Stag and Hen festival fun

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Europe is a playground when it comes to special events. Why not time your Hen or Stag party with one of these:

Pamplona Bull Run
What: Thousands attend Spain's most famous bull-running fiesta, a favourite in terms of spectacle, danger and excitement. Beware, Stags have ended up in hospital with sore buttocks from this event as reported by the BBC here.
Where: Pamplona, Spain
When: every year from July 7th-14th

Berlin Loveparade
What: A massive techno/house street party in aid of tolerance, respect and understanding between nations. The party attracts hundreds of top DJs and millions of ravers (1.4 million in 1999). Love parades have now been sparked off in other countries like South Africa, Mexico and Austria. www.loveparade.de
Where: Berlin, Germany
When: every year on July 10th

Stuttgart Beer Festival
What: OK, time to put on your drinking hat and your lederhosen. This is Stag party heaven. Why? Here's why - beer tents, fairground rides, beer, fireworks, beer, German Oom-pa bands and oh, more beer.
Where: Stuttgart, Germany
When: September/October every year (dates vary)

Oktoberfest
What: This is the Mecca of beer festivals. Around six million people visit the Oktoberfest every year. You'll want to find a tent that suits your style and the Hofbräu tent is usually a favourite for Englishmen, Australians and Americans. As if beer served by the litre wasn't enough, there's also a carnival and fairground rides to keep you entertained. The main highlight is the Costume and Riflemen’s Parade which happens every year on the first Sunday.
Where: Munich, Germany
When: It may be called Oktoberfest but those thirsty Germans thought it would be better to start it in September instead and it usually runs through to October. Visit www.oktoberfest.de/en for dates.

Festes de la Mercé
What: The last big party of the summer. A long weekend festival including traditional activities, loads of concerts and a swimming race across the harbour. Check out the 'Castellers' who build spectacular human towers in the streets. There's no better time for Stags and Hens to visit Barcelona.
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: around 24 September

FFWD Dance Parade
What: Hundreds of thousands of people converge in the heart of Rotterdam for an enormous dance party. www.ffwddanceparade.nl
Where: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
When: August every year (date varies)

Õllesummer Beer Festival
What: The largest beer festival of the Nordic countries takes place every year in Tallinn, Estonia. For 5 days, large beer tents serve over 100 brands of beer from all over the world. There are a number of zones where you can listen to Estonian bands, experience extreme sports, break dancers and DJs. About 80,000 people visit the festival each year. www.ollesummer.ee
Where: Tallinn, Estonia
When: Beginning of July every year

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