Czech Republic Holidays and Festivals

The Czech Republic is well known for its festivals, concerts and events, and its well worth trying to plan your trip around one of these fabulous displays of culture.

Beltine Festival of Celtic Culture

The Beltine Festival of Celtic Culture takes place in Bohemia every year from April 30 at 8:00 p.m. until May 1 at 12:00 p.m., running for 16 straight hours without interruption. It's a fun, action-packed festival with everything from Celtic music and craft workshops to dance shows, kids play areas and activities, and lots of food and drink. The events are spread around a number of castles and historic buildings in Cheb, West Bohemia.

Burning of the Witches (Paleni Carodejnic)

The Burning of the Witches is a nation-wide Czech festival which predates Christian times when locals would light large bonfires to ward off evil spirits. During the evening of April 30, witch effigies are burnt around the country to a backdrop of fireworks, food and drink, not unlike the Guy Fawkes celebrations in the UK.

Velikanoc

Vlikkanoc is a Czech Republic holiday which is part of the Easter Monday events and an age-old pagan ritual. As part of the national festival, adult males walk around their towns and villages carrying large, decorated willow leaves, which they use to playfully smack the legs of the women they love or have a secret crush on.

Prague Spring International Music Festival

The Prague Spring International Festival is all about music and performing arts, with a number of shows taking place around the city from mid-May until early June. The first event took place in 1946 and continues to grow in popularity every year.

Summer Shakespeare Festival

For literary lovers, this is often the highlight of the Czech events calendar, a two-month long celebration of arguably the finest playwright who ever lived. From June until September, Prague Castle is home to a series of performances which take place in the stunning Burgrave Palace courtyard.

United Islands of Prague Festival

Held around various venues in Prague, including some of the large river islands, the United Islands Festival takes place from June 16 to 25. A celebration of the people and the quirks of Prague's most interesting and mysterious cultures, the event is primarily a music festival, but is also an opportunity to explore the Czech Republic's outlying islands. Things are cranked up a notch during the evening when events move to nightclubs and music venues, with partying, singing and dancing well into the night.

Highland Games

Based on the traditional Scottish Highland Games, Sychrov hosts its own version of this Celtic event, which is the largest of its kind in continental Europe in late August. The festival has grown in popularity over the years, now one of the most well attended single-day events in the Czech Republic, as people from far and wide flock to Castle Sychrov to watch performers and trained athletes toss giant cabers and show off their strength and skills in a number of entertaining events with food, drink, dance, and music to enjoy.

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival is actually two events, one called Posviceni, a very spiritual celebration where praise is given to God for bringing a successful harvest. The second is Obzinky, which takes place directly after the harvest has ended. Farm-workers and land-owners are joined by Czech locals and travelers to drink, dance, sing, and enjoy a large banquet, with a wreath made out of crops adorning the heads of farmers. The feast involves lots of sauerkraut and a traditional sweet cake called kolache . Both are fun to experience, especially in the countryside.

Prague Autumn International Music Festival

This momentous music festival has become a key fixture on Prague's cultural calendar and is one of the most popular events in Europe. Local Czech and international musicians and performers travel to the capital to celebrate the best of classical music, including big name stars with crowds attending by the thousands.

Verdi Festival

The Verdi Festival is a month-long event celebrating stage arts such as ballet, opera, and theater. Held in September at the stylish Prague State Opera house, it's a must-see for lovers of the classics.

Velvet Revolution

Less a festival and more an important day of remembrance for the Czech nation, November 17 marks the anniversary of the violent police reaction to the peaceful student protests. Known as the Velvet Revolution that took place in Prague in 1989, it brought an end to the Communist government. The day is marked by mourning the deaths of those involved and celebrating the positive political change.

Devil and Saint Nicholas (Cert a Mikulas)

One of the more fun and playful national events in the Czech Republic, December 5 is a day when adults get to dress up and visit the children in their neighborhood to determine who has been naughty and who has been nice, leaving gifts along the way.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Cyprus - Food and Restaurants

Evening and late-night entertainment in Cyprus ranges from tavernas playing traditional music through live jazz and contemporary bars, late-night DJs and dance clubs to pleasant evenings combining fine dining, catching the sunset and good conversation. The beach resorts offer the most choice in venues, and the nightlife hubs in order of liveliness are Ayia Napa, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Nicosia. Eating out has mainly Greek flavors, although international cuisine is easily found in the major tourist areas.

Bars and Pubbing in Cyprus

Ayia Napa is party town, with Cyprus's hottest pubs, bars and dance clubs and a reputation for 24/7 revels. The Nissi Bay Beach Bar (77 Nissi Avenue, Ayia Napa) is infamous for its wild parties, international DJs and pretty people, all of which take place during the daytime as the venue closes at 7:00 p.m. For night owls, the Castle Club (Gregori Afksentiou. Ayia Napa) has three dance floors, two DJ's and keeps the beats rocking until 04:00 a.m..

Nicosia is less touristy, but has a lot to offer for a great night out. Plato's Bar , (8-10 Platonos Street, Nicosia), is set in the Old City and has an amazing range of drinks, as well as a charming courtyard, and the Svoura Café-Bar (5 Thermopylon, Nicosia Old Town) serves coffee and snacks during the day and morphs into a dance club at night. For international fans of Manchester United, The Corner Pub (48, Demostheni Severi, Nicosia) is a shrine to the famous soccer team with several huge flat-screens playing popular matches.

Paphos is Cyprus' pubtown, aiming at couples rather than a younger crowd, with the Robin Hood Pub (Bar Street, Paphos) a good choice for music, reasonably priced drinks and a friendly atmosphere. The Square Bar and Bistro (Harbor Area, Paphos) is great for a glass of wine at sunset in a welcoming environment, and Noto's Music Bar (Harbor Area, Paphos) is a cocktail lounge in the evenings and a dance spot from 11:00 p.m onward. For a more chill evening out, the Lighthouse Beach Bar (Lighthouse Beach, Paphos) is perfect for a romantic evening set on the sand.

Dining and Cuisine in Cyprus

Dining in Cyprus is a hodgepodge of regional specialities hailing from it's two neighbors, Greece and Turkey. Be sure to try tava (a stew of meat, herbs and onions), dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with meat and/or rice), stifado (beef or hare stew), and fresh catches like seabass (lavraki) and prawns (garides). The most authentic and best value can be found in local tavernas away from the main tourist hotspots, but a careful search will reveal a few good restaurants in the beach resorts.

Blueberries (Yuri Gagarin Street, Ayia Napa) is one of the best, serving great food at reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere. For tasty Mediterranean cuisine in Cyprus, the Clarabel Restaurant ( Makarios Avenue, Ayai Napa) is well worth a visit for its faultless service and enticing menu including excellent steak and chicken entrees.

