National Holidays · 2015-12-20 · 02-07 Faaker See – 11th Harley Davidson European Bike Week,...

European EventsNational Holidays & Notable DatesO

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www.ontheroad.co.ukwww.christmas-markets.org

See web sites for full edition ofthe European Group Travel Trade Guide 2008 and all issues of On the Road magazine

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You can see all editions of the Guide and magazine at www.ontheroad.co.uk

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European Events

AustriaAprilAll season Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Gallery - all-season T0043

(0)512 573 100 email [email protected] Nov 02 Salzburg - The Palace of Hellbrunn’ with its trick fountains

opens www.hellbrunn.at to May 17 Vienna - Viennese Spring festival at the Konzerthaus www.

vienna.info 13 Linz - 7th Marathon www.linz-marathon.at 24 – 27 Hohenems – ‘Schubertiade’ Schubert Festival www.

schubertiade.at 27 Vienna - City Marathon www.vienna-marathon.com30- May 05 Ausseerland - 2008 Jazz - Spring - Lake Festival www.

badaussee.at/jazz

May04- Jun 15 Vienna – Festival Concerts 2008 The Festival’s music festival

is one of the traditional highlights of Vienna’s concert calendar, featuring top-flight international orchestras, world class conductors and soloists and great works www.vienna.info

05-13 Graz/St. Poelten -fabelhaft!NIEDEROESTERREICH ‘Magic of Tales’, it is the stuff of life itself, told in the fantastic and unpredictable stories. (Some performances are already sold out!) http://www.fabelhaft.at/e_festival.htm

09-12 Melk - Baroque Music Festival www.barockage.at09-12 Salzburg - Whitsun and Baroque Festival www.salzburgfestival.

at10-12 Linz - Festival of Linz at Donaupark, fun for young and old alike

www.linzfest.at11 Hohenems – ‘Schubertiade’ Schubert Festival plus others

www.schubertiade.at15-Oct 15 Salzburg - ‘Sound of Salzburg Dinner Show’ organized by

‘The New Sound of Music Events Gmbh’ 2006 provides a new, enhanced programme. All year round for group bookings at the Sternbräu Dinner Theater [email protected] T+43 662 82 6617

16-18 Salzburg - “Encounter” Festival will be held in Salzburg for the ninth time. Entitled “Nature,“ this year’s Encounter will include works by Vivaldi, Schumann, Respighi and Beethoven. www.salzburg.info.at

22-25 Saalbach - International Harley Davidson Biker Mania www.harley-davidson.com

22-25 Bad Ausee/Altausee -48th Daffodil, Narcissus Festival www.narzissenfest.at www.auseerland.at

25 Hohenems – ‘Schubertiade’ Schubert Festival plus others www.schubertiade.at

25,27,29,31 Wels - Richard Wagner Festival (according to the web site Sat 31 is sold out ). www.wagner-festival-wels.net

25 – 5 Oct Erler -The Erler Passion play is performed this year, as it is every six years, in the Erler Passion Play House. The Tyrolean Festival will therefore take place in Innsbruck and other locations in Tyrol.

21-25 Bad Ischul/St Wolfgang – ‘Shake the Lake’, International Boogie Woogie & Blues Festival www.kultureurlaub.at

Kitzbühl – 2 1st Kitzbühler Alpine Rally, racing through breathtaking alpine roads in Tyro, Salzburg and bordering Bavaria, the socially attractive sports resort of Kitzbühel, have drawn more and more classic car enthusiasts to Kitzbühl, year after year. It is now the biggest event of its type in Europe www.kitzbuehel.com

30 Long Night of the Churches – For the first time throughout Austria, Christian churches and monasteries will open from 06-12pm offering tours, a peek behind vestry doors, climbing up spires, music from Bach to Jazz, cooking biblical dishes – or just enjoy the silence. www.langenachtderkirchen.at

June01 Hohenems – ‘Schubertiade’ Schubert Festival with fellow

composers www.schubertiade.at06-08 Ramsau - 20th Horse Spring Festival and Town Feast www.

ramsau.com 13-22 Schwarzenberg – Schubertiade, the world’s biggest Schubert

Festival www.schubertiade.at 15 - Jul 17 Innsbruck – ‘Tanzsommer’, dancers from all over the world

make this 2008 Tanzsommer the most elaborate classic dance spectacle that has ever been shown at Innsbruck www.tanzsommer.at

13-16 Vienna- Donauinsel Island Festival, over three days, the Viennese head for 19 islands with 16 stages where they make the River Danube tremble www.donauinselfest.at

27-Jul 27 Graz - ‘Styriarte’, the Styrian Festival of classical Music www.styriarte.com

27 -Jul 17 Vienna - Jazz Festival with venues across the capital www.viennajazz.org

July03-13 Innsbruck – ‘The 2008 Tyrolean Festival’ www.tiroler-festspiele.

at 03-19 Salzbug - SummerScene www.salzburg.info04 St. Kanzian/Klopeiner See – Lake in Flames, Austria’s biggest

firework display with more than 6,000 fireworks from 3 locations on the Lake’s shore and from

pontoons www.klopeinersee.at 08-13 Schladming – ‘Mid-Europe’, the biggest wind orchestra festival

in Europe, 2,500 musicians from 15 nations, 50 concerts, exhibition for Winds, Brass & Percussion, Wind Music Workshops, CISM-International competition for Youth Wind Ensembles and Open Air Night music festival www.mideurope.com

09 -Aug 24 St. Margarethen- Giusseppe Verdi: La Traviata in the Roman quarry; a UNESCO world heritage site www.ofs.at

11 Lienz -‘The 2008 Tyrolean Festival’ www.tiroler-festspiele.at 12 Tannheim -‘The 2008 Tyrolean Festival’ www.tiroler-festspiele.

at 12 Vienna – 2008 Rainbow Parade will circle the Ringstrasse

www.wien.info 12-Aug 31 Vienna – Musical Film Festival on the Rathausplatz, free entry

plus food stalls from around the world www.wien.info 10 – Aug 07 Graz-‘Summer Jazz Festival’, since 1998 Graz has been

acknowledged as the ‘Jazz Capitol’ of Europe www.jazzsommergraz.at

10-Aug 24 Mörbisch - Lake Musical Festival www.seefestspiele-moerbisch.at

6020 Innsbruck · Austria Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 39 · Tel. +43 (0)512 573 100www.swarovski.com/innsbruck

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European Events

December Wattens Reopening of the extended Swarovski Crystal Worlds

www.swarovski.com/crystalworlds 01-23 Mariazell -Advent market www.mariazeller.advent.at www.

christmas-markets.org31 Vienna -Imperial Ball www.kaiserball.at

BelgiumApril08 – 08 May Laeken - The Royal Greenhouses: Six acres of neoclassical

rotundas, domes and galleries opens to the public, the visit includes the Queen Elisabeth’s workshop and the stables of the castle

06 Tour of Flanders Bike Race www.rvv.be

May01 – 07 Sept Leper near Ypes - In Flanders Fields Museum ‘Man Culture

War’ new exhibition which takes a more emotional look at the different cultures involved in the war.T+32(0)57239 220 www.inflandersfiels.be

01 Bruges – Procession of the Holy Blood: Annually since 1150, one of the greatest religious pageants in Europe. For 8 centuries the relic has been venerated by a mile-long procession of 1,500 Bruges citizens, many in the colourful medieval dress of crusaders and knights. www.bruges.be T. +32 (3250) 44-8686

02-24 Brussels KunstenFESTIVALdesArts Theatre, music, dance, film, fine arts www.kida.be

06-07 Liege- Jazz Festival: prestigious annual gathering of the greats of jazz www.jazzaliege.be

08- 24 Brussels - Queen Elisabeth International Music contest www.cmireb.be

9-11 Leuven in Scene - Beer Festival www.leuveninscene.be10-11 Ostend – Kites International Belgium’s largest kite festival11 – 30 Oct Oudenaarde 1708: A Town, a King, a General’ Exhibition &

re-enactment www.oudenaarde1708.be 17 Brussels - Belgium Gay Pride: With walks through Brussels,

music and festivities www.blgp.be 22-25 Ostend – Ostend at Anchor – Maritime Festival23-25 Brussels – 12thJazz Marathon: With 400 artists at 125 free

concerts www.jazzmarathon.be 24 – 25 Arlon - Maitrank Festival: The town celebrates the Maitrank,

an aperitif with its origins in the Middle Ages, made from a

12 Vienna – Rainbow Parade www.wien.info 16- Aug 31 Villach – 2008 Carinthian Summer, the Baroque Ossiach Abbey

on the shores of Lake Ossiach is just one of the many venues for this major operatic festival. www.carinthischersommer.at

26- Aug 02 Seiersberg -Tennis Masters www.emotion.at 23 -Aug 23 Bregenz - Music Festival on Lake Constance www.

bregenzerfestspiele.at 17-19 Linz - ‘Pflasterspektakel’, 500 street artists from around Europe

come together for this spectacular festival of magic www.pflasterspektakel.at

23-Aug 24 Graz/Joanneumhof – ‘Sereneta’, one of the most beautiful courtyards becomes the musical centre for the culture summer in Graz. www.graztourismus.at

24-Aug 10 Steyr – Music Festival www.musikfestivalsteyr.at 26-Aug 31 Salzburg – Summer Festival, 6 weeks of musical festival in 13

venues with 43 Opera performances, 68 Drama performances and 81 Concerts. The Festival will pursue the phrase “for love is as strong as death” from the Song of Solomon. The ever-popular ‘Everyman’ will again be performed on the spectacular Cathedral Square. www.salzburgfestival.at

31-Aug 03 Vienna – Spanish Riding School, the 2nd Vienna Piano Summer features big name global performers such as Tzimon Barto. Five concerts of international virtuosos will feature classical music, and three late evening concerts will be devoted to jazz. www.vienna.info

August02 Kitzbühel – Annual Festival www.istc.org 17-19 Weissenkirchen/Donau – Riesling Wine Festival www.

weissenkirchen.at21- Sep 07 Grafenegg Castle – Grafenegg Music Festival www.Grafenegg.

