Subject: Put Your Party Hat On
Posted by: looney_tunes
Date: Aug 12 10
Every country has its special holidays, and holiday traditions – food, costume, celebratory activities – that we can enjoy as we travel on the Bus Ride. We may not manage to be there on the best day, but let's share information about what we could experience in the right season!
Many of us will be relying on second-hand sources for information - if you live in the country we are visiting, please let us all know how YOU celebrate any special holidays.
Posted by: looney_tunes
Date: Aug 12 10
Every country has its special holidays, and holiday traditions – food, costume, celebratory activities – that we can enjoy as we travel on the Bus Ride. We may not manage to be there on the best day, but let's share information about what we could experience in the right season!
Many of us will be relying on second-hand sources for information - if you live in the country we are visiting, please let us all know how YOU celebrate any special holidays.
225 replies. On page 9 of 12 pages. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
maninmidohio 
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While you are visiting Kenya, you may be able to participate in International Camel Day, and observe the big races. You will need to be at Yare Camel Camp, a few kilometers south of Maralal in the northern part of the country. The festival was established in 1990, in an effort to raise international awareness of the increasing desertification of the region. Check with your travel agent for an exact date – it will be sometime during August or September. (If you can't make the big day, the Camel Camp also offers day-long camel safaris, which are less dramatic, but still exotic enough to produce excellent photos and memories.) The International Camel Derby, spread out over several days, features a number of camel races, for novices and more experienced amateurs, as well as cycling races, donkey rides, demonstrations of regional dancing, souvenir stalls. The main event is the Elite Camel Race, in which international competitors vie against the local champions. No handlers or helpers are allowed – it is all up to the rider to produce the goods. Reply #161. Dec 28 10, 8:27 AM |
| maninmidohio
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One celebration unique to Haiti is Drapo Vodou – the display of sequined and beaded hand-sewn flags with themes drawn from Voduo iconography. Many towns and villages have Drapo Vodou celebrations on locally-determined days. Ignoring all the Hollywood sensationalism surrounding Voodoo and zombies, it is interesting to explore this local religion which combines African animism with the Christianity to which generations of slaves were exposed by Roman Catholic missionaries. According to the site at the link below, where you can see some examples of drapo, "Vodou is concerned with overcoming daily hardships, communing with one's ancestors, and requesting divine guidance. It contains a complex system of lwas, or deities, which include Erzulie, Gede, Damballa, La Sirene, Legba, and many others. The lwas (pronounced loah) act as intermediaries between humans and an overarching god. They make great demands upon the believer, and offer fair rewards." http://www.haitian-art-co.com/flag2.html Reply #162. Dec 29 10, 12:03 AM |
| maninmidohio
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In Karachi, Pakistan, the Sheedi Mela (also called Sheedi Jaat and Pir Mangho Urs) is the most important event in the calendar of the Sheedi comminuty of African-descended Pakistanis. It is held at the shrine of Manghopir for four days every summer, with the exact dates decided by community leaders. This festival is famous for the role played by the shrine's sacred crocodiles, who are considered to be the disciples of Pir Mangho, a Sufi saint. One of the highlights of the festival is a ceremony called 'Shedi Mela' in which a garland of flowers is placed around the neck of the chief crocodile. The crocodile pond, home to hundreds of crocodiles, is located close to the shrine which includes the saint's grave. Reply #163. Dec 30 10, 7:49 AM |
| maninmidohio
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One of Tanzania's most colorful celebrations occurs in February on the island of Zanzibar. "Sauti za Busara" (Swahili for "Sounds of Wisdom" is a four-day festival of Swahili (along with some more contemporary rap and hip hop) music, dance and theatrical performances held in February each year. The outdoor location of the main venue is on the seafront, providing a festive tropical atmosphere. As well as performances from a wide range of artists, there is a parade, a film festival, music and performance workshops, seminars, photography exhibitions, and an all-night Beach Party. Reply #164. Dec 31 10, 7:46 AM |
| maninmidohio
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St Dominic's Fair, held in the centre of Gdansk, Poland, is one of Europe's biggest open-air cultural events. The fair originated n 1260, established by the Dominicans as a day of prayer for pardons. It steadily outgrew these roots, becoming a trade fair of significance, with goods from around the world on offer. The fair disappeared during World War II, but was reestablished in 1972 through the efforts of the journalist Wojciech Święcicki, still primarily as a trade and fashion fair. It has now grown in scope and duration (up to three weeks), and is a tourist attraction as well as a commercial one. The food stalls offer such traditional Polish foods as pierogi (dumplings), bigos (stewed meat with sauerkraut and mushrooms), sausages, potatoes and beer. The funfair became a popular feature in the 20th century, and still is. In 1938 a crocodile escaped and caused quite a sensation. They are not currently a feature. Reply #165. Jan 01 11, 12:19 AM |
