Tuvalu Holidays and Festivals

Tuvalu has a very small population. In fact, its population numbers are only beaten by the Vatican City as the smallest populated sovereign nation in the world. This means there is not much opportunity for grand festivals, although when the Tuvaluans do come together, they put on a wonderful display of happiness. Most of the festivals are centered on traditional public holidays, such as New Year's Day
and Independence Day; although
particularly unique Tuvalu holidays
include Bomb Day and Hurricane Day.

New Year's Day

Following the fun-filled previous night, this is the first public holiday of the year, observed on January 1. Indeed, due to its proximity to the international dateline, Tuvalu is one of the first places where you can see the new year in, with the clock here ticking over into the next
day 22 hours ahead of Honolulu in
Hawaii.

Bomb Day

This day is celebrated in Funafuti only and commemorates when a Japanese bomb fell through the city's church roof on April 23, 1943. An American soldier had pre-estimated the danger, and 10
minutes prior to this had evacuated 680 villagers out of the building, of which inhabitants of Funafuti remain thankful for.

Tuvalu Days

Held on October 1 every year, this event commemorates the independence of Tuvalu in 1978. It was a peaceful transition and today Tuvalu boasts status as the fourth smallest sovereign nation by land mass and the second smallest in population. Festivities are centered around Funafuti, where the airstrip hosts an official parade and
dances.

Hurricane Day

On October 21 Tuvaluans commemorate Hurricane Bebe, which hit the islands in 1972. Tragically, 18 people died during this severe storm and hundreds were injured. Every island and atoll in Tuvalu has its own activities
to commemorate this important day in the country's short history.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

San Marino Holidays and Festivals

The San Marino holidays and festivals are not the most world-renowned, but they still do pack a punch, entertainment wise. One of the most popular events each year is Medieval Day. During this special event, students can dress up in costumes and re-live the beauty that once dominated medieval San Marino. Another popular event held in the city is the feast-filled
San Marino's Day, which celebrates the establishment of a republic many years ago. Watch out for the fireworks at the end of the evening.

Investiture of the New Captains Regent

Held in the months of April and September every year, the interesting Investiture of the new Captains Regent is held outside Government Palace. It celebrates the installation of the Heads
of State, and follows a very strict but intriguing protocol. Tourists who are visiting San Marino on the first of September or April should visit Piazza della Liberta for this celebration.

San Marino World Motorcycle
Championship

Even though the event is held in the
nearby track at Misano in Italy, the San Marino World Motorcycle Championship is still part of the republic's calendar. The race is held in the month of June, and thousands of visitors flock to the
republic to witness it.

Adriatic Music Festival

The Adriatic Music Festival is held in the month of July, welcoming thousands of tourists and musicians from across the globe. Many of the performances
throughout the several-day event take place in the public squares and
pedestrian streets of San Marino City. Tourists are advised to book
accommodation before arriving into San Marino for the event. Some tourists actually stay in the nearby towns of ltaly, such as Rimini.

Medieval Days

If tourists are interested in medieval
history, then traveling to San Marino during the summer month of July is recommended. During this month, the Medieval Days festival is held. The local citizens, especially shop owners in the
historic old town, dress up in medieval costume, and many ancient events take place. The most popular is the crossbow competition held in the main
square.

San Marino Ethnological
Festival

San Marino's Mt Titano becomes the center of world ethnological culture through the San Marino Ethnological Festival. Since the year 1988, a long list of people from diverse cultures have traveled to San Marino to take part in this festival, including Amazon Jungle
performances and even local Thai
performances. The event occurs across a complete week in mid-July.

San Marino Jazz Festival

The beauty of jazz music is on display for tourists and locals at the San Marino Jazz Festival. Held over three days in July, this majestic festival lures in many world famous jazz artists and jazz bands. The festival is actually held in the city of Borgo Maggiore, but tourists can literally stay anywhere in the
republic and reach the festival in no
time at all.

San Marino's Day

On September 3 each year, the republic celebrates the founding of the San Marino Republic hundreds of years ago. There are plenty of activities to experience and witness on this day, including crossbow events, flag waving competitions, and a beautiful concert by the military. Of course, the fireworks
display is simply outstanding, luring the attention of locals and visitors alike.

Marvels of Christmas

The Marvels of Christmas is one of the most important events on the local calendar. The market/fair is operated over the course of a few weeks, from December 1 to January 6. Inside the Marvels of Christmas, dozens of tables and stalls are set up to sell local food, and  handicrafts.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Kosovo Holidays and Festivals

Kosovo holidays vary between honoring the independence of the new country, keeping old cultural traditions alive and flourishing and the special rites and rituals of Islam and Christianity. Locals are keen on their events, with Hazu Jehon and the Independence Day celebration two of the favorites.

Independence Day

A national holiday of great importance to all Kosovans is Independence Day, held every February 17 in every town and village to honor the fledgling
country's long fight for autonomy.
Expect street celebrations, parades, and a great deal of national pride.

Hazu Jehon

This fascinating folklore festival is held every May in Gjonaj village, about 10 miles from Prizren, and is a celebration of traditional music and dance. Featuring 20 ensembles from all over Kosovo, exhibitions of traditional Hasi costumes and crafts are on display, attracting thousands of international and local visitors alike.

Prizren Cultural Fair

Held every year during the August/
September month of Ramadan, the
Cultural Fair begins after sunset around 8:15 p.m. and concludes at midnight. The courtyard of the historic 15th century Turkish Hammam is the venue, and visitors can expect a plethora of food and drinks stalls, as well as
handicrafts, traditional clothing, musical instruments, and much more. Local Muslims come here to break the fast and the atmosphere is totally Kosovan.

Ura e Artit International Art
Festival

September in Prizren sees the bank of the River Lumbardhi lined with
exhibitors for the annual Bridge of the Arts festival, celebrating Kosovo's cultural diversity. Artists set up easels and paint their version of river and Prizren city scenes, with visitors onlooking as the work develops.

Pristina Film Festival

The Pristina Film Festival kicks off in September with a competitive showing of international movies in front of a jury of famous actors and screenings of popular films, some of which have been nominated for Academy Awards and prizes at the Cannes Film Festival.

Pristina Jazz Festival

This ever-popular event takes place
annually in October/November, with
international as well as local jazz
musicians and singers performing at various venues across the city.

