Friday, 1 April 2016

Egypt Culture & Festival By Sarah Metzker Erdemir, Demand Media

Modern Egypt is home to secular, religious, ancient holidays and festivals.

Egypt is predominantly Muslim, but a large minority of Coptic Christians and a melange of other religions make the country an exciting destination for religious, secular and ancient cultural festivals. For many of these celebrations, people pour out into the streets wearing traditional costumes to enjoy impromptu song and dance performances and eat traditional foods.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan is a month of fasting during daylight hours in which Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from sunup to sunset. The mood during the day can be somber, with reduced business hours to allow time for spiritual contemplation. The first day after Ramadan begins a three- or four-day holiday called Eid al-Fitr. After the final fast-breaking (iftar), people often celebrate all night. The next day everyone puts on new clothes to join street festivities with small fairs and open markets while families and friends get together to exchange gifts and sweets. Muslim holidays are not on fixed dates because they are on the lunar calendar, so they move back by about 11 days each year.

Leylet en Nuktah

Ancient Egyptians worshiped the Nile because of the yearly bounty it brought, and beautiful women were sacrificed to appease the gods and bring on the flooding. Modern Egyptians still celebrate the yearly rise of the river on June 17, since the flooding is what brings the silt that feeds the Delta's rich soil. Instead of sacrifices, modern Egyptians picnic and camp along the edges of the river or spend the night out on the streets with family and friends. At sunset, women put out balls of dough representing the people in the house, and in the morning the cracks are examined to make predictions about each person's longevity and fortune.

Coptic Christmas

Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, and most Egyptians regardless of religion join in the festivities, especially in Cairo and other Coptic regions. The week before Christmas, homes and businesses are decked out with colorful lights and decorations, and there are manger scenes and special holiday bazaars in the streets. Following the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, people gather to celebrate and eat a traditional dish of rice, garlic and meat soup called fata.

Sham al-Naseem

"Sham al-Naseem" means "sniffing the breeze." Egyptians of all religions celebrate this ancient holiday to mark the coming of spring on March 21 by spending the day in the countryside or in parks for picnics; some have their picnic on a boat trip on the Nile. The picnic baskets are loaded with the traditional foods of this holiday, including dried or pickled fish and dishes made with midamis or fuul (kidney beans). Food vendors, dancers and musicians also fill the streets to entertain the public on this festive day.

Moulid an-Nabi

Moulid an-Nabi is a major Islamic festival that marks the birth of the prophet Mohammed. Most cities host parades and processions on this day, and the streets are filled with dancers, acrobats, drummers and musicians. Families join together to greet each other and exchange gifts before heading out to explore the street fairs. Traditional sweets like halawet el-moulid (a type of helvah or candy) and candy dolls called are sold from roadside stands as well as hummus (a puree made from chick peas), the traditional food of Moulid an-Nabi.
*Culled from traveltips.usatoday.com

AUSTRALIA'S ABORIGINAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Tjungu Festival, NT


Tjungu Festival
Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Northern Territory
April

Held at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort in April, the free four day family-friendly Tjungu Festival celebrates Indigenous culture through everything from culture to fashion, sport to music and art to food. In local Anangu language, Tjungu means meeting or coming together and provides a fantastic opportunity for attendees to be fully immersed in Australian Indigenous and local Anangu culture. There's a bush tucker master class with Indigenous chefs, a concert of contemporary and traditional music as well as the Tjungu Cup - an AFL match.

Ord Valley Muster
Kununurra, Western Australia
May

The Ord Valley Muster is a two week festival held in the remote east Kimberley region of Western Australia. What began as a fun one night event – a dinner in the outback for local businesses – has transformed into a two week festival of more than 50 events celebrating the spirit, talent and cultural diversity of the Kimberley. The program includes sport, art, music and nature-based events from mountain bike challenges to cooking demonstrations to bush walks and basketball carnivals. There are markets, art exhibitions, and music under the stars; and festive street parties and Indigenous events including the Waringarri Corroboree.

National Indigenous Music Awards
Darwin, Northern Territory
May

Indigenous Australia's music is recognised through The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) which is held each August in Darwin. The awards highlight new acts, those who are receiving international acclaim and pays homage to acts who have paved the way some years before. NIMAs is a family-friendly awards night that is held annually in Darwin at the Gardens Amphitheatre and features live music performances from leading Indigenous musicians throughout the evening. In 2013, NIMA celebrated 10 years of recognising Indigenous music and continues to be the main event in the Indigenous music calendar.
*Culled from www.australia.com.

Seoul Drum Festival By Ginger Yapp, Demand Media

The Seoul Drum Festival is held annually in September or October.

The Seoul Drum Festival (seouldrum.go.kr), one of South Korea's biggest cultural events, got its start in 1999. Held in the Asian nation's capital city once a year, the festival attracts drummers and other music lovers from around the world. Events include performances, workshops, exhibits, children's activities and parades.

