Culture Calendar: February 2024

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

February is a month brimming with choices for everyone. Whether it’s the elegance of contemporary dance in Ber- lin, the unique thrill of horse racing on the snowy fields of St. Moritz or the allure of glamorous film festivals, there’s something to cater to every taste.

BALL OF THE COFFEEBREWERS, VIENNA (2 FEBRUARY)

The ‘Kaffeesiederball’, also known as the Ball of the Coffeebrewers, is set to be a night to remember, replete with stunning gowns, the elegance of classical music, and an ambi- ence straight out of a fairy tale. The majestic Imperial Palace, the venue for this event, is a sight of itself and adds to the allure and cap- tures the essence of a classic Viennese ball.

www.kaffeesiederball.at

Kaffeesiederball. Photo: Katharina Schiffl

117 WHITE TURF – INTERNATIONAL HORSERACES, ST. MORITZ (4,11 AND 18 FEBRUARY)

The White Turf event is a highlight for horse racing aficionados, renowned for its grandeur and prestige. Annually hosted in the iconic ski resort of St. Moritz, this event showcases top-tier horse racing, accompanied by an ar- ray of gourmet cuisine, live music and more. Magnificent horses racing, champagne flow- ing freely, all set against the backdrop of a shimmering, frozen lake.

www.whiteturf.ch

74TH BERLINALE – BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (15 – 25 FEBRUARY)

Annually, the Berlin International Film Festi- val, famously known as the Berlinale, trans- forms Berlin into a hub of cinematic splen- dour for ten days. This festival draws a galaxy of A-list filmmakers and stars to Germany’s vibrant capital. Featuring a red carpet bus- tling with paparazzi and award ceremonies, the Berlinale showcases an exhilarating array of films from the global film industry. www.berlinale.de

COLOGNE CARNIVAL (8 – 13 FEBRUARY)

The Cologne Carnival, affectionately known as the ‘fifth season,’ makes its annually much-awaited return. This extravagant street celebration, a favourite for those who enjoy dressing up, is the Rhineland’s most signif- icant and joyful event of the year. Imagine streets lined with people in elaborate cos- tumes, the air filled with traditional carnival melodies and parades adorned with beautiful decorations and candy.

www.koelntourismus.de

TANZOLYMP – INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL, BERLIN (15 – 19 FEBRUARY)

“Tanzolymp”, meaning ‘Dance Olympus’, apt- ly describes this international dance festival that unites young dancers from around the globe. The festival, held in Berlin, sees partic- ipants ranging from 10 to 21 years old, con- verging from various countries. Its primary aim is to inspire the younger generation to value and engage with dance as a form of art.

www.tanzolymp.com

VALENTINE’S MARATHON, BERLIN (18 FEBRUARY)

Gather your significant other, a close friend, or even your kids for this enjoyable and laid- back sporting event. The course takes par- ticipants through the beautiful landscapes of the Gärten der Welt. As a reward for your efforts, you can look forward to savouring some warming mulled wine at the finish line, providing a cosy end to the run.

www.berlin.de

f.re.e leisure and travel fair, Munich 2023. Photo: Messe München

F.RE.E LEISURE AND TRAVEL FAIR, MUNICH (14 – 18 FEBRUARY)

The f.re.e leisure and travel fair is a compre- hensive event that caters to a wide range of travel interests. It features everything from the latest in caravans and advanced biking gear to kayak equipment, along with sim- ulated lakes and climbing amenities. It’s an essential destination for travel enthusiasts, showcasing over 50 countries in Munich each year.

www.free-muenchen.de

ZÜRICARNEVAL, ZURICH (16 – 18 FEBRUARY)

For those wishing to immerse themselves in carnival festivities in Switzerland, Zurich emerges as an ideal choice. This three-day event is a vibrant celebration featuring elab- orate costumes and the lively sounds of brass band music, creating an atmosphere brimming with positivity. It’s a carnival expe- rience filled with fun and joy, leaving little to be desired.

www.zurichcarneval.ch