Orthodox Christmas Day

Although Islam is the major religion in Kosovo, the Eastern Orthodox traditional Christmas Day celebrations are a national holiday, giving everyone a chance to participate. Orthodox Christmas occurs in January, about two
weeks after Christmas in the US, and is feted with candle-lit midnight masses, family parties, processions from the churches, gifts, and special meals.

New Year's Day

Welcoming in the New Year at midnight on December 31 is great fun in Kosovo, with all the usual parties, fireworks, eating, drinking, and family reunions. Hotels and restaurants put on special events, and January 1 is a national holiday.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

The Differences Between Ifa Oracle and Numerology

In my earlier comparison between Ifa Oracle and Numerology, I mentioned the meanings of about three corpuses of Ifa Oracle namely EJIOGBE, OYEKU MEJl and IWORI MEJI and I compared them with the meanings of numbers 1 to 3's life paths in Numerology. But today, l am stepping it further by showing the meanings of about three corpuses more Ifa Oracle and three numbers more from Numerology.

The fourth number of Ifa Corpus is called ODI MEJI. It says whatever you want in life you will get, but be careful of fraudulent people around you so as not to steal your properties. Also, be aware of trouble
within the family. 

The meanings of number four's life path are as follows: Positive Characteristics: 4s are disciplined, strong, stable, pragmatic, down-to-earth, reliable, dependable, hard-working, extracting, precise, methodical, conscientious, frugal, devoted, patriotic and trustworthy!

Negative Characteristics: 4s pay for their stability and pragmatism by tending toward the boring side. This
may express itself with a lack of imagination, emotions, empathy. 4s may not bother to put much care into their appearance, and their social awkwardness can make them seem vulgar, crude or jealous. 

The next corpus of Ifa Oracle is called IROSUN MEJI and the meanings are as follows: Put your mind at rest because all that you are looking for will be granted unto you. Marriage, good job, little problems, victory over your problems and enemies. 

The meanings of number 5's life path in Numerology are as follows: Positive Characteristics: 5s are
energetic, adventurous, daring and freedom-loving. They also tend to be versatile, flexible, adaptable, curious, social, sensual, quick-thinking, witty, courageous and worldly.

Negative Characteristics: On the flip side, 5s can be unstable, chaotic, self-indulgent, irresponsible or careless. They should beware the consequences of drug abuse and unhealthy sexual tendencies. The next corpus of Ifa Oracle is called OWORIN MEJI and the meanings are as follows: A lot of gains from business ventures, travelling abroad or locally and Remembering the dead. 

While the meanings of number 6's life path in Numerology are as follows: Positive Characteristics: 6s are responsible, loving, self-sacrificing, protective, sympathetic and compassionate. These loyal, maternal figures are domestic, fair and idealistic healers or teachers.

Negative Characteristics: A 6 can overdo its inherent protectiveness and become anxious, worrisome,
suspicious, paranoid, emotionally unstable, cynical or jealous. They tend toward the conventional side.

So, in my next write up, I will look into the meanings of another six corpuses of Ifa Oracle in comparison with the meanings of another six numbers in Numerology.

© Olalekan Oduntan 2016.

Thailand Holidays and Celebrations

Songkran (pronounced sohng-krahn) is the traditional Thai New Year which is celebrated for three days in April by symbolically washing sins away and blessing friends with water.

Young people have a fun time lying in ambush with buckets of water, huge water guns and hoses to get everyone soaking wet. People also go to a wat (temple) to pray and give food to monks. They cleanse Buddha images by gently pouring
scented water over them.

In northern Thailand, people build stupa-shaped piles of sand and decorate them with colorful flags and flowers.

Loy Krathong (pronounced loy krah-tohng) is an ancient festival to honor and thank the water spirits for all the
water provided during the growing season. It is celebrated (usually in November) on the first full moon after the rice harvest.
At night, the people float colorful,
candlelit banana-leaf bowls, baskets and lanterns on the rivers. The act of floating away a raft is symbolic of letting go of one's grudges, anger and
defilements of the past year and
ushering good luck in the coming year.

Rocket Festival is the most lively
festival in Isan, northeast Thailand. The festival's origin lies in the custom of firing rockets into the sky at the start of the rice-growing season to remind the sky god to send promised rain. The festival now takes the form of a competition to see whose rocket will stay aloft for the longest time. It is held annually over the weekend that falls in the middle of May.
Villagers packed charcoal and
gunpowder into long plastic tubing tied to a bamboo pole.

The beautifully decorated rockets are mounted on vehicles and traditional carts and
paraded through the village/town. Music, song, dancing, drinking and revelry are integral elements of the procession.
On Sunday, the rockets are launched from a tall ladder-like structure. A single rocket will be launched and predictions are made with regard to the next season's rains and harvest.

Then, the rocket competition begins. If a rocket fails to launch or explodes then the owner will be thrown unceremoniously into the mud!

Royal Barge Procession is rarely staged- only 15 times during the 60-year heign of King Phumiphon. The procession consists of 51 historical barges and the Narai-Songsuban (the only barge built during King Phumiphon's reign). The exquisitely crafted barges are manned by oarsmen dressed in traditional costumes. The oarsmen keep time by chanting as they row.

Algeria Holidays and Festivals

Algeria holidays, festivals and fairs that celebrate history, culture, music, food, and crafts are held throughout the year.
Additionally, high profile sporting events are also hosted on the sands of the Sahara desert.

National Amazigh Film Festival

Held in January, this movie festival showcases full-length feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animations that celebrate the Amazigh culture in
Algeria.

Western Sahara Marathon

The Western Sahara Marathon involves 3.1 mile (five kilometer) to 25.5 mile (41km) races that start from the Sahrawi Refugee Camp in Tindouf held late in February. Thousands of runners
from all over the world come to
compete.

Ghardaia Carpet Festival

This mid-march event is centered on the tradition of carpet-weaving in Algeria. Artisans and designers come
together to exhibit and sell their work, as well as participate in competitions. This event is also marked by a lively procession accompanied by traditional
music.

Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival of Jijel is celebrated every two years in the month of March. It brings together companies and individuals interested in strawberry cultivation and growing.

Marathon des Dunes

This annual festival gathers runners from around the globe to compete in a three-leg desert race that commences in the beautiful oasis town of Béchar.
The marathon is often set in mid-April.

European Cultural Festival

One of the most interesting festivals in Algeria in early-May, this cultural event assembles artists from some 16 countries to perform traditional rhythms,
jazz and flamenco. It is held in three different cities, Algiers, Tlemcen and Constantine.