Basics

The first annual Seoul Drum Festival was held in September of 1999. The event has changed venues several times over the years, starting at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts before making it to other locations in the city such as Hangang Park, Seoul Forest and Seoul Plaza. The event is put together by the South Korean government, which creates a committee made up of musicians, arts professors and cultural arts boosters to organize and manage the festival.

Participants and Spectators

Teams from all over the world compete at the Seoul Drum Festival; anywhere from five to 15 international teams arrive at the yearly festival to compete against up to 15 teams hailing from Korea. Over the course of the event's history, teams have traveled from countries including Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Kosovo, China, Japan, France, India, Taiwan and the United States to perform. Admission to the festival is free.

Events and Activities

The festival typically starts with an opening ceremony, with performances by the Korean team as well as international groups. Other components of the festival have included a competition for amateur artists, and performances by drummers from Korean high schools. The Seoul Drum Fest has also curated interactive, educational exhibits like 2011's "Tong! Tong! Experience Zone," which featured over 1,200 instruments from 600 countries. Festival-goers can also attend workshops led by experts.

Styles of Drumming

Performances by the participating Korean groups range from traditional routines to more contemporary styles. From the rock-and-roll performance of Doodrock to the theatrical antics of Nanta to the ceremonial demonstration by the Traditional Honor Guard of the Ministry of National Defense, the Seoul Drum Festival covers all genres. Many of the visiting international groups showcase traditional forms of culture from their countries, such as Mexico's Compania Nacional de Danza Folklorica and Brazil's Bumba Meu Boi de Morros.
*Culled from traveltips.usatoday.com

Thursday, 31 March 2016

THE PARRANDAS CARNIVALS AND FESTIVALS IN CUBA

The Parrandas
Carnivals And Festivals

The Caribbean is known for its street parties, and Cuba's festivals are the very best of them. If you are lucky enough to be in Havana , Santiago De Cuba or any of the island's other large cities, around `Carnaval' we can tailor make you an itinerary guaranteed to take in the party of a lifetime. Cuba's festivals are more than just a normal street party - soaked in happiness and with exotic food and joyful dance, the island's many carnivals are definitely a highlight for Cuba's holiday makers.
Here are some of our favourite festivals in Cuba. This list is far from exhaustive, with religious and Cuban jazz festivals taking place throughout the year.

Havana Jazz Festival - February

The Havana Jazz festival is probably the most renowned of Cuba's Jazz festivals held throughout the year. First started in 1978, the first few Havana jazz festivals attracted big name artists like Chucho Valdes, Dizzy Giullespie and Max Roach. Nowadays, with Valdes as the artistic director, Cuba's main jazz festival has expanded to include all of Havana's main concert halls, but still keeps the impromptu jazz spirit with unexpected street jams along the Malecon.

Havana Carnaval - July

Until 1998, this Cuban festival was annually held in February, but has since been moved to July. Each neighbourhood organises their `comparsa' (performing group), which is to perform in the parade and dance show. Each group practices their talent for months in advance, and the big day is always memorable with colourful costumes, energetic dances, lively music and plenty of fun! A vibrant gift to all the senses, the carnival also provides Cuba holiday makers with authentic culinary treats with roast pork, tamales and chicharritas all readily available to festival goers. Alongside the parade, visitors will also delight in the outdoor concerts, which showcase Cuba's best bands over by the Melecon.

Santiago de Cuba - July

While the partying in Havana is in full swing, holiday makers almost 620 miles away in Santiago de Cuba will also be enjoying the street party of a lifetime. The best days for this most famous of Cuba's festivals are from the 24th to the 26th, where you will find a city that literally never sleeps! People gather in the streets partying all night long, waiting for the exciting annual performance at the Cuartel Moncada. Holiday makers will delight in the colourful and eclectic scenes, as they stroll along the famous Trocha Avenue lined with local food and drinks stance and punctuated by stages for bands to perform. This is one festival in Cuba not to be missed - a truly joyous celebration.

Remedios - December

If you are lucky enough to be spending Christmas in Cuba, be sure to pay this small village outside Santa Clara a visit on the 24th. This is the culmination of the Christmas festival - "Las Parrandas de Remedios", which sees fireworks, a street party and friendly competition between the neighbourhoods of Son Salvador and El Carmen. A lesser known but heart-warming and unique Cuban festival.

Remedios Parrandas festivals.
London - July

If you can't get away to Cuba in July, you can still enjoy 'The Spirit of Cuba in London' at the 'Carnival de Cuba'.
*Culled from captivatingcuba.com.

