If you still have some days left in your vacation this January and you want to spend it somewhere else than home, we have found five traditional festivals going on in Europe this January. From England to Switzerland, you can find something new to take part in, no matter where you are.

1. Bommel Festival – Ronse, Belgium, 9 – 11 January 2010

Every year, in the city of Ronse located in the superb Flemish Provence of East Flanders, the locals take down their Christmas decorations and transform this custom into a festival in itself. On this day, most of Bommel’s 24,000 people dress up in elaborate costumes depicting all kinds of figurines and everyone is welcomed to join. Then peoples in costume proceed to knocking each other senseless, a spectacle which proves unexpectedly funny. Bommel is also famous for the Church of Saint Hermes, a 11th century church whole powers are said to cure the mentally ill.

2. Carnival of Rijeka – Rijeka, Croatia, 17 January – 17 February

A century ago, Rijeka probably had the most intense carnival life in all of Europe. The Carnival of Rijeka is a 100-years-old festival that attracts carnival groups, media and people all around the world every year. The Carnival starts with choosing its queen and the mayor symbolically giving the city’s keys to the Master of the Carnival. Several concerts, performances and parties precede the main event. Every year, up to 100,000 people attend the carnival if the weather is good.

3. Christmas City – Turku, Finland, January

Turku, Finland’s oldest city, has a long standing tradition of celebrating Christmas. It has been the meeting place for tens of Christmas traditions all over Europe, integrating them into Finnish culture. Apart from all the things you would expect to find, such as concerts, shows and souvenir shops, Turku is a cultural venue, with theaters, cinemas and art shops – an attraction all year round.

4. International Inferno Race – Mürren, Switzerland, January 20-23

For those that are into extreme sports, the Inferno Races is a great destination this winter, an event you can see or take part in; Mürren has been the capital of the race as early as 1928. The skiing event consists of exciting and often dangerous cross-country slaloms and downhill races. The Inferno Race, the largest amateur skiing race in the world, is so popular that organizers had to limit the number of participants to 1800, half of the total number of people who would like to participate.

5. Snow Festival – Seefeld, Austria, January 30th

For years, the Seefeld has been an event not to be missed by locals and tourists alike. From parties to various fun activities, you’ll have plenty to do here with your friends and family. Local restaurants will be offering a great selection of drinks and snacks, you’ll get to attend a truly unique party, followed by amazing fireworks display to top it all off. Furthermore, you’ll get to see some of the most creative snow sculptures, in a fantastic light show.

Photo sources: Wikimedia Commons

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