Dimajazz Festival

Similar to the European Cultural
Festival, Dimajazz features
performances from well-known musical artists from all over the world.

Festival Internacional de Cine
del Sahara

Also held in May, this festival brings film to isolated communities and refugee camps in southwest Algeria. The director of the winning flick receives a white camel as his prize.

National Day

Held on June 19 each year, National Day commemorates the anniversary of the fall of Mohammed Ben Bella in
1965.

Pan-African Cultural Festival

The PanAf festival involves
performances, exhibitions, and events at different locations throughout Algeria. More than 8,000 artists, musicians,
authors, and actors from the African Union congregate in Algiers, Blida, Bourmerdes, Tipaza, and other cities to
promote the arts.

Festival du Rai d'Oran

The national celebration of music features performances from different artists in a colorful event about the importance of Rai to the Algerian culture. It also celebrates the contributions of local artists to uphold the country's distinct musical genre.

Festival International Bande
Dessinnee dÁlger

This festival showcases the works of cartoonists from Algeria and beyond. Comic fans flock to see exhibitions from
their favorite artists, as well as
participate in workshops, competitions and musical concerts.

Eid al-Adha

The Feast of the Sacrifice is held to commemorate Abraham's willingness to give up his own son in an act of obedience to God. It is held every November 28, and is marked by large
meals featuring local Algerian dishes.

S'Biba of Djanet

After the feast of Aid, the S'Biba festival is celebrated in the town of Djanet to commemorate the peace pact bestowed upon the inhabitants of Tassili N'Ajjer.

culled from www.iexpolre.com

Garbon Holidays and Festivals

As a predominantly Christian nation, religious celebrations are widely observed throughout Gabon, along with other traditions involving faith like
Ramadan.

Christmas and New Year's are two of the most widely-anticipated events in the country, marked by great
festivities, colorful traditions, musical programs, extravagant parties, festive buffets, street marches, and general merriment.

In addition to these Gabon holidays, cultural festivities are also a great excuse for a party. The Gabonese hold their lifestyle in high regard, evident in festivals that are based on music and the arts.

The country celebrates important holidays that commemorate historical events and other secular and religious dates, when everyone takes a break from school and work. You may choose to travel during or around these dates, either to join in the festivities or avoid the crowds.

Outside of national dates, exciting festivals are held to celebrate different facets of Gabonese culture. These include Les Nuits Atypiques de Mighoma, Festival Akini-a-loubou and the Gabao Hip Hop Festival.

Gabao Hip Hop Festival

Celebrated in the Gabon-Estuaire region and the capital of Libreville on February 25, this music festival is organized by the cultural group Afrik'Aktion, which also has a presence in neighboring countries like Cameroon, Congo, DRC, Chad, the Central African Republic, and The Republic of Guinea. The event attracts an impressive roster of international hip hop artists to perform.

Festival Akini-a-loubou

Also celebrated in Libreville from May 9 to 14, Festival Akini-a-loubou is two weeks of contemporary dance. It
attracts performers from all over Africa including Benin, Chad, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, France, and Gabon. Participants conduct various creative workshops at the French Arts Center.

Founding of the Gabonese
Democratic Party (PDG)

This national holiday on March 12 is held in honor of the founding of the PDG in 1968. Today, Gabon has a multiparty political system, but up until 1990, the PDG was the sole legal entity.

Independence Day

Celebrations on this day mark Gabon's independence from France on August 17, 1960. While main parades and events are held the day-of, the days before and after also typically see parties marking an end to the country's century of domination.

Les Nuits Atypiques

This music festival is held in Mighoma, usually on the last week of August. It celebrates traditional music from the Nyanga region showcasing vocal performances, classic and modern instruments, rituals, and many other presentations of sound.

•Culled from www.iexplore.com

Mach Lung Temple Festival in Vietnam

The temple worships three Kings in the King Hung XVIII: Minh Lao Hung Dai Vuong, Minh Lao Hung Doan Dai Vuong and Minh Lao Hung Nghi Dai Vuong.
Three people are good at history,
geography and fengshui, so they are granted to be the generals and assigned to prevent the enemy from the sea and Red River.

After receiving the mission,
they chose Lung Trang to be the place to build general headquarters. Then he thought this is a good place and bring
his mom from Hai Duong province to build the house and farm together with helping people in Lung Trang in agriculture. Then people love the three generals and the mother, so they build the temple.

Through many historical ups and
downs, the temples have still beautiful for its ancient vestiges. The architecture of the temple still preserves the patterns
of the 17 th and 18 th centuries. The temple is still merely untouched with
the Chinese character of book and three thrones and tablets in 19 th century.

With the historical and architectural values, Mach Lung temple is listed to be the national vestige in 1993.
Mr. Vuong Xuan Vien, haid of Mach Lung hamlet, said people want to show their respect to the ancestors and the great grandparents so in three days of
festival; they made the representative for production, classmates and families
to come to temple to offer objects.

All the things in family are paused to the day of God.
Since Mach Lung temple is
acknowledged to be the national
historical vestige, people often hold the procession once in a five year. Along with the traditional rituals, there are
also traditional games like cock fighting, chess, quan ho singing, etc, which attract many people and visitors.

AYO OLOPON : REVIVING A DYING CULTURAL HERITAGE

Many aspects of Nigerian cultures are gradually fading out. The most common feature, which is language, is even the most affected – with many young people now finding it 'trendy' to say they do not understand their language.

But efforts are also being made to revive some of these cultural elements.

Ayo olopon, a popular traditional game in Yorubaland and indeed some other tribes, for instance, is in the class of such traditional values that may be 'redeemed'. It is a game played on a wooden board with two rows of six holes by two to four competitors, and revered for its entertainment values.

Also called "Tota Tope", it became popular when it left the confines of the household and community. It became a part of the Osun Osogbo Festival about 16 years ago. Ever since, it has not only remained permanent feature, but is also gradually finding its way into other festivals.

According to the presenter of the game at the festival, Kayode Adewoyin, who spoke with our correspondent, the aim of making it a part of the festival is to keep the game alive in the minds of Nigerians.

He says, "Since the inception of this festival and the game, this will be the first time the Oba will be a part of it as a participant. This shows that it is getting
better awareness. We also play the game in over 70 other Yoruba festivals.