Wednesday, 30 March 2016

AUSTRALIA'S ABORIGINAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

National Indigenous Music Awards, NT


Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival
Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
June

Every two years in June, hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors flock to the tiny town of Laura on the remote Cape York Peninsula for the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival. Aboriginal communities from across the Cape York Peninsula celebrate and share their culture through dance, song, art and performance. Families reconnect and pass down stories while travellers come to experience a culture dating back more than 40,000 years. Pitch a tent in the festival campsite, held on sacred grounds near Laura's renowned prehistoric rock art. Laura can be reached on the Great Tropical Drive between Cooktown and Mareeba.

Mowanjum Festival
Kimberley, Western Australia
July

Experience the unique art and culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin and Wunumbal peoples of the Western Kimberley, in this family-friendly, one day and one night event. Held at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, the festival features over 100 Indigenous dance performers, boab tree nut carving, didgeridoo workshops and magnificent corroborrees. Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre is approximately seven and a half miles (12 kilometres) from Derby along the Gibb River Road in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region.

Walking with Spirits
Beswick, Northern Territory
July

Travel deep into the Aboriginal Dreamtime at Walking with Spirits, a unique weekend of cultural immersion held in late July or early August. The location is Malkgulumbutu, a sacred waterfall and lakeside site around 62 miles (100 kilometres) south-east of Katherine. Here the Jawoyn people share their story through traditional corroborree as well as dance, music, puppetry, film and fiery images. Camp amongst the paperbark trees and connect with the spirit ancestors who shaped the land, animals, plants and seasons. This is the only time of year you can visit this remote and beautiful location, and tickets to the event are limited.
*Culled from www.australia.com.

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

AUSTRALIA'S ABORIGINAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Desert mob, NT


NAIDOC Week
Various locations, Australia wide
July

In July every year, NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. NAIDOC originally stood for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee' which was responsible for organising national activities which has since become the name of the week itself. Today, capital cities and local communities celebrate through family fun days that showcase Indigenous culture and provide a gathering place. In addition, a different city is selected to host the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony which honours the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
Darwin, Northern Territory
August

Bark paintings, metal sculptures, didgeridoos, fibre art and jewellery are just some of the diverse art works for sale in the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair in August. It's a unique opportunity for visitors to buy direct from more than 40 community-owned Aboriginal art centres from across Australia. Visitors will discover emerging and established artists, be able to talk to the artists themselves and learn about the distinctive artistic styles of different cultural groups. See woven baskets from East Gippsland, Dreamtime dot paintings from Alice Springs; and the ochre-coloured canvas paintings produced by the Warmun artists of the Kimberley region.

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair
Cairns, Queensland
August

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) is a unique three-day event that merges an art market with a celebration of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It is the only art fair in Australia that exclusively sells and showcases art by Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. There are public talks and forums, including the CIAF Symposium, where leading Australian and international speakers, artists, and collectors discuss Queensland Indigenous art. Children and families can get involved in hands-on art activities. There is a program of free Indigenous dance and a warm welcome from the traditional owners, the Yidinji.
*Culled from www.australia.com.

Monday, 28 March 2016

AUSTRALIA'S ABORIGINAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Gunbalanya Festival, NT


National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award
Darwin, Northern Territory
August - October

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award was initiated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in 1984. Today it offers the highest prize money for any art award in Australia. The award attracts a broad range of artistic talent from around the country presenting a diversity of styles, with more than 150 works on exhibition. It is a showcase for both established and emerging artists and has come to be regarded as one of the premier national events in the Australian Indigenous art calendar.

Garma Festival
Gukula, Northern Territory
August

The Northern Territory's Yolngu culture is celebrated in this three day event that has earned a strong following Australia wide. The annual festival traditionally opens with a Yidaki (didjeridu) performance and is then followed by the festival events of visual art exhibitions, ancient storytelling, dance, music, forums, education and training programs. The Garma Festival is particularly known for its connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through its display of cultural practice and cross cultural learning.

Desert Mob
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
September

The Desert Mob Symposium is an exploration of Aboriginal artists, their art and their Art Centres. The program is the only forum of its kind and provides a window to the Aboriginal Art Centre world. Aboriginal artists from Desart member Art Centres together with interstate guests perform a program of stories, song, images, film and dance about culture, country and art. The Desert Mob MarketPlace is a large indoor-outdoor market with stalls selling affordable Aboriginal art, crafts and products including wood carvings, bush medicine and weavings and refreshments.

Corroboree Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales
November

Held in November, Corroboree Sydney is an annual Sydney festival that combines leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, writers, dancers and musicians as they showcase their unique talents and flair. There will be visual arts, literature and performing arts as well as artist workshops over the eleven day event. The event was held for the first time in 2013.
*Culled from www.australia.com.

Sunday, 27 March 2016

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL MY FANS & FRIENDS ALL OVER THE WORLD.

The Custodian of Yoruba Culture and Tradition wishes all our numerous fans and friends across the world A Happy Easter. Many thanks and God bless.

Holidays & Festivals in Argentina By Virginia Franco, Demand Media

Argentina's gauchos are commemorated during El Dia de Tradicion.