Paphos has a huge choice of international cuisine and fast food outlets, with a number of good restaurants. Fat Mama's (Tomb of the Kings Road, Paphos) is a boisterous, family-friendly spot that serves huge portions of Italian-American food in a party atmosphere. Home to three generations of winemakers, Andria (Coral Bay, Paphos), is a popular eatery for its fresh-cooked, exotic cuisine, and for a beach taverna with a reputation for local delicacies, you won't do better than Vardas (Vardas Beach, Kissonerga, near Paphos).

One of the most venerable traditional tavernas in Nicosia is Zanettos, (Trikoupi 65, Nicosia Old City), set in a slightly seedy pleasure district and famous for meze, Mediterranean small plates popular in Cyprus. For a good value international buffet, the Fontana (Hilton Hotel, Nicosia) is the place to go at lunchtime, and the hotel's seasonal Pergola Grill is set by the pool and serves food of exceptional culinary standards. For a spicy change, the Taste of India (3, Hadjigeorgaki Street, Nicosia) boasts authentic, yet milder curries and great service.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Cyprus - History and Culture

Cyprus has a rich, turbulent history and heritage harking back over 3,000 years due to its strategic position between Asia, Africa and Europe. Many major imperial powers since Rome have held the island at some point, with the Ottoman occupation doing the most damage to its people and economy. Its cultural roots are extensive, and embrace every ethnic influence from it's many changes of ownership.

History

The island of Cyprus has been occupied since prehistoric times, as witnessed by the Neolithic village of Khirokita, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mycenaean Greeks arrived 3,000 years ago after their empire collapsed, and sparked the island's Greek character and links to mythology. Three empires in succession, Assyrian, Egyptian and Persian, ruled the island between 708 and 545 BC, followed by Alexander the Great's forces and Ptolemaic Egypt. By 58 BC, Cyprus was part of the Roman Empire.

After Rome fell, Cyprus came under Byzantine rule until the 12th century, when it was captured by England's King Richard I. Almost immediately, the king sold it to the powerful Knights Templar, who passed it on to Guy de Lusignan, with Lusignan's brother becoming the first King of Cyprus. In the 15th century, Venice assumed control and fortified Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia against Ottoman attacks, with the walls still standing today. Frankish nobles, Italian merchants and Hellenized Cypriots lived uneasily side by side for almost two hundred years.

Seeing the power of Venice declining, the Ottoman Empire mounted a successful full-scale attack in 1570 and abolished the feudal system. Its rule ranged from oppressive to indifferent and by the time the Ottomans had weakened, Cyprus's economy was in shreds. In 1828, mainland Greece's first president called for Cyprus to join Greece, leading to uprisings by both nationalities on the island. By the end of the 19th century, enosis (union with Greece) had become the goal.

In 1878 the British took Cyprus as a key hub in their colonial routes, although Ottoman sovereignty remained until 1914. In 1925, it became a British colony, and remained so until gaining independence in 1960. Turkey's immediate response pressed for autonomy of the Turkish sector, with Cypriot president Archbishop Makarios supporting the Greek side. Following 10 years of diplomatic non-solutions, a coup by the Greek military junta sparked a Turkish invasion of Cyprus leading to war.

Although combat only lasted a few days before a ceasefire, 30,000 Turkish troops landed around Kyrenia and Nicosia and a successful second invasion begun a week later. By the next ceasefire, 37 percent of Cyprus was in Turkish hands and 180,000 Greek homeowners had been displaced. In 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was declared, still to this day only recognized by Turkey itself. Although Cyprus is now an EU member, the situation remains unresolved.

Culture

Culture in Cyprus is divided between its two ethnic halves, both with distinct attributes and religions which remain completely separate from each other. The late arrival of the Turkish in 1570 compared with more than 2,000 years of Greek influence gives little chance of union in the future. The strengths of Greek culture rest on music, dance, poetry, visual arts and pride in a long, troubled heritage, shown in traditional celebrations and festivals linked with Greek Orthodox saints' days and similar events.

Prior to the events of 1994, Greek and Turkish Cypriots lived together in villages and shared celebrations and community events. Since then, the two communities have been effectively isolated from each other, although there are many things still in common due to more than 400 shared years before partition. Families are the most important loyalty, and hierarchy related both to age and position is essential in both Islam and Orthodox Christianity.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Cyprus Holidays and Festivals

Cyprus holidays and festivals are based on legend, history and religious occasions, with some originating several millennia ago. Cypriots love to party, with every town holding Carnival just before Lent. For Orthodox Christians, Easter is the premier religious event, even more important than Christmas and celebrated for a full week.

Epiphany

Held in January, the Feast of Epiphany is one of Cyprus's most important Orthodox celebrations. Called the Festival of Light, it's symbolic of the rebirth of the human race and is the day when the demons and evil spirits which arrived on Christmas are chased out of villagers' homes by the local priest's sprinkling of holy water.

Limassol Carnival

Almost all towns in Cyprus hold pre-Lent carnivals in late February/early March, with Limassol's the most ostentatious. For two weeks, parades, masquerades, feasts, and street festivals can be enjoyed.

Orthodox Easter

Easter in the Greek Orthodox religion is a joyous occasion celebrated for a week in April with masses, parades of images and holy relics, and beautifully-painted Easter Eggs. After Easter Saturday's midnight candle-lit mass, effigies of Judas are thrown into bonfires. Easter Sunday sees outdoor meat roasts and all-day festivities.

Paphos Flower Festival

Spring in Paphos is welcomed in with the May flower festival, a traditional celebration going back two thousand years held in honor of the god, Dionysus. Magnificent floats decorated with fragrant flora parade from Poseidon Avenue to the Old Harbor and streets and homes are decorated with beautiful blooms to celebrate man's rebirth in Cyprus.

Bellapais Music Festival

Held during May and June, this music festival is much-loved by fans of classical and modern genres and attracts internationally acclaimed artists, as well as hordes of concert-goers. Set in the beautiful, 13th century Bellapais Abbey with its exceptional acoustics, the performances begin at 9:00 p.m. and sell out fast.

Kataklysomos Festival of the Flood

Derived from ancient Hellenistic ceremonies honoring Aphrodite and Adonis, the Kataklysomos Festival in Cyprus coincides with Pentecost in June and is held over five days. The most spectacular celebrations are in Larnaka, with a grand procession that winds down to the seashore and ends with a communal water-splashing.

Paphos Ancient Greek Drama Festival

The unique experience of watching plays by the Hellenistic masters in a traditional Roman amphitheater is the highlight of a Cyprus vacation for many. The festival runs from June through August and, although the plays are performed in Ancient Greek, it doesn't seem to matter to the international audiences as the action is easy to follow.