Most boys, these days, believe in foreign games such as football. In the past it used to be those traditional games that our forefathers used to relax at the end of the day's work. Then, they had time to exchange village gossip and other events. But what we have today are snookers and play stations, which are alien to our culture."

Adewoyin also says there are efforts to incorporate the game into national sports festivals where contestants will represent their states."When we started this game in Osun Osogbo in 1996, we did not know it will
grow up to this length. Now we have even been to the eastern part of the country where we also found out that the game is not strange.

So we are currently exploring all avenues at reviving it. It is our cultural heritage. We are already working with the National Sports Council for a competition in October, where people will represent their states after zonal contests. We don't want this traditional game to just die down," he says.

EJIOGBE: THE HEAD OF ALL IFA CORPUSES

Of all the corpuses of Ifa, EJIOGBE is seen as the head or father of them all. It is this corpus of Ifa that enlightenment to the origin of creation and its first inhabitants. It also talks about the four elements that make up life and they are the earth, the water, the air and the fire.

EJIOGBE says the mother earth gave birth to water while the water in turn gave birth to the air. The air finally gave birth to the fire. And these four elements begged the creator (Olodumare) for relevance in life and He, the creator asked them to sacrifice two squirrels, two fishes and two hens for this purpose.

They obliged and thereafter the Sand (Mother earth) was given to the world. But one day, the sand also begged the creator (Olodumare) for relevance and usefulness, and the creator asked her to sacrifice two
squirrels , two fishes and two hens for her wish to be accomplished.

She did this and thereafter the first man known as Akoda (Adam) was molded with clay and  life was blown into him by the creator (Olodumare) to make him live. From then on, Adam was left alone in loneliness in the world with other creatures of the creator like the trees, the birds, the rivers, the animals, the sun, the moon, the stars etc.

But the first man too got tired of loneliness in the world and begged the creator (Olodumare) for a partner that would be assisting him in everything that he did in the world. And the creator asked him too to sacrifice two squirrels, two fishes and two hens for this purpose which he joyfully and gladly obliged to.

After the first woman known as Aseda (Eve) was created from the right ribs of the first man
Akoda (Adam). EJIOGBE further says that the first man (Adam) and the first woman (Eve) were then left all alone to themselves in the world by their creator, an idea which they did not like as time went on. Adam and Eve were left in loneliness together naked after their creation. 

So, one day, they begged their creator for childbearing and the creator asked them to sacrifice two squirrels , two fishes and two hens so that their wish
could be accomplished.

They did this and thereafter saw the importance of mating and they mated and gave birth to all sorts of colored people in the world today. Be it white, red, brown, black or indigo colored, people, we are all children of Adam and Eve! This is the meaning of EJIOGBE!!!

From then on, they have been paying tributes and home age to the first man Akoda (Adam) and the first woman Aseda (Eve). Because they are our FIRST PARENTS.

Conclusively EJIOGBE is the beginning of creation and everything in it.

© Olalekan Oduntan 2015.

Food and Drink in Swarziland

When catering for yourself, experiencing local markets and stalls is a great way to pick up cheap good quality food as well as tasting local delicacies and dishes. Ensure all food is thoroughly washed and cooked well though.

In more remote locations where cultural influence is high, African staples such as stew and pap (a traditional porridge made from ground maize) are great things to try.

Whilst meat is generally available across tourism establishments in Swaziland, for the locals it is normally a luxury. Animals are generally slaughtered for special occasions and are considered a high status food.

When this happens nothing is wasted, with stews made with spiced chillies including tripe, offal, hooves, trotters and chicken gizzards. When people do eat meat, they tend to really go for it.

Attending a Swaziland wedding is often something of a sight, as Swazi's cram on as much charred flesh as they can! Other popular foods include pumpkin, beans and rice, where available. Sweet potatoes are widely cultivated and sorghum is farmed in some areas.

Fruits include many tropical varieties in season, such as mango, guava, paw-paw, banana and avocado, which grow freely around most homesteads. The
best time for most fruits is the late rainy season, from December to March.

Restaurants are mainly found in the larger, more central towns such as Mbabane and in more tourist focused areas such as the Ezulwini Valley. Portuguese cuisine (an influence from nearby Mozambique) including seafood, and especially prawns, can be found in areas like Big Bend.

In most hotels, restaurants and bars offer a good selection of spirits, beers and wines, and of course you can try the traditional Swazi beer, especially in more rural areas, but be careful – its got a bit of a kick!

During the January-March marula season there is also a special treat for visitors who are partial to a Baileys! The marula fruit is used to make a creamy, fruity liquor. This beautiful drink is available across Africa - but every country and homestead has its own special recipe. If you like the creamy richness of Baileys then this is certainly one to try!

Mains water in Swaziland's main towns and in the country's main hotels and restaurants is safe to consume. If travelling in rural areas, bottled water is
recommended; or ensure that your drinking water has been boiled.

Tourists are advised to take refillable containers with them in order to top up their water at fresh water outlets where available, especially if trekking.

Saudi Arabia Holidays and Festivals

On the surface, Saudi Arabia may not seem to be a very festive place. The country's only official holidays are the Muslim holy days of Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and the lesser-known holiday of Eid al-Adha, held roughly 70 days after Ramadan. Unification of the Kingdom Day, the anniversary of modern Saudi Arabia's 1932 founding, is among the few Saudi Arabia holidays held on a set day on the Western calendar instead of the Islamic calendar. The two-week Janadriyah National Festival, held each February, is about as lively as Saudi festivals get.

Janadriyah National Festival

Saudi Arabia's biggest folk and cultural festival takes place for two weeks each February in Janadriyah, about 30 miles from Riyadh. Thrilling horse and camel races are among the highlights of what may be Saudi Arabia's liveliest non-religious public gathering. Artisans from across the country sell and display their crafts, while some of Saudi Arabia's most talented poets recite their latest compositions.

Milad al-Nabi

All Saudi Muslims celebrate the birthday of their Prophet, Mohammad, by elaborately decorating their homes and mosques. Children recite poems about the Prophet, while older Saudis tell stories about Mohammad's life and accomplishments. Large feasts and street processions are among Milad al-Nabi's other traditional activities. The date of Milad al-Nabi varies from year to year according to the Islamic calendar.

