Festival trip guides

Held annually from August 7 to 16, the festival honors the patron saint of fishermen with religious processions, nightly concerts, food stalls, and the unique salt and sand carpet. Learn about its history, maritime traditions, and how to plan your visit.

Portugal’s calendar is a rhythm of religious processions, popular saints, hearty food fairs, and island traditions. This month-by-month guide highlights examples like Carnival, Santo António, and Fátima, and explains how to plan around crowds and seasonal shifts.

Every January, the Festa de São Gonçalinho turns Aveiro's Beira-Mar neighborhood into a lively, chaotic celebration. The highlight is the throwing of cavacas—hard meringue-like sweets—from the chapel of São Gonçalinho, a tradition rooted in paying promises to the saint. This guide covers the history, the main event, how to catch or dodge the flying treats, and practical tips for attending safely.

Semana Santa in Braga is Portugal's most famous Holy Week celebration. This guide covers the key processions, the Farricocos, and practical tips for navigating the historic center during the busiest days.

Planning your stay for Les Rencontres d’Arles means thinking about location, timing, and practical details. This guide covers the best neighborhoods, hotel recommendations, and booking strategies to help you find the right base for the festival.

This guide helps you plan the logistics of an Arles festival visit: the best time to go, how to reach the city by air or train, and how to navigate its walkable center and bike-friendly surroundings.

Traveling from Avignon TGV to Arles by train requires a transfer at Avignon Centre. This guide explains the connection, travel times, frequency, and tips for reaching Arles during the Rencontres d'Arles festival.

Avignon earns its nickname as the City of Festivals. Beyond the world-famous July performing arts event, the city hosts a year-round lineup of cultural celebrations, from the equestrian spectacle Cheval Passion in January to the contemporary dance of Les Hivernales in winter. This guide breaks down Avignon's festival calendar month-by-month to help you choose the best time for your visit.

Bastia's historic core comes alive in summer with performances at the open-air Mantinum theatre, grand esplanades, and charming squares. This guide maps the key venues—from the 620-seat theatre below Place du Donjon to the lively Place du Marché—and offers practical tips for planning your visit, including how to confirm current event schedules through official sources.

Discover the tradition of polyphonic Corsican singing in Bastia. The Bastia in Cantu concert offers an intimate experience in the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Learn about the format, booking options, and practical tips for your visit.

Corsican polyphonic singing is a profound expression of the island's identity. In Bastia, the Church of Saint Jean-Baptiste opens its doors for the "Bastia in Cantu" concert series. Learn about the venue, the experience, and practical tips for attending, including acoustics comparisons and booking details.

Bastia glows in winter with its old-town Christmas market, seasonal Corsican treats, and scenic coastal walks. This guide covers the Terra Vechja market, winter foods like brocciu and figatellu, heritage sites, shopping streets, and practical advice for a festive break. Always confirm current dates and openings with the tourist office.