at 21-31 Eisenstadt – Festival of a 1,000 Wines www.burgenlaendische-

weinwoche.at29-30 Stadtrichter. – ‘Clagenfurt’ , Magic of the old town city fest

www.stadtrichter.at23-Sep 07 Schwarzenberg-Schubertiade, all things Schubert plus other

composers www.schubertiade.at

September02-07 Faaker See – 11th Harley Davidson European Bike Week, 100s

of bikes, 1,000s of spectators www.harley-davidson.com 04- 09 Linz - Ars Electronica Festival www.aec.at04-14 Eisenstadt - International Haydn Festival also Schubert and List

www.haydnfestival.at06-21 Schwaz - Klangspuren, festival for contemporary music

www.klangspuren.com14-Oct 04 Linz - International Bruckner Festival www.brucknerhaus.at10-14 Mürzzuschlag –18th International Brahms Music Festival www.

brahmsmuseum.at 18 Graz-‘Celebrating Styria’, the old town turns into a rural Styrian

village www.aufsteirern.at

October 01 – Nov 30 Wattens Swarovski Crystal Worlds are closed02 - 26 Graz –‘Steirischer Herbst 2008’ - Stryrian Autumn Festival of

New Arts www.steirischerbst.at 04-20 Salzburg – Bach Festival http://www2.salzburg.info/

veranstaltungen_4496.htm 10-26 Salzburg Culture Days www.salzburg.info12 Graz Marothan www.graztourismus.at14-16 Wels - Octoberfestival www.wels.at/tourismus 25- Nov 04 Salzburg -Jazz Festival www.jazz-herst.at to mid Nov Vienna – ‘Vienna Modern’, contemporary music festival www.

weinmodern.at

November15 - Dec 24 Vienna – Advent and Christmas Markets www.vienna.info

www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at www.christmas-markets.org 18 - Dec 24 Linz – Advent and Christmas Markets www.tiscover.at/linz

www.christmas-markets.org 20 - Dec 23 Salzburg - Advent choir and classic highlights Traditional

advent singing & classical music masterpieces in the princes’ room at the fortress Hohensalzburg.http://www.salzburghighlights.at/de-konzerte-adventkonzerte.htm www.christmas-markets.org

20-Dec 24 Salzburg – Advent and Christmas Markets http://www2.salzburg.info/veranstaltungen_484.htm www.christmas-markets.org

22- Mar 31 09 Innsbruck - Swarovski Crystal Gallery – This winter Brazil is the guest of the mountain giant T+43 (0)512 573 100 email [email protected]

25 - Dec 24 Graz - Christmas Market www.graztourismus.at www.christmas-markets.org

26 - Dec 24 Villach - Christmas Market www.villach.at www.christmas-markets.org

28 – Dec 21 Salzburg - Advent Singing, Scenic oratorio at the Large Festival Hall.

30- Dec 23 Wolgangsee Advent of Lake Wolfgang www.wolfgangsee.at www.christmas-markets.org

MANCULTURE

WAR

I N F L A N D E R S F I E L D S M U S E U MR E M E M B E R I N G T H E F U T U R E

MULTICULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR

E X H I B I T I O N

MAY1S E P 72 0 0 8

In Flanders Fields MuseumCloth Hall - Grote Markt 34 - B-8900 Ypres - Belgiumt. +32 [0]57 239 220 - f. +32 [0]57 239 275e-mail: [email protected]

www.inflandersfields.be

46314 ad mcw iffm euro group tra1 1 26-02-2008 10:04:49

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European Eventssecret recipe with dry white wine laced with oranges and fine liqueurs.

31 – 01 Jun Ostend - North Sea Motor Cycle Championships www.toerisme-oostende.be

JuneTo - 31 Oct Festival of Wallonia: Prestigious international orchestras and

soloists perform in castles, abbeys and churches in the French-speaking part of Belgium. [email protected]

04 – 08 Sept Brussels Rollers: 7pm every Friday in June from the Palace of Justice to the racecourse at Boitsfort, the broad boulevards of Brussels are reserved for skaters. The event ends with a fiesta in the centre of town.

05-10 Brussels Ancient Art Fair: Dealers in classical, Egyptian and Near Eastern antiquities come to Brussels from all over the world to put their treasures on display in leading galleries at the Sablon quarter. www.baaf.be

20-22 Antwerp-Beer Passion Weekend: At the Grote Market in the city centre. Admission free www.beerpassion.com

28 Antwerp - NaviGAYtion - Gay Festival www.navigaytion.be27-28 Brussels - Couleur Café festival, world music festival with 50

concerts

July01-03 Brussels - Ommegang Pageant, historical evocation of the

festival held in 1549 for CharlesV, his son Don Philip, infant of Spain and Duke of Brabant, and his sisters, Eleanor of Austria, Queen of France and Mary of Hungary. 3,000 seats on the Grand Place

Brussels - The Ommegang, ‘Summer fun’ Parade www.ommegang.be

02- 31 Aug Brussels - Festival Midis – Minimes Music Festival www.midis-minimes.be

Werchter – Rock Festival: Internationally open-air concerts www.rockwerchter.be

04-24 Leuven -BeLeuvenissen Music Festival www.beleuvenissen.be06-08 Ghent – Beer Festival www.eurobierbeurs.be 19-28 Ghent Festivities: In the traffic-free city centre visitors can

enjoy a medieval fair with street entertainment and music. www.gentsefeesten.be

August Bruges – ‘Lace Days’ Lace festival www.kantcentrum.com01-03 Dranouter - Folk Festival Annual largest folk and roots festival

in Europe comes to the heart of the green Heuvelland www.folkdranouter.be

08- 08 Sep Brussels-Royal Palace: Open every day from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, except on Mondays Entrance free. www.monarchie.be

Brussels - Summer Festival www.infofestival.be 14-17 Brussels - Les Tapis de fleurs de Bruxelles- The 14th

magnificent floral carpets display on the Grand-Place Liege - Celebrations of Outremeuse: three days of

processions and festivities15 Dinant - Bathtub Regatta: Over 250 participants race down the

river Meuse15 Antwerp-Rubens Market: held annually the vendors of the

‘Grote Market’ dress in the style of the 16thC Baroque artist, Peter Paul Rubens. www.visitantwerpen.be

15-23 Bruges - Festival on the Canals (Triennial) www.cemitevoorinitiatief.be

23-24 Brussels – Beer Weekend Taste a beverage that comes in more than 400 flavours

29-31 Ath-Ducasse Ceremony: Takes place every year on the 4th weekend in August, dating back to the 15thC, with a folkloric procession of giants

SeptemberSept - Oct Flanders Festival taking place throughout the historical cities. Brussels - Open Monument Days:: Visit historic houses in

the capital of Belgium normally closed to the public. [email protected]

05-07 Brussels –10th Belgium Beer Weekend: The Belgian Brewers’ association and the ‘Chevalerie du Fourquet des Brasseurs’, in collaboration with the City of Brussels organises the Belgian Beer Weekend on the Grand’Place www.weekenddelabiere.be.

13 – 05 Oct Ghent - International Festival of Flanders– Music Festival

October 02-05 Bruges Jazz Biannual event concentrates exclusively on

European bands.03-02 Feb Brussels – Europalia Festival 2008 Annual event meant to

improve Belgian and European public awareness of the guest country’s cultural heritage www.europalia.be

12 Brussels - Marathon 13-14 Antwerp Yacht Race: Held at Marina Willemdok north of

Antwerp 225 yachts participate in the festival

November03 St. Hubert - St. Hubert Festival: Solemn High Mass, fanfare of

hunting horns and blessing of the animals in the Ardennes.24-31 Dec Bruge - Advent: An Ice Palace on the square in front of the

railway station will be the setting for an enchanting fairy tale in which a crazy Ice King is looking for his Ice Queen

28 – 04 Jan Ostend – Christmas Market and Ice rink30 –30 Dec Leige-Village de Noël: Since its conception 19-years ago the

Leige Christmas market has grown to be the largest in Belgium and boasts over a million visiters a year. www.villagedenoel.be

December01 - 01 Jan Brussels - European Christmas Market: Winter fun, an ice

skating rink and a big wheel, a holiday shoppers’ delight! www.plaisirsdhiver.be/winterwonders

07 –16 Leuven - Christmas Market at the Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein.

09-29 Antwerp - Christmas Markets: with ice rink www.visitantwerpen.be

CroatiaAprilAll Year Porec - Classical concerts in Euphrasius’ Basilica: Fridays

May23 – Jul 01 Zagreb- 43 Floraart: International Garden Show www.floraart.

net

June01 – 30 Zagreb – Animafest, Europe’s oldest animated film festival

has introduced a new format of short films in even years, and feature length films in odd years.

21- Jul 05 Zagreb - Eurokaz: International Festival of New Theatre www.croatia.hr

21 - Jul 05 Sibenik - 48th International Children’s Festival www.mdf-si.org 21 - Aug 06 Pula -The International Summer Histria Festival is an annual

festival of music, opera, ballet and theatre performances.27 - Jul 01 Dubrovnik - International Film Festival28 - Jul 05 Dakovo - Embroidery Festival

July01-31 Pula - Film Festival01-31 Zagreb - Baroque Festival01-31 Zagreb – International Folklore Festival, over 1,000 participants,

many of them in the traditional dress of their country or region, perform the music and dance.

01 - Aug 31 Dubrovnik- Summer Festival, performing arts are the cornerstone of this festival

16-20 Zagreb – Summer Evening Festival, performances in historic venues of the Upper Town on selected evening.