Jeddah Festival

Perhaps no other Saudi festival is as tourist-friendly as the one which takes place in the port city of Jeddah between June and July. The first Jeddah Festival was held in 2000 to attract more tourists to Saudi Arabia's second-largest city, but the festival has now grown to include over 200 exciting events. Visitors can sample traditional Saudi dishes, purchase local handicrafts, or watch the opening fireworks display over Jeddah's
stunning Corniche.

Unification of the Kingdom Day

The country's only secular public holiday takes place each September 23 on the anniversary of Saudi Arabia's 1932 founding. Although many Saudis still choose to quietly celebrate this formerly low-key holiday at home, growing numbers of young Saudis have chosen to express their national pride more overtly by singing, dancing, honking car horns, and waving Saudi flags.

Eid ul-Fitr

Like their Muslim counterparts in other nations, Saudis mark the final day of the fasting month of Ramadan with this three-day religious festival. Eid ul-Fitr begins with a small morning meal and quiet prayers, and continues with larger feasts and livelier celebrations among family and friends. Saudi children receive money and elaborately decorated gift bags from adults, several shopkeepers add free gifts to all
purchases, and Saudi men secretly leave large bags of food on strangers' doorsteps during this festive time of year.

Eid al-Adha

This important Muslim festival lasts four days and marks the moment when lbrahim was willing to sacrifice Ismael, his son, for Allah. Today, most Saudi families celebrate Eid al-Adha by dressing up in their finest clothing, saying special prayers, and slaughtering lambs to share their meat with
everyone.

•culled from www.iexplore.com

Fura Ds Nono is Nigeria's sustenance in a bottle

NIGERIAN corn flakes". That's how Munir describes the drink he buys in a bottle that looks like milk with brown flecks in it.

He says he buys it "to quench my hunger". Munir has just bought several bottles from his regular supplier in Wuse Market in Nigeria's capital. She knows
he doesn't like it too sweet, so adds only a tiny amount of sugar.

Others like it super sweet and ask for lots of sugar to be added.

Businessman Munir is not alone in his love for the meal-drink. It originates from northern Nigeria, a specialty of the Fulani people, but loved and drunk all over the region.

Traditionally it is sold in a round
calabash bowl and eaten with a ladle or spoon. But these days, more and more, especially in the cities, it is common to see the Fulani women selling it in plastic water bottles.

Some customers drink it straight from the bottle, leaving thick milky marks around their mouths. Others ladle it from a calabash or plastic bowl, like
soup.

Called Fura Da Nono or Fura for short, Munir says it tastes very much like porridge oats.
I'm not sure I agree with that
description but it's not bad. The bottles I buy from Aisha in the market taste very much like plain and tart yoghurt.

I don't detect oats in it – but then everyone has different tastes. Aisha lives on the outskirts of Abuja and
brings her wares to the market each day to sell.

Fura is actually yoghurt mixed with ground millet and spices and some sugar for those who prefer to take the edge off the tart taste.

The milk often comes from the family's own cows, which they milk in the early hours of the day.

Aisha says she has more than 100 cows, of which she milks about 50 a day to get the base for the milky substance she sells.

The Fulani people, found across West Africa and in Nigeria's north, are traditional herdsmen and they are often seen droving their long-horned cows around the countryside.

Aisha is one of dozens of women who sell Fura Da Nono from an uncovered area of the crazy-busy Wuse Market in Abuja.

The women sit on wooden stools in the sun, which can be unbearably hot.
There are occasional small hand
umbrellas, tied to posts, to give some shade from the heat of the day.

In front and around them are big plastic buckets with lids full of the milk/yoghurt. In other buckets are round brown balls of the ground millet, mixed with spices like pepper, ginger and
cloves.

They ladle the milk substance into a round bowl, squash a millet ball into it and then stir and mix with ladles until the millet is mixed through thoroughly.

As they sit and stir, you can often see the rich cream rising to the surface. This is often skimmed off to make butter,
which is also sold separately or mixed into the Fura to give it a rich taste.

The women sell it for between 100 Naira and 250 Naira – about 66c to $1.65 a bottle.
Some buy it to drink there and then, others take it home and others prefer to have it in a bowl like soup.

In other more rural areas, on the
outskirts of town, it is more common to see it mixed in a calabash.

Women also carry all the ingredients around in buckets on top of their heads, stopping in villages to sell to hungry
customers by the side of the road.

Munir says it is like a meal that he finishes off and washes down with water.

"Whenever I go to the market my kids always ask for it. If I am buying things in the market I always stop and buy it,"
he says of his whole family's love for Fura.

"Some people take it like custard."

Another buyer, Lukman, says some people can drink more than one bottle of Fura at a time, they love it so much.

Think, eating a one litre pot of plain yoghurt in one sitting.

My friend Abigail says she drinks it because it is healthy and good for the body.

"It is nourishing," she says.

Dominican Republic Holidays and Festivals

Dominicans like to find any excuse to
party. Each community has its own
festival honoring its patron saints, while
many nationwide religious events blend
Catholic and African-influenced voodoo
traditions. The February 27 anniversary
of the Dominican Republic's
independence from Haiti coincides with
the last day of its annual Carnival. In
August, there is another Dominican
Republic holiday to celebrate its
independence, this time from Spain, on
Restoration Day.

Virgen de Altagracia

No Dominican religious day is more
important than this January 21 tribute
to the patron saint, the Virgin of
Altagracia. It takes several days to
make the pilgrimage to the basilica in
the eastern community of Higuay where
a 15th century painting of Altagracia
hangs. The trip is just one of many
smaller vigils and services held
throughout the Dominican Republic and
once the praying ends, the parties
begin.

Juan Pablo Duarte Day

This late January celebration in honor of
Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the biggest
fighters for an independent Dominican
Republic, is held on the closest Monday
to Duarte's birthday, January 26.
People lay wreaths and flowers on his
tomb at Santo Domingo's Altar de la
Patria and children march alongside
military members in parades across the
country. The liveliest celebrations take
place in front of the statue at Duarte
Park.

Carnival

The final day of Carnival falls on
February 27, the same day that
Dominican Republic became
independent from over two decades of
Haitian rule. Although each community
celebrates in their own way, no festival
is bigger than the one in La Vega, where
revelers wear devil horns and whack
each other with balloons. Santo
Domingo's Carnival culminates with a
giant Independence Day parade along
the Malecón.

Semana Santa

The normally vibrant Dominican
Republic grinds to a halt during the
annual Christian Holy Week
celebrations, which usually take place in
early April. Church services and parties
are the two most important features of
these Easter festivities. The Dominican
Republic's Haitian community
incorporates ancient voodoo
ceremonies in their traditions.