The South American nation of Argentina is filled with holidays and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Because a large majority of the Argentine population is Roman Catholic, many of the country's major holidays center around holy days. Others are based on historical events that made a deep and lasting impression on the country and its people, and lent a guiding hand in shaping it into the Argentina of today.

El Dia de Tradicion

El Dia de Tradicion, or the Day of Tradition, is celebrated annually on November 10 following a week or so of parties, concerts, parades and feasts. November 10 marks the anniversary of the birth of Jose Hernandez, an Argentine gaucho who lived on the Pampas during the mid-19th century. As a self-taught writer and poet, Hernandez wrote "El Gaucho Martin Fierro," an enormously popular poem considered one of the greatest works in Argentine literature detailing his viewpoint about the challenges and injustices facing the gauchos of the time. In his honor, towns and cities across Argentina celebrate with parades and gaucho celebrations known as peñas. Vendors sell traditional food like asado (beef cooked in a an open-faced brick oven), empanadas (meat pies), and mate (a herbal drink). In some peñas festivities, gaucho games as well as rodeos are part of the fun, and men dressed in gaucho attire display their equestrian ability.

El Carnaval del Pais

Two weeks prior to Lent, Argentina celebrates El Carneval del Pais much like New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, and Brazil celebrates Carnivale. Many gather to enjoy the festivities, in part because the day is considered a public holiday, which closes several businesses and schools. The town of Gualeguaychu, located between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, hosts the largest Carnaval celebration in the country. The town's 38,000-seat center known as the Corsodromo hosts a "Kings of the Carneval" celebration, where samba clubs, musicians and singers compete for the title. In Buenos Aires proper, most neighborhoods celebrate with street musicians knowns as "murgas" and artists. During Carnival, people dress in costume and dance in the streets. Traditional fare is served, with a nod to Roman Catholicism by replacing beef with fish during this "kickoff" to Lent. Corn stew, humitas en chala (corn patties wrapped and cooked in the husk), and Bocaditos--finger sandwiches made with shrimp--are popular during Carnaval.

La Revolucion de Mayo

La Revolucion de Mayo (the May Revolution) occurs each year on May 25 to mark the anniversary of Argentine independence from Spain in 1810. Also called Dia Nacional, or National Day, it is considered a public holiday in Argentina. Additionally, most public transportation is free during the holiday for those attending any festivities. National Day kicks off with parades, music and Argentine fare. Festivities begin around mid-day and run late into the evening. National Day is usually brought to a close with a singing of the country's national anthem, but not before local government officials make speeches and proclamations.
*Culled from traveltips.usatoday.com.

Saturday, 26 March 2016

Festivals Celebrated Every Year in Mexico By Meg Jemigan, Demand Media

Day of the dead celebrates the spirits of the deceased.

While Cinco de Mayo may be the most known Mexican celebration in the United States, major festivals with political and religious significance in Mexico are far more important. Festivals combine early American Indian culture, Spanish influences and Mexican sensibilities of the country's citizens.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated more in the United States than Mexico, honors the date in 1862 when Mexican soldiers defeated the French army in Puebla, preserving the country's nascent democracy. Emperor Napoleon III's intent in sending the army was to replace Mexico's government with a monarchy that supported France. Celebrations in Puebla include lectures, concerts and cultural programs in the days before May 5. On the 5th, the Mexican army, joined by costumed residents, leads a parade. One Mexico City neighborhood settled by descendents of the original soldiers holds a daylong celebration with a street party and parade.

Las Dias de los Muertos

Observed on November 1 and 2, Las Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrates the spirits of deceased relatives with music and feasts. Originally observed for the entire month of August, the dates changed when Spaniards attempted to Christianize the celebration. Children are remembered on November 1 and adults on the next day. Participants decorate altars where offerings of food are placed. Fresh flowers adorn cemeteries, and family members gather for a festive reunion. In rural Mexico, family members leave gifts for the dead at the cemetery and prepare a feast of the deceased's favorite foods.

Las Posadas

Las Posadas re-creates Mary and Joseph's search for a room at an inn. The festival begins on December 16, when a man and a woman portraying Joseph and Mary lead a procession of the Magi, shepherds and children dressed as angels. The group goes from house to house searching for a room but are turned away until they reach a designated home where they are welcomed. People gather for a party, and a doll is left at the home to be picked up by the next night's participants. The festival goes on each night until Christmas Eve, when it is followed by midnight Mass.

El Grito de Independencia

Mexicans celebrate El Grito de Independencia, or Independence Day, on September 16. The date marks the 1810 start of the 10-year war for independence with Spain. Re-enactments take place in village and city plazas, and homes and business are decorated with the national colors: green, white and red. Vendors sell souvenirs, and food stands offer Mexican food and drink. People gather in the plaza the night before the celebration, wearing indigenous dress, and bands perform traditional Mexican music. The party continues until 11:00 p.m., when an individual, typically a local government official, arrives to declare independence. Fireworks displays mark the beginning of El Grito de Independencia.
*Culled from traveltips.usatoday.com.

