Festivities in Barcelona

Barcelona is a great place to visit during one of their many festivals. Why? Because excitement abounds and the festivities will offer you an experience that will last you a lifetime, and one that will make you want to return to Barcelona and do it all over again. The history of the city of Barcelona creates an amalgamation of ancient pagan rituals and today’s strong sense of religion, culminating in great celebrations that can go on for days on end.

Late February running through the 3rd of March there is the Carnival which takes place at night. Carnival was banned by the Franco dictatorship but today people get to enjoy the most exciting carnival experience ever. On the last day they celebrate Saint Medir with a loud procession and singing choirs.

In the beginning of the month of March marks the beginning of the Holy Week with a palm session for the Palm Sunday. As expected, festivities throughout the week will be religious and solemn in nature, until Easter Sunday when celebrations start anew. Festivities will run through to Easter Monday which happens to be a pagan holiday.

April marks the celebrations honoring Saint Jordi which also combines with rose and book festivities. It is a time in which Pagan meets religion in these engaging and entertaining, and at times guttural, celebrations.

June sees the start of the El Grec celebrations which are marked by dancing, events, concerts, and a series of performances.

The month of August sees Barcelonans and visitors celebrate the Feast of the Assumption which is marked with festivities and parties and great feasts.

September introduces to you the Festivity of La Merce (the patron saint of Barcelona), a period characterized by parades and dancing. You get sporting activities such as judo tournaments, sailing regattas, walking races, and even swimming competitions. Pagan rituals and religious ceremonies coincide harmoniously during this period.

The Month of December as expected is equally full of festivities, with Santa Lucia starting from the start of the month all through to Christmas. Santa Lucia is characterized by the annual crib fare which traditionally starts at the cathedral area. Santa Lucia festivities will merge with the Christmas Traditions to result in a very interesting combination of pagan rituals and religious anticipation. Generally though, the main celebration of Christmas is a private home affair.

Ushering the New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Barcelona with people in the restaurants, bars, and even the streets dressing up for the party. The atmosphere is normally a carnival one and as the clock ticks towards twelve, the strike of 12 sees people eat twelve grapes in tandem with each of the chimes.

Ensure you make note of all of the festivities in Barcelona when planning your holiday and join in the festivities. Many restaurants and stores are closed during the celebrations so plan ahead.

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Boston Film Festival - Dane Cook & Maria Menounos

Coachella Music Festival

New Years Times Square, New York

Unless you have been living on Mars for your whole life and are just arriving on planet Earth, you know something about the Times Square New Years Eve celebration. The famous ball drop at One Times Square is televised every year and has been a New York tradition since 1906. The lead-up to the famous ball drop was for years emceed by Dick Clark, who recently turned the reigns over to his multimedia liege, Ryan Seacrest, whose road to the top was paved by his host gig on television's über-popular "American Idol". Hundreds of thousands of people come to the free Times Square New Years celebration every year, so if you are looking to get a good spot, then you might want to show up early.

A couple things you will want to consider before you decide to usher in the 2011 New Year at Times Square are that it is sure to be cold and that you will at some point feel like you are part of a cattle drive. Officials at this event corral people into various hangout areas that are barricaded, and once you have your spot, you will have to stay put, lest you want to risk losing your friends for the rest of the night. Whatever you will have to put up with, though, it will be worth it to experience the Times Square New Years party, which is arguably something you should experience at least once in your life. A full schedule of this year's Times Square New Years Eve performers will be out in December.

The Times Square New Years Eve bash has become a tradition of the grandest sorts. Worldwide, people tune in to see the famous ball drop and this symbolic center of the city shines extra bright on the last night of the year. It is estimated that over 1 billion people around the world see the Times Square Ball descend, so when you are there live, it feels like you are truly a part of something special. That feeling is accentuated by the list of featured entertainment performances that take place at the Times Square New Years celebration. On the Times Square stage, you can see some of the top names in the music business perform some of their most popular songs. When the ball finally drops, the atmosphere is as electric as you will find anywhere on the planet. Balloons by the thousands drop, blizzard-like confetti dances all about and the pyrotechnic display is akin to an isolated Armageddon of sorts.

Once again, if you want to be part of the party at Times Square, you should consider arriving early, as it begins to fill up in the afternoon. Security will be tight all around the Times Square vicinity, and you are not allowed to bring bags or backpacks. There are no food booths to fill up at and no public drinking is allowed, although some vendors like Sbarro and Ray's Original Pizza will deliver much needed sustenance to you on the street. You can dine at the various Times Squares restaurants that will be open, some of which have a view of the ball. If you are looking to stay at one of the Times Square hotels, you will want to book your room as soon as yesterday. While there are more than 16,000 rooms available here, they will go fast.

If you don't want to stand around for hours out in the cold to be a part of the bulky crowd, there are various indoor New Years Eve parties Times Square has to offer. On Broadway, some of the featured New Years Eve parties Times Square shindigs will be held at TGI Friday's, Mars 2112, Carolines on Broadway, and the Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company. At Bubba Gump's and the Olive Garden, you will have views of the actual Times Square Ball dropping. Other locations will show a live broadcast of it. At the Tonic Times Square party on 7th Avenue, the party starts at 9 p.m. and lasts until 4 a.m. You can enjoy top shelf drinks at the open bar until 2 a.m. and there is a champagne toast at midnight. Your admission price also includes the after hours party at Sol, so hang on to your ticket stub.