10 - Aug 22 (tbc) Osor - Music Evenings on the Island of Cres 19-Aug 12 (tbc) Split- Summer Festival [email protected] 20-Aug 24 (tbc) Istria - Cultural Summer23-26 Rab Medieval Week

August05-13 Porec – Street art Festival03 Dalmatia –Sinj: Sinjska Alka (Tilting at the Ring) Every year

on the first Sunday in August a tilting competition takes place, brilliantly costumed knights (alkari) compete according to jousting rules preserved over the centuries. www.tzsinj.hr/alka.php

22- 31 Varazdin- Spancirfest, 160 top performances, 100 performers from around the world, old crafts, world music, street performances, comedies, children’s shows, folk, rock, classical music, 5 stages, in Varaždin old city www.spancirfest.com

29- Sept 05 Zagreb - International Puppet festival

September17-29 Varazdin - Baroque Evenings 01-30 Vinkovci - Autumn Festival established in 1971 this year’s

festival will include 22 separate performances at various venues including the cathedral, churches, Trakošćan Castle and the Croation National Theatre Great Hall www.vbv.hr

13-20 Split – 13th Split Film Festival

November11 Zagreb - St. Martin’s Day celebrates the end of the wine-

growing season

December25 Croatia – Christmas, Croatia is a very strong Catholic

country and whilst the reality of the modern Christmas with its commercial excess has begun to encroach, Christmas in Croatia is still a highly distinctive and traditional celebration

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European Events18 – Aug 23 Ceský Krumlov – International Music Festival, the concerts are

some of the best events in the town’s summer cultural calendar www.kudyznudy.cz

August01-31 Pocoucov – Medieval Celebrations to mark the inclusion of

Trutnov’s Basilica of St Procopius, the Jewish quarter and the Jewish cemetery in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites. www.kudyznudy.cz

02-16 Jaromerice nad Rokytnou – The Petra Dvorský International Classical Music Festival www.kudyznudy.cz

02 – 31 Vizovické –Trnkobranl, 41st contemporary music festival www.kudyznudy.cz

08 10 Jablunkovsko - 61st Iff Gorolski Swieto, an international folk festival held in a natural auditorium in the forest www.jablunkovsko.cz

14 – 24 Špilberg – 9th International Music Festival, classical music in Castle Špilberg www.kudyznudy.cz

16-23 Marienbad – Chopin Festival with leading international artists www.kudyznudy.cz

16 Telce – Zachariáš of Hradec and Katerina Valdštejn Festival, a traditional cultural event with a folk history theme. www.kudyznudy.cz

19-28 Pilsen - Festival On the Street, 15th street festival www.espritplzen.cz

September01 - Oct 3 (tbc) Brno – Moravian Autumn, 43rd international classical music

festival 09-14 Jicín - A Town of Fairytales, the 18th year of this multicultural

festival for children and adult. This year’s theme is demons. www.kudyznudy.cz

10-19 Plzen/Krajský úrad Plzenského kraje - The 16th International Theatre Festival brings performing art to the town’s streets www.festivaltheatre.cz

12-14 Mikulov - Pálava Wine Festival mikulov-kultura.wz.cz12- Oct 01 Prague - Autumn International Music Festival 13 Prague - Night Grand Prix, running after dark 10 and 5km races

that begin at 20.00 and 21.00 www.kudyznudy.cz19 – Oct 03 Jihlava – 7th International Mahler Music Festival www.

kudyznudy.cz.

October09 Plsen - 166th Pilsner Fest, gastronomy and beer www.

kudyznudy.cz.

November(tbc) North-west Bohemia - International Dance Festival 38th pairs

and team dance competition www.narodnidum-ul.cz

December28-30 Slavkov/Castle of Slavkov-Austerlitz – A commemorative

event including an historic re-inactment to mark the 203rd anniversary of the Battle of Austerlitz on December 2nd 1805 (aka the Battle of the three Emperors). The battle is regarded as one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s (1769-1821) greatest victories. Napoleon I destroyed the combined Russian-Austrian army commanded by Tsar Alexander I (1777 – 1825) and it is often regarded as a tactical masterpiece. Subsequently in December 1806, the Holy Roman Empire ceased to exist when at the Treaty of Pressburg much of the empire was ceded to Germany and Italy and the Holy Roman Emperor – Francis II (1768-1835) was stripped of his status as an emperor and was allowed to keep Francis I of Austria as his only official title. i

DenmarkAprilUntil Aug 31 Klampenborg-Bakken: the world’s oldest and one of Europe’s

most popular amusement parks opens to 2.6 million visitors a year T +45 39 63 35 44. www.bakken.dk

17 - Sept 21 Copenhagen-Tivoli Gardens: opens Music, rides and fireworks. T. +45 33 15 10 01. www.tivoli.dk

16 Copenhagen-Queen’s Birthday: Balcony scene at Amalienborg Palace at noon

May09-11 Copenhagen-Carnival: The Copenhagen Carnival has been a

major cultural event since 1982. The carnival takes place in Fælledparken with about 80 bands www.karneval.dk T +45 35 38 85 04

18 Copenhagen-Marathon: the race celebrates its 28th anniversary taking the participants along a traffic free route. www.copenhagenmarathon.dk

17 – 24 Aalborg-The 26th Carnival: the largest carnival in Northern Europe attracting over 100,000 visitors and 25,000 participants in Sunday’s Grand Parade. The theme for Carnival in Aalborg will be “Magic in the air”.

23-Jun 07 Fyrkatspillet-Hobro: Re-enactment performed in the Viking house at Fyrkat - Viking dinner after the show (to be ordered in advance)T + 45 98 52 00 08

Czech RepublicApril21-28 Prague/Pilsen – 21st FINÁLE, feature film and documentary

celebration of Czech film www.kudyznudy.cz 30- May 01 Ceský Krumlov – Magic Krumlov, historical market and musical

fair www.kudyznudy.cz

May05 -08 Pilsen -The 63rd anniversary and celebration of the liberation of

the town by the US Army during WWII www.kudyznudy.cz12 – Jun 02 Central Moravia – Dvorák’s Olomouc, an international classical

music festival now in its 7th year www.kudyznudy.cz11 Prague - Traditional marathon (42.195km) through the

historical centre of Prague12 - Jun Spindleryu Mlyn – Prague Spring, the 63rd year for this

classical international music festival www.kudyznudy.cz23-25 Vlcnoy – Ride of the Kings, a folk festival with music, dancing

and a parade www.kudyznudy.cz 23- Jun Brno - International fireworks display www.kudyznudy.cz28 – 31 Haviro – Without Borders, an international festival, which

features major productions by Czech, Slovak and Polish theatre companies www.kudyznudy.cz

31 – Jun 01 Turnov – Old Bohemian Market, an international show of traditional handicrafts with a rich programme of events. www.kudyznudy.cz

31 – Jun 29 South Bohemia/Highlands – Concentus Moraviae, an international music festival involving 13 towns and citiesFestival concerts in the inspiring surroundings of churches, chateaux and courtyards. The festival is the Czech part of a pan-European project called Czech Dreams which is usually comprised of around 120 concerts in 19 countries across Europe. www.kudyznudy.cz

June01 – Sep 30 Prague – The Summer Shakespeare Festival, is the biggest

and best known summer theatre festival in the Czech Republic. www.kudyznudy.cz

12 Ostrava – Golden Track Shoe, a traditional athletics meeting which has been added to the International Athletics Federation Super Grand Prix category. www.kudyznudy.cz

13-14 Pelhrimoy – 18th Town of Records Festival, a festival of record breakers and fans of unusual entertainment. An event in which tens of records are entered into a database and subsequently into the Czech Book of Records and the Guinness Book of Records. The main square in Pelhrimov is visited by around 16,000 people during the festival and in addition to the record attempts and exhibitions, a rich programme of events is put on for them.

13-15 Jemnice – Barchan Celebrations, one of the oldest pageants in Bohemia commemorating the victory of John of Luxembourg (1296-1346), aka John of Bohemia. The festival constitutes three days of parades with hundreds of costumed participants and festivals centred on the chateau, Sokol Hall and Saint Vitus Church www.kudyznudy.cz www.barchan.jemnice.cz

15 – Aug 03 Cheb – Mitte Europa, a classical music and other fine arts festival

17-23 Frýdek-Místek - 14th International Folklore Festival www.kudyznudy.cz

18 – Jul 05 Litomyšl’s –Smetana International Opera Festival, the 50th anniversary year of the largest open-air classical music festival in the Czech Republic which honours Litomyšl’s famous son, Bedrich Smetana. www.kudyznudy.cz

20-22 Ceský Krumlov – Five-petal Rose Celebrations, Renaissance festival that see the town return for three days to a time of gallant knights, damsels in distress, conjurers and wondering mistrals.

21-22 Kutná Hora – Royal Silver Festival, medieval festival with costumed parades fair and fireworks www.kudyznudy.cz

26-29 Strážnice – International Folk Festival, music, dancing, handicrafts and a parade www.kudyznudy.cz

July04-05 Hradce Králové – Two hundred accurately costumed

participants in an historic reconstruction of the pivotal Battle of Hradce Králové (1866), in the Austria – Prussian War in which Prussia brushed Austria aside to become unified with Germany. The largest European battle of its time with 330,000 combatants resulting in 9,000 Prussians killed and wounded and 44,000 Austrians and allies killed and wounded, with 22,000 being taken prisoner. The tragic higher losses for Austria was because it had refused to sign the First Geneva Convention. Hence their medical personnel were regarded as combatants, and withdrew from the battlefield with the main bulk of the forces, leaving the Austrian wounded to die. www.kudyznudy.cz

10-13 Ostrava – Colours of Ostrava is the 7th festival of rock, folk, ethno and alternative music www.kudyznudy.cz

10-13 Klatovy - 15th International Folk Festival featuring a programme of events and participants from abroad www.kudyznudy.cz

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European Events

June 17- 29 Ålborg -Viking’s gathering: Held at Lindholm Heje, northern

Europe’s largest Viking burial grounds, the festival culminates with a Viking market. www.geocities.com/vikingespil

20 National-Midsummer Eve: Bonfires on beaches and parks when the sun never truly sets

25- 29 Silkeborg-Riverboat Jazz Festival: The only river in Denmark passes through Silkeborg. http://www.riverboat.dk/ [email protected] T 8680 1617 F 8681 6180

29 West Jutland - North Sea Beach Marathon: Last year 1,734 participants from 12 countries took part in one of the world’s unusual runs, in that it all happens on sand. www.beachmarathon.com

July04 Skørping-USA Independence Day: Since 1912 thousands

of American Danes have travelled to join their cousins in the celebrations in Rebild National Park, North Jutland. www.aalborg-tourist.dk

03-06 Roskilde - Rock Festival: attracts thousands of music fans www.roskilde-festival.dk

06-Jul 22 Jels-The Viking Chronicles: Held in the open amphitheatre in Mid Jutland, the experience provides a rich pageant, this year’s Viking Chronicles are Røde Orm www.jelsvikingespil.dk

04-13 Copenhagen Jazz Festival World-renowned bands throughout the city www.festival.jazz.dk

August Klampenborg -International Festival of Clowns: Daily shows

and parades at Bakken Park www.bakken.dk01-03 Copenhagen - Cultural Harbour: Four free days of leisure

events throughout the harbour including ‘The Little Mermaid Musical’ with over 650 participants www.kulturhavn.dk

Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix Race at the centre of Copenhagen with classic cars participating in a thrilling race around the major park of the Copenhageners, Fælledparken

04-10 Copenhagen Summer dance Open air dance performance in the spectacular courtyard of the Copenhagen Police Head Quarters. www.danishdance.com

13- 16 Odense Flower Festival See, feel and smell the more than 180.000 flowers, plants and vegetables arranged in various beautiful fanciful tableaux and arrangements, according to a specific theme that changes every year. The Flower festival has 100.000 visitors every year.

