Mark your May calendars! Here are some examples of various exciting events happening around the world this month. You can use the Ferryscanner website to book ferry tickets to every place on this list.
Athens City Festival
Entire month | Athens, Greece
During the entire month of May, you can experience the Athens City Festival – for free! This eagerly awaited annual event that takes place in May 2023, celebrating the cultural richness of Greece and its capital. Visitors can experience an array of events, ranging from traditional music and dance performances to contemporary art exhibitions and culinary experiences. The festival’s main venues are located in the heart of Athens, including popular sites such as the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki. Other various events will take place throughout the city, providing ample opportunities to explore the unique neighborhoods of Athens and soak up their vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply having a good time, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.
Crosses and Fires of May
May 2 – 3 | Tenerife, Canary Islands
The Santa Cuz district of Tenerife becomes a sight to behold every year when celebrating the May festivities. Homes get adorned with improvised chapels featuring crosses and altars as fireworks continuously explode overhead. Locals take time selecting the best flowers for decoration. Additionally, the La Cruz procession takes place on the streets of El Sol and El Medio, where residents create their own fireworks display, showcasing the historic rivalry between the two streets. This remarkable event in the Canary Islands attracts numerous visitors each year.
Tallinn Music Week
May 10 –14 | Tallinn, Estonia
Visit Estonia this month to attend Tallinn Music Week – a vibrant event that features three distinct aspects: a music festival, a city festival, and a conference. The music festival showcases a diverse lineup of artists from all over Europe, providing visitors with a wide range of genres to enjoy. The city festival highlights the rich history and culture of Tallinn where visitors can explore the local arts and crafts, sample traditional flavors, and participate in fun activities. The conference offers a unique opportunity for attendees to network and learn from industry experts, discussing the latest trends and innovations in their respective fields. This multi-dimensional festival promises to be an exciting experience for everyone, with something for music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and travel professionals alike.
Ibiza’s Medieval Fair
May 11 –14 | Ibiza, Spain
The Medieval Fair in Ibiza is an event that brings the island’s rich history to life. This year’s iteration takes place in May and promises to transport visitors back in time to the Middle Ages. The main venue for the event is the charming walled city of Dalt Vila, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as the perfect backdrop for the festivities. The fair features a variety of activities and attractions, including jousting tournaments, medieval markets selling crafts and local delicacies, and live performances of music and dance. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of Dalt Vila’s historic landmarks, such as the cathedral and the city walls. This colorful and immersive event is perfect for history buffs and families alike, offering a glimpse into the island’s fascinating past.
Comicdom CON
May 12 – 14 | Athens, Greece
The 17th edition of Comicdom Con Athens is back for another immersive and vibrant experience. Attendees can expect to explore the work of 170 creators during the festival’s program, which includes workshops, panels, screenings, a bazaar, and more. The highly anticipated Greek Comics Award ceremony will take place during these days as well. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the “ninth art” or simply curious about pop culture, this three-day extravaganza is the perfect opportunity to mingle with industry veterans, discover up-and-coming talent, and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration. Stay tuned for further updates on the convention’s impressive roster of comic stars and events!
Helsinki City Running Day
May 13 | Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki City Running Day is an annual running event held in the capital city of Finland. It attracts participants from various backgrounds and fitness levels, offering multiple race distances such as the marathon, half-marathon, and 10K. The event showcases the city’s scenic routes, promotes a sense of community, and is very well-organized. Participants can enjoy iconic landmarks, charitable fundraising opportunities, and additional activities like a fitness expo and live music performances.
European Night of Museums
May 13 | France, Spain, Italy, Germany
The European Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe (in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany for example) open their doors to the public for extended hours. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, interactive exhibitions, workshops, and special performances. The event promotes cultural appreciation and community engagement. It also offers a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and interests.
Keukenhof 2023
Until May 14 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Keukenhof is a renowned flower festival held annually in Amsterdam, Netherlands, showcasing millions of blooming tulips and other spring flowers. Visitors can explore themed gardens, admire stunning floral arrangements, and enjoy various events and exhibitions. The festival attracts tourists from around the world, offering a memorable experience to appreciate nature’s beauty and the art of gardening.
Fish Festival of Saint Fortunato
May 14 – 15 | Genoa, Italy
The Camogli Fish Festival is a renowned traditional event in Liguria, Italy. Held annually on the second Sunday in May in Camogli’s marina square, Piazza Colombo, the festival features a massive frying pan that cooks tons of fish for visitors. In addition to the culinary delights, the festival includes religious celebrations on the eve of St. Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen, and the burning of bonfires. Local Genoa residents also participate in a creative competition by building large sculptures using discarded materials.
Festa Della Sensa
May 14 – 15 | Venice, Italy
Festa della Sensa is a traditional celebration held in Venice, Italy. The festival commemorates the marriage between the city and the sea, symbolizing Venice’s historical relationship with maritime trade and navigation. The festivities typically include a ceremonial boat procession led by the mayor, the throwing of a golden ring into the sea to symbolize the union, and various cultural events and performances. Festa della Sensa serves as a significant cultural and historical event, highlighting the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Dublin Dance Festival
May 17 – 21 | Dublin, Ireland
The Dublin Dance Festival is an annual cultural event that takes place in Dublin, Ireland. It showcases a diverse range of contemporary dance performances from both national and international artists. The festival presents a platform for innovative choreography, unique dance styles, and interdisciplinary collaborations. It attracts dance enthusiasts, professionals, and the general public, offering a vibrant celebration of dance as an art form. Through its varied program of performances, workshops, and discussions, the Dublin Dance Festival promotes artistic exchange and appreciation of contemporary dance in Ireland and beyond.
World Village Festival
May 27 – 28 | Helsinki, Finland
The World Village Festival is an annual cultural event held in Helsinki, Finland. It brings together diverse communities, showcasing their rich traditions, art, music, and food. With a focus on global solidarity and sustainable development, the festival promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue, encouraging visitors to explore various global issues through engaging discussions, workshops, and performances.