CULTURE CALENDAR

It’s that time of the year again – get the candles out and wrap up warm by the cosy fireplace. It might be getting chillier, but November has plenty on offer. From film festivals, food fairs and the beloved opening event of Cologne carnival, this month will be a lot of fun.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

FAIRY TALE DAYS OF BERLIN (3 – 20 NOVEMBER)

Looking for some magic? The wonderful Berlin Fairy Tale Days have got you covered. The event brings beloved childhood stories to life, year after year, and it promises to be a fabulous event for kids and adults alike. www.berliner-maerchentage.de

28TH GENEVA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (4 – 13 NOVEMBER)

Think grand international premieres, master classes and plenty of professional networking events. The legendary Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) continuously explores the links between cinema, television and digital art. If you are a film professional or film buff, this is the place to be. www.giff.ch

INTERNATIONAL A CAPPELLA FESTIVAL VOICE MANIA, VIENNA (4 – 30 NOVEMBER)

From pop, rock and jazz, to swing, world music and much more, Voice Mania has it all. Each year, Vienna’s city centre turns into a massive stage where local and international vocal ensembles and soloists celebrate the genre of a cappella. New acts are also introduced each year. www.voicemania.at/das-festival

CARNIVAL SEASON KICK-OFF, COLOGNE (11 NOVEMBER)

On the infamous 11/11, it’s time to officially start the new carnival season in the German carnival capital Cologne. Thousands of carnival fans come together to celebrate and show off their fancy dress on this special day. The event has also lovingly been dubbed a

Berliner Märchentage. Photo: MÄRCHENLAND

Plaza Culinaria. Photos: FWTM /Francesco Sabatino Fotografie

‘carnivaltastic madhouse’, with a great programme featuring the big stars of the German carnival scene. www.koeln.de

PLAZA CULINARIA, FREIBURG (11 – 13 NOVEMBER)

This food festival is one of the most important food fairs in South Germany, with over 40,000 people flocking there each year. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant mix of traditional food fair vibes, evening events, entertainment and info stalls. Make sure to book tickets in advance, as this is the culinary highlight of the month. www.plaza-culinaria.de

VINIFERA, BIEL (16 – 20 NOVEMBER)

It’s all about the sweet grapes at the international wine fair Vinifera. The event in Biel is a must for any wine connoisseur. It offers an

Plaza Culinaria. Photos: FWTM /Francesco Sabatino Fotografie

Buch Wien. Photo: Nicola Montfort, www.nicolamontfort.com excellent merge of fair and festival in a friendly atmosphere. Fancy a cheeky glass or two? www.vinifera.ch

BUCH WIEN, VIENNA (23 – 27 NOVEMBER)

Vienna’s international book fair Buch Wien attracts thousands of book lovers and professionals from all over the world. It offers a wonderful range of different events, and it is one of Austria’s largest book fairs. www.buchwien.at

CITY OF THE STARS, ST. GALLEN (24 NOVEMBER – 24 DECEMBER)

St. Gallen is also known as the ‘City of the Stars’, as it kickstarts the Christmas season in grand style by switching on 700 twinkling lights above the Christmas market of the old town. Visit the atmospheric Swiss city and experience the glow of Christmas from a front-row seat. www.sternenstadt.ch

Buch Wien. Photo: Nicola Montfort, www.nicolamontfort.com