Events in Bremen
Eiswette
6 January
Every year at the beginning of January, a tailor bearing a glowing iron attempts to cross the Weser River without getting wet feet. The custom dates back to 1829, and it still attracts an enthusiastic and lively crowd.
Bremen Carnival
January-February
Germany's biggest samba carnival takes place in late winter, hijacking the city centre with a riot of colour, music and dance. More than 100 samba groups from all over Europe join in the traditional annual Grand Parade, and a series of smaller concerts and events take place throughout the weekend.
Breminale
July
This long-running music festival takes place every summer on the banks of the Weser River, and for locals, it's one of the biggest events of the year. Around 200,000 revellers descend on the 1km stretch of riverbank to attend free concerts, see their favourite international bands and munch on delicious organic food.
Maritime Festival
August
This celebration of all things maritime melds several genres of live musical entertainment. The event is free to attend and ends with a stunning firework display. Freimarkt October-November The Freimarkt is one of Germany's oldest and largest folk festivals, with over 300 fairground attractions and a scrumptious collection of traditional food stalls. The highlight of the event is the carnival float parade, which attracts crowds of more than 200,000 every year.