Limassol Wine Festival

The first week of September sees the ever-popular Limassol Wine Festival, a celebration of vintners from all over Cyprus. Held every night in the town's Municipal Gardens, the tastings are free and there are traditional dance and music performances, as well as street theater.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Croatia - Food and Restaurants

Croatians love their food , and it's difficult to find a truly bad meal in the country. Eating patterns are different, with breakfast usually skipped and restaurants opening around midday and closing at midnight. Bars, pubs and clubs in the resort towns are lively and fun, with live rock and pop music nights alternating with Croatian music by from local groups. International cuisine is found in all the upscale hotels, along with nightclubs, fashionable bars and the occasional casino.

Bars and Pubbing in Croatia

Plenty of choice in watering holes at all levels can be found in the beach resorts and larger Croatian cities, from the informal pivnica pubs to popular lounge bars, cafes serving alcohol and Irish pubs with all the trimmings. A good example is Zagreb's Dublin Pub (Maximirska 75, Zagreb), with its huge selection of Croatian and international beers, and Pivnica Medvedgrad (Samaborska Cesta 217, Zagreb), a favorite for great service, affordable prices and lively crowd.

The wines in Croatia have a history that dates back to the early Greek settlers and the Istria peninsula is where to head if you want to sample the best of the best. Hundreds of vineyards dot the hilly landscape and thanks to the rich soil of the Mirna River valley and Adriatic Sea, producing complex whites with a few varietals of reds.

For motorcycle buffs, the Bikers' Beer Factory (Savska 150, Zagreb) is a must for its dimly-lit ambience and laid-back clientele, whereas Bulldog (Bogoviceva 6, Zagreb) is the city's see-and-be-seen haunt with nightly live music, DJs and plenty of dancing. The club scene is best in the resorts, with open-air Club Papaya (Novalja, Pag Island, Zadar) one of the leading exponents for its wild parties until 7:00 a.m. For spectacular beach fun, the Southern Comfort Beach Bar (Baska Voda Island, Croatia) is open all day and most of the night.

Opatija's famous Hemingway Bar (Zert 2, Opatija) is a resort club that stays open until 6:00 a.m. with most bars and pubs in the area shuttering at 11:00 p.m. Dubrovnik is a hub for trendy nightlife, with jazz fans heading to the Trubador Hard Jazz Café (Buniceva Poljana 2, Dubrovnik) for live performances by talented local musicians. For cocktails served by the bucket, Galerie (Kuniceva 5, Dubrovnik Old Town) is the place to be, which doesn't open until 9:00 p.m.

Dining and Cuisine in Croatia

Gostionikas and konobas are local, family-run restaurants that serve freshly-caught fish, hand-smoked meats, homegrown vegetables and house-made wines. In Zagreb and the main resorts, international foods such as Italian, Greek, French and Asian cuisine can be found, with fine dining mainly in the upscale hotels. Zagreb's Italian favorite is Gallo (Herbrangova 34, Zagreb), a stylish venue that serves delicious dishes of good value.

Another trendy Zagreb eatery is Dubravkin Put ( Dubravkin Put 2, Upper Town, Zagreb), known for its seafood and vast selection of wines. Traditional, high quality, Central Croatian and Istrian fare is found at Tac (Vhrovec 140, Zagreb), known for its seasonal specialties. If you're in Dubrovnik, don't miss Sesame , (Dante Alighieri, Dubrovnik), set in a 200-year old house that serves innovative Mediterranean dishes. For a meat feast, Konabo Mediterano (Androviceva, Dubrovnik) boasts outdoor dining on a pretty square.

Split is the heartland of traditional Croatian cuisine, with international foods hard to come by, but the quality more than makes up for the lack of choice. Eating where the locals go is the rule, with stewed meats, grilled seafood fresh straight the harbor and home-made pasta the highlights. Nostromo (next to the Fish Market, Split) is one of the best, set in a plain building enlivened by the presentation of the dishes.

Traditional

Buffet Fife (Veli Varos, Split) is another unpretentious restaurant with its highlight the delicious, meaty, Pasticada stew.

•Culled from www.olaleone.com

Croatia - History and Culture

Croatia's violent early history has much to do with the country's strategic position on the edge of Europe, sitting precariously between the Ottoman Empire and the great rulers of Austria and Hungary. A permanently independent nation for the first time in 2,000 years, its culture and heritage reflects the diverse influences of the past.

History

Croatia is an ancient, much-sought after land which came to prominence with small Greek colonies and its conquest by the Romans in 9 AD. Diocletian's Palace in Split, built in 305 AD, was the 5th century Imperial base for the Western Roman Empire. Most Roman towns were destroyed by invading Avar and Croat armies in the 7th century, with the survivors retreating to the islands, mountains and Dubrovnik, founded in the mid-7th century.

By the 9th century, Croatian realms had been documented, and Christianity was introduced. The medieval kingdom peaked in the 11th century until conflict saw it join with Hungary in 1102 AD.
During the following four centuries, Venice gained control in 1428 and later Ottoman conquests divided the country until a Hapsburg monarch was appointed as ruler.

Ottoman victories continued until the late 17th century when the First French Empire's forces occupied the Adriatic coastline and hinterlands from 1809 until Austro-Hungary seized power, creating the Kingdom of Dalmatia. Nationalism rose back in the 1830s, but in the following decades, the country was shuffled back and forth between Austria and Hungary rule. WWI ended any chance of settlement and it was here in the Balkans that the entire conflict was precipitated when Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated.

In the years between 1921 and 1931, political chaos and dictatorship prevented unity until the constitution established the region of Yugoslavia. During WWII the country was occupied by German and Italian forces, and the resistance movement became Communist partisans after the war. By the 1990s, Communism had faded and the Croatian War of Independence from 1991-1995 finally led to a means to an end — an independent state.

Culture

The rich culture of Croatia is a mix of past traditions seasoned with remnants of the earlier Greek, Roman and Bronze Age civilizations. Expressed in early times in music, dance, art and Catholicism's magnificent architecture, its visual elements were also influenced by the Venetian Renaissance period.

Although Croatians show a strong sense of national pride after centuries of conflict, regional cultures are still upheld, characterized by differences in topography, economy, cuisine, folklore, and dialect. Traces of Serbia remain, although most ethnic Serbs have left Croatia for refugee camps in Serbia.

Symbolism plays a large part in modern day Croatia, with inspiration drawn from folk culture and history, medieval roots, rural traditions, Catholicism, and Viennese high culture. Village customs, national costume, folk dances, music and song have been powerful tools to help preserve the heritage of the land.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Croatia Holidays and Festivals

Croatia holidays and events revolve around tradition, culture, music, dance, religious and secular occasions, and are celebrated with enormous enthusiasm by the citizens of this newly independent country. Most large cities hold their own pre-Lenten carnivals, many of which have existed for centuries. Two of the best are the Rijeka Carnival and the Dubrovnik Carnival.