Both TGI Friday's and Bubba Gump's will feature DJ's and buffet-style dinners and champagne toasts at midnight. If you are looking for an upscale option for New Years Eve parties Times Square affairs, you might secure a spot at the Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square on 7th Avenue. Parties numbering 2 to 10 people can find interior seating, and if you spring $500 dollars extra, you can have a window seat for the ball drop. There will be an open bar at the Renaissance until 1 a.m. and a cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres. Chef Anthony Paris will please your taste buds with his 5-course dinner, which features seafood, lamb and Kobe beef all accentuated with well-paired wines. Outside of Times Square, top clubs in Manhattan will be throwing some pretty raucous New Years Eve New York City bashes where you can party hearty. If you want to take a different approach, there will be options as well for New Years Eve cruises that are sure to be a good time as well. Families will find family-friendly parties spread about town, which will be more "controlled". When it comes to celebrating New Years Eve 2011, New York City has options that are appropriate for everybody.

Louisiana Festivals

Louisiana festivals showcase a state that has an incredible amount to offer both locals and visitors. Louisiana fairs, competitions, festivals, tournaments, holidays, and other special celebrations together illustrate the surprising diversity found throughout the state. Virtually any interest can be accommodated during Louisiana vacations through all the special events happening annually. Larger cities such as New Orleans have so many Louisiana festivals and events it can make your head spin! The many things to do throughout the entire year make put Louisiana at the top as a richly varied, exciting, and fun place to enjoy a getaway.

Baton Rouge festivals give all other Louisiana cities a run for their money when it comes to special events. The largest concentration of Louisiana fairs and festival in Baton Rouge fall between March and October, a time when visitors can enjoy some of the best weather. Kite Fest Louisiane happens every year in March, showcasing hundreds of colorful kites, a kite flying competition, terrific local food, and kite making workshops. Swamp Pop Music Festival in May, Pennington NABA National Ballooning Championship in August, and Cajun Oktoberfest are some of the best examples of the most exciting annual Baton Rouge festivals.

Smaller cities including Alexandria offer a few great Louisiana fairs and festival to experience too. In these close-knit communities, visitors will enjoy a more intimate involvement with activities and a deeper understanding of small-town Louisiana culture. Que in On The Red Barbecue Festival In March showcases some of the finest Cajun food in the state. Enjoy family friendly activities, excellent food, and fun water-based events during RiverFest at the end of April in Alexandra.

Throughout Lake Charles and Lafayette, visitors will find an enormous number of Louisiana festivals and events to choose between. Both vibrant tourist hubs draw visitors from all over exploring both area, which are a convenient hour away from each other by car. Since 1979, Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana has been celebrated with fervor each January in Lake Charles. Mardi Gras in Cajun Country is Lafayette's equal celebrated annually around the same time. Lake Charles also hosts the Black Heritage Festival in March, Cajun Music and Food Festival in July, and many other popular Louisiana fairs and festivals. Lafayette's big festival winners are April's Festival International de Louisiane, La Cajun Music Awards & Festival, and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, which features the best of French Louisiana food, music, and arts.

Mardi Gras is by far the most popular and exciting of all Louisiana festivals. There is simply no way to be in Louisiana during this historic festival without being affected by it in some way or another. In fact it's nearly impossible to not join in the celebrations. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a time to be fastidious about booking flights ahead of time, making reservations at New Orleans hotels, and if you plan on dining anywhere, make it a habit to get reserved seating (or check if the restaurant offers it) before heading out just in case. Then sit back, get your festive hat on, and prepare to meet one of the world's best festivals head on.

New Orleans Jazz Festival

New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz. There is no better way to feel the history of New Orleans than to enjoy the experience of Jazz music playing live. A great way to experience incredible jazz artists in the “Big Easy” is at a New Orleans Jazz Festival.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, better known as Jazz Fest New Orleans, is the granddaddy of all the jazz festivals New Orleans offers. Started in April of 1970, it was originally formed to preserve the music of Old New Orleans jazz, as rock and pop music threatened to make this music a lost art form. It began with only 350 visitors and today hosts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival now stretches over 10 days, combines multiple stages of live performances with crafts booths and Louisiana food booths. New Orleans Jazz Fest is a fantastic place for all ages to enjoy the culture of Louisiana and its legacy of music.

This New Orleans Jazz Festival has traditionally featured a wide variety of renowned artists like Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Dave Matthews Band, and many others. Jazz Fest New Orleans prides itself on celebrating Louisiana culture by combining the fervor of a gospel hymn with the joy of a jazz parade. So in addition to contemporary and classical jazz, you can also find at Jazz fest New Orleans blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, Zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival takes place in April and May and is located at the Fair Grounds Race Course, minutes from the French Quarter. Buses depart from the dock in the French Quarter and from many of the big hotels. Once inside you can find a Food Fair with 100 booths to sample delicious Cajun, Creole and American food; as well as a Craft Fair to peruse crafts booths celebrating the crafts of African and South American artistry. A big hit and must-see at this New Orleans jazz festival, is the gospel choir tent, where you can listen to amazing and uplifting gospel music the south is famous for.

