Top 10 Festival Squares

LANs Top 100 Squares series has been inspired by the recent events in Cairo and Taksim Square. These current demonstrations show the world the power of people and the power of public space. As such, public squares or plazas are the centre of the urban world and of huge resonance in our daily lives.Whilst the two above events have been on a very serious note, public spaces also provide enjoyment for the everyday individual. What better way to celebrate life, freedom and city life than in a festival? So read on to see ten of the best festival squares….

10. Bristo Square, Edinburgh, Scotland

Bristo Square, Edinburgh, Scotland

Although the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival is dotted around the city, it would be fair to say that Bristo Square is the hub, with the adjacent George Square forming a hybrid festival square. Situated in the centre of Edinburgh Old Town and surrounded by three venues – the magnificent Teviot House, the grandiose McEwan Hall and the somewhat strange Potterrow- the square is in prime location to be the heart of Edinburgh during festival season (and term time!).

9. Place Sainte-Catherine, Brussels, Belgium

Place Sainte-Catherine, Brussels, Belgium

Where would we be without the festivities of a traditional Christmas market? Although there are lots to choose from, the Plaisirs d’Hiver held in the centre of Brussels is widely regarded as one of the best winter wonderlands due to the stretch being able to carry a huge array of stands and the spectacular lighting on the surrounding buildings.

8. Parc del Forum, Barcelona, Spain

Parc del Forum, Barcelona, Spain

Although a little out of the city, two large auditoriums and the largest square in the city of Barcelona allow for a great custom built festival space. It has the capacity to hold thousands, a bathing area, wide open spaces, gorgeous sea views and is linked to the city by metro.

7. Leidseplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Leidseplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Twice a year the Leidseplein becomes the home to the Leidseplein live music festival. It is well connected due to its location near the Vondelpark and several tramlines intersect at the square. The large space has mixed use used throughout the year with terraced bars in the summer and an ice rink in the winter whichmakes it a great flexible space for festivals

6. Jackson Square, New Orleans, USA

Jackson Square, New Orleans, USA

New Orleans is a city of festivities and it’s no surprise then that Jackson Square is seen as one of the best squares in the city, and indeed the US. Home to the French Quarter Festival, Jackson Square hosts the world’s largest jazz brunch. Its wonderful open green space and city hall make it a place of civic pride.

5. Zócalo Square, Mexico City, Mexico

Zócalo Square, Mexico City, Mexico

The wide open expanse and civic history attached to the Plaza de la Constitución, otherwise known as the Zócalo, make it a superb location for daily shows of Aztec dancers, the Festival de México, major parades and a whole other host of artistic interventions and celebrations.

4. Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada

Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada

The square hosts numerous community celebrations, theatrical eventsand concerts. The large open space has a raised stage, computer programmed fountains and it can be extended as a festival space by closing part of Yonge Street. In short, it’s a great festival hub for downtown Toronto.

3.Century Square, Shanghai, China

Century Square, Shanghai, China

Situated in the middle of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Century Plaza is used for frequent celebrations and huge scale public entertainment. The Shanghai Tourism Festival is held here every year during the Shanghai carnival. The huge boulevard of Nanjing Road and the mesmerising interactive LED lights make it an incredible festival venue

2. Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia

Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia

Ok, so not really a square per se, but it does perform the function of a traditional public plaza – it connects different transportation and pedestrian routes and is surrounded by Sydney’s best civic monuments. Framed by the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Circular Quay is the site for Sydney’s celebrations – just think of Sydney during  New Year.

1. St Marks Square, Venice, Italy

St Marks Square, Venice, Italy

Open and wide, surrounded by great buildings, beautiful architecture, an array of (albeit expensive) cafes and an arcade to seek shade  should the sun be too hot! Home to Venice’s cultural and political life since inception, St Mark’s is one of the best squares for one of the best festivals – Carnevale di Venezia!

As mentioned in the introduction, these articles have been inspired by recent political events and the use of public space as a tool in political and civic life. As such, our concluding Top 10 will be Political Squares to remind us all of the incredible value of public space. But for now, we hope you have enjoyed these squares and plazas – created all for our benefit! To celebrate civic life and all that comes with it!

Our previous in the series: Top Ten Water Squares.

Article written by Sonia Jackett.