18 July 2012
29 August | Valencia
Struggling to get your five-a-day? Head over to Valencia’s neighbouring town, Buñol, in late August and get fixed up for life, as La Tomatina showers the city streets — and locals and backpackers — with an inordinate amount of specially grown tomatoes, that are crushed and hurled through the air. There are no winners (only juicers), and here’s a tip: take some goggles and gloves. Those fruity projectiles can take their toll on your fairy soft hands.
September | Lisdoonvarna
This week might have seen singletons scampering for cover as the Valentine’s brigade marched through Love Town… but wait! Follow us. We’ve got the perfect remedy, on Ireland’s romantic west coast. The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival attracts over 40,000 hopefuls to take part in a carnival of speed dating, partying, and (probably very flirtatious) dancing. This could be the best festival you’ll ever go to.
20 September | Munich
Raise a stein (glass) to the world’s most famous beer festival. An event crammed with some of the best — and wurst — of Bavarian culture. Feeling in need of some hair of the dog? Stagger over to Stuttgart, and indulge yourself on Volksfest, a lesser-known beer festival, all wrapped up in a welcoming autumnal fair. Chin chin!