You might have trouble getting hotel reservations during this popular event, so be sure to book in advance. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival lists the Sheraton New Orleans as their official hotel or check their webpage, which advertises special room rates if you book early. Remember that if you book a hotel in the French Quarter during Jazz Fest, it can be quite noisy in certain parts of the town. So check with the hotel to give you an interior room or choose a hotel away from crazy party Bourbon Street.

New Orleans is the kings of events and festivals in Louisiana, so you can find other New Orleans jazz festivals during the year like the French Quarter Festival in April and the Satchmo Summerfest in August which celebrates the music of one of the original founders of jazz music, Louis Armstrong.

Louisiana Events

Louisiana is a lively state, full of music and interesting culture. There are plenty of year-round events to keep you entertained in this diverse state, mostly involving food and jazz. So check out a Louisiana festival while on your vacation, some of which we have outlined here.

Probably the king of all Louisiana events is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Scheduled every year on the day before Ash Wednesday, this festival is a traditional celebration before the fasting begins on the Christian calendar. The celebration started in 1827 when the Spanish, who banned dancing in the streets, lost power. The French elite started having parties and masquerade balls. Eventually the commoners joined in with a party on the streets. Today, Mardi Gras, is considered the holy grail of all New Orleans events. Costumes, floats, parties, “throws” (like the famous colored New Orleans beads) and everyone partying until midnight on Fat Tuesday. This event is not for the weak of heart, it can be crowded and you might see the flashing of skin that has grown popular over the last several years. One of the best known events in New Orleans, it is something that is a once in a lifetime experience. Book early as flights and hotels can be sold out months in advance for this Louisiana festival.

Another granddaddy of New Orleans events is the Jazz fest that takes place in April and May each year. Celebrating the heritage of New Orleans as the birthplace of jazz, you can see a plethora of talented artists in this historic town. There are tents and stages set up all over to celebrate this fantastic event. There are even crafts booths celebrating the local African heritage and other crafts vendor for jewelry, glass painting and even artist demonstrations. This is one of the New Orleans events that is a must see!

You can find plenty of year round events in New Orleans, which are some of the best in the country. There are sports events at the Superdome like the Sugar Bowl in January. There is also the St Patrick’s Day parade and the Irish-Italian parades in New Orleans, which are something like small Mardi Gras presentations. Other events in New Orleans include the French Quarter Wine Festival which runs March – May and the French Market tomato festival in June.

Since Louisiana is famous for its food, you won’t want to miss these Louisiana events: the Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston (nearby Shreveport), the Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival in Lacombe (Southeast of Baton Rouge), or the Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival in Mandeville (North of New Orleans).

For really unusual Louisiana events, try the Shrimp and Alligator festivals in September or the Voodoo Music festival in October. And for Christmas, from Baton Rouge to New Orleans there are bonfires lit along the Mississippi River to help “Papa Noel” find his way down the river. Afterwards, join the Cajun Christmas celebration in Houma (nearby New Orleans), with a boat parade and a parade with Papa Noel.

There are far too many exciting events in New Orleans and Louisiana, to list here. No matter the time of year, you are sure to find a Louisiana festival that will entertain and delight. Experiencing a Louisiana festival should be at the top of you things-to-do list in New Orleans or while visiting the great state of Louisiana.

Since Louisiana is famous for its food, you won’t want to miss these Louisiana events: the Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston (nearby Shreveport), the Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival in Lacombe (Southeast of Baton Rouge), or the Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival in Mandeville (North of New Orleans).

Carnival in Rio

Carnival Rio is the most elaborate Carnaval (the Portuguese spelling) of all the Brazilian cities. Rio Carnival enjoys the choice beachside location of east/southeast Brazil. Rio de Janeiro Carnival is held four days before Ash Wednesday, making Carnaval Rio the ideal time for celebration as the Brazilian summer is December through March. Rio de Janeiro is nestled between the coast and the small coastal mountain range of Serra da Carioca.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival is inhabited by friendly, out-going people. Don't be surprised if strangers stop you in the street with a warm greeting and engage you in a free-flowing conversation. However, keep in mind that their expression of "see you later" is a casual leave-taking, much like ours, and not meant in the literal sense.

Carnival Rio enjoys the tradition of the Mayor handing over the keys of the city to Rei Momo (King Momo). Rei Momo is the Carnival King, traditionally a fat man, who represents fat Tuesday, the day before Lent season begins. This is the kick-off for festivities that dance through the streets all over town, highlighted by parades, contests and balls.

Rio Carnival has many impromptu bandas (brass and percussion marching bands) street bands that strike up and play at whim. Bandas usually inspire a procession of dancers that follow them in their revelry. In addition to street bands are the blocks in which a kind of "block party" and parade festivities ensue. Street events may center on a hotel or a specific street or block. The thrill of Carnaval Rio entices anyone to kick up their heels and have a great time.

The most important events of Carnival Rio, and probably all of Brazil Carnivals, are the samba parades. All samba parades have a committee-selected theme and a story line plot, performed by a specific samba school. The samba schools work hard year-round toward the honor of being one of the 14 schools that get to perform in the Sambodrome. The Sambodrome is a stadium specifically designed to showcase samba school performances. It is a huge honor to be hand-selected as among the best samba schools to compete in the Sambodrome. Rio de Janeiro Carnival schools who do not make the top 14 cut perform their dance on the streets where thousands of spectators gather to watch the event unfold. In some cases, spectators actually join in the parade!

Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a highly anticipated event not just for Brazilians. Many people make annual sojourns to Rio Carnival. It is essential that you plan your trip well in advance so that it can be the pleasurable experience that you hoped for. Many hotels host blocks and parades, so it is wise to scout out block locations and book your hotel nearby the events that appeal to you the most. Some of the most decadent street parties are at Le Meridien Copacabana, Mar Ipanema Hotel, and Leme Othon Palace, to name just a few.

Carnival in Brazil

Carnival in Brazil sets the standard for all Carnival pre-Lenten celebrations worldwide. Originally, Carnival was a pagan custom celebrating the arrival of spring. However, Christian culture was loath to relinquish the popular festival and incorporated it into their religious traditions. Brazil Carnival begins four days before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of the Lenten season. During Lent, Christians prepare for Easter Sunday by fasting or foregoing favorite foods and activities (the requirements vary for different Christian denominations). Brazil Carnival is a great way to cut loose and enjoy life before the restrictions of Lent are imposed.

Every Brazilian city chooses its own celebratory traditions such as masquerades, parades, feasts, social gatherings, and dancing. Brazil Carnival is famous for the sexy, rhythmic samba and rumba music and dance forms. Brazil Carnival has many parades, but the most elaborate are specifically designed to showcase plot-driven, themed samba school performances. To fully appreciate the complexity and artistry of the performances, it is helpful to understand the origins of the dance and even partake in samba lessons. Brazil Carnival performance participants delve into their roles with the help of colorful and elaborate costumes. Ateliers work up to eight months in advance making the costumes by hand. Bright parrot colors, feathers, beads, satins and sequins are typical materials used in Brazil Carnival costumes.

Of course, dancing and reveling lends itself to appetite building. The eclectic and collective tastes and flavors of the Brazilian people are reflected in their cuisine. Instead of blending flavors from the native Brazilian Indians, to the Portuguese, African, Italian, German, Syrian, and Lebanese immigrants, favorite dishes are pulled from each culture. Additionally, regional resources dictate what ingredients are used in cooking: In the north, fish and root vegetables are the predominate staples; in the south, dried meat is a frequent ingredient used in cooking.

Brazil Carnaval, the Portuguese spelling for carnival, will make an unforgettable event of a lifetime. However, to ensure it is unforgettable from a positive experience, and not a negative one, planning ahead is ideal. Brazil Carnaval is upheld as the premiere Carnival event in the world, so reservations and some research will benefit would-be Brazil Carnival goers. When making reservations, make sure you understand your hotel booking minimum night stay requirements. You should also keep in mind that Carnival in Brazil is a national holiday. If you are planning to visit Brazil with a day-in-the-life view, you might be disappointed at Carnival time; many shops are closed for the holiday. After all, who doesn't want to celebrate Carnival in Brazil?

Pasifika Festival in Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand is the largest city in the country, and it also the where you will find the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Should you want to enjoy a fun festival in Auckland that revolves around Polynesian culture, you won't want to miss the Pasifika Festival. So popular a festival in New Zealand this is, that it spawned a month-long celebration of events in Auckland known as the Celebrate Pasifika program. March is the month for these Auckland affairs, with the main Pasifika Festival lasting 2 days. If you can make it to Auckland for the main, 2-day Pasifika Festival, you will be treated to one of the South Pacific's most renowned community events. The Pacific Islands communities in Auckland pull out all the stops during this festival, proudly displaying their pride and accomplishments to the rest of the world.

Surely visiting the Pacific Islands is a great way to experience Polynesian culture, but should you experience the Auckland Pacific Islander Festival, you'll get a true flavor of all things Polynesian without leaving New Zealand. It's like killing two birds with one stone. The bulk of the festivities for the Pasifika Festival in New Zealand take place at the Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, and it is here where the Friday evening concerts start things off. Among the musical acts that perform are some of the top-name Polynesian talents. This free annual concert series lasts roughly from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come Saturday, the Pacific Islander Festival really kicks into gear. Over 200,000 visitors head to the stadium to enjoy things like live entertainment, crafts shows, and Polynesian cuisine. The Saturday festivities tend to begin around 10 a.m., lasting until 5 p.m.

There is a Families Area at the yearly Pasifika festival in New Zealand where you might be lucky enough to catch a cultural performance by one of the featured island nation groups. Typically, some 10 different Pacific islands are represented in the Pacific Islanders Festival in Auckland, and they are, in no specific order, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Niue, and Tangata Whenua. Every year, the Pasifika Festival gets better and better, as more and more sponsors jump on board. In recent years, new interactive exhibits have been added to the Families Area, and the overall arts, crafts, and food booths have increased in number. What helps to make this such a favorite festival in New Zealand is the fact that admission is free. If you can't get to Auckland for the two days that the main festival is going on, you can still enjoy other Celebrate Pasifika events. As mentioned, these events take place throughout the month of March, and they include film viewings, sporting events, sculpture exhibitions, workshops, kid's activities and more. You might want to book your room at one of the Auckland hotels in advance if you plan to experience the Pasifika Festival, as the city certainly sees an influx of visitors.

Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic blue archway, is one of the most famous and historic attractions in Santa Monica. Jutting out from Santa Monica Beach into the Pacific Ocean, the hundred-year-old pier is actually made up of two adjoining piers. The first was built in 1909 for purely practical reasons—carrying sewage pipes—and the second was built adjoining the first in 1916 by Charles I.D. Looff and his son, amusement park pioneers.