Friday, 25 March 2016

The Three Biggest Celebrations in Ireland By Jessica Taylor, Demand Media

The Emerald Island is home to many festivals.

The people of Ireland generally don't shy away from the thought of throwing a good party, which makes this picturesque country a top-notch destination for those looking to get festive. Celebrations are an important part of Irish culture, and religious events, historical figures and national heritage are just a few of the things deemed fit to enthusiastically commemorate in Ireland. Whether you're looking for a beer-soaked feast or some serious contemplation, Ireland's biggest celebrations are sure to put you in a festive mood.

St. Patrick's Festival

The biggest of all celebrations in Ireland, St. Patrick's Festival (stpatricksfestival.ie), named after Ireland's patron saint, celebrates the country's rich culture and heritage with parades, dancing, music, food and plenty of pints of beer. What started as a one-day holiday on March 17 is now a multiday celebration enjoyed by more than a million locals each year. Although Dublin's celebration is arguably one of the country's biggest, you're guaranteed to find holiday revelers all across Ireland, from small villages to major metropolitan cities.

Christmas

Christmas in Ireland is a grand celebration, lasting from about Dec. 24 to Jan. 6, though many count Dec. 8 as the official start of the season. Throughout the celebratory season, you'll find singing choirs and street musicians on the sidewalks and patrons filling local pubs to enjoy this important Irish holiday. Ireland's large Catholic population crowds churches across the country for midnight mass on Christmas Eve, as well as for Christmas Day mass. Dec. 26 marks St. Stephen's Day, a national holiday honoring the Christian martyr, which is celebrated with traditional ceremonies, feasts and trips to pubs across Ireland.

Bloomsday

The Irish Bloomsday celebration (jamesjoyce.ie) honors James Joyce, one of Ireland's most famous literary masters. This event is held each year on June 16, the day in which Joyce's classic novel "Ulysses" takes place. First celebrated in Ireland in 1954, Bloomsday is now a worldwide event celebrated by Joyceans across the globe. Dublin's James Joyce Centre hosts a number of events in the days leading up to Bloomsday, including reenactments, performances, readings and breakfasts based on cuisine featured in the novel. Some Bloomsday enthusiasts even don Edwardian costumes and make pilgrimages to Dublin locations mentioned in the book.

More Celebrations

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Ireland, you'll likely find some sort of celebration or event going on, from music festivals to street fairs. If you're in Galway in late September, head to the International Oyster Festival (galwayoysterfest.com) to fill up on seafood. In October, the city of Cork hosts the biggest jazz festival in Ireland (guinnessjazzfestival.com), and the town of Derry attracts partygoers near and far for its annual Banks of the Foyle Hallowe'en Carnival (derrycity.gov.uk/halloween).
*Culled from traveltrips.usatoday.com.

Famous Festivals & Traditions in Brazil By Rita Kennedy, Demand Media

Rio de Janeiro's carnival is a colorful spectacle.

With a population of more than 200 million, Brazil is world's fifth-largest country and has a highly diverse population resulting from a historic blending of its indigenous people, European settlers and African slaves. Its beautiful landscapes and many cultural events make Brazil a memorable vacation destination, but check the State Department's travel advice before you go. Crime rates are very high in Brazil and you should remain vigilant against robbery, assault and other crimes.

New Year

Frommer's rates Rio's New Year celebrations "one of the most spectacular New Year's celebrations in the world." Around 2.5 million people, most wearing white, gather on Copacabana beach to mark the New Year with a huge party, involving live music, fireworks and religious ceremonies. Look out for the flowers cast into the waves by locals making an offering to Iemanja, the Queen of the Sea. At midnight a huge firework display lights the sky before the party continues into the night.

Carnival

Brazil's best-known festival is probably carnival. It's celebrated across the nation and is linked to beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. The festival takes place over about five days, starting on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ending on Ash Wednesday itself. The most famous carnival is that held in Rio, where dozens of samba schools parade through the streets accompanied by colorful floats and dancers as part of a competition to find the top school. Wherever you are in Brazil at carnival time, you're likely to encounter some sort of celebration; in the northeast, Olinda's carnival is famous for its parade of almost 500 large puppets.

Passion Plays

Passion plays have a long tradition in Christianity and represent events in Jesus' life, particularly his crucifixion, death and resurrection. The passion play held in Nova Jerusalem, 118 miles from Recife on Brazil's northeast coast, is the country's largest and involves more than 500 actors. The huge theater takes up an area close to that of 12 football fields, with equally ambitious scenery representing locations around Jerusalem. The play is worth seeing in itself, but you can also experience the street fair outside. The Passion Play festival takes place each year in the week before Easter, with performances daily.