14-16 Copenhagen-Danish Crafts’ Market: The event is held at the city’s Cathedral with over 127 workshops. Open Thurs 12-07pm, Fri 10am-07pm Sat 10am-04pm www.kunsthaandvaerkermarkedet.dk

17-24 The Malmö Festival 1, 5 million visitors over eight great days. Every year the festival starts with the popular and mad crayfish party at Stortorget – quite an experience! Over the next days more than 250 live music performances and concerts will take place, along with several cultural events, a food festival, an amusement park, handicrafts and much more. www.malmofestivalen.se

29–30 Horsens-Medieval Festival: Held in East Jutland with over 100,000 participants, The European Medieval Festival seeks to represent all aspects of medieval society – arts, crafts, music and everyday customs. It is a dedicated medieval event encompassing the time period from AD 1350 to 1536 with cultural focus on northern

29–07 Sept Aarhus Festival: A festival of major importance to all of Scandinavia involving all of Aarhus. Theatre, concerts, opera, ballet, music and sport for all ages. Some performances are free. Program available in August. www.aarhusfestuge.dk T+45 8940 9191

September06 –28 Copenhagen The Golden Days festival 2008 focuses on the

roaring 20’s and the crisis decade of the 30’s12-14 Copenhagen Beer Festival: for the discriminating beer

connoisseur!

October12 Copenhagen, Horsens, Esbjerg, Aalborg and Århus- More

than 750 cultural sites will be open to the public from 6 to 12 pm. Pass holders can take advantage of the opportunity to experience an evening of cultural exploration and to visit some of the buildings and institutions which are normally not open to the public. www.kulturnatten.dk 0045 3325 7400

November12– Dec 30 Aarhus-Christmas in the Old Town: Experience Christmas in

The Old Town in the light of the gas lamps. www.dengamleby.dk T +45 86 12 31 88

15 – 30 Dec Copenhagen-Tivoli Christmas Market. Miniature villages with shops full of gifts and goodies, beautiful scenery with lamps lit in trees, skating on the Tivoli Lake and ‘nissekøbing’, an exhibition of hundreds of mechanical pixies.: http://www.tivoligardens.com

EstoniaApril18-19 Tallinn - St. George’s Day Fair: Staged in the Old Town

includes handicrafts and farm goods sold from stalls in the streets and organised by the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union

T +372 660 4772 [email protected] www.folkart.ee 21-27 Tallinn-JAZZKAAR: Annual international festival with a broad

selection of music from avant-garde to mainstream jazz and blues. T +372 611 4405 [email protected]

www.jazzkaar.ee 25- May 03 Tartu -The University Spring Festivities: Tartu is Estonia’s

second city and is home to the oldest university in northern Europe. The old town is quiet in summer when the students are on vacation, but this festival is one of the highlights of the year with over 40,000 revellers. T. +372 504 9658 www.studentdays.ee

May11-12 Springtime Farming days The Pulga Farm . Travel back in time

to visit the farm and see the daily life of the family. The men of the household arerepairing the sails of the Ülendi windmill.Organiser: Estonian Open Air MuseumPh. +372 654 9100 · [email protected] ·

June02 – 08 XXV11 Tallin Old Town Days Re-enactments of medieval

traditions like jousting, parrot shooting and the election of the May Count. The streets are filled with minstrels and craftsmen, artists, merchants and street markets. Ph. +372 645 7220 ·

20-22 Tallinn - Folk Art Fair: Handicrafts and farm goods sold on the streets of Old Town.

T +372 660 4772 [email protected] www.folkart.ee 24 National - Celebration of St. John’s Day: or Midsummer Day,

is when the nights are the shortest, calling for a traditional celebration with bonfires, games, dances, music and legends.

July02-06 Tallinn - Beer Summer: The biggest traditional beer festival in

Scandinavia, offering hundreds of different beers as well as a wide-ranging cultural programme for the whole family in the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds on the coast www.ollesummer.ee

08-29 Pärnu -The David Oistrakh Festival: A major musical event in Pärnu, as well as the largest summer classical music festival in Estonia. Created in 1970 by David Oistrakh, one of the most significant violinists of the 20th century who used to spend his summers in Pärnu: www.oistfest.ee

10-13 Tallinn - Medieval Market: An authentic medieval atmosphere in Old Town with concerts, workshops, activities for children and handicraft sales. www.folkart.ee

13-15 Folk art fair at the Baltica Folklore festival Ph. +372 660 4772 · [email protected] · www.folkart.ee

27- 05 Aug XX1I Tallinn International Organ Festival www.concert.ee

August07-17 Birgitta Festival A unique festival program that always features

works steeped in the spirit of its setting at the medieval convent (including operas, vocal-symphonic masterworks and more). www.birgitta.ee

18-23 Tallinn - Chamber Music Festival - takes place in the historic concert halls and churches of Tallinn and adds some classical spice to the busy cultural life in the city. www.plmf.ee

SeptemberTo 28 Sept Tallinn – Credo: 15th international festival of Orthodox

ecclesiastical music dedicated to the birthday of the Virgin Mary. Both old and modern music will be played in various churches.

T +372 646 4478

October24-31 Klaver 2008 International Pianists’ Festival www.concert.ee

November06-09 Tallinn - St. Martin’s Day Fair: National handicraft workshops

and sales accompanied by traditional food, folk music and Martinmas costumes. www.folkart.ee

25 - Dec 15 Tallinn - Christmas Jazz: Estonian and international musicians perform jazz in venues across town, including churches, clubs and theatres. T +372 611 4405 [email protected]

www.jazzkaar.ee

December01– 06 Jan Tallinn - Christmas Market: Situated in Old Town, this

charming market reflects a medieval atmosphere. Visitors will discover Estonian products and can taste traditional food and drink.

www.schlossle-hotels.com/christmas

8


European Events18-20 Brittany-Vieilles Charrues Festival: Pop festival www.

vieillescharrues.asso.fr

August01-10 Lorient- 37th Interceltic Festival: 4,500 creative artists from

around the world will attend this annual Celtic gathering in Brittany www.festival-interceltique.com

September05 – 14 Deauville-Festival of American cinema: www.festival-

deauville.com 06-07 Lille –Braderie: 2million bargain hunters descended on Lille

for the ‘Grande Clearance’ – when the streets of Lille are turned into a grand car boot sale www.lilletourism.com

06-08 Arleux - Garlic Festival Tel: +33 (0) 3 27 94 37 37www.arleux.com

October04-19 Paris – International Car Show www.mondialauto.tm.fr 05 Longchamp – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Europe’s premier

horse race www.parisinfo.com

November15-17 Les 3 Glorieuses: The Hospices de Beaune wine auction and

the Paulée in Meursault T +33 (0) 3 80 262 130 www.0t-beaune.fr

GermanyApril Until 25 Heidelberg-Music Festival: www.heidelberger-fruehling.de 12-04 May Stuttgart - Spring Festival: The spring version of the Beer

Festival offers a funfair that is nearly as big as that in autumn, but the festival itself is running even longer. Three weeks of fun rides and typical food specialities. www.stuttgarter-fruehlingsfest.de

18 – 19 Oct Bingen - Rhineland-Palatinate Regional Garden Show www.landesgartenschau-bingen-2008.de

24 - 11 Sep Munich - Blade Nights: Every Monday, in-line skating in the city centre.

25 – 5 Oct Bad Rappenau - Baden- Württemberg Regional Garden Show www.badrappenau.info/lgs/site/

27 – 31 May Wiesbaden - International May Festival Annual festival including daily events. the performances are operas, dance and theatrical performances, orchestral concerts and recitals. www.wiesbaden.de

FranceApril01 – 11 May Le Mans - Europa Jazz Festival: www..europajazz.fr 05 - 13 Berck-sur-Mer - International Kite Festival www.cerf-volant-

berck.com06 Paris - Marathon: Over 35,000 competitors from 80 countries,

and 200,000 spectators will line the route that is primarily on the north bank of the Seine through central Paris. Race starts at 08.45hrs www.parismarathon.com

15 – 20 Loire Valley - Le Printemps de Bourges Annual Rock festival: This annual rock festival is organised by a company owned between 50 of the towns bars and restaurants and the municipal and is sponsored by local retail giant Printemp. www.printemps-bourges.com

19-20 Le Mans- 24-hour motorcycle/car race: www.lemans.org27-03 May Coutances (Normandy) Jazz under the apple trees www.

jazzsouslespommiers.com

May Cannes - Film Festival: www.festival-cannes.com Revin - Festival de la Contrebande Smuggling and Street Arts

Festival19 – 02 June Carignan - Festival de Folklore 11th International Festival of

local traditions.22 French Grand Prix in Magny Cours (in Burgundy) www.

magnyf1.com25 Monaco-Formula 1 Grand Prix: www.monaco-formula1.com25-08 June Roland Garros - French Tennis Open www.frenchopen.org