Rijeka International Carnival

The traditional roots of the Rijeka Carnival go back years, with highlights such as 'ugly masks' reputed to chase away demons and evil spirits, street parties, a famous International Parade with participants representing countries around the world, a Children's Parade, and large-scale eating and drinking. Tens of thousands of visitors come to Croatia for the celebration beginning on January 17, which runs for five weeks.

Feast of St Blaise, Dubrovnik

St Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik, whose birthday has been celebrated on Candlemas for over 800 years. On February 2, white doves are released from St Blaise's Church, and the day of festivities sees a morning mass, grand parade with reliquaries and images carried by elaborately costumed local people and festivities in the square around the church. The historic event is on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage list.

Dubrovnik Carnival

Celebrated every February in Croatia for the last 600 years in the heart of Dubrovnik, Carnival on Stradun Street is crowded with locals in fabulous costumes or futuristic get-ups, riders in medieval armor carrying lances, street theater performers and bands. The main parade is magnificent and there are jousting competitions, masquerade balls and street parties.

Split Olympic Sailing Week

March in Split sees the arrival of the beautiful people and their equally beautiful yachts for a week of racing along Croatia's southern coast. People-watching and celebrity-spotting are favorites at this time.

Easter

The symbols of Easter in Croatia are the gorgeously decorated Pisanica Eggs, dating back to Slavic pagan times and adopted into Christian celebrations in the 9th century. The festival begins on Palm Sunday, with many towns holding parades of religious icons nightly. Coastal townspeople don traditional costumes and sing hymns; reenacting bible stories and blessing the city gates.

Croatian Statehood Day

Held annually in June, Statehood Day is one of the most important festivals for Croatians as it celebrates the creation of an independent nation rising from the ashes of a war-torn land. Festivities take place all over the country with official and unofficial events; but this is not to be confused with October's Independence Day.

Split Summer Festival

The Split Summer Festival is an open-air feast of plays, concerts, operas, and ballet performances taking place July and August in Diocletian's Palace, the Basement Halls and many other venues. Outdoor stages are set up for international and Croatian artists and musicians, and the festival attracts a large number of overseas visitors.

Zadar Night of the Full Moon

August's full moon is a time of traditional along the coastline around Zadar's harbor. All the lights are turned off and the quays and harbor are lit by candles. Singing, dancing, eating and viewing the full moon in all its splendor are favorite occupations during this romantic night.

Ozijek International Pannonian Challenge

This unique August event is a must for fans of extreme sports, as is draws international names and talented amateurs in stunt-riding, mountain biking, skateboarding and inline skating to give shows and demonstrations for a huge audience.

International Puppet Theater Festival

Zagreb's International Puppet Festival kicks off in September and attracts profession and amateur puppeteers from all over the world. Running for over 45 years now, performances take place in many of Croatia's theaters, streets and squares, drawing huge audiences of locals and visitors. The shows last for five days and are split between children's and adult themes.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas celebrations all over Croatia kick off December 6 with pretty lights, carols, markets, and concerts. Christmas Day is a family occasion, beginning with midnight mass, traditional foods and folk customs. Djed Mraz is Santa Claus in Croatia, who brings gifts on St Nicholas Day, New Year's Day or Christmas Day. The New Year is a huge time for celebrations with fireworks, bonfires, local cuisine and parties everywhere.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Russia - Food and Restaurants

Both Moscow and St Petersburg have a great choice of fine dining, with world-class restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines, as well as examples of the best Russian cuisine, and other regional favorites, Uzbek and Georgian. Tibetan and Japanese is also popular here, and local eateries serve good fare at reasonable prices. Fast food chains have taken hold, but there are plenty of more unique options for defeating hunger pangs. Russian cafés and street vendors serve blinis (stuffed pancakes), stuffed potatoes, meat pies and filling soups to stay warm. In local restaurants, menus are in Cyrillic script, but normally have accompanying pictures of each dish.

Bars and Pubbing in Russian Federation

Russians love to drink, with beer and vodka the favorite tipples. Both are cheap, and the choices plentiful with everything from bars and pubs to street vendors serving alcohol and spirits. Prices in St Petersburg are even cheaper than in Moscow, but mixed cocktail are the exception, which are very expensive in both bars and clubs. Medovukha (mead) is a reasonably-priced alternative. Closing hours are flexible, with returning revelers often seen on the early Metro trains around 3:00 a.m.

Moscow's bars vary in style from contemporary clubs to crowded and basic watering holes. The hot, see-and-be-seen Bar Strelka (9 Bolotnaya Neberezhnaya, Moscow) is known for its trendy Russian crowd and ultra-modern design. Shop and Bar Denis Simachev (12 Stoleshnikov Per, Moscow) is the brainchild of the famous fashion designer and morphs into a club at 10:00 p.m. each night. The Real McCoy (1 Kudrinkskaya Ploshchad) is a popular American-style expat pub with dancing on weekends.

Nightlife in St Petersburg centers around small, unpretentious bars and pubs in the downtown district. O'Hooligan's Irish Pub (14 Bol Konushennaya, St Petersburg) is popular with expats and locals alike, with occasional live music, flat-screen tv for sports games, and good pub grub. Queens Bar (13 Gorokhovaya Ulitsa, St Petersburg) is cozy and great for its DJ-led hip-hop, funk, soul, and Latin music.
Prokhodimet's Beerhouse (8 Rubinshteyna Ulitsa), has a scruffy, casual vibe resembling an informal cellar party.

Dining and Cuisine in Russian Federation

Russian gastronomy varies widely across the vast land, but is surprisingly inventive and delicious. Moscow has a wide variety of everything from fine dining to Stolovayas (giant food courts under major Metro stations or near famous monuments). Heading for single-cuisine eateries is the best idea for quality food, while fixed-price business lunches are popular and a good value. Russians love to eat, though, so you are guaranteed a good choice of venues to suit all pockets and tastes in every district.

Azerbaijani restaurants are the latest fad, and authentic Armenian food is a delicious treat at Restaurant Gavam (7 Rossolimo Ulitsa, Moscow). The spicy Georgian food is well worth a try, and Japanese cuisine is also a Russian favorite. For inter-war nostalgia and good food, Dyadya Vanya (Pushkinskaya, Moscow) is the place to go, and if you're feeling adventurous, head to The Old Tower (5 Teatralnaja, Mioscow), for elk and other game dishes along with a huge beer menu in a medieval setting. For a unique gourmet experience, Chemodan (25 Gogol Boulevard, Moscow), serves traditional Siberian cuisine, rich in river fish, game, mushrooms, and berries.

St Petersburg's specializes in hot crepes on the street, served with mushrooms and caviar alongside a cup of strong, hot tea. That said, the center of the city is gourmet heaven, with restaurants open 24/7 and a choice of cozy, charming eateries such as Pirogi (40 Fontanki Reki, St Petersburg), which becomes a bar after dark and a music venue after midnight. The best Georgian cuisine in town, complete with an English menu, is found at the unpretentious Kafe Ket (22 Stremyannaya Ukl,m St Petersburg), and if you're craving a steak, Montana Saloon (20 Kirochnaya Str, St Petersburg) can't be beaten for American food in Russia.