Bumba-Meu-Boi

Bumba-Meu-Boi, which roughly translates as "hit my bull," is a festival with traditional roots and takes place in most areas of the country. Locals work throughout the year to create a bull from a wire frame covered in papier mache, which is then used as part of a folk dance. The dance tells the story of a bull which was killed and then brought back to life by traditional healers and music. Although there are smaller events earlier in the year, the main month for the festivities is June. In Sao Luis, where one of the largest Bumba-Meu-Boi festival is held, around 200 bulls and their groups converge on the Joao Paulo neighborhood.
*Culled from traveltips.usatoday.com.

Thursday, 24 March 2016

Traditions of Carnivals in Peru By Joanne Robitaille, Demand Media

Elaborate costumes are worn during Carnival.

Peruvian culture is a mix of both native traditions and customs imported from the Spanish colonists. Roman Catholic traditions have seeped into many aspects of Peruvian life, including the Carnivals that take place in February. And, like the other Carnivals celebrated throughout the West, the festivities act as a precursor to the solemn Lenten celebrations that follow.

Ritual of the Yunza

The Andean highland ritual of the "yunza," known as "umisha" in the jungle and "cortamonte" in the coastal region, is an important aspect of Carnival. Those in charge of the festivities artificially plant a tree loaded with gifts and decorations. When all of the guests have arrived, everyone begins dancing around the tree. After a while, couples begin to chop at the tree with an ax or a machete. The tradition continues the following year, when the couple who makes the final swing that brings down the tree make all the arrangements for that year's yunza.

Getting Wet

Watery street battles are a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. Historically, Carnavals in Peru would shut down entire cities for three days, and anyone who dared to venture out during that time ran the risk of being drenched with water. Men would roam the streets with sealed eggshells filled with scented water while women watched from above, preparing to dump buckets of water onto unsuspecting people passing below. In the modern era, the eggs have been replaced with water balloons.

Parades

Parades are one of the most familiar aspects of Carnival celebrations. Though each Peruvian city or region has its own specific elements and traditions, certain elements such as parades, costumes and dance are the same throughout the country. Families and neighborhoods get together to create allegorical floats for the parades, and people wear brightly colored costumes and masks that represent traditional characters and events. A traditional Peruvian dance called the "pandilla" is one of the more common styles of dance performed during Carnival.

Carnival Royalty

Two of the most recognizable figures in any Carnival celebration are the Carnival Queen and King Momo. The Carnival's Queen is elected, and she presides over the music contests that take place on the aptly named Queen's Night. The King, known in Spanish as "No Carnavalon," traditionally rules over the festival's parades as an embodiment of the God of craziness and fun. A representation of King Momo is traditionally burned at the end of the festival so as to banish any unwanted elements, such as fertility, before the Lenten season.

Dolls & the End of Carnival

Dolls feature in different ways during Peru's Carnival celebrations. In Cajamarca, a boy doll is used to mock public figures, while in Cuzco, rag dolls hang from light posts as representations of friends or godparents. In Cajamarca's celebrations that involve the boy doll, the doll is paraded through the streets before being given a "funeral" and then cremated in a mock burial. This "burial" traditionally marks the ceremonial end of Carnival on Ash Wednesday. An effigy doll of King Momo features in Carnival celebrations.
*Culled from traveltrips.usatoday.com.

Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Cultural Traditions & Festivals in Brazil By Daniella Hill, Demand Media

Brazil's Carnaval celebrations include huge throngs of dancers.

Much of Brazil's international reputation is centered around local traditions and celebrations such as capoeira, the national sport and the festivities of Carnaval. From the cult of soccer to Catholic holidays to the rituals of the local religion, Candomble, Brazil's traditions are both secular and sacred. In some cases, such as in the earthy revelry of Carnaval, the division seems all but clear.

Carnaval

Carnaval, the traditional festival of decadence before Lent begins, has some of its biggest celebrations in Brazil. The cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are particularly famous for their parades; the performers spend months preparing and practicing. During the two weeks immediately preceding the festival, local community bands play throughout Rio's neighborhoods. The informal pre-festival celebrations are known as "blocos." Fancy balls take place throughout the city's upscale venues. The Copacabana Palace Ball is the crown jewel of these parties. In the streets, visitors watch the Samba School Parade from Sunday night through Monday morning. Major streets close to traffic throughout the carnaval festivities.

New Year's Celebrations

Rio is home to Reveillon, a high-spirited New Year's celebration. Early in the day, many local restaurants serve special buffet lunches. By evening, the throngs have gathered along the city's beaches to watch the midnight fireworks display. For followers of the Afro-Brazilian religion, Candomble, New Year's celebrations include wearing all-white garb, lighting candles and setting small boats loaded with trinkets into the ocean, in offering to the sea goddess Yemenja.

