Take In Fantastic Festivals in Europe

If you're keen to experience some of European festivals, you may find there is no better time to do this than July. Not only does the weather tend to be good, but you'll also discover the continent hosts a range of fantastic events.

And this is certainly the case if you visit the Spanish city of Pamplona to take in the San Fermin festival.

This annual nine-day event starts on July 6th, with droves of locals and holidaymakers alike attending. With an array of things taking place throughout San Fermin, you won't want to miss any of the action. The festivities get underway at midday when a giant firework, known as Chupinazo, is launched from the town hall at the Plaza Consistorial.

Thousands of people pack the civic square to drink cava and wave traditional red neckerchiefs above their heads in anticipation to the rocket being set off. Once this happens the excitement reaches a crescendo and the fun starts.

You'll find lots of things to attract your interest but it may be the first full day of the festival, the Day of San Fermin which takes place on July 7th, that holds the most appeal.

Here, a colourful parade winds its way through the city's streets in a procession that finishes at the cathedral.

Firework competitions and performances of Basque music also take place during San Fermin. However, one event you may be particularly inclined to see is the bull running.

Every day, a bull races through a section of Pamplona's old town with people running in front of the galloping creatures in a test of bravery and speed. The animals eventually arrive at Plaza de Toros de Pamplona - where they are held until the evening for the nightly bullfight.

But there is much more to European festivals in July than just San Fermin. If you're keen to take in a little culture on the continent then why not visit France? Each year, the south-west city of Avignon hosts Festival d'Avignon, an annual celebration of the arts that has been taking place for more than 60 years.

Everything from concerts and art exhibitions to dance recitals and theatrical performances is held here, so there'll be lots of things for you to see. The festival uses some 20 venues - including La Maison des Vins and Stade de Bagatelle - so you'll also get the chance to see lots of the city as you travel between the various shows.

Another great event taking place in July is the Festa del Redentore in Venice. During the third weekend of the month, the city's skyline is lit up for two nights as beautiful firework displays are launched above the waters surrounding St Mark's Basin.

To get a good view of the pyrotechnic shows, hop on one of the small boats that head out on to the water just as the sun is setting.

With so many fantastic festivals taking place in July, you'll not be short of places to go and things to see.