisbon, capital of Portugal
When? The evening of June 12th and June 13th
Another party in Lisbon, which this time honours the patron saint of the city, Saint Anthony of Padua. From the evening of June 12th, the inhabitants filers out onto the streets and attend the “People’s March of Lisbon”, a sort of parade on the Avenue of Liberty. Many balls are also organized throughout the city. The next day, the 13th, is a public holiday, and there is a procession from the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Porto, for Saint John | Portugal
Where? Porto, in northern Portugal (map)
When? June 23rd and 24th each year
This is one of the most popular festivals in Portugal and has been for over 600 years. As with many festivals in Europe, it mixes pagan and Catholic traditions. There is, of course, the celebration of Saint John the Baptist with a great mass. But they also fly hot air balloons and light bonfires. Above all, we hit each other, nicely, with leeks for the women, and lemongrass for the men. This is a celebration of fertility. As it should be, the festivities are punctuated by magnificent fireworks above the Douro, and end with an unforgettable night of celebrations on its banks. A great time for locals and tourists alike.
In Granada for the International Music and Dance Festival | Spain
Where? Granada, in the south of Spain (map)
When? For this year’s dates, check the official website
As the name suggests, dance and music take centre stage at this festival held in the jewel of Andalusia. These festivities find their origins in Spain at the end of the 19th century. Large symphony orchestras perform at the Palace of Carlos V, dance performances and ballets are held in the open-air theatre of the Generalife gardens, and there are recitals at the Patio de los Arrayanes of the Alhambra… The churches are not to be left out: they also host mini-concerts throughout the festival. The evenings are brightened by flamenco dancing and lively music.
Not to be missed. Decided to return to Granada? Do not miss our Top 10 things to visit in the Andalusian pearl.
Barcelona, for the Sónar festival | Spain
Where? In Barcelona, Catalonia (map)
When? For dates, go to the official website
This is the ideal meeting place for European electronic music lovers and has been since 1994. The biggest stars have performed there. For three completely crazy days, tens of thousands of enthusiasts roam the streets of the Catalan capital and meet in the halls reserved for concerts. The program is divided between daytime sessions, which take place at the Barcelona Center for Contemporary Culture (CCCB) and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), and the night sessions, which take place in the Fira Gran Via where the headliners perform. A feast for the ears – for those who know how to appreciate, of course.
Le Mans, for the 24 Hours of Le Mans | France
Where? Le Mans, southwest of Paris (map)
When? For this year’s dates, go to the official event website
Everything is in the title of the event: this is a car race which lasts 24 hours and which takes place in Le Mans – generally in the twenty-fourth week of the year. The circuit is located to the south of the city, and the event, which is one of the most prestigious races in the world, has been held since 1923. You are certain to enjoy it, but it is the perfect excuse for car enthusiasts to have a short getaway in the region.
Paris, for the Pride March | France
Where? Paris, capital of France (no need for a map here, right?)
When? For exact dates, see the event website Gay Pride, or the Pride March in good French, takes place in all major European cities, but the one held each year in Paris is particularly successful, both in terms of demands and celebrations. It first took place in the French capital in 1981, and since then, this march has brought together tens of thousands of participants, eager increase the visibility of the LGBT community and to defend its rights. Music and good humour are always central to the day.
London, for the Salut Aux Couleurs | UK
Where? At Horse Guards Parade, a large square near Westminster in London (map)
When? Every second Saturday of June
Le Salut Aux Couleurs, or Trooping the Colour, is a military parade dating from 1748. The purpose is to celebrate the official birthday of the British sovereign. The king or queen is presented with a tribute not only from the royal guards of the Household Division, including five regiments of infantry and two of cavalry, but also from the people of London, who attend this beautiful tradition come in large numbers every year.
Lanark, for Lanimer Day | UK
Where? Lanark, Scotland, southwest of Edinburgh (map)
When? Thursday between June 6th and 12th
These festivities celebrate the qualification of Royal Borough granted to the city of Lanark by King David 1st in the 12th century. Suffice to say that it is not a recent development. The climax of these festivities, which include dance performances and processions, is reached on the Thursday when the city’s school children parade in costume with decorated vehicles, bagpipes, and a Queen Lanimer and her court elected from the schools of the region. It is a very nice event if you are passing through this corner of Scotland.
Dublin, for the Taste of Dublin festival | Ireland
Where? Dublin, capital of Ireland, in the east of the country (map)
When? To find out the dates for this year, go to the official website
Here is the perfect festival for us at Destination(s) Europe. A culinary festival, which gives pride of place to local gastronomy. It takes place at Iveagh Gardens, Dublin’s botanical gardens which are perfect for a stroll. On the program for these four days of festivities there are, above all, tastings. About twenty great restaurants offer revisited dishes that the public can sample for an entrance ticket of around thirty euros.
Venice, for the Art Biennial | Italy
Where? Venice, in north-eastern Italy (map)
When? For dates, see the official event website
The Venice Biennale is the name of a foundation, but it is more commonly known as the name of the International Exhibition of Contemporary Art in Venice (or, in Italian, Esposizione internazionale d’arte di Venezia). This event is considered one of the most prestigious in terms of art in Europe. It is also one of the oldest: the first was held in 1895 and the second, which earned it the name “Biennale”, took place two years later. This art festival is mainly based in two places in the city: the pavilion area, where the dozens of countries represented present their finest works, and the Arsenal, a place made for extraordinary exhibitions. However, many galleries and palaces in the city are also involved.
In Krakow for the Festival of Jewish Culture | Poland
Where? Krakow, in southern Poland (map)
When? For the dates of the next edition, go to the official website
Celebrating Jewish culture in the region most marked by the Holocaust: this festival carries this contrast at its heart. These festivities, which have existed since 1988, give insight into what Krakow was like before the Second World War, and the installation of the Auschwitz extermination camp a few kilometres away – to which a visit is almost obligatory if you are going to this part of Poland. The festival also shows what has been preserved today.
There you go, our little list of destinations in Europe to go on a trip to in June is over, but it is far from exhaustive! Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us in the comments.