June14-15 Le Mans- 24-hour car race: www.lemans.org21 National - Fête de la Musique: Free concerts on the streets

across France www.culture.fr22 – 05 July Montpellier - International Dance Festival www.

montpellierdanse.com26 – 29 Bordeaux - Fête le Vin: Wine gastronomy and cultural festival

www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com27 - 22 July Aix-en-Provence-International Opera Festival : www.festival-

aix.com

July04-06 Belfort-Les Eurockéennes: rock festival www.eurockeennes.fr05-27 National -Tour de France: starts in London www.letour.fr04-26 Avignon Festival: An annual rendez-vous for theatre lovers

www.festival-avignon.com

A Cognac : 05 45 36 33 33

L’ABUS D’ALCOOL EST DANGEREUX POUR LA SANTE. A CONSOMMER AVEC MODERATION

FranceRail_Tiercons 9/04/08 11:12 Page 1

Tel: (33) 5 45 36 33 33www.martell.com

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European Eventsthe town of Memmingen into a stage. Some 60 performances are scheduled. The additional programme will change the old town by decorating the shopwindows. Entertainment and Art will shape the appearance of the whole town. www.bayerische-theatertage.de

30 – 29 June Würzburg Mozart Festival Germany’s oldest Mozart festival taking place since 85 year in the Würzburg Residence. Founded only one year after the “Salzburger Festspiele” the Mozart

June01 – 30 Sept tbc Rheingau -Wine Festival: Over 100 local wine growers serve

their products, also local specialities and lots of entertainment. Group packages available. [email protected] www.wiesbaden.de/International

05-15 Halle, Saale International Handel Festival www.haendelfestspiele.halle.de

06 –08 Nürburgring - Rock am Ring - Germany’s biggest festival of its kind, featuring national and international rock and pop bands. www.rock-am-ring.com

to mid Sept Stuttgart - Ludwigsburg Palace Festival: The prime feature of the festival is the extraordinary diversity of the international programme: concerts, chamber music, opera productions, modern and classical ballet, plays, jazz, cabaret and open-air evenings and historic venues. www.stuttgart-tourist.de/english/festivals/festivals

13-22 Leipzig - Bach Festival With its theme ‘Bach and his Sons’ Bach, lived for 27 years in Leipzig and is buried in St Thomas’ Church.

21-29 Kiel Week Great sailing sport event and biggest summer festival in northern Europe; over 3 million visitors each year

21-Aug 10 Heidelberg- Castle Festival:. T+49 (0) 6221 58 20000 www.cvb-heidelberg.de

21-22 Berlin - Gay and Lesbian Festival Midsummer –Goseck 2 days of festivals of the stone age

farmers’ circle of the year. Here feel the magic atmosphere of 7000 years of history www.gosecker-sonnenobservatorium.de

27 – 24 Aug Friedenstein Castle, Gotha Ekhof Festival a small and extraordinary opera festival and takes place in the world’s oldest baroque theatre at Friedenstein Castle

30 -Jul 31 Munich-Opera Festival: The highlight of the opera season. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the unique atmosphere www.bayerische.staatsoper.de

July Bayreuth-City Street Festival: Situated in the centre of the city

the Festival takes place every year on the first weekend in July

MayTo 08 June Meissen - Albrechtsburg Castle exhibition ‘300 years of

European porcelain’May –Oct Rhineland-Culture Summer in Rhineland-Palatinate: Up to

1,600 events in the federal state, www.kultursommer.de01 Frankfurt - Grand Prix Cycle Race www.frankfurt-tourismus.

de02-04 Kempen - Lower Rhine Old-town festival with Highland Games02 - 13 Göttingen – Händel Festival: This International Handel Festival

is the oldest Handel Festival as well as one of Europe’s earliest music festivals.When Rodelinda was staged in 1920, it was the first time that any opera by Handel had been performed since the composer’s death. The ‘Göttingen Handel Renaissance’ had its origins in this event and transformed the university city of Göttingen into a vibrant centre of early music. www.haendel.org

03 until end Sep Rhine and Moselle Rivers – Rhine in Flames and Moselle Lights: For over 70 years many of the towns on the Rhine and Moselle rivers have held annual wine festivals. One of the highlights of the festivals are the evening fireworks – when the rivers are brought to life as floodlit ships glide downstream amidst dramatic firework displays accompanied by music and dance www.firework.rhine-river.com

09-12 Harbour Birthday Hambug The world’s greatest harbour festival, this celebrating the 818th birthday of Hamburg’s harbour.

09-25 Dresden-Music Festival: hundred thousand lovers www.musikfestspiele.com

09 – 12 Carnival of Cultures - Berlin About 1,5 million visitors celebrate at the street festival and the parade, 4,500 professional and non-professional performers of all age groups accompanied by 70-plus colourfully decorated floats. www.karneval-berlin.de

14 – 18 Dresden 38th International Dixieland Festival the city is filled with the hot rhythms of jazz bands from Germany, many other European countries and Australia

15-20 Bremen - Poetry on the Road www.poetry-on-the-road.com16-21 Müritz Sail – Waren Regatta and events on the Müritz,

Germany’s biggest lake23 Halle (Saale) - Re-opening of the State Museum of

Prehistory, The collection contains more than 11 million objects of a worlwide state, including the ‘Sky Disc of Nebra’. www.archlsa.de

25 –08 June Memmingen-24th Bavarian Theatre Days: An annual theatre festival in cooperation with 25 Bavarian playhouses will turn

www.tourismus-bw.de

Island of Mainau,Lake Constance

Black Forest FarmhouseHeidelberg Castle

When are your clients coming to visit me ?

Whether your clients are seeking culture, entertainment,sightseeing or pure relaxation, Germany’s southwestern stateof Baden-Wuerttemberg is a delightful getaway.

For a copy of our 2007/2008 Sales Guide contact the State Tourist Board Baden-Wuerttemberg, phone:+49 (0) 711238580, [email protected] or visit our website www.tourismus-bw.de for an online version.

STATE TOURIST BOARD BADEN-WUERTTEMBERGEsslinger Straße 8 · 70182 Stuttgart/Germany

342-07-007_AZ_SchwMaedchen 18.04.2007 16:43 Uhr Seite 1

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European Events07-10 Stuttgart-Summer Festival: An open-air festival directly

neighbouring the New Palace may well be one of Germany’s most beautiful city festivals. White pavilions decoratively illuminated on the Schlossplatz and around the lake in the Schlossgarten offer a wide variety of culinary highlights as well as a rich cultural program with bands and live acts on several stages www.stuttgart-tourist.de/english/festivals/festivals

08-17 Rheingau Wine Festival Wiesbaden The largest and surely most wonderful wine festival in Germany www.wiesbaden.de

24 Colditz Castle - Summer Music for Singers presents a concert of British Music by the John Huw Davies Chorale team and will perform music by Thomas Tomkins, Henry Purcell, S.S. Wesley, Gustav Holst and others. Concert at 16.00 hrs

24 – 23 Sept Bonn Beethoven Festival www.beethovenfest.de26-31 Travemuende - Rolex Baltic Week. Germany’s exclusive

sailing event on the Baltic Sea29- Sept 09 Stuttgart-Wine Village: More than 350 wines from Baden-

Württemberg are sold in more than 120 decorated vine bowers on Marktplatz and Schillerplatz around the Altes Schloss. Typical regional specialities such as Maultaschen (meat and spinach stuffing in pasta pockets), Kässpätzle (Swabian cheese noodles), Schupfnudeln mit Kraut (potato noodles with cabbage) are served with the wine. www.stuttgart-tourist.de/english/festivals/festivals

September12-14 Freyburg/Unstrut - Vintage Festival, Biggest and most

famous Wine Festival in Central Germany with Wine Queen, Live music, historic pageant and entertainment. www.freyburg-info.de

14 – 13 Oct Bad Füssingen- Festival of Cultures www.badfuessingen.de20- Oct 05 Munich-Oktoberfest: The largest beer festival in the world

www.oktoberfest.de26- Oct 12 Stuttgart - Beer Festival: Symbolised by a 24-metre-high

fruit column, the Stuttgart Beer Festival was established in 1818 as a harvest festival - over 300 rides at the largest folk festival in the world. The enormous ‘Black Forest Experience Tent’ contains fir branches, waterfalls, music and a laser show. www.stuttgarttourist.de/english/festivals/festivals

28 Berlin – Marathon: www.real-berlin-marathon.com29-03 Oct Berlin – Art Forum Berlin - International Contemporary Art -

Contemporary art from Berlin, Germany, Europe, USA, South America, Asia and Australia www.art-forum-berlin.de

and is one of the highlight of the Bayreuth festival season. The main attraction is the ‘beer road’ with five breweries and stages with live music. The Sunday of the Bürgerfest is traditionally reserved for culture and arts. www.Bayreuth.de

04-06 Cologne – 14th Summer Jam: biggest reggae and beat festival in Europe www.summerjam.de

07-10 Stuttgart-Summer Festival: An open-air festival directly neighbouring the New Palace may well be one of Germany’s most beautiful city festivals. White pavilions decoratively illuminated on the Schlossplatz and around the lake in the Schlossgarten offer a wide variety of culinary highlights as well as a rich cultural program with bands and live acts on several stages www.stuttgart-tourist.de/english/festivals/festivals

12-31 Aug Luebeck - Schleswig-Holstein Music-Festival will bring the great Russian music tradition in all of its facets www.luebeck-tourism.de

22 – 14 Sept Weimar - Art Festival “Unstern.” Directed by Dr. Nike Wagner, the great granddaughter of Richard Wagner. The programme consists of music and ballet performances and literature

25 - Aug 28 Bayreuth - Wagner Festival: For more than 125 years the annual Richard Wagner Festival takes place in the Festival Theatre on the Green Hill. A different selection of Wagner’s musical dramas is shown every year in 30 performances per season to an evening audience of 2 000 people. www.bayreuth.de

30- Aug 17 Hanover –Festwochen: Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen Festival www.hannover.de

27-19 Aug Berlin - German American Folk Festival www.deutsch-amerikanisches-volksfest.d

August01 - 31 Frankfurt Museum Embankment Festival One of Europe’s

largest cultural festivals with over 3 million visitors on 8 kilometres www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

01-10 Luebeck Duckstein-Festival at the Trave river www.luebeck-tourism.de

02 Bayreuth-Summer Night’s Festival: Said to be one of the most beautiful and romantic events in Franconia. It takes place in the extensive park of the Hermitage. 250 years ago the ruling Margraves invited their subjects to this splendid summer festival. Today thousands of visitors come to enjoy the various attractions, and when the weather is fair the festival goes on to the break of dawn.

