CULTURE CALENDAR

City of the Stars St. Gallen. Photo: St.Gallen-Sternenstadt

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

As we are slowly starting to take part in life outside of our own homes again, there are some marvellous events to look forward to in November. From wine tastings and film festivals to the first Cologne carnival event – this month promises to be a lot of fun.

32nd FAIRYTALE DAYS OF BERLIN (4 – 21 NOVEMBER)

The wonderful Berlin Fairytale Days (Berliner Märchentage) are truly magical. They bring young and old together during a wonderful journey into a world of fantasy and storytelling. This year’s edition is themed around the colour red. www.berliner-maerchentage.de

27th GENEVA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (5 – 14 NOVEMBER)

The legendary Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) is the city’s oldest film festival and never disappoints. If you are looking for a true hotspot for film professionals and enthusiasts alike, you have come to the right place. www.giff.ch

Buch Wien. Photo: Mercan Suembueltepe

City of the Stars St. Gallen. Photo: St.Gallen-Sternenstadt

PROCESSION OF THE WEINHÜTER, PERCHTOLDSDORF (6 NOVEMBER)

The procession of the Weinhüter takes place on the first Sunday after St. Leonhard’s Day, a tradition dating back to the 16th century. It is the main event at one of Austria’s best-known wine-growers’ festivals, and celebrates the traditional appointment of the vineyard keeper. www.perchtoldsdorf.at

BUCH WIEN, VIENNA (10 – 14 NOVEMBER)

The international book fair Buch Wien is Austria’s biggest book trade event and regularly attracts over 50,000 international book lovers and professionals each year. www.buchwien.at

CARNIVAL SEASON KICK-OFF, COLOGNE (11 NOVEMBER)

The German carnival is officially back and on 11 November – as is tradition – it’s time to start the new season in Cologne, the socalled ‘carnival headquarters’. Thousands of carnival fans are ready to finally celebrate again and show off their new costumes during this very special comeback. Kölle Alaaf! www.koeln.de

PLAZA CULINARIA, FREIBURG (12 – 14 NOVEMBER)

Freiburg’s Plaza Culinaria is easily the most important food fair in South Germany. An exciting mix of traditional food fair, entertainment and information stalls invites guests to an unforgettable culinary journey. www.plaza-culinaria.de

48TH VINIFERA, BIEL (17 – 21 NOVEMBER)

The sweet grapes take centre stage at the international wine fair Vinifera, which will be held at the Swiss Tennis Arena in Biel. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and true passion for viniculture. www.vinifera.ch

EUROPEAN THEATRE NIGHT, AUSTRIA (20 NOVEMBER)

During the European Theatre Night all participating theatres across Europe put on a night of some truly fabulous shows. With over 100 different venues, Austria is a major contributor and this free event offers the perfect opportunity to get an overall taste of the Austrian theatre scene. www.europaeische-theaternacht.at

CITY OF THE STARS, ST. GALLEN (25 NOVEMBER – 6 JANUARY)

As the run up to Christmas finally starts at the end of November, St. Gallen, also known as the City of the Stars, switches on over 600 twinkling lights above the atmospheric Christmas market in the Old Town. It can’t get more Christmassy than that and will certainly put you in a festive mood. www.sternenstadt.ch

Photo: Pixabay

Plaza Culinaria. Photo: Achim Kaeflein