Don’t be fooled into thinking, ‘When has there ever been a festival for a port?’ The answer is: there has been. And the prettiest, grandest and most unforgettable port festival of all takes place in the city of Hamburg. Why shouldn’t the people of Hamburg celebrate the birthday of their port, which has dragged the centuries along behind it to become one of the most significant places for European trade. Celebrated every May since 1977, Hafengeburtstag is undoubtedly the city’s most colourful and fun festivals. Live music doubles the fun as you feast on the best of German Cuisine at the food stands; but the parade of ships is undoubtedly the must-see moment of the Hafengeburtstag. The evening firework displays have to be seen to be believed and are another part of Hafengeburtstag that should not be missed. Kneaded together from ships, lights, music, food and originality, Hafengeburtstag is one of Hamburg’s most popular celebrations. You should definitely book yourself a place amongst the excess of one million people that visit every year.