03-05 Festival Maritim Bremen Taking place at the port of Bremen-Vegesack featuring Shanties, Folk, Rock and Chansons.

BLACK FORESTQUICK LUNCH & SHOPPING

Cuckoo Clocks Clock demonstration on request,Beersteins, Hummel figures, Birkenstock, Swarovski Crystal,Zwilling, Glassblower’s Shop. Ravenna self-service restaurant.

Hofgut Sternen · Drubba Family An der Ravennaschlucht (B31) · 79874 Breitnau/Höllsteig · Germany

Telephone +49 (0) 7652/901-0 · Fax +49 (0) 7652/1031 · www.drubba.com

DRB_Sternen_cuckoo_86x123 17.02.2005 10:28 Uhr Seite

Käthe Wohlfahrt GmbH & Co. OHG · Herrngasse 1 91541 Rothenburg o. d. T. · Tel: +49(0)9861 - 4090

[email protected] · www.bestofchristmas.com

Don’t let your guests miss the unforgettable “Christmas Village”

in Rothenburg o. d. T. with the largest selection of traditional

German Christmas decorations.Smaller selections in

Oberammergau, Heidelberg,Rüdesheim, Nuremberg and Bruges.

Also find many fine gift ideas and German souvenirs in our stores.

PDHG_AZ ETTG 22.03.2007 14:14 Uhr Seite 1

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European Events

October Munich - Long night of museums, 70 museums and

collections provide a programme of guided tours, concerts and performances. www.die-lange-nacht.de/museumsnacht

02-05 Travemuende - Autumn Kite Festival 03 National - German Unification Day, various events and activities

to across the country10-12 Weimar - 355th Onion Market -. Lots of entertainment and a

fun and of course onion dishes!19-04 Nov Bremer- Freimarkt, North Germany’s largest and oldest folk

festival, beer tents and funfair. www.freimarkt.de

Novemberr01-04 JazzFest Berlin www.berlinerfestspiele.de09 – 09 Dec Hamburg “Winterdom” Funfair Tracing back to the 11th

century, this fair – the biggest in Northern Germany – attracts around 9 million visitors each year

21- 31 Dec Munich - Tollwood Festival crafts, food and performances from all over the world. www.tollwood.de

December More than 2.500 traditional Christmas markets in wonderful

settings within German towns and cities www.christmas-markets.org

1,2,8,9, Lauscha Christmas Market Lauscha is famous for its glassblowers tradition and their Christmas Market features a wide range of Christmas tree decorations www.lauscha.de

Hungary AprilApril – Sept Fertöd Concerts in the Esterhãzy Mansion A series of top-

class concerts in the Esterházy Mansion, where the great master Haydn performed many of his works for the first [email protected]

MayTo Sept Old Buda Summer Festival www.obudaitarsaskor.hu04-06 Veszprem - Gizella Days: The ‘City of Queens’ pays homage

to Gisela of Bavaria, King Saint Stephen’s wife by organizing a historical procession in authentic costumes and entertainment T+3688/429.111 www.vmk.veszprem.hu

12 Balatonfüred ‘Unfurling of the sails’ Festival The official opening ceremony of the sailing season has a history going back more than 75 years. The first yachting competition is accompanied by a folklore programme and the opening of exhibitions. www.balatonfured.hu

23-25 Tokaj - Festival of Tokaji wines This is a general three-day art festival introducing the main wineries of the Tokaj-Hegyalja region. There are tastings of wine and food around the clock, as well as good cultural events in various parts of the town. [email protected]

JuneTo Augustdates tbc Chain Bridge weekends closed to traffic and given over to

public with shows, displays and markets. The neighbouring Castle District hosts a number of special events, such as the Festival of Folk Arts at the end of August. www.budapestinfo.hu

1-30 Budapest - Danube Carnival: Professional and amateur Hungarian folk dance ensembles, classical music orchestras, brass bands, world music and contemporary dance performers as well as ensembles from all over the world. Venues: Vörösmarty Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, Buda Castle, Margaret Island www.dunaart.hu

7 – 22 Budapest Wagner Days www.mupa.hu

JulyTo Aug Budapest - Summer In Buda Castle: The Festival each

weekend of July and offers folk shows, handicrafts market, traditional folk music and dancing, as well as historical military displays, bands and mounted hussars. www.festivalofbuda.com

To mid Aug Budafest-Summer Music Festival: this year’s programme features 25 outstanding concerts T +361/302-4290 www.viparts.hu

Blue Ribbon Regatta Around 1600 yachts compete for the Grand Prix and Blue Ribbon on the approximately 160 km round-the-lake course. www.hunsail.hu

4 – 20 Aug Szeged – Open Air Festival ’city of sunshine’ Audiences of up to 4,000 enjoy opera, ballet, musicals and folk dance performed on a huge stage erected in front of the imposing cathedral www.szegediszabadteri.hu

11-13 Visegrad – ‘Visegrad International Palace Festival: The Knight’s Tournament show and royal procession revives the hey-day of Visegrad T+3626/317-965 www.palotajatekok.hu

18-31 Sopron - Liszt Festival listen to some classical performances and to explore this pretty historic town at the foot of the Alps which was his home www. lisztfestival.gekonet.hu

19-27 Eger – Castle festivities - performers dressed traditional costume Medieval atmosphere provide for traditional combat groups, flag-drill teams, dancers, musicians and folk artist wares www.egrivar.hu

29 – 3 Aug Keszthely 16th Bush of Zala – Festival of Wine exhibition & fair, handcraft market, traditional foods, programs for children, music and dance exhibitions, concerts etc www.bkksz.hu

31- 4 Aug Mogyoród -Formula 1 Grand Prix: World class drivers pitch their skills against each other at the Hungaroring circuit www.hungaroring.hu

August12-18 Sziget – International Festival: Shipyard Island on the Danube

becomes a town within the city during this multicultural festival. Around 400,000 people come to Sziget each year for concerts, theatre performances, films, exhibitions and sports programmes. www.sziget.hu

03-24 Balatonfüred - Wine Weeks: Local vineyard owners bring out their very best wines for this festival, plus there is a folk arts fair and cultural programmes. www.balatonfured.hu

9 – 11 Godollo- Baroque Palace Days: The royal castle becomes the scene of a major Baroque Festival

12-14 Szolnok - The Goulash Festival about 700 stew-pots with 65, 000-70, 000 team members, guests and visitors. www.magyargulyas.hu

15 –21 Debrecen - Flower Carnival boasts the largest floats of flower compositions in Europe. A week with the spirit of celebration, music, dance, and flowers.www.fonixinfo.hu

16-20 Budapest - Festival of folk arts. Annually in the castle district. Traditional Hungarian crafts, folk music and dance

23 - 31 Fertőd - Haydn at Eszterháza” festival www.haydn-eszterhaza.hu

31 - Sep 7 Budapest-Jewish Summer Festival: T. +361/343-0420 www.jewishiestival.hu

September7 Budapest- International Semi-Marathon, the runners

start from the Varosliget T. +36 1/273-0939 www.budapestmarathon.com

10-14 Budapest - International Wine & Champagne Festival at Castle Buda T. +361/203-8507 www.winefestival.hu

5-7 September Feszt The capital’s main gastronomic festival, features are record-breaking stews, cooking in the world’s largest cauldron, various competitions and games for children, as well as continuous musical performances on several stages. www.szeptemberfeszt.hu

18-28 Pécs – Heritage Days. Proud of its heritage above other Hungarian towns, brass band gala, Ethnic Days, Days of Cultural Heritage and music, dance and theatre productions www.oroksegfesztival.hu

21-21 Cultural Heritage Days This years theme is “Revival” -Year of the Renaissance www.oroksegnapok.hu

October5 Budapest- International -Marathon T. +36 1/273-0939 www.

budapestmarathon.com10-19 Budapest - Autumn Festival Music,theatre,dance,fine arts and

media films and literature www.festivaicity.hu 23 -26 Csaba Sausage Festival - Békéscaba Everything to do with

sausages, culinary and art programmes and wine tasting www.palinkamarketingkht.hu

November/DecemberNov 23-Dec 29 Budapest-Christmas Market: Craftsmen sell their wares made

exclusively of natural materials in Vörösmarty Square. Visitors can view the giant Advent Calendar and enjoy a variety of quality programmes. www.budapestinfo.hu/en/event

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www.kiralyikastely.hu • tel:+36/28 410-124

12


European Events

IrelandApril06 Great BUPA Ireland Run Dublin www.greatrun.org/events

May 01 – 04 Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. performances from local,

national and international talent on the festival circuit today02-05 County Armagh - Apple Blossom Festival

street entertainment, markets, festival of flowers, Festival of continental beers and fine foods, comedy festival to name but a few. T028 3752 1800

05 Belfast Marathon Race around the streets of Belfast starting from Belfast City Hall. www.belfastcitymarathon.com

05 –18 International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival The only event of its kind worldwide that focuses solely on theatre by gay authors, with gay characters or with a gay relevance or theme. Tel: +353 (0)1 4541147 www.gaytheatre.ie

18-26 Innis, Co. Clare - Fleadh Nua: Concerts, céilithe, music, song and dancing, street entertainment, pageants/parades and much more www.fleadhnua.com

22-25 Dunfanaghy Seafood Festival Co.Donegal Local fresh caught seafood BBQ’s demonstrations, live music, fire juggling, raft race and kids entertainment

30 –02 June Docklands Maritime Festival Custom House Quay Dublin Visiting tall ships, family entertainment, continental market, food stalls, sailing on the river. www.dublindocklands.ie

June

13-15 Dublin Street Performance World Championship. This festival brings the best street entertainment in the world to Dublin.