A walk along the pier in Santa Monica is filled with fun things to do. The Hippodrome Carousel is a National Historic Landmark, built by Looff in 1922, and each of the carousel's 44 horses is hand-carved. Fishing is permitted from the pier without a license, and fishing bait and equipment can be rented at the end of the pier. The aquarium is located under Santa Monica Pier, and it offers exhibits, activities, and educational programs to the public. Here visitors can see 104 species, including the California moray eel, sharks, octopuses, and many other marine animals.

Right by the Santa Monica Pier is the family-oriented amusement park, Pacific Park, which is one of the few free admission amusement parks left in California; visitors pay per ride on the park's myriad attractions. A favorite ride is the landmark Santa Monica Ferris wheel, which was recently replaced by a new solar-powered version, this one fitted with energy-efficient LED lights, after the classic wheel was auctioned to raise money for Special Olympics in Southern California. A ride on this nine-story wheel offers views of the Pacific Ocean in a unique setting, and the Santa Monica Ferris wheel remains one of the distinctive features of the city.

During the summer, visitors can participate in the annual Twilight Dance Series and the pier in Santa Monica. Every Thursday at 7 pm, live bands play at the Santa Monica Pier—past performers have included such names as the Indigo Girls and Patti Smith, as well as other talent from around the world. As the music plays, fans and tourists get to their feet and move to the rhythm. Often during the summer, free dance lessons are also held at the Santa Monica Pier, evoking memories of the classic Santa Monica Ballroom (known as La Monica), a venue by the pier where big names in Western Swing such as Spade Cooley once played.

Close to the pier in Santa Monica are many hotels, including distinctive landmarks such as the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, the Shangri-La, and the Casa Del Mar. Restaurants and the Third Street Promenade shopping area are also within easy walking distance of the pier. A visit to the city—and to Southern California in general—is not complete without a visit to the famous pier and the Santa Monica Ferris wheel.

The Day of the Dead, Mexican

The Day of the Dead is a longstanding Mexican holiday that today combines traditional native beliefs with traditional Spanish catholic beliefs. The Day of the Dead celebrates dead family members through a series of events that take place on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico and for many cultures around the world. The Day of the Dead in Mexico features two days of celebrations and festivities.

Native people in Mexico traditionally marked the Day of the Dead by building shrines or altars to dead family members in their homes. Families would leave gifts for the dead in hopes that the dead would come and visit them. Food, alcohol, and other favorite items of the deceased were left. Parades and special feasts were also organized to celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead.

When the Spanish began arriving in the 16th century, they were offended by the Day of the Dead, and saw it as a pagan holiday. Most particular, the Spanish were appalled at the Day of the Dead art, which they saw as gruesome and morbid. Since the Spanish had their own holiday for the dead, "All Saints Day", they moved the native Mexican Day of the Dead to its current date, November 1st. Today, the Mexican Day of the Dead combines the Spanish catholic traditions of All Saints Day with the ancient traditions of the native Mexican tribes.

Despite the changes, Day of the Dead art still reflects many of its early roots rather then Halloween. Cakes and other food in the shape of skulls or skeletons are often handed out to children as a lighthearted way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead art is often thought by outsiders to be morbid, but those who create it see the holiday as a joyful way to celebrate family members who have passed on.

While almost no two cities celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico exactly alike, travelers will find that the holiday is observed nationally. Larger cities, such as Mexico City, will feature huge Mexican Day of the Dead parades that fill the street and shut the city down for one full day or two. The Day of the Dead in Mexico City is one of Mexico"s most exciting events, and offers an excellent way to experience the culture and history of the city and its people.

The Mexican Day of the Dead is also celebrated by visiting the graves of family members. While wealthier families build altars or shrines in the home for the dead, most families simply visit the grave of the dead to leave gifts and decorate it with flowers. In some of the smaller towns in Mexico that retain mainly native beliefs, families will spend all night at a grave, burning candles and keeping the dead company.

As the Mexican Day of the Dead falls during Mexico"s buy season, flights and other travel accommodations will be more expensive than travel during other times of the year. For anyone interesting in experiencing this holiday in Mexico, however, the extra price can be worth it. Depending on where you go, you may want to consider booking a vacation package to fully enjoy this exciting traditional holiday.

Vancouver Jazz Festival, Canada

The Vancouver Jazz Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events throughout the year in a city that has a jam-packed events schedule. The entertainment scene in the city of Vancouver is diverse and includes jazz and blues, alternative rock and roll, punk rock, hip-hop, and folk, to name a few. The Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival was borne from a local and regional jazz scene that was promoted on a local Vancouver radio station called CFRO-FM in the early part of the 1980s. Since the scene was thriving as much as it was and there was an obvious demand for an event to bring together jazz players and fans, the first permutation of the Vancouver Jazz Festival was formed.

When the festival first started in 1984 it was called the Pacific Jazz and Blues Festival. It was essentially an exhibition of the best regional talent in the realm of jazz and blues music. Two years later, the organization that put on the festival changed its name to the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society and teamed up with Expo 86 to offer to the public the first annual Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival. It has grown in popularity ever since. Nowadays, thousands of people from all over North America and beyond descend upon Vancouver to check out some of the best jazz performers anywhere to be found. Corporate sponsorship is no longer any problem and there are even Vancouver Jazz Festival packages available for those people looking to purchase tickets for the whole event.