•Culled from www.iexplore.com

Russia - History and Culture

Russia's multi-ethnic history is violent, confusing, and redolent, with invasions, counter-measures, great leaders and equally-powerful monsters, such as Ivan the Terrible and Stalin. Until recently on the world timeline, the vast country was largely agricultural or deserted, with the height of the industrial revolution clashing with the stirrings of revolutionary sentiment that resulted in the massive upheavals of the 20th century.

History

A region populated mainly by nomadic tribes until the 7th century, Russia became formally settled with the migration of Slavic tribes, first to Western Russia and later peacefully assimilating with the Finno-Ugric people. By the 10th and 11th centuries, Viking invaders had settled and Kievan Rus state was one of the wealthiest in northern Europe. Vladimir the Great and his son Yaroslav the Wise ruled successively over the Golden Age of Kiev and oversaw the beginning of Russian Orthodox Christianity in the land.

By the 12th century, the Golden Age was fading, with the final blow for Kievan Rus being the invasion of Genghis Khan's Golden Hordes, who ruled central and southern Russia as part of the great Mongol Empire for more than 200 years. The successor state to Kievan Rus was the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which made its move on the south-central region in the early 14th century, unifying and expanding the territory.

The first Russian Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, was crowned in 1547, and conquered the Tatar lands and much of Siberia, setting the stage for Russia as it is today. After centuries of conflict, Imperial Russia came into being in 1721 under Tsar Peter the Great, with his Western outreach and innovation carried on by Tsaritza Catherine the Great in 1762.

By the late 19th century, socialist revolution seemed inevitable, leading to the murder of the last Russian Tsar and all his family in 1917. After the October Revolution led by Lenin, the world's first socialist state was created, although civil war between the Red and White factions led to the Stalin years and the Great Purge, one of the bloodiest periods in Russia's history.

During WWII, Hitler's forces took on Russia's land, armies, and vicious winter weather, sustaining major defeats in Moscow, Stalingrad, and Leningrad. The Soviet army ousted the Japanese forces in Manchuria and entered Berlin in May 1945. Subsequently, Eastern Europe was ceded to Russia, and the Cold War began after their acquisition of nuclear weapons.

The Khrushchev Thaw, under President Nikita Khrushchev, launched the de-Stalinization of Russia, and with a brief hiccup over Cuba, and successfully eases the tension between the two world superpowers, a process completed by President Michael Gorbachev and his Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) policies. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the USSR was fully dissolved and its satellite states became independent.

Culture

The culture of Russia is hard to define due to its massive size and plethora of ethnicities. However, certain aspects such as family loyalty and dependency, immense pride in the land and its traditions, and endurance are common traits. The collective spirit developed by centuries of living in small agricultural communities and during the Soviet era is strong, as is the determination of the Russian people to better their lives by any means possible.

Russians love music, the arts, literature, philosophy, and theater, as well as eating and drinking, and could be described as quintessential party people. Highly talented in cultural pursuits, they're also very superstitious, with long lists of rituals based on folklore and magical beliefs still a part of everyday life. Russian folk songs and dances are part of most celebrations, and traditional instruments, such as the balalaika and gypsy guitar, are still popular today.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Russia Holidays and Festivals

Russia holidays are mostly based around religion, music, dance, or food and drink, with a few recalling ancient pagan rituals almost lost in the clamor of the modern world. Favorites are Orthodox Christmas, Easter, and the pre-Lenten Carnival.

Russian Orthodox Christmas

A different calendar is used in the Orthodox religion, with Christmas falling on January 7 and celebrated with joy in churches and homes across the huge country. Families gather to worship, midnight masses glow with hundreds of candles, and the snow glitters with the reflection of Christmas lights.

Maslenitsa Festival

February's Maslenitsa Festival is the pre-Lenten carnival, lasting a week. Full of traditional fun and games; enjoy parades, live music, Russian dances, nighttime fireworks, and endless eating and drinking in preparation for the fast during Lent.

International Women's Day

Moscow's International Women's Day in March is a major event on the festival calendar, with women's groups from all over the city parading, campaigning, and rallying to make the world a better and more equal place for the female race.

Easter

As with Christmas, Orthodox Easter falls later than Easter on the regular Christian calendar, usually in early April. It's a quieter celebration, but perhaps the loveliest religious festival of the year, taking place from Palm Sunday through the church services on Easter Sunday.

Stars of White Nights Festival

Held in St Petersburg's Mariinski Theater, this festival kicks off in May and ends in July, highlighting the Russian love of opera, classical music, and ballet with top artists, orchestras, solo musicians, and conductors showing off their talent.

St Petersburg Beer Festival

The June Beer Festival is one of the all-time favorites in St Petersburg, featuring hundreds of brands laid out at the Peter and Paul Fortress. Thousands attend, and there's live music and food to keep the party going.

St John the Baptist's Day

This festival, held on the saint's birthday in July, is in fact a pagan holiday when bonfires are lit in cities, towns, and villages across the country. Young couples gather to jump through the flames hand-in-hand as a demonstration of their undying love for each other.

International Moscow Film Festival

Held in June and running through early July, the International Film Festival is a truly international event. Celebrities and famous directors arrive for the screenings of Russian documentaries, short films, and the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Den' Goroda

September sees Den' Goroda (City Day), the celebration of the founding of Moscow. Free street concerts, festivities, and parties bring many thousands of Muscovites into the parks and boulevards, and the pubs and bars do a roaring trade.

Russian Winter Festival

Moscow's Russian Winter festival kicks off mid-December with a plethora of cold weather events taking place at Izmailovo Park. Troika (sleigh) rides, folk music and dance, skating on the lake and frozen pathways, warming street food, and lots of vodka make this one of the year's favorite celebrations.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bulgaria - Food and Restaurants

Bulgarian cuisine is heartier moreso than adventurous, usually based on meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese , and yogurt, with noticeable Greek and Turkish influences. The Bulgarian fruit brandy,
rakia, has been produced since the 14th century and the country is also well known for its wine. The folksy culture encourages relaxed, affordable, social meals and partying.

Bars and Pubbing in Bulgaria

Sofia may be the national capital, but the resort towns are better known for their nightlife, particularly in the summer high season. The Varna seafront promenade of Sunny Beach is the best area for clubs, such as the DJ driven Mania Disco Club (Main Street 8240, Sunny Beach). The ultra hip Bedroom is a popular dance spot with venues at both Sunny Beach (Cacao Beach, Sunny Beach) and Sofia (3 Narodno Sabranie Square Sofia).