| maninmidohio
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In the city of Ypacarai, Paraguay, the Festival of the Lake has been celebrated since 1971 (with a brief hiatus in the mid-80s). The festival originated as a folklore festival, paying homage to the traditional arts of the region, as opposed to the new-fangled foreign stuff. The date was originally set in September, on the anniversary of the official foundation of the district. In its first year it featured the work of Demetrio Ortiz, a performer of the local style of music called guarania. Developed during the 20th century, this music style features slow rhythms and melancholy tunes (often in a minor key). It is generally more popular in the cities than in the country, where more upbeat music such as polkas tends to be preferred. Over the first decade of its existence, the festival became increasingly political, undertaking what was seen as a defense of human rights in the face of political oppression. This led to it being prohibited in 1986. With the return of democracy in 1989, the festival gained a new life, and continues to be an important annual cultural activity. Reply #166. Jan 02 11, 12:06 AM |
| maninmidohio
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Turkmenistan isn't much of a party country, but they do have an official Horse Day, celebrated on the last Sunday in April, which was established in the early years of independence. This day celebrates the famed Akhal-Teke horses of the region, who have been renowned for nearly 3,000 years. Their name refers to the oasis (Ahal) where they were first bred by the Teke tribe. These golden-coated horses are known for their speed and endurance, as well as for climactic adaptability, and are thought to be one of the oldest horse breeds. One of the most famous of the breed was the stallion Abesnt, who won the dressage competition at the 1960 Olympics when being ridden by Sergei Filarov. This pairing also won a bronze medal in Tokyo (1964), and Absent was ridden by Ivan Kalita as part of the gold-medal winning Soviet team in Mexico City (1968). Horse day features (along with speeches about how wonderful we and our horses are) a wide range of equestrian events, including a parade of famous horses as well as conformation and jumping competitions and races. Reply #167. Jan 03 11, 7:39 AM |
| maninmidohio
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Now for something a little bit different. If you can time your visit to Costa Rica for late January (all you northern hemisphere types might like the excuse to flee from the snow for a while), you should visit Jaco, Parrita. On the nearby Playas Esterillos you will find the Festival de las Mulas, featuring mule races on the beach, bullfights, two-horse races, a tractor rally, music and a crafts fair. What started out as a friendly competition between local farmers has burgeoned into an international attraction. Here's some video footage to give you a feel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JPqmuSyBno&feature=related Reply #168. Jan 04 11, 7:33 AM |
| maninmidohio
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Something of Libya's turbulent history can perhaps be glimpsed in the fact that they celebrate three different dates for Evacuation Day. Due to the Italian invasion of Libya as part of the convoluted events of World War I, this north African nation became the scene of intense fighting during both World Wars, and the occupation of significant portions of the country by Italians, both the initial military forces and later settlers. After World War II, Libya was granted independence (in 1952). However, it was not until 1970 that all foreign military forces were withdrawn. The British left their Tobruk base on March 28; the Americans left Wheelus Air Base on June 11; on October 7, the Italians agreed to the evacuation of thousands of Italian settlers. Reply #169. Jan 05 11, 7:14 AM |
| maninmidohio
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If you're around Botswana in April, you should try to catch the Maitisong Festival in Gaborone (the capital city of Botswana). Extending over four days, the outdoor programme includes theatre, dance, and music (traditional, classical, and modern) staged at four main centres around the city. Marimba bands, choral competitions, solo singing, street stalls to keep you refreshed, and lots of energy feature in the free outdoor portion of the festival. There are also ticketed indoor events which tend to feature more prominent artists from around Africa. Reply #170. Jan 06 11, 6:22 AM |
looney_tunes
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I'm back! Thanks so much MIMO for posting while I was away, and making sure the Bus Ride passengers were kept up to date in my absence. Kuwait's national day, celebrating its establishment as a nation in 1961, is celebrated on 25 February. Traditional dress is de rigeur, rather than the western styles which are increasingly common for daily wear. (If my description doesn't give you a clear picture, think "Lawrence of Arabia".) This consists of a disha dash, or thawb, which is a long flowing tunic made of cotton or wool. It is usually of a single color, often white. A keffiyeh (a folded square of cotton) is worn wrapped around the head. As well as wearing traditional garb, citizens participate in public rallies (speeches, etc.), parades, and fireworks at night. Reply #171. Jan 07 11, 12:06 AM |