The lineup at the first annual Vancouver Jazz Festival was nothing short of staggering. It comprised not just some of the biggest names in jazz music at the time, but rather some of the greatest names in the history of jazz music in general. Miles Davis, Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Tito Puente, and Albert Collins were just a few of the legends who took the stage in 1986 to kick off what has become one of the most popular events year round in Vancouver. The Vancouver Jazz Festival draws nearly 500,000 people every year. There are over 400 performances that include nearly 150 free concerts. It is easily the largest jazz and blues festival in the province of British Columbia. People descend upon the city’s multitude of entertainment venues, including clubs, theaters, concert halls, and even some nightlife venues. The entire city is alive with excitement and the vibrant jazz scene can be felt in every corner of Vancouver.

The Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival is held at the end of August every year in Esther Short Park. If you are considering making the trip, you should certainly look into any available Vancouver Jazz Festival packages to see if you can realize any savings on your tickets. While at the festival, you will be able to not only enjoy the awesome jazz music, but also tons of awesome food and beverages that will keep you satisfied for days. There are Vancouver Jazz Festival packages available for one-day passes, two-day passes, and discounts for people who purchase for all three days.

Vancouver International Film Festival, Canada

The Vancouver International Film Festival is a highly anticipated event that happens for two weeks every year in late September and early October. The Vancouver Film Festival takes its place alongside the Toronto Film Festival as an example of a festival that is burgeoning in popularity and significance. It was founded in 1982 and now enjoys annual attendance of around 200,000. The Vancouver Film Festival is not as established or large as the Toronto Film Festival, but it is growing in popularity and is highly respected throughout the entertainment industry, not just in Canada, but also around the world. Vancouver Film Festival events are some of the finest events in the city, and run the gamut from screenings and premieres, to social gatherings and after-hours parties. If you are planning to travel to Vancouver anytime around the end of the summer, you should strongly consider trying to sync up your schedule so you can be in the city during this vibrant and exciting time.

The Vancouver International Film Festival exhibits hundreds of films from over 50 countries every year. Although there is a heavy emphasis placed on the work of Canadian artists, international films are also screened and judged as well. The Vancouver Film Festival has become known as an important venue for emerging Asian filmmakers. On certain years, the Vancouver Film Festival events have included screenings of more Asian documentaries than anywhere outside of Asia itself. Asian filmmakers vie for awards in what is known as the Dragons and Tigers Award competition. People may wonder why this is the case, but you only have to look to the fact that Chinese people make up nearly one-third of the population in Vancouver to realize that the Vancouver International Film Festival is a perfect outlet for emerging artists from the area. This is also why Vancouver's Chinatown is worth a visit.

Another major focus of the Vancouver Film Festival is documentary filmmaking. As an example, on certain years, more than 300 films have been screened with over a quarter of them being nonfiction. Depending on the category, films are judged by juries or by the audience. Major categories at the Vancouver Film Festival include Most Popular International Film, Most Popular Canadian Film, the National Film Board Award for the Best Documentary, and Best Young Canadian Director of a Short Film. Some notable past winners include Michael Moore for Bowling for Columbine, and Facing Ali (a documentary about the boxer by Canadian director Pete McCormack).

While going to screenings and participating in the judging of the various films is a blast and a big reason why film enthusiasts take part in this amazing two weeks of artistic delight, alluring Vancouver Film Festival events also draw people in. If you have the chance to be in Vancouver during the festival, you will become aware of the fact that there are parties and events going on all over the place that are connected to the film festival, adding to an already great nightlife scene here. If you do not know anyone throwing the parties, you can always make new friends or see if tickets are available to after-screening parties and like events. Either way, even just sitting in the theaters and taking part in the judging is a fun experience and you are sure to see some great new films before the rest of the world has the chance.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is the second largest jazz festival in the nation, and if you like jazz, you'll do well to plan your Jacksonville visit around it. In addition to being one of the largest jazz festivals in the nation, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival is also one of the best, and the list of past performers is quite an impressive one. Such notable artists as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Branford Marsalis, Chuck Mangione, and Herbie Hancock have graced the stage at the Jazz Festival in Jacksonville, lending undeniable credibility to the event. While it's mostly about the music when it comes to this featured music event in Jacksonville, those who attend can also take in some art and enjoy some good food and wine while they listen to the music. If you are especially interested in sampling a variety of food, purchasing a special Tasting Ticket is recommended.

The Jazz Festival in Jacksonville takes place at the end of May, and while Metropolitan Park is the center of most of the action, various venues around the city also serve as concert halls for the occasion. These venues include the Florida Theatre, the Ritz Theatre, the Jacksonville Landing, the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, and various downtown buildings, some of which are vacant. You can also catch some performances along the Laura Street Corridor and in Hemming Plaza. Regardless of where you are catching a live performance during the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, paying for admission doesn't have to be part of the deal. The Jazz Festival in Jacksonville is free to the public, though you can always buy premium seating tickets if you please.

If you want preferred seating for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the Experience Jazz Preferred Packages are recommended. In addition to seats near the stage, these packages also include things like a commemorative festival poster, two daily drink tickets, a ticket to the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, and admission to the Wine Down Tasting Experience, among other things. The Wine Down Tasting Experience is held in Hemming Plaza, and it features plenty of good food and wine. It doesn't have to be all about the music at this renowned music event in Jacksonville, and when you're not enjoying some good food and wine at the Wine Down Tasting Experience, you might wander over to the nearby Art in the Heart Downtown exhibit, which features arts and crafts from an array of talented artists.