Sofia, of course, is not without watering holes, with trendy spots such as the ever popular Buddha Bar (Rila Hotel, 15A Lege St, Sofia). Alternatively, those who fancy a British style pub or want to catch an international sports game can head to The Fox & Hound (34 Angel Kanchev tr Sofia) or the Irish Harp (7 Sveta Sofia Str). Most bars are open from 10:00 a.m. until midnight, after which point revelers move onto the clubs. Those who like live music can head to venues like Backstage (100, Vasil Levski Blvd, Sofia) which has a bar, stage and pool hall.

The mountain resort town of Bansko is also great for going out, particularly in winter. There are a lot of traditional Bulgarian taverns such as the famous
Voyvodata Tavern (16 Pirin Str, Bansko), serving local wines and beer, particularly around the terraces of Nikola Vaptsarov place or Pirin Street, The clubs and discos offer dancing and DJs until about 2:00 a.m. at venues like Oxygen (Bulgaria Street, Bansko).

Dining and Cuisine in Bulgaria

A typical Bulgarian meal will usually be served with a shopska salad made from feta, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Meat on skewers and moussaka are other popular dishes which can be found at traditional restaurants like Trops Kashta (Knyaz Boris I, Varna). The Happy Bar and Grill (25 Osvoboditel Blvd, Varna) is well known and serves cheap, tasty food on a balcony with views of the beach.

Sofia is the place to go for high-end dining with restaurants such as Lebed (Pancharevo lake, Serdica, Sofia) serving up exciting modern cuisine in chic environments. Sidoniya (Hristo Belchev 29B, residence Anastasia, Sofia) is another upscale joint which serves highly rated innovative fusion food. 

There are other cuisines on offer as well, with La Capannina (9 Narodno Sabranie Sq., Sofia) that focuses on Italian or L'etranger (ul. Tsar Simeon 78, Sofia) which specializes in French cuisine.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bulgaria - History and Culture

Bulgaria is an atmospheric country with a long and sometimes difficult history that has produced a modern, vibrant civilization that retains its most charming elements of the past, including ancient rituals and folklore. The influences of different cultures and the Eastern Orthodox Church have also shaped the nation, particularly in terms of festivals and food.

History

The Thracian people were some of the first to populate Bulgaria in various tribal settlements that were united in the Odrysian kingdom of King Teres around 500 BC. Alexander the Great conquered the region, which fell to the Roman Empire in 46 AD before coming under Byzantine control in the 5th century.

The First Bulgarian Empire was established in 681 through a tribe's treaty with Byzantium that saw the establishment of the capital at Pliska. A common Slavonic language and written laws were developed as the Bulgarian state was strengthened and its territory expanded by succeeding khans during the 8th and 9th centuries. Eastern Orthodox Christianity was instituted in 864 and the Cyrillic alphabet was created and adopted as the official language in the late 9th century. The 34-year golden age rule of Simeon the Great began in 893 and saw Bulgaria gain further expansion.

After Simeon's death, heresy and war with neighboring nations weakened the country and saw the First Bulgarian Empire fall to the Byzantines in 1018. To prevent rebellion, Emperor Basil II allowed the local nobility to rule, a policy which ended upon his death, prompting an outbreak of unsuccessful uprisings.

Nobles of the Asen dynasty created the Second Bulgarian Empire after a revolt in 1185, establishing the capital at Tarnovo. The state flourished under the Asen dynasty, which lasted until 1257 when internal conflicts and attacks from Byzantine, Hungarian and Mongol forces saw the town crumble. Three tsars and countless warring semi-independent principalities emerged toward the end of the 14th century and eventually fell to Ottoman conquest.

Ottoman rulers classified the Bulgarians as inferior, repressing their culture and imposing heavy taxes. The nobility were eradicated, the educated clergy fled to other countries and the peasants were enslaved. They ruled for five centuries during which time there were many unsuccessful revolts, including the 1876 April Uprising which saw the Ottomans massacre about 30,000 locals to stop the rebellion. The Great Powers of the United Kingdom, the Austrian Empire, Prussia, France, and Russia tried to negotiate an intervention which paved the way for Russia to declare war on the Ottomans in 1877. Bulgarian volunteers helped defeat the dictators and tried to establish a new state in 1878 based on the territories of the second Bulgarian state. The Great Powers rejected this, creating only a small land through a subsequent treaty which left many Bulgarians outside of their new country.

The new Bulgarian principality gained land from Serbia, declared itself an independent state in 1908 and becoming increasingly militarized. The country was involved in two Balkan Wars and WWI between 1912 and 1918, which saw the area lose a large amount of territory and ruined the economy.

Tsar Boris III established a dictatorship, which in 1941, saw Bulgaria enter WWII as a member of the Axis forces. However, Bulgaria saved its Jewish population from being deported to concentration camps by abstaining from participation in Operation Barbarossa. Boris III died in 1943, which created political turmoil around the time the war turned against Germany and a local Communist guerilla movement began to gain momentum. The communist Fatherland Front took power in late 1944, abolishing monarchy and breaking its alliance with Germany to join the Allies.

A single party republic was established in 1946 and, under a Soviet planned economy; the standard of living had risen by the mid-1950's, which saw a reduction in political repression. Some experimental market-oriented policies emerged under the 1954-1989 leadership of Todor Zhivkov, and his daughter improved national pride through the worldwide promotion of Bulgarian art, heritage, and culture. A project of assimilation to erase the identity of the ethnic Turk minority began in 1984, resulting in their mass emigration to Turkey.

The collapse of the Eastern Bloc caused the Communist Party of Bulgaria to end its political monopoly with the resignation of Zhivkov and the transition towards a parliamentary democracy. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (the newly renamed Communist Party) won the first free elections in 1990 and established a new constitution in 1991. The new system resulted in an economy and average living standard below that of the Communist period until a 1997 reform began to restore growth. In 2004, Bulgaria joined NATO and the country became a European Union member in 2007.

Culture

The culture of Bulgaria is based on an interesting blend of Thracian, Slavic and Bulgar traditions, along with the influence of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Many ancient customs remain, such as Thracian fire dancing, which is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Bulgaria also has a strong folkloric tradition that pervades many aspects of art, literature, music, celebrations and daily life.

Amongst other powers, Bulgaria has been conquered by the Roman, Ottoman and Persian regimes, and many of these attempted to repress local culture. However, a strong linguistic base and resilient and determined outlook allowed Bulgaria to preserve and retain its identity, emerging as an independent nation with unique food, traditions, habits and beliefs, of which the people are justifiably proud.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bulgaria Holidays and Festivals

Bulgaria holidays and celebrations are strongly influenced by the Eastern Orthodox religious calendar, as well an opportunity to practice musical, culinary, ritual or costumed traditions which have been preserved from pagan times. The seasons also play a part, with many regions having special folk festivals that embrace aspects of agricultural harvest cycles.

