The Edinburgh Festivals

By Monika Hallqvist

Edinburgh, Scotland is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Europe and the world. It is famous for its eating places and it supports a lively arts scene throughout the year. It is also famous for the festivals held during the months of July, August and September. Two of the largest festivals are the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival. Both of them are over 50 years old and have earned great international reputations. The first one is considered the official festival which showcases the very best of opera, theater, music and dance; the second one is considered the unofficial festival geared more to open-access for all performers.

The Edinburgh International Festival was founded on 1947 with the principle of reuniting Europe after the wars. Although the festival only occupies three weeks of the year the scale and variety has still no rival anywhere in the world.

If you have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh during the month of August do not miss the Military Tattoo which is perhaps the most enduring international image of Edinburgh in celebration. The Scottish bagpipes prevail, but you will be delighted by many other forms of artistic expression from around the world.

The Jazz, Film and Book Festivals are also held during the summer and are part of this great cultural celebration in Edinburgh.

To learn more about the Edinburgh festivals please visit:
www.edinburghfestivals.com


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