There is a lot to take in at the annual Jazz Festival in Jacksonville, and while the featured acts get most of the attention, you can always catch up and coming musicians at the Generation Next Youth Talent Competition. This side event features a competition that talents between the ages of 7 and 21 can enter. Another side event that you might consider is Jazz Juniors, which is held at various times in front on the Jacksonville Landing. This side event features educational activities that are aimed at introducing children to the world of jazz. Youngsters can even try various instruments, which is arguably the highlight of this Jacksonville Jazz Festival side event. Jacksonville is definitely a great family destination, thanks to attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry, and if you have kids that like music, adding extra events like Jazz Juniors is always a welcome option.

If you like jazz but are not able to plan your Jacksonville vacation around the Jazz Festival, you should still be able to catch a live jazz performance of some kind during your trip. Numerous concerts take place at city venues like the Landing throughout the year, and a good amount feature jazz. In the summer, jazz fans can also wander over to nearby Jacksonville Beach, which boasts the Summer Jazz Concert Series at the Sea Walk Pavilion. There's always something going on in the Jacksonville area, and catching a live music performance, whether it be jazz or not, shouldn't be difficult. The Jazz Festival might be the most renowned music event in Jacksonville, but it certainly isn't the only one.

Exploring Khleang Pagoda in Soc Trang Province Vietnam

Soc Trang, the coastal province of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, has many well-known pagodas, such as Doi, Dat Set, Vang, Bon Mat and Khleang pagodas, which are not only holy places of worship but also tourism destinations.

Khleang Pagoda, also called Chen Kieu (Bowl) Pagoda, is located at Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, near the National Highway 1A.

The most prominent feature of this pagoda is that it is covered with a layer of stylishly designed bowls and plates of different colors, some of which are still intact although most are broken, inlayed in the roofs and the pillars of the pagoda.

According to the pagoda’s master priest, Khleang Pagoda was built in 1815 with nipa leaves in an area named Sa Lon Vietnam. In 1969, it was rebuilt and the craftsmen used the broken bowls and plates to decorate the pagoda.

At first they intended to decorate only the back of the pagoda, but they were so pleased with the results that they decided to inlay the whole pagoda with bowls and plates donated from the Buddhists near and far.

The pagoda is built with a spiritual significance. The edges of each roof are decorated with patterns and traditional statues of Khmer culture to inspire peace of mind and salvation. The curvy design of the top roof also bears symbols of freedom. The three alternate roofs resemble a big carpet with different colors.

The sanctum of the pagoda has 16 pillars carved with images of the legends of Khmer culture, and the two walls are carved with pictures telling the story of Buddha from the day he was born till the time he reached the peak of the Way.

Chen Kieu Pagoda is also carved with beautiful patterns of the image of the God Haloman, the Goddess of hawks, lion statues and more in an area of green, ancient trees contributing to the tranquil beauty of the pagoda.

The pagoda’s altar has 20 Buddhist statues in different positions and its library has a collection of Buddhism scriptures written on palm leaves, some new and some dating back hundreds of years.

Tourists visiting the Chen Kieu Pagoda can contemplate not only the unique architectural construction of Khmer people but also this collection.

In the residence of the pagoda there is a set of chairs and bed made from ebony wood, donated by the family of Cong Tu Bac Lieu (Bac Lieu Dude is the son of one of the richest families in Bac Lieu Province in the first years of the 20th century).

(Source: SGT)

Suoi Tien fruit festival in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Suoi Tien fruit festival, Suoi Tien Park, which is located 15 kilometers east of downtown in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 9 Vietnam, is preparing for the annual festival called "Southern Fruit Festival 2007," which will take place from June 1 until June 19.

This years event, the fourth of its kind, will include activities such as decorative fruit arrangements, impressive fruit sculptures, fun fruit eating contests, exciting fruit games, as well as fruit seminars and new fruit introductions.

The organizer says the theme of the fruit arrangement contest will be based on Vietnam joining the WTO, as well as traditional culture and heroes, among others.

The Suoi Tien fruit festival will also include a fruit parade, performed by artists disguised as trees and fruits, called "The Fairy Festival for Hundreds of Fruits of Four Seasons," which will feature four fruit-decorated floats, each float representing one season of the year.

Another highlight, the Fruit Market built as a city of fruits, is expected to attract some 50 fruit vendors displaying typical fruits from regions around the country, including durian, mango, longan, pomelo, litchis, plums, as well as many others. The fruit market began over the weekend and will last until September 2.

The organizer says the festival is not only an annual highlight for fruit sellers, but also for local and international tourists who can get an overview of the country’s diverse selection of fruits.

Last years Suoi Tien festival included some 60 creative fruit arrangements, as well as 24 artistic fruit sculptures, hundreds of tons of fruit were also sold during the event.

(Source: SGT)

Quang Nam festival – Heritage Itinerary Festival 2007

The Quang Nam – Heritage Itinerary Festival was kicked off on the evening of June 27 at Hoi An ancient town Vietnam, a world cultural heritage site, with special art performances along the Hoai River.

Organised on the occasion of the ancient town’s night (an ancient Hoi An town Vietnam is reproduced on the 14th of every lunar month), the ancient town was more colourful.