New Year

New Year in Bulgaria provides an opportunity for visitors to witness the preserved Pagan tradition of Kukeri, particularly in the area around Radzalog. On January 1, residents are woken up very early by bells sounded by dancing men dressed in frightening costumes made of goat hair and wooden ram masks, often with a good and evil face. Groups of these costumed bachelors, led by a married man, visit all the homes on the street wishing good health and good harvest in return for small gifts such as beans or eggs. Everyone eventually congregates in the town square to celebrate with music, dancing and food.

Apollonia Arts Festival

The 10-day Apollonia Arts Festival has been held at the end of summer in the seaside town of Sozopol since 1984. The event celebrates the Greek god of music and dance with a number of performances taking place in a variety of venues including the art gallery, Archeological Museum and the Apollonia Amphitheater. There are exhibitions, activities for children, concerts, master classes, and film premieres.

Velikden (Easter)

The Easter Holy week is one of the biggest events in the Bulgarian religious year. The festival of Velikden, as it is known, falls in late February or early April and begins with Palm Sunday and leads up to the Great Day the following Sunday. Traditions are shaped by the Eastern Orthodox Church and include baking Easter breads and coloring bright red eggs. The fasting of Lent leads to midnight mass on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The culmination is a day of feasting, celebrations, egg cracking and gift giving. Friends and relatives throw their red eggs at each other and the last person left with an unbroken egg is said to have good luck for the year.

Independence Day

Independence Day is marked with a public holiday on September 22 to commemorate the creation of modern-day Bulgaria in 1908. The event is celebrated through military and civilian parades, special church services, flag raising ceremonies, laying of wreaths at war memorials, music, dancing and parties.

St Constantine and Elena Day

The holiday of St Constantine and Elena falls on May 21 when many small villages on the Strandja Mountain in southern Bulgaria hold festivals featuring fire-walking to guard against hail. Barefoot fire dancers mark the arrival of summer by walking across hot coals in a trance, in standard Thracian tradition from pagan times. The eve of May 20 sees processions, music, dancing and visits by the devoted to the local shrine of the saints bearing votive offerings.

International Jazz Festival

Established in 1998, the International Jazz Festival takes place over five days the second week of August in the popular winter resort of Bansko. The event attracts leading performers and features free daytime concerts at restaurants, small stages set around the charming old town, and at the large resorts. In the evening, the actions centers around the stage in Nikola Vaptsarov Square open for outdoor performances that attract large crowds.

Bourgas International Folk Festival

The end of August sees national and international folk performers and dance troupes descend on the town of Bourgas for the Bourgas International Folk Fest. The festival was created in 1965 and features traditional Bulgarian food and handicraft bazaars, open-air concerts, shows, folk recitals, parades, choirs, orchestras, and bands. The Summer Theater of Bourgas' hosts a number of performances throughout the event.

Christmas

Bulgarian Christmas celebrations follow the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Groups singing Christmas carols are common, particularly in smaller towns and villages. Many people will fast or give up a vice for the forty days leading up to Christmas Eve on December 24, when families will share a vegan meal and, in some areas, hide a coin in a pita, with the one finding it having good luck for the following year. December 25, Christmas Day, is a great feast, with meat and dairy being served to break the fast. Christmas trees and gift giving are also common practice in Bulgaria.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Food and Restaurants

Bosnian and Herzegovinians have a meat-centric diet. Traditional cuisine has obvious Turkish influences, and there is no shortage of the ubiquitous Balkan kebab. There are restaurants just about everywhere, even in small towns, where flame grilled meat and meat stews are staples. Don't miss the succulent jagnjetina, grilled mutton or lamb, as well as bosanski ionac , a form of meat stew that is cooked on an open fire. Many good restaurants are sprinkled around Sarajevo's central shopping district, as well as in the old town and they all serve exquisite and reasonably priced food.

Bars and Pubbing in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nightlife is vibrant everywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the capital. Clubs and bars stay open until early morning, but if you prefer people-watching, trendy cafés can be found along major attractions. Opera Bar (B Sarajeva 25, Sarajevo) is a popular stop for opera-goers and people in the performance arts community. It's also an excellent place for espresso and traditional Turkish coffee. 

Connectum/Klub Knjige (Veliki Curciluk 27, Sarajevo) is worth a visit for a typical bookstore-café experience.

If it's lively beats and electric crowds you are looking for, head to Sarajevo's nightclubs and cocktail bars. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the busiest, so think about reserving a table or at least arriving early to secure a spot in popular places like Central Café (Strosmajerova 1, Bascarsija), known for its tasty cocktails, good crowd and cutting-edge music. Tre Bicchieri Wine Store & Tasting Bar (Cobanija 3, Sarajevo) has a wide menu of Italian wines plus a relaxing atmosphere.

The old town is lined with lively dance bars where you can mix and mingle with the locals, as well as other tourists and night owls. Baghdad Café (Bazardzani 4, Sarajevo) is one of the more popular choices across from Hacienda restaurant, along with many other dance clubs that stay open late on weekends.

Other areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina have a lively nightlife, too. Banja Luka has cool bars, while breweries can be found in cities such as Bihac. Mostar has a selection of nice Old Town lounge bars including Ali Baba's Cave (Old Town, Mostar), while Neum's beach scene is more low-key and geared towards families. Winemaking is a longstanding tradition for locals, dating as far back as Roman times. Popular regional drinks and spirits made from fruits are good. Try
sljivovica, a plum brandy or ioza, a clear brandy.

Dining and Cuisine in Bosnia and Herzegovina

All urban centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina have top-quality restaurants serving not only traditional cuisine, but international fares like Italian, Vietnamese, and Mediterranean. In addition to grilled meats and stews served jagnjetina and bosanski ionac-style, local specialties like burek and cevapcici are also worth lining up for. Cevapcici is the tasty local sausage made from beef and lamb, while burek is a type of pie (either meat or cheese) made with filo dough or pita. The old town in Sarajevo is bursting with shops that sell burek and other varieties of the pastry like zeljanica, krompirusa, and tikvinica .

When in the capital, simply follow your nose and you'll find a great restaurant. Bambus (Ferhadija 32, Sarajevo), right in the central shopping district, is a good choice for quality food at a reasonable price. If you are looking for traditional Bosnian food, head to Bsanska Kuca (Bravadziluk 3, Bascarsija), which is known for its veal broth ( muckalica) served indoors or outdoors. Vegehana (Ferhadija 39, Sarajevo) is another local favorite, as is Park Princeva (Iza Hrida br. 7, Sarajevo). Slightly more expensive, it is worth the extra convertible mark for its elevated location where guests can enjoy scenic views of the city.