| looney_tunes
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Due to a flat tire, we are NOT visiting Zambia today. Had we managed to get there, you might have been interested to know about this: Zambia has more than 20 yearly festivals based on traditional rituals, social customs, verbal history, religious culture and communal lifestyle. Possibly the best known of these is Kuombaka Fastival, a name meaning to get out of the water onto dry ground', which is celebrated in the Western Province during February or March. Traditionally, the exact date was determined by the Litunga (king of the Lozi people) a week or so before the event, which often occurred on the Thursday immediately preceding a full moon. Now it is usually held at Easter, if the water levels are high enough. (If they are too high, the king sometimes actually moves court earlier, but the big ceremony for the tourists is still held at Easter time.) The ceremony originated about 300 years ago, when the Lozi people broke away from the Lunda empire to settle the upper regions of the Zambezi River. The annual flooding of the plains meant that the people had to move to higher ground near the end of the rainy season. The day before the move, the royal Maoma drums are beat throughout Lealui, the dry season royal city for the Litunga, announcing the imminent event. The Litunga travels on a state barge called Nalikwanda which is painted black and white, like Zambia's coat of arms. It carries a replica of an enormous black elephant, whose ears can be made to flap as the barge travels. His wife travels on a second barge bearing a huge cattle egret called Nalwange, whose ears also move up and down. During the six-hour trip to the rainy season capital of Limulunga, smoke from the fire on the royal barge lets everyone know that the Litunga is traveling safely. Reply #172. Jan 08 11, 12:34 AM |
| looney_tunes
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In Guatemala, as in most of Central and South America, November 1 is celebrated as Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and November 2 as Dia de los Mortos (Day of the Dead). On November 1 you might choose to attend the (in)famous town celebrations in the highland town of Todos Santos Cuchumatan, which includes lots of dancing, music, and drunken horse racing (the riders, not the horses). Then it's off to Santiago Sacatepequez, north of Antigua, to see the Feria del Barrilete Gigante (Festival of the Giant Kites) on November 2. Huge kites, up to 13m across, are flown over the cemetery to commune with the souls of the dead. Judges rate the kites according to size, color, design, originality and elevation. Unfortunately, the wind is sometimes insufficient to get these monsters off the ground. In that case, you can still enjoy the street celebrations, including fiambre, a national dish traditionally only prepared during these two days. It consists of meat, seafood and vegetables served cold with a vinaigrette dressing. Reply #173. Jan 09 11, 12:26 AM |
| looney_tunes
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Approximately two months after Easter, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, residents of San Francisco de Yare (in Miranda, Venezuela) celebrate Los Diablos Danzantes (The Dancing Devils). The celebration starts on the day before the actual Feast of Corpus Christi, which is the ninth Thursday after Holy Thursday, with a wake where fulías (a native music style) are played, décimas (a native form of poetry) are recited and rosaries and other prayers are prayed until dawn. The next day the faithful, disguised as devils, perform dances around the principal square of the town. They also parade through the streets, dressed in red shirts, trousers and stockings and their masks (depicting devils), dancing to the rhythm of corríos (octosyllabic musical poems). The procession then moves to the church for mass, after which the host is placed at the church's entrance and a mock battle ensues between the devils and the guardians. Finally, the devils surrender and kneel in front of the Eucharist to show submission, dancing then to the rhythm of the bamba, a music style that is more reverential. The entire performance represents the victory of Good over Evil. Reply #174. Jan 10 11, 12:28 AM |
| looney_tunes
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Hurray, we finally made it to Comoros! Not surprisingly for a country where two-thirds of the population is engaged in subsistence farming, Comoros does not have a lot of high profile holiday celebrations. As most Comorians are Sunni Muslims, the major Islamic holidays are celebrated, as is Independence Day (July 6). Lacking much else in the way of parties, let's look at wedding customs. Comorian society is matrilineal, and residency is matrilocal. This means that the married couple moves to live in the wife's village. For a woman's first wedding, the actual Great Wedding celebration is held in her familial village, so that the wealth being exchanged remains within the community. When she marries, every woman is given a house and arable land. On the island of Ngazidja, this matrilineal transmission is very strictly observed – the land which is passed down through women can only be sold to escape dishonor; on the other islands the matrilineal descent is not quite so formally organized. There are some patrilineal groups, of Arab origin, on the island of Ndzuani. Reply #175. Jan 11 11, 1:13 AM |