13-15 Shell Donegal International Rally Letterkenny,Co Donegal www.donegalmotorclub.com

16 Dublin-Bloomsday: A festival celebrating James Joyce and his masterpiece Ulysses www.jamesjoyce.ie

15 – 05 Jul Cork-Midsummer Festival: Multi-discipline arts festival at various venues around the city www.corkfestival.com

23-1 July Dublin Dundrum Arts and Cultural Festival provides a week’s programme of entertainment to suit all in music, song, and dance www.freewebtown.com/dundrumfestival/

30-01 Jul Fingal - Festival of Arts and Cultures in Ireland This event will feature music, and a multinational fashion parade. www.festacireland.com

28-30 Enniscorthy, County Wexford- Wexford Strawberry Festival: Includes theatre street entertainment, markets and coincides with the Rhythm Routes Festival www.strawberryfestival.ie

29- 23 Sept International Garden Festival Emo Court, Co. Laois Fifteen beautifully designed gardens complemented by sculptures and art installations. www.internatioanlgardenfestival.com

27- 29 Belfast Maritime Festival will feature the infamous Tall Ships and host a variety of entertainment for all the family. www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

July Howth Peninsula Festival Festival offering a taste of what

Howth has to offer – food, maritime activities, and family fun www.howthpeninsula.com

01-09 Clonmel, Co Tipperary-The Clonmel Junction Festival: Clonmel is transformed with banners and flags, vibrant music and theatre www.junctionfestival.com

14 -27 Galway City - Galway Arts Festival: Ireland’s largest and most prestigious annual arts festival www.galwayartsfestival.ie

18-20 New Ross, Co Wexford – JFK Dunbrody Festival: Action packed three days with open air concerts and street theatre, historical lectures and food markets www.jfkdunbrodyfestival.org

28- 03 Aug Ballybrit - Galway Races: and summer festival www.galwayraces.com

August01-03 Waterford City - Spraoi Festival: An international street theatre

and music festal on the streets and quays of Waterford plus the Spraoi parade www.spraoi.com

09-13 Dublin - Dublin Horse Show T. +353 1668 0866 www.dublinhorseshow.com

10-12 Killorgan, Co Kerry – Puck Fair: This is one of the oldest festivals in Ireland and includes the coronation and dethronement of a goat! www.puckfair.ie

08-17 Carrick Water Music Festival Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim A rich assortment of vibrant musical performances aimed to captivate audiences from all ages, backgrounds and musical tastes www.carrickwatermusic.com

06-12 Feakle, Co Clare- International Traditional Music Festival: www.feaklefestival.ie

Kilkenny - Arts Festival: T. +353567763663 www.kilkennyarts.ie

18-20 Dublin - Street Performance World Championship The first of its kind in Dublin, includes music, theatre, acrobatics and comedy

22-24 Dublin-Festival of World Cultures: Featuring artists from 50

countries with music, circus, dance, workshops, markets and fairs. www.festivalworldcultures.com

22 27 Tralee - The Rose of Tralee International Festival - international music, parades, fireworks displays, and of course the renowned Rose of Tralee selection

25-26 Co Antrim, Ballycastle - Ould Lammas: The oldest fair in Ireland originating from 17thC with livestock sales and hundreds of stalls selling bric-a-brac and the traditional ‘dulse’ (edible seaweed) and ‘Yellow Man’ a yellow candy similar in texture to toffee, with a taste of honeycomb. T + 44 (0) 28 8224 3292

September01- 30 tbc Midleton, East Cork – Midleton Food and Drink Festival: Food

culture with entertainment www.irelandcork.com/midleton05- 07 Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival Ulster

American Folk Park C Tyrone Musicians and dancers from all over the world www.folkpark.com

08-10 Galway Races – Autumn Festival Meeting11- 01 Oct Dublin Fringe Festival one of Ireland’s largest performing arts

festivals and includes music, dance, street theatre, puppetry, visual arts and comedy.

16-30 Waterford Fringe Festival Multi Disciplinary arts festival- featuring arts trail, fun days, comedy, drama. www.waterfordfringefestival.com

25-28 Galway City - Galway Oyster Festival: www.galwayoysterfest.com

25-Oct 12 Dublin-Theatre Festival: The best of Irish and International theatre on the Irish stage. www.dublintheatrefestival.com

October05-08 Nobber, Co Meath: O’Carolan Harp, Cultural and Heritage

Festival: Instrumental workshop, harp competition, traditional concerts, historical tours and arts and crafts. www.nobberfest.com

12-19 Cork City – 53rd International Film Festival: T. +353 2 1427 1711 www.corkfilmfest.org

16 – 02 Nov Wexford Festival Opera Wexford festival is Ireland’s opera highlight, its programming is adventurous producing rare & neglected operas, its thinking is bold, it’s planning meticulous and its enthusiasm is infectiouswww.wexfordopera.com

17-Nov 01 Belfast- Festival at Queen’s: The largest festival of its kind in Ireland combining the best of UK Irish and international culture www.belfastfestival.com

24-02 Nov Imagine – Waterford Arts festival Imagine is a platform for local talent and a showcase for international artists. www.waterforddartsfestival.com

24-27 Cork City - International Jazz Festival: Celebrates 31 years of great music www.corkjazzfestival.com

27 Dublin - City Marathon: T. +353 1 6263746 www.dublincitymarathon.ie

November07-09 Ardara Match Making Festival Co. Donegal Weekend of

music, dancing and matchmaking based on an old idea of matchmaking once prevalent in Donegal www.nesbittarms.com

December26-29 Leopardstown Christmas Racing Festival Race Course,

Dublin Principal national hunt racing festival commencing on St. Stephen’s Day annually. www.leopardstown.com

ItalyApril21 Rome celebrates its legendary ‘birthday’ with three days of

typically Roman events and initiatives www.romaturismo.com26 – Jul 01 Florence-Maggio Musicale Florentino; Florentine Musical May

is hosted by the Teatro Comunale di Firenze, is one of the oldest and most prestigious European Festivals, along with Bayreuth and Salzburg. Founded in 1933 it offers two months of opera, concerts, ballet and exhibits with some of the great world artists. www.maggiofiorentino.com

29-30 Cagliari - Sagra di Sant ’Efisio is one of the most colourful processions with several thousand pilgrims, wearing 17thC costumes accompanying the statue of the saint on foot and horse. In 1652 Sardinia was afflicted by a plague when alf the population of Cagliari died. Then the people turned to Efisio di Elia, a martyred saint, and were saved.

May01 Cagliari - Sant’Efisio Festival, a joyful procession with

thousands of people sporting traditional costumes leaving from the Stampace church, ending in Nora.

01-03 Assisi – Calendimaggio, dating back to Roman celebrations known as the “Fasti di Maggio” and to the mediaeval tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring in early May with groups of revellers serenading through the streets of the town. A more recent historical background to the festival is 14thC to 16thC protracted and bloody feuds of the Nepis and the Fiumi families, resulting in rivalry between the ‘Upper’ and the ‘Lower’ parts of Assisi. So deep were the divisions that in the 16thC, the Papal

13


European EventsGovernor, Giovanni Andrea Cruciani, was obliged to re-organise the town into three districts to keep the factions apart. www.assisi-info.com/assisi_calendimaggio

02 Palio-San Secondo, a 700 old-old ceremony with 13C pageantry, flag throwing skills and pageantry

03-25 Ferrara – The Palio di San Giorgio originated in the 13thC and follows a precise ritual. 1st weekend there is a candle offering in Ferrara Cathedral and a blessing of the races. The 2nd weekend is dedicated to the flag bearer’s competition. The grand historic procession in renaissance costumes takes place on the 3rd weekend. On the 4th Sunday the races take place in Piazza Ariostea. [email protected]

04 Venice - Feast of Sensa this ancient festival is over a thousand years old. The ruling Dodge of Venice sets sail on board the ‘Bucintoro’, a magnificent gilded ceremonial boat which is followed by a densely crowded procession of brightly coloured boats of every kind, and rowed to S. Nicolo’ del Lido. Here, renewing the rite of union between Venice and the sea, the Doge began the ceremony by throwing a ring in the lagoon waters. Later this came to signify the city’s marriage to the sea. This ceremony is still repeated today with great solemnity on the Sunday following Ascension Day.

07-09 Bari - The Sagra di San Nicola celebrates the theft of St Nicholas’ remains from his tomb in Myra, Turkey by sailors who arrived in Bari in1087 www.comune.bari.it

15 Gubbio - The 13thC Corsa dei Ceri Gubbio, Celebrated on St Ubaldo’s Day, (Gubbio’s Patron Saint). The three contestant teams (the Cerailoli) each carry a candle up to 7m in height, surmounted by the statue of St Ubaldo, St George and St Antony. The Ceraioli in costume, are dressed with sashes representing the saints. The winner of the race is established not by the order of arrival, but by the degree of the skills shown by the bearers. www.bellaumbria.net

25 Umbrian – 15th Cantine Aperte, heaven for wine lovers, ‘Open Wine Cellars’ is Italy’s biggest wine event and offers visitors the opportunity to taste Montefalco wines and is a great opportunity for all those who love to visit the wine cellars and vineyards to explore Umbrian wine culture. The largest producers in the area offer wine tasting matched to typical local produce.

25 Gubbio - Palio dei Balestrieri, Medieval crossbow contest in period costumes between Gubbio and Sansepolcro – last Sunday in May

June01 Pisa - Bridge Battle Pisa divides into two camps to fight

over the town’s main bridge in a colourful and violent ritual dating back to the Middle Ages, the descendant of a vicious competition between Pisa’s sailors.

01 – Sep 07 Sorrento Summer of Music The 14th century cloisters of a former convent and The pillars and arches of the San Francesco church lend themselves to the acoustics of the music, performed by world-class musicians. Genres are mostly classical and chamber, but jazz and others are included.