Bumba-meu-boi and Regional Festivals

Throughout the year, numerous regional festivals take place in all corners of Brazil. In Sao Luis, the Bumba-meu-boi festival has the townsfolk act out a folk story involving the killing and resurrection of a bull. The celebrations span several months. In Salvador, the end of January brings a ceremonial washing of the steps of the Bonfim Church, an event that draws an audience of 800,000 people. Women in traditional costumes use perfumed water to wash the steps. Leading up to Easter, the citizens of Nova Jerusalem enact a passion play, the largest in all of South America. The stages of the cross last ten days, culminating on Easter Sunday.

National Traditions

Besides the country's animated festivals and celebrations, Brazil has numerous traditions, from sports to dance to religious rites. Capoeira, a home-grown martial art, is based on self-defense practices devised by African slaves. Because tt was originally necessary to disguise the practice, the art now resembles dancing as much as fighting. Brazil's enthusiasm for soccer launches the sport to the level of a national obsession. Other national traditions draw from the predominant religions, Catholicism and Candomble. Candomble traditions include offerings to Lemanja during the new year, as well as Boa Morte, or beautiful death, a celebration that takes place in Salvador and incorporates music and dance. Samba music and dance comes from the Bantu who arrived in Brazil from Angola. This African musical import has evolved to produce Bossa Nova and other traditional forms of Brazilian music.
*Culled from traveltips.usatoday.com.

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2015

Songkran or the Thailand Water Fight Festival is one of the most important festival for the Thai people. It is celebrated as the traditional Thai new year, people throw water upon others people and pay respect to Buddha images.
This festival is all about cleansing, of which water is the main symbol.
Originally, people were gently sprinkle water on elders, family and friends to wish good luck. Nowadays, people will roam the street with water guns or whole buckets of water and will splash anybody in the street. Water and Fun are the main characteristics of Sonkran ! And April is the hotter month in Thailand, the festival will make sure your skin stay fully hydrated.
Thai people will also visit temples to pay respect to Buddha images and give food to monks. Buddha images will be cleaned during Songkran and people are invited to clean their house and removing useless items.
Songkran will be celebrated all around Thailand and the main tourist spots will be prepared for amazing water fights.
Be sure to protect your valuable items from being soaked by wrapping them in plastic bags or by letting them at the hotel and go join the festive spirit.

GETTING THERE

AIR

Thailand is an important aviation hub in South East Asia: Suvarnabhumi Airport serves a large number of airlines from everywhere in the worls. Shuttle bus, car rental or express train are available at the Airport.

ROAD

Bus and Taxi are cheap and convenient to go the different Areas.

TRAIN

Bangkok has several train lines running through the city.
*Culled from festivalasia.net.

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

LOI KRATHONG 2015

During the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, Bangkok becomes a wonderful place full of lights. It's the Loi Krathong, the Festival of lights. Loi Krathong refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle that can float on the water. They can contains food, nuts, joss sticks, flowers, coins and a compulsory candle. The ritual is very simple, build a Loi Krathong, make a wish and let it float away with the current of a river. The flame of the candle signifies longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. People will watch their floating devices intensely hoping the candle will last as long as possible. During the twelfth full moon, thousand of people will follow the same ritual along Bangkok rivers and canals transforming the water in an amazing bed of candles.
The city of Bangkok will animate the day with beautiful parades, traditional Thai dancing, concerts, fireworks and beauty pageants. Bridges and building will also have their own suit of lights.
From few days before the full moon to the day of the full moon, spectacular illuminated barges will light up the Chao Phraya River from the Memorial Bridge to Krungthon Bridge.
Loi Krathong is one of the most renowned festival of Thailand and a good occasion to inhale the mystic atmosphere of the full moon celebration.

GETTING THERE

AIR

Thailand is an important aviation hub in South East Asia: Suvarnabhumi Airport serves a large number of airlines from everywhere in the worls. Shuttle bus, car rental or express train are available at the Airport.

ROAD

Bus and Taxi are cheap and convenient to go the different Areas.

TRAIN

Saphan Tak Sin BTS Station is the nearest station to the riverfront.

FACTS

Loi Krathong's Lyrics
November full moon shines,
Loi Krathong, Loi Krathong,
and the water's high
in the river and local klong,
Loi Loi Krathong,
Loi Loi Krathong,
Loi Krathong is here and everybody's full of cheer,
We're together at the klong,
We're together at the klong,
Each one with this krathong,
As we push away we pray,
We can see a better day.
*Culled from festivalasia.net.