Dubbed “The meeting of Indochina cultural heritages”, the festival saw the attendance of artists from localities home to world cultural heritage sites of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, such as Vietnam’s Hoi An town, My Son sanctuary, and ancient Hue capital, Cambodia’s Siem Reap and Laos’ Champasak and Luang Phrabang.

Scheduled to last till June 30, the festival will showcase unique performances every night, for example the night for Hoi An-Hue-Luang Phrabang, the night for My Son-Wat Phou-Angkor, the parade of old motorbikes, boat racing, Indochina food festival, among others.

With two world cultural heritage sites, Hoi An and My Son, the host Quang Nam has organised this event to highlight the quintessence of world cultural heritage sites of the three Indochina countries.

Quang Nam – Heritage Itinerary Festival is an important step in Quang Nam’s plan to cooperate with localities at home and abroad that have world cultural heritages to conduct large-scale tourism projects.

VietNamNet captures the the parade of old motorbikes and bicycles:

(Source: Vietnamnet)

Ha Giang to Host Festival of Tea Culture

Ha Giang festival of tea culture, the northern province of Ha Giang will launch a tea culture festival in November, 2007.

Ha Giang is famous for producing tea. The conditions of the soil and the mountainous climate are favorable for the plants. The characteristics of Ha Giang tea are its perfumed aroma and sweet taste.

Ha Giang tea is pure and a well-known product recognized by customers such as Shan tuyet and ancient “co thu” teas. At present, Ha Giang tea is exported to many markets in the world. The tea culture festival in Ha Giang Vietnamwill attract the participation of a number well-known tea producers from across the country.

- Ha Giang Tours
- Ha Giang Travel Pictures

(Source: CPV/ND)

Vietnam's Da Lat - City of Eternal Spring

Da Lat, called the City of Eternal Spring or the City of Love, is probably one of Vietnam’s most well-known vacation destinations. The City of Eternal Spring has long been popular with Vietnamese and foreigners because of its flowers, weather, landscapes and tourist sites.

Set next to Xuan Huong Lake, the Da Lat Flower Gardens were established in 1966 by the Vietnamese government, and are tended continually. Among the tastefully arranged flora are orchids, hydrangeas, fuchsias, roses, white narcissus, and ferns.

The orchid, named “queen of the world of flowers”, is a common sight wherever you go in Da Lat. Among the world’s 100,000 species of orchids, Vietnam already has 500, many of which grow in Da Lat Vietnam. Annually, Da Lat explodes in a riot of color when its Flower Festival begins in October or sometimes December.

Da Lat Vietnam is known for its market gardens which grow everything from carrots and cauliflowers to avocados and bananas as well as many varieties of flowers. The market covers two blocks with more than 1,300 shops. On the ground floor of Block A merchants sell flowers, household appliances and other Da Lat specialties.

Da Lat Vietnam is also famous for its mild climate. Climatologists call Da Lat the “City of Eternal Spring” because its highest temperature is 24 degrees and its lowest temperature is 15 degree. The annual average rainfall is 1,755 millimeter. The dry season starts from December to March and the rainy season is from April to November. The city enjoys the sun in all the seasons. Thanks to the weather, the City of Eternal Spring has colorful gardens all year round.

Tourists get a deep impression of Da Lat’s tourists sites such as Bao Dai Summer Palaces, Crazy House, Langbian Mountain, Lat Village, Linh Son Pagoda, and Truc Lam Pagoda.

Da Lat’s three palaces are referred to simply as Palace 1, Palace 2, and Palace 3. The palaces were all completed by the French, but only Palace 3 was a royal home. It was owned by the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Bao Dai. You can find it on Le Hong Phong Road, about a quarter of a mile southwest of Da Lat’s central district. The palace is open to the public.

The Crazy House rises about five storeys above its suburban neighbors into the skyline, great sweeps of black and yellow concrete, bizarrely shaped glass openings, beautifully peach-coloured walkways that are a cross between a tunnel and cave, and sculptured rooftops that appear menacing.

Da Lat travel has many beautiful waterfalls, pine forests, and lakes such as Xuan Huong, Than Tho, Da Thien, Van Kiep, and Me Linh.

Xuan Huong Lake extends directly into the downtown area and is dotted with villas and cafes. Dan Thien Lake and Chien Thang Lake are a couple of miles from the center. Legends about lovers who came to sad ends surround the lakes.

Travel to Dalat, Than Tho Lake is located five kilometers northeast of the city centre. Like many of Da Lat’s sights, a tragic love story took place at the lake. A young woman, who wrongly believed her lover has died, drowned herself in Than Tho Lake. Since then the surrounding pine trees have sighed in grief.

Prenn Waterfall, which is a major attraction for Vietnamese and foreign tourists, tumbles over a wide overhang and into a large pool below. A path circles around the pool so that visitors can walk behind the waterfall and look out through the curtain of water.

Recently, a delegation from the Organizing Board for Miss Universe has conducted a survey in Da Lat amongst other provinces and cities to look for a venue to host the competition in 2008.

Travel to Dalat Vietnam, with the above typical features of the City of Eternal Spring, Da Lat Vietnam full expects to be selected as one of the venues to host Miss Universe 2008.

- Dalat Tours
- Hotels in Dalat
- Dalat Travel Pictures

(Source: CPV)