Espiritu Santo

The sounds of conga drums and other
African instruments ring throughout the
Dominican Republic during this lively
festival held in June, seven weeks after
Semana Santa. The biggest Espiritu
Santo celebration takes place in a
community called Villa Mella situated
not far from Santo Domingo.

Merengue Festival

The Malecón comes alive with the
sound of merengue during this annual
Santo Domingo festival, which starts in
late July and coincides with the August
4 anniversary of the city's founding.
Several of the world's finest dancers
and musicians perform live while
enjoying separate food and craft fairs.

Restoration Day

In 1863, the Dominican Republic
regained its independence from Spain
for the second time. Each August 16,
Dominicans celebrate their 'second
independence' by dressing in elaborate
costumes and marching in street
parades. The two biggest celebrations
are in Santo Domingo's Plaza España
and in Santiago, the city where the fight
began.

Puerto Plata Festival

Fuerte San Felipe is the main location of
this lively October festival on the
Dominican Republic's north coast. The
most talented folk, blues, jazz, and
merengue musicians perform during the
day's costumed parades, food fairs and
dance performances. African spirituals
are also part of the tradition.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Canary Island Holidays and Festivals

The Canary Islands are renowned for
their year-round celebrations and
fiestas, with a calendar of events
ranging from deeply religious festivals
to hedonistic, day-long celebrations.
Among the most popular of Canary
Island holidays for visitors to attend are
Carnaval in February, when drinking and
dancing take over the streets of Santa
Cruz, and the June religious
reenactments of La Orotava's Corpus
Christi observances.

Three Kings Festival

While the rest of the world is recovering
from Christmas Day and New Year's
Eve, and attempting to stick to their
resolutions, the people of the Canary
Islands are preparing for the next
festival in their calendar - the Three
Kings Festival. Los Reyos Magos, as it
is known in Spanish, celebrates the
Epiphany on the eve of January 5.
Parades march through towns and
sweet treats and fancy dress are in
abundance.

Music Festival of the Canary
Islands

One of Europe's most distinguished
classical music festivals welcomes
some of the world's top classical
performers to its stage each year from
mid-January to mid-February. Stages
are set up around the archipelago, with
numerous acts playing simultaneously.
Now in its 28th year, the festival
provides a great alternative to spending
the day relaxing on the beach, trekking,
or kitesurfing.

Carnaval

March sees the most colorful and most
spectacular festival of the archipelago's
calendar occur. Carnaval takes place in
February and is one of the best times of
the year to visit the Canary Islands. No
matter where you go, it is virtually
impossible to escape it once in full-
swing. The most elaborate celebrations
occur in Santa Cruz and Puerto de la
Cruz where locals pull out their fancy
dress and put away their inhibitions.
The dancing, drinking, and downright
hedonism goes on for days and gives
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival a run for its
money.

Festival of San Juan

June 23 sees Puerto de la Cruz,
Tenerife, celebrate an ancient tradition
inherited from the original settlers of the
Canary Islands, the Guanches. Unless
you know what is going on, you could
quite easily think the people have gone
a bit mad, as they take cattle down to
the sea en masse to wash them. In
addition, the Icod people set impressive
decorations of flowers alight on
campfires.

Corpus Christi Festival

Held in June, the Corpus Christi fiesta
celebrates the establishment of La
Orotava's Eucharist (Holy Communion).
The town is adorned in multi-colored
sand and the community reenacts
biblical scenes. The festival get
everybody excited, with people of all
ages joining the celebration.
Saint Candelaria Festival
The celebration of the Canary Islands'
patron saint, the Virgin of Candelaria, is
hailed on August 14 and 15. During
these two days, many Canarians go on
pilgrims to the city of Candelria to pay
their respects. The Feast of Saint
Candelaria is held on February 2.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

The Importance Of Drums In Buganda

There are two drums that are of
eminent importance in the Baganda
society: the embuutu (big drum) and the engalabi (long drum).

- Embuutu - big drum

The embuutu is considered a so-called engoma enkazi (female drum). The holy, double-headed drum that is provided with double membranes is made of pinewood and decorated using cowries and pearls. The secular embuutu is decorated lacing up the skindhide, the non-resounding skin.

Two clinging pearls as abalongo
(twins) are arranged before the head is sealed using the skinhide.
The embuutu determines the main
melody for dancing and for everyday life, wherein women are mainly responsible to guarantee the survival of the community. It is their task to give birth to children and to raise the children as well as to gather food for the family (farming).

Engalabi - long drum

- The engalabi (long drum) as engoma ensajja (male drum). This traditional drum has a head made of a reptile's hide and is attached to a wooden resonant cavity (a slim lower part), an allusion to the male phallus.

This is a single-walled drum. Wooden little rods are pressed into the skin, with the wooden resonant body being decorated.
The engalbi plays an important role
in ceremonies and the theatre of the
region Buganda. It is designated as
okwabya olumbe, this is, successor of a person deceased. In the Luganda language of the Baganda there is the saying tugenda mungalabi , meaning
„we go to the „engalabi", this is
"drumming for a long time".
Only the hands are allowed to be
used for playing the drum.

In earlier times, only men were
permitted to play the drum in a
community. Men used the
doubleheaded drum embuutu and the long, cylindrical drum engalabi for men's dances.
The saying ekiwumbya engalabi
mwenge kubula means: a shortage of beer is the cause of sepsis in a human being. In former times, it was a taboo for women the drink the common beer or to participate in such drinking bouts. "Beer" was only reserved for men.

There were certain taboos for women in handling the drum. They were only permitted to use the double-headed fur drum embuutu, with which they accompanied such
women's dances. Women
menstruating and breast feeding
were prohibited to play the drum.
One reason for restricting the women in terms of playing the cylindrical long drum engalabi was that the drum has to be held between the thighs, which was considered indecent. The most important ritual for women to play the drum that was permitted was within the palace, when the Royal orchestra dedicated a masiro to the king's predecessors.
This cult is still in use, especially for hurial rites or initiation rites
(customs and traditions).

Women have changed traditional
standards and taboos, and they have started to play all instruments.
Changes within the Baganda
community were realized in colonial
times, then turning upside down way of thinking and status quo. In schools and at universities, however, girls now are allowed to play all instruments, including the drum, also on the occasion of musical, dance and theatre performances. Social and
cultural changes have triggered the
course of emancipation.