01 – 10 Milan - Festa del Naviglio, throughout Milan, the first ten days of June are celebrated with torchlight processions, concerts and fairs

15 Orvieto - Procession of Corpus Christie, this event recalls the 1263 Christian miracle of Bolsena in which while a priest was giving mass, blood issued from the host. The linen altar cloth, on which the droplets fell, is traditionally kept in the Cathedral but is carried through the streets of Orvieto for the feast of Corpus Christi. The renowned parade which features medieval dances, songs and music, starts at the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and ends at the Cathedral and sees more than 400 people celebrating with knights, ladies, musicians and flag men all dressed in 14thC costume.

24 Florence - Festival of San Giovanni, the city celebrates the feast of its patron, St John, with a series of events that involves the entire city. In the morning an historic parade wends its way from Piazza Signoria to the Cathedral with an offering of candles for the patron. A solemn mass follows with the showing of the Saint’s relics.

One of the most popular events linked to the Feast of San Giovanni is the Calcio in Costume, aka ‘Medieval Florentine soccer’. This is held in Piazza Santa Croce. It is like a mix of wrestling, rugby and soccer and was probably invented in Roman military encampments. Four teams from the largest neighborhoods of Florence challenge each other in three games, The final naturally is held on 24 June. After a long parade from Santa Maria Novella to Piazza Santa Croce, presided over by nobles on horseback, the game begins with the cry, “Viva Firenze!”. It is one hour of brawling and tangling of bodies dressed in 16thC costumes.

At the conclusion in the evening there is a traditional fireworks display in Piazzale Michelangelo called fuochi di San Giovanni (St John’s fireworks), which draws a huge crowd, especially concentrated on the Lungarni (Arno river promenades).

29 Amalfi/Genoa/Pisa/Venice -Palio Marinaro dei Rioni, Regatta of the Great Maritime Republics, Medieval parade and an

historical regatta in which each of the former rival maritime republics race for a prize, the venue rotates every year– Pisa 2006, Venice 2007, Genoa 2008 and Amalfi 2009.They are usually held at the end of June but can be as late as September.

29 Pisa - Gioco del Ponte, prior to the 16thC the Battle for the Bridge was fought by the sailors of Pisa, but it was so violent that it became outlawed. The Medici family from rival Florence subsequently revived it in the 16thC, probably because they enjoyed watching the denizens of Pisa batter the hell out of each other! Now the event is slightly more restrained. On the appointed day (usually the last Sunday in June), Pisa divides into two rival camps – Mezzogiorno (south of the Arno) and Trauoatana (north of the Arno). Proceeded by a parade, two groups, dressed in Medieval costumes and representing the rival camps battle for Pisa’s main bridge, the Ponte de Mezze, by trying to push a cart over the Arno onto the opposition’s bank, and in the process enabling hundreds of unfortunates to end up in the Arno- not so much a battle now, more a feat of endurance

July02 Siena – IL Palio, there are two Palio races each summer, the

2nd July, and 16th August. The festivities start three days prior to each Palio. During this time, there are banquets, parades, blessing of the horses and all kinds of celebrations and the 17 Sianese contrada (districts of Siena) draw lots to establish which 10 can enter a horse in the race.

On the day of the Palio, spectators crowd into the piazza from noon - the more sedate will pay for seats situated around the edge of the piazza, (which are usually sold out upto 8 months in advance).

Sometimes the colourfully dressed jockeys fall off but if a riderless horse keeps its ‘spennacchiera’ on - a head decoration with the contrada colors - it stays in the race, and the winning contrada feasts and celebrates for weeks afterwards. www.aboutsiena.com/palio-of-Siena

11-20 Perugia - Umbria Jazz Festival, sultry sounds of jazz in Orvieto. Since 1973 the festival has featured performances by such esteemed artists as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and Dizzy Gillespie. Events take place in historic city centre www.umbriajazz.com

13-27 Todi - The 20th Italian International Hot Air Balloon Grand Prix, more than 70 hot air balloons arriving from countries all around the world. The balloons are inflated twice daily creating spectacular photo opportunities, plus many other attractions. www.ballooncalendar.com

10-15 Palermo - Feast of Santa Rosalia: Processions, bands and fireworks in honour of the patron saint

20 Venice - Festa del Redentore (The Feast of the Redeemer), third Sunday in July sees a fantastic procession of gondolas commemorating the deliverance from the plague of 1575, followed by fireworks in St. Mark’s Squarew

19-26 Rome - Festa de’ Noantri: Colourful carnival parade with floats, folk dancing and singing and fireworks in medieaval Trastevere.

August03 Ascoli/Piceno-Torneo della Quintana: (Joust of the Quintana).

First Sunday in August, historical pageant with people in 15thC costumes

16 Siena - Il Palio, see IL Palio 02 July17 Allumiere (Rome) - Palio delle Contrade, very similar to the

more famous race held in Siena but with donkeys not horses. 3rd Sunday of August.

29 – 08 Sept (tbc) Venice – International Film Festival. The first Venice Film Festival took place in 1932. Now a part of the Biennale Festival, it attracts many international visitors.

Herzlich WillkommenA warm welcome to Sterzing / Vipiteno. Mair Mair are glad to greet you at our traditional trading establishment where we are pleased to offer you a wide range of souvenirs, leather goods, wines etc etc.Our friendly sales staff speak English, German, Italian and Dutch, so please feel at home when you visit us and enjoy the flair of this historic trading city.

I 39049 Sterzing, Altstadt 1 Tel: +39 0 472 765386Fax: +39 0 472 766386

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European Events

September07 Arezzo - Giostra del Saracino (Joust of the Saracen): First

Sunday in September, tilting contest of the 13thC with knights in armour.

07 Venice –Historical Regatta, traditionally held on the first Sunday in September, competition between two-oar racing gondolas and a procession of ceremonial boats.

11-21 Naples – Pizzafest, pizza is a 200-year-old Neapolitan creation, There are dough-making contests, topping competitions and plenty of opportunities to taste. See pizza in a whole new light!

14 Foligno - Giostra della Quintana (Joust of Quintana). Second Sunday in September, revival of a 17th-century joust with 600 knights in costume, historical procession.

21 Palio-San Secondo: An 800 year-old ceremony with 13C pageantry, flag throwing skills and pageantry. Annually every 3rd Sunday in September

19 Naples – Festival of San Gennaro: In honour of the city’s patron saint

October04 Rome - St Francis Festival: The patron of the capital and the

Republic is celebrated with vigour throughout the city every year on this feast day. The most important celebration occurs in the Santa Maria dell’ Aracoeli church.

04-12 Orvieto - ‘Made in Italy’, an annual 9-day celebrating the wine and gastronomic tradition of Umbria where the ‘Slow Food Movement’ was born in 1996. The event features conferences inside the beautiful museums and historic monuments, food tasting, art exhibitions and themed dinners.

26 Venice – Marathon: Did you know that the Venice Marathon is the first European marathon to achieve the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Certification? The marathon takes place along the Brenta Riviera, among the villas and the old country residences to arrive at the unique finishing line that is St Mark’s Square.

November11-12, 18-19, 25-26 San Miniato – White Truffle Festival, during the last three

weekends in November, the white truffle festival in San Miniato offers cut-price tartufi plus wines, cheeses, salamis, olive oils, grappas and much more

21 Venice - La Salute, annually on the same date, the religious festival takes place in the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

December24 Jan 06 Christmas in Umbria – During the Christmas period in Umbria,

religious ceremonies, historic commemorations and folklore events are organised. Living nativity scenes can be seen through many towns in Umbria and concerts of classical and jazz music are held in the beautiful churches. Visitors will also be able see the world’s largest Christmas tree made out of lights in Miranda, close to Terni and can be viewed from the valley below. Standing at 800 metres long and 400 metres wide and lit with over 7.5 miles of electric cables.

LithuaniaApril13-17 Vilnius - 11th International film Festival “Kino pavasaris’08”

(Cinema Spring) www.kinopavasaris.lt Kaunas – International Jazz festival www.kaunasjazz.lt

May 03 Vilnius - Lithuania. Street Music Day, annually 1st Saturday in

May, a day involving all Lithuanian cities and towns in a festive event of free creativity, musicians and contact with the public. More information at www.gatvesmuzika.lt

03-12 Vilnius –International New Baltic Dance ’08, the largest event of contemporary dance in the Baltic States.

20-25 Kaunas - City Day, one of the most significant cultural events that has been organised in Kaunas for several years celebrating the birthday of Kaunas city.

29 – Jun 01 Vilnius - Skamba Skamba kankliai, 35th international folk music festival with folk groups from Europe and Asia.

June(tbc) Vilnius - Festival 2008, annual festival features classical music

and world-famous performers.01 – Aug 31 Kaunas – 12th Pazaislis Music Festival covers the complete

genre of music - from subtle chamber music to the grand vocal instrumental pieces, from the modern music premieres to the impressive pageants of Lithuanian dramaturgy, held in the approaches of Kaunas Castle.

07-08 Trakai - Medieval Festival, held at Trakai Castle, guests may visit craftsmen’s workshops, but the prime focus of this event is medieval knights in combat with swords and battleaxes and a chance to taste real Middle Age food.

21-22 Vilnius - Let There Be Night, from 6 pm till 6 am an ocean of events which are organized and held in many parts of the capital. This is the event that keeps people awake in the most cultured of way - by film, dance, theatre, exhibitions, children’s

creativity sessions, museums and classical music.23-24 National - The Feast of St. John (Joninćs or Rasos), the

traditional Lithuanian feast held on Midsummer’s Day. During the feast, wreaths are made and floated down rivers and herb markets and herbal magic take place. Wheels and gates entwined with herbs are the symbol of Joninćs

July 01 –Aug 28 Vilnius - St Christopher Summer Music Festival, annual

international festival which features organ concerts, symphonic music, jazz, choirs and wind ensemble performances.

06 National Day - The Coronation of king Mindaugas Day12-19 Nida - International Thomas Mann art festival.18-19 Juodkrantő - Fishermen’s‘ Festival. Klaipeda - Sea Festival, a fiesta of music, dance and crafts at

the seaport of Lithuania.

August23-24 Kaunas - Hansa Kaunas 2008