Monday, 21 March 2016

YI PENG 2015 (LANTERN FESTIVAL)

The Festival of Lights is celebrated all around Thailand with Loi Krathongs (lotus-shaped receptacles) released on water to bring luck and fulfill wishes. In Chiang Mai, the observation of the festival of lights, called Yi Peng, is uniquely different. Instead of water vessel, Chiang Mai people release thousand of lighted lanterns in the sky while making a wish. The sky transforms itself in a wonderful and surreal sea of little lanterns floating away. The spectacle is mesmerizing.
The local celebration of Yi Peng in Chiang Mai is a religious ceremony in Thai language paying homage to the Buddha. The exact date is not announced and is know only a few weeks in advance. A second lantern release specially catered for foreign tourists is held usually one week after the traditional celebration for a fee of 100USD. For the international Yi Peng, the ceremony is in English and the organizer provides lanterns, seating mat, dinner.
During the week end, many events will be held in the city of Chiang Mai: traditional Thai dance, Grand Yi Peng Parade,beauty pageants, fireworks, decorations in the old city... Traditional Lanna dance featuring women with long golden fingernails dancing in synchronized movements is one of the event to catch.

GETTING THERE

AIR

Chiang Mai is an regional aviation hub in South East Asia: Chiang Mai Airport serves a large number of airlines from South East Asia. Taxis and car rental are available at the Airport.

ROAD

Bus routes exist between Chiang Mai and major cities in Thailand. A motorbike is recommended to go to the event area as the place is completely jammed.

FACTS

There are 2 lantern releases. The first one is the free traditional and local celebration in the Thai language. The second one (06 November 2014) is for tourists with the celebration in English language for a fee of 100USD (includes lanterns, seating mat, shuttle, krathong, dinner).
*Culled from festivalasia.net.

Sunday, 20 March 2016

MONKEY BUFFET FESTIVAL 2015

The Monkey Buffet Festival is quite an unique Festival in the very cultural country of Thailand. Set up in the province of Lopburi, North of Bangkok, the Monkey Buffet Festival is held for the benefit of the monkeys. 4000 kilograms of fruits, vegetables, cakes, candies are set down in front of temples on tables, in pyramid or just on a simple mat for the delight of the 3000 monkeys living in the area.
The Monkey Buffet Festival also hosts plenty of activities in relation with monkeys: music and dances with young people dress like monkeys, monkeys costumes, monkey masks... Monkey sculptures will also flourish around the area.
The Festival was invented in 1989 by a local business man in order to boost the tourism in the Lopburi province. Since thousand of visitors come every year to see the numerous monkeys filling their stomachs.
The temples where the festival is held have been built in the 10th century by the Khmer dynasty with a similar architecture from Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Now, they belong to the Monkey territory.
A word of wisdom: these monkeys are very accustomed to human presence and they won't hesitate a second to climb on people and "borrow" valuable or food for an undefined period of time.

GETTING THERE

AIR

Thailand is an important aviation hub in South East Asia: Suvarnabhumi Airport serves a large number of airlines from everywhere in the worls. Shuttle bus, car rental or express train are available at the Airport.

ROAD

Bus routes exists between Lopburi and major thailand cities.

TRAIN

Trains from Bangkok's main Hualamphong station take about 3 hours.
*Culled from festivalasia.net.

GETTING SLIPPY AT THE COCULLO SNAKE FESTIVAL (Concluding part)

Tips:

Get here really early, the procession begins at 12.00 noon and the parade lasts for approximately 1 hr 30 minutes, the problem is parking… you can end up if you arrive late parking your car up to 4 km hike uphill from the depths of the Sagitarrio Valley to get back to the small town of Cocullo severely out of breath if you are unfit.
You may hate the huge numbers of porchetta vans and mini market stalls up to the town itself and wonder why the police don't allow people to park there, but due to the huge numbers of people that attend the Cocullo Snake Festival, food must be had by attendees. Local restaurants get booked out with celebrating locals so our suggestions is to go down the porchetta Panini route.
*Culled from Cocullo website.

SHOMOLU EGUNGUN FESTIVAL IN PICTURES By Olalekan Oduntan

Egungun Festival in Shomolu. © Olalekan Oduntan

These are some of the people who were guests during the beginning of on going Egungun festival in Shomolu. They were all wearing the same uniforms to grace the occasion. The masquerade entertained everybody with songs and dances. 

The acolytes too were busy leading and chorusing the songs while onlookers and all were dancing. It was a beautiful sight to behold. The masquerade prayed for everybody to be around and alive for next year festivity. Kola nuts, Alligator pepper, Bitter kola and Local gins were used by the elders around to pray for everybody. 

Shomolu land is known for hosting its yearly Egungun festival full of pump and pageantry which brings a lot of masquerades out in their different colourful costumes. The people normally tax themselves to host this important event yearly because they need funds to take care of cooking, drinking and general welfare of their invited guests. 

They also accept voluntary donations from all their well wishers. The Egungun prays for all with chants:

We see bitter kola every year,
May we all be alive to witness 
the next year Egungun festival.
We see kola nuts every year,
May we all be present in 
the next year festivity.

Alligator pepper seeds are 
always together as a bunch,
May our lives be whole and not scattered!
May we continue to have 
progress in all our endeavours,
And everybody said Ase! Ase!! Ase!!!

© Olalekan Oduntan 2016.
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