| looney_tunes
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The Kattenstoet (Festival of Cats) is a parade in Ypres, Belgium, devoted to the cat. It is held every third year on the second Sunday of May, most recently on May 10, 2009. The parade commemorates an Ypres tradition from the Middle Ages in which cats were thrown from the belfry tower of the Cloth Hall to the town square below. The origins of this tradition lie in the use of cats to control vermin when wool was stored in the Cloth Hall. Once the wool was sold, in early spring, the cats were thrown out of the belfry to symbolize the killing of evil spirits. In contemporary celebrations, a jester tosses plush cats from the Cloth Hall belfry down to the crowd, which awaits with outstretched arms to catch one. The throwing of the cats from the belfry is followed by a mock witch burning. Participants often dress as cats, witches, or in medieval costumes. Reply #176. Jan 12 11, 12:57 AM |
| looney_tunes
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Every year the people who live in the Gambian town of Niamina Dankunku organize a national cultural festival knpwn as the Maribantang Festival. It involves visiting important historical sites such as Maaribantang, Sitoboy-nya, Mbulumanoto, Suborr konko, and Mabiran suto. The festival includes such traditional activities as Sinkiriseh, Yominyoloto, Gibakumbo, Kosewo, Kankurango, Ansadibongo, Jukangba, Mbelo, Falikuto, and Sangkili bodi, as well as a traditional wedding. I haven't managed to find good translations of these activities, but they sound interesting! Reply #177. Jan 13 11, 12:19 AM |
| looney_tunes
|
In early April about 150 oxcarts begin their journey from Masaya to San Jorge in Nicaragua. They undertake a 20-day journey to reach the church of Nuestra Senor do Rescate (Our Lord of Rescue), arriving on April 23, the anniversary of San Jorge's (Saint George's) appearance on the coast of Lake Nicaragua. The church is painted a brilliant purple colour using a paint based on huevos de amor (fertilized chicken eggs) donated by members of the Parish. Once the caravan of oxcarts arrive, the festivities include a typical ‘fiestas patronales’ with parades, rodeos and dances. Reply #178. Jan 14 11, 12:09 AM |
| looney_tunes
|
The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the premiere tourist attractions in the United Arab Emirates, attracting over 3 million participants last year. This month-long event, started in February 1996, includes international fashion shows, children's programs, nightly fireworks, film festivals, laser/light shows and many other cultural events, including the Dubai World Cup, one of the world's richest horse races, and the three-day Dubai International Jazz Festival. Of course, the shopping is fantastic, with huge sales in most stores. The main focal point of the festival is the Global Village, where members of the international community gather together to display their culture and heritage through exhibitions of traditional handicrafts, clothing, music, and dance. It was held near the Garhood Bridge for a number of years, but moved to its permanent home in Dubai Land in 2005. Reply #179. Jan 15 11, 1:52 AM |
| looney_tunes
|
In Ethiopia, Timkat (Feast of the Epiphany) is the greatest festival of the year. It is celebrated two weeks after the Ethiopian Christmas, in late January. It actually extends over three days, starting on Timkat Eve with dramatic and colorful processions. At this time, the priests remove the tabots from each church and bless the water of the pool or river where the next day's celebration will take place. It is the tabot (symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments) rather than the church building which is consecrated, and it is accorded extreme reverence. So that it is not desecrated by the gaze of the layman, the engraved wooden or stone slab is carried under layers of rich cloth. The priests pray throughout the long cold night and mass is performed around 2:00 a.m. Huge crowds of people camp out, eating and drinking by the light of flickering fires and torches. Towards dawn the patriarch dip a golden cross and extinguish a burning consecrated candle in the alter. Then he sprinkles water on the assembled congregation in commemoration of Christ's baptism. This is a commemoration of Christ's baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The third day is devoted to the Feast of St. Michael, the archangel, one of the Ethiopia's most popular saints. Enormous effort is put into the occasion. Tej and tella (Ethiopian mead and beer) are brewed, special bread is baked, and the fat-tailed African sheep are fattened for slaughter. Gifts are prepared for the children and new clothes purchased or old mended and laundered. Ordinary citizens wear traditional white robes, while priests are arrayed in vividly-colored robes of velvet and satin, and carry sequined velvet umbrellas. Reply #180. Jan 16 11, 12:33 AM |
225 replies. On page 9 of 12 pages. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
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