Suriname Holidays and Festivals

There are a plethora of Suriname
holidays and festivals to be enjoyed by
those lucky enough to be in the country
at the right time. Whether travelers are
interested in events highlighting the
country's cultural talents like the
National Art Exhibition, or are simply
looking for ways to celebrate life and
have a good time, a spirit exemplified
during Pagara Estafette, there is
something to keep everyone
entertained.

Brazilian Carnival

Starting off the festival year in February
is the Brazilian Carnival. While the
tradition of Carnival is not one brought
about by the people of Suriname, it has
come to be an annual event. This is
greatly due to the large Brazilian
population that has migrated to
Suriname but is intent on keeping its
own culture alive. The festival is similar
to the one which takes place in Brazil
around the same time, only smaller in
scale. Travelers can expect parades in
the streets, great displays of Brazilian
music and dance, and many food stalls
serving delicious treats.

International Film Festival

Held annually in April in the capital city,
the International Film Festival is one of
the most highly anticipated events of
the year. Organized by the Black Lot
Foundation, the festival brings together
film makers from around the world,
showcasing over 40 films from more
than 12 different countries. While the
screenings are the main event, there
are also several workshops and even
competitions for children to keep
everyone entertained.

Swimming Marathon

July marks the arrival of the annual
Staatsolie Swim marathon, an 11-mile
open water, long distance race down
the great Suriname River. The race
starts in Domburg and ends in
Paramaribo. The race draws together
competitors from both Suriname and the
international community and, after so
many years, has become quite
competitive. Not only is this a
challenging marathon, but it is also one
of the most beautiful as competitors
swim alongside a gorgeous rainforest.

Fete de la Musique

Celebrated by French-speaking
countries around the globe, Fête de la
Musique or World Music Day, is held
every year on June 21st. Started in
France in 1982, the festival's main
purpose is to celebrate what organizers
call 'the magical gift of music'. Free
concerts are organized around the
capital city, boasting music from a
range of different genres. The festival is
also characterized by impromptu street
performances by both professional and
amateur artists, something that can be
really entertaining for festival-goers.

Suriname Jazz Festival

Lovers of jazz definitely need to be in
the country during October when the
annual Suriname Jazz Festival takes
place. Bringing together renowned jazz
musicians from Suriname and abroad,
the festival is a feast of the genre.
Different kinds of Jazz can be enjoyed
including American, African and Asian
interpretations. This festival is usually a
hit with all who attend and is well worth
sticking around for.

National Art Exhibition

The National Art Exhibition in
Paramaribo highlights the amazing
talents of local artists who slip under
the cultural radar for most of the year.
Held at the end of October in galleries
and showrooms around the city, the
festival focuses mainly on the work of
visual artists in the country. More than
simply exhibitions, however, there are
also several art workshops and
interactive discussions with the artists
themselves.

Pagara Estafette

Rounding off the festival calendar each
year is perhaps the most popular
festival of all. Held on December 31,
Pagara Estafette is basically a massive
street party waving goodbye to the old
year and welcoming in the new one.
This is no ordinary New Year's Eve
bash, however, as festivities generally
start at 10:00 a.m. and last until the
new day has dawned. The festival is
characterized by amazing firework
displays and live concerts. Of all the
events in Suriname, this one should
definitely not be missed.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Tonga Holidays and Festivals

Tonga celebrates its long history and
heritage, and its position as an island
nation, through various festivals
throughout the year. Some are
localized, such as the Vava'u festival
and regatta, while others are celebrated
nationally, such as the annual Heilala
festival. Most Tonga holidays and
festivals take place during the dry
season, and each presents a unique
experience.

'Eua Tourism Festival

Held on the island of 'Eua, this is one of
the first festivals of the annual calendar.
It is held in the second week of May and
attracts visitors from around the globe
to experience and learn about traditional
Tongan culture.

Ha'apai Tourism Festival

Held in the second week of June every
year, this festival showcases the
islands' finest culinary and cultural
delights. It is designed to attract
tourists, and plenty come to experience
the relaxed atmosphere and to enjoy
and learn about traditional Tongan
cooking and culture.

Heilala

The largest festival in Tonga is
celebrated nationally. On July 4,
Tongans celebrate the birthday of their
king, which is then followed by a week-
long festival. Almost like clockwork, this
time of year coincides with the flowering
of the heilala, which is Tonga's national
flower. The locals are proud of this
beautiful tropical flower that unfolds a
pink, cross-like shape, and as part of
the festival, they adorn themselves in
heilala necklaces.

Vava'u Festival & Regatta

This week-long festival is held in the
last week of September every year.
Different activities are scheduled each
day, including boat races around the
island, although possibly the best day is
a culmination of the week's events at
the traditional Tongan Cultural Feast at
Ano Beach, which turns into an all-night
party.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bahrain Holidays and Festivals

As a Muslim country, Bahrain holidays
are usually devoted to Islam and part of
a formal schedule that changes from
year to year, depending on the lunar
calendar. The biggest annual events go
by the name Eid—meaning 'celebration'
in Arabic—which these tend to mark the
end of the most solemn religious
periods of the year. As Islam is very
much a religion centered on the family,
celebrations of these occasions often
take place behind closed doors, with
extended families gathering to enjoy
great feasts in residential compounds.

Muharram - Islamic New Year

One of the most highly anticipated
events of the year, a ban on alcohol is
strictly enforced as a measure to
promote purity. The Islamic New Year is
celebrated in January, just as the
Christian New Year, so the two events
often merge together into one month of
celebration.

Ashura

On the 10th day of Muharram on the
Islamic calendar, Bahrain's Shi'a
Muslim majority gather to
commemorate the martyrdom of
Hussain ibn Ali. For most, this is not a
festival, but a sad period of intense grief
and mourning. It is notable to see how
the local population assembles and
commemorates the day in a series of
processions and traditions.

Milad Al Nabi

The most widely-celebrated festival in
Bahrain, Milad Al Nabi honors the birth
of the Prophet Mohammed. Uniting the
two predominant Islamic factions on the
island— the Sunnis and the Shi'ites—
both revere the memory of this
important Muslim figure, although they
celebrate the occasion on different
days. Taking place annually in April,
processions, feasting, and storytelling
set a backdrop of fervent celebration.