There are many Turkish restaurants in Sarajevo, as well. Inat Kuca (Veliki Alifakovac 1, Bascarsija) is known for its tasty stews and riverside setting, while Ottoman Kebap House (Old Town, Sarajevo) serves up spicier fare. For quality Mexican food in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hacienda (Bazardzani 3, Sarajevo) is your best bet. Frequented by the hip crowd, this trendy place is known for house music, tasty cocktails, and it stays open until early morning.

Delicious vegan choices are available at Karuzo (Mehmeda Spahe, Sarajevo), but the place is small, with seating for only 18 people, so allow yourself plenty of time to spare if you want to give it a try.

Moja Mala Kuhinja (Sarajevo) features live cooking demonstrations and is owned by celebrity chef Muamer Kurtagic.

Outside the capital, both high-end and budget choices are still easy to find, with Banja Luka boasting the cellar-housed Kazamat (Tvardjava Kastel, Banja Luka) for excellent three-course meals. Mostar Old Town has the usual array of pizzas and grills, as well as places serving traditional Bosnian fare. Seaside Neum mostly features grill houses, many of which serve sardines.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bosnia and Herzegovina - History and Culture

Bosnia and Herzegovina's colorful past is evident in its centuries-old architectural marvels, art scene and cuisine. There are three main constituent peoples in the country, namely the Bosniaks, the Serbs, and the Croats, and each group maintains its ethnic distinction. Turkish influence is evident in many elements of culture as the country was occupied by the Ottomans for almost 400 years. This caused the population to develop diverse religious sects, including Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and Islam.

History

The current Bosnia and Herzegovina is a product of an interesting cultural, political, and social story. It started with the emergence of Illyrian civilizations, which evolved into the Bosnian Kingdom. The kingdom eventually became an annexation of the Ottoman Empire and later, the Austro Hungarian Monarchy. Long years of war followed, from WWI to the fight for independence in the mid-1990's.

Bosnia was under different empires throughout its history. It was first occupied by the Romans, then the Slavs and the Hungarians, until the Ottomans began attacking the region in the late 1300's. Ottoman domination caused a great shift in the culture, beliefs and norms of the people, evident in the fascinating mix of religious architecture throughout the country, especially in the old district of the capital. As Ottoman rule weakened, Bosnians joined forces with the Slavs from Croatia and Serbia in an uprising against the Turks. They were victorious in driving away the Ottomans, but Bosnians found themselves under new rulers.

After WWI, the Kingdom of the Serbs—which included Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia—was formed and Bosnia was annexed as a new nation. The country was renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The region saw the horror of ethnic cleansing, and resistance movements emerged between Chetniks (Serbian nationalists) and the Partisans of Yugoslavia. The war ended in favor of the Partisans, and Bosnia-Herzegovina became a republic three years later. All six republics (Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia) were under the communist leadership of Josip Broz Tito, who ruled with an oppressive hand. This led to a strong fight for autonomy, especially after the political instability and economic hardship brought on by Tito's death in 1980.

Nationalist Slobodan Milosevic assumed presidency in Serbia in 1989 and ruled on a vision of a Greater Serbia that was free from all other ethnicities. Following elections in the other Yugoslav republics, a Muslim party won in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the nationalists claimed victory in Croatia. Slovenia and Croatia declared independence and were granted freedom from Serbia in 1991 and 1992, respectively.

Bosnia, however, was left stuck between the two, and was eventually divided. This triggered the Bosnian War for independence between Croats and the Muslims of Bosnia, and between the Muslims of Bosnia and the Serbs which lasted until the mid-1990's.

The Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo) contains nearly half a million historical artifacts that epitomize the long, gruesome and rich history of the country. More interesting relics can be found in the Museum of the National Struggle for Liberation (Jajce). Monuments and memorials stand as a testament to the triumphs and tribulations of war and revolution that eventually led to the country's freedom.

Culture

Bosnian and Herzegovinian culture is heavily influenced by its rich heritage. Cultural diversity is the very core of the country. The population is divided into many groups, but a majority of them are Bosnians, Serbs, and Croats. People of Jewish, Albanian, Romanian, and Turkish descent live peacefully alongside other groups despite differences in their beliefs. Their diversity is also evident in social norms, religious and cultural festivities, music, art, and cuisine.

Regional dances and folk costumes are a treat to watch, and you'll see a lot of them during festivals. Often dancers are linked together either by holding hands or by gripping strings of beads, handkerchiefs, or a piece of each other's clothing as a sign of unity. These performances are accompanied by traditional instruments like flutes, drums, lyres, and violins.

There is strong religious influence in the art and architecture of the country. Among its many attractions are medieval tombstones that can be traced back to the Bosnian Kingdom. Art in the form of early church paintings and carved panels showcase various religious icons of biblical study and saints associated with Catholic and Orthodox churches, synagogues, and mosques. Centuries-old religious buildings are also proof of the diverse culture, along with many other religious landmarks like Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (Sarajevo), which is the largest Muslim landmark in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

Bosnia and Herzegovina Holidays and Festivals

Whatever time of the year you choose to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, you'll never run out of things to do. The locals have an innate love for festivities and celebrations, so it is impossible to get bored. Fascinating Bosnia and Herzegovina holiday traditions and Olympic-style competitions are held in different regions throughout the year, along with countless religious celebrations.

International Sarajevo Winter Festival

This festival began in 1984 and has since grown to become one of the most anticipated events in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Often held in the month of February, art exhibits from different parts of the world compete for the highest title possible, the Sestoaprilska Negarda Sarajeva.

Banja Luka Choir Gathering

Held during April or May, this annual gathering has a series of programs that features some of the most angelic voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Kid's Festival

If you are planning a family vacation, try your best to catch the Kid's Festival, which is held during June. It is a great way to get children acquainted with the different types of art and to keep them entertained with workshops and fun. Performances feature jugglers, dancers and magicians.

Bascarsija Nights

One of the most popular cultural events in Sarajevo, the month-long festival of Bascarsija Nights features some 40 to 50 different events that honor the rich culture of Bosnia. It is marked by different children's programs, literary events, film showings, classical music, and even opera and ballet.

Summer on the Vrabas

Every year in July, this traditional celebration offers a unique mix of athletic competitions and cultural programs. It is held near Kastel Fortress and attracts athletes and artists who are eager to share their skills and display their abilities through presentations, racing and many other activities.

Sarajevo Film Festival

The Sarajevo Fim festival is held annually in August. Long and short regional films from a wide variety of genres are shown (some for free). It also serves as a huge venue for artists from all over the world to meet and share their passion for the arts.

Banja Luka Summer Games

Held in August, the Summer Games draw crowds from all over the world and Bosnia. Just like Summer on the Vrabas, this event takes place around the historic town of Kastel.

Jazzfest Sarajevo

Held in November, Jazzfest Sarajevo is the best place to enjoy Bosnia and Herzegovina's rich music scene. The city's café culture is at its liveliest.

*culled from www.iexplore.com