Independence Day

Each June, Independence Day is the
time when all the citizens of Bahrain
forget their differences in caste, religion,
and social hierarchy and celebrate with
fireworks, opera, and festivities that
span day and night. It marks the day in
1971 when Bahrain regained its
independence from Britain after being
part a protectorate state for more than a
hundred years.

Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr

The holy month of Ramadan is seen as
the 'festive season' by Muslims, a
period of charity and reflection. During
daylight hours, Muslims are required to
fast, but the evenings are especially
pleasant as families go out to enjoy
themselves over dinner and special
Ramadan tents. The culmination of
Ramadan is known as Eid Al Fitr, a
three-day celebration of feasts and
good deeds.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Brunei Darussalam Holidays and Festivals

Most of the Brunei Darussalam holidays
and festivals are religiously oriented,
but there are also holidays that
commemorate important historical
events. The First Day of Hijrah, the
birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, and
Chinese New Year don't have fixed
dates and other notable celebrations
include National Day and the Sultan's
Birthday.

New Year's Day

The New Year's Eve (December 31)
celebration kicks off with locals playing
tennis, golf, squash, scuba diving,
bowling, kayaking, and even windsurfing
in anticipation of New Year's Day. Come
January 1st, there are fireworks
displays and exuberant gatherings for
families and friends.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

An Islamic holiday without a fixed date,
Muhammad's Birthday usually falls in
January/February. The Sultan and the
rest of the royal Brunei family typically
lead a procession throughout Bandar
Seri Begawan.

National Day

February 23 is Brunei's National Day,
an annual celebration of its
independence from Britain. Though
freedom was actually achieved on
January 1, 1984, the official celebration
is held every February 23 to follow
tradition.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Day

Armed Forces Day is celebrated every
May 31 to pay tribute to the dedicated
men and women behind the Royal
Brunei army. You will see displays of
artillery, exhibitions, parachuting, and
military parades.

Sultan's Birthday

July 15 is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's
birthday. He is the 29th Sultan and
Yang Di-Pertuan of the country, and is
also the first Prime Minister of Brunei.
He was born in 1946 in Brunei Town,
which is currently known as the capital,
Bandar Seri Begawan.

First Day of Hijra

This day celebrates the migration of the
prophet Muhammad and his followers to
Medina from Mecca. This festival also
marks the Islamic New Year, so it
doesn't have a fixed date but typically
falls in June/July.

End of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr is the celebrated at the end of
Ramadan or the month of fasting, which
is the ninth month in the Islamic
calendar. There is also no set date, but
it usually takes place in August.
Children are given presents and money,
and everyone wears new clothes.
Muslims go to the mosque in the
morning for special Eid prayers, worship
and thanksgiving. The rest of the day is
all about eating and socializing with
friends and family.

Christmas Day

Brunei celebrates Christmas on
December 25 like the rest of the world
with family gatherings and gifts.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

South Korea's Dog Eating Festival

SUMMER. It's a time associated with renewal and life, but for the dogs and cats of South Korea the season is
tantamount to death.

For this time of year marks the start of 'Boknal,' South Korea's dog-eating festival. A three-week event that
coincides with the height of the summer growing season.

Every year South Korean dog and cat meat markets mass slaughter thousands of animals for their flesh.

The festival itself is deeply rooted in myth and superstition.

Many people in South Korea incorrectly believe that
consuming dog meat during the hottest part of the summer will cool their blood.

While the consumption of dogs and cats is distressing enough in itself, the horror these creatures endure during their short lives is extreme.

Ms Fryer explained: "Dogs on farms in South Korea are confined to crowded, filthy cages. Before being killed, they're often beaten to increase the flow of adrenaline, which dog-flesh peddlers claim improves the flavour of the meat and increases male virility.
Cats are kept under equally cruel and terrifying conditions in markets before being boiled alive in pressure cookers in order to extract their "juice" for use in 'tonics'."

Ms Fryer believes that drawing awareness to the practices that take place would change many South
Koreans' attitudes towards the festival.

"Much like many Australians have never visited an abattoir to see how cows, chickens, pigs, and lambs are killed, many South Koreans have never visited a dog-meat farm and are unaware of the suffering of animals used for food."

So before people point the finger and label the South Korean practice as savagery, Ms Fryer urges us to look at our own eating habits.

"The thought of killing, cooking, dismembering, and eating dogs is enough for most of us to lose our lunch, but there's no rational reason why that same revulsion shouldn't arise at the thought of eating a pig or any other animal," she said.

"All animals about to be slaughtered feel terrified, and none wants to die. Right here in Australia, scared lambs, chickens, cows, and pigs are killed as we wilfully turn a blind eye to the fact that they're no different from the dogs we cry for. It's easy to point the finger at other cultures, but let's be honest and decent enough to question our own cruel habits."

•Culled from www.news.com.au

Guinea Bissau Holidays and Festivals

Cultural festivals, Guinea-Bissau holidays, religious celebrations and other traditional events are celebrated throughout the country. Most local
festivities such as the Guinea-Bissau Carnival are centered around art and music, while religious rites are devotedly observed by those who adhere to Muslim, Christian and other indigenous beliefs. Most events do not have set schedules.

Muslim festivals

Like the rest of the world, Muslim festivals in Guinea-Bissau are timed in accordance with the different phases of the moon. Ramadan, which precedes
Korité, is a month-long fast. There is a huge meal to mark the end of the season. The Feast of the Sacrifice is another widely celebrated Muslim event.

Festival de Bubaque

Held in the Bijagós Archipelago, the Bubaque Festival is a colorful event that celebrates the local music scene. It attracts musicians and personalities from all over the country to perform all kinds of Guinean music. Dates need to be confirmed as there seems to be no fixed time for this event.

Guinea-Bissau Carnival

The local Carnival features exciting programs that showcase great Guinean talents, ethnic traditions and cultural presentations. It is a big celebration that takes place annually at Easter time for about four days before Lent. Guineans enjoy traditional dances
accompanied by instruments and people dress up in flamboyant costumes crafted from leaves, cow horns and shells. Parades take place on wooden boats and big trucks in this unique celebration.

Movimento Hip Hop Festival

West African countries are big on music, and the Movimento Hip Hop Festival is just one of the many sought after events in Guinea-Bissau. The first festival was held in May 2009, but dates need to be confirmed for future shows. Artists from all over the nation and
neighboring countries participate with lyrics that often discuss the political and social issues of the region.

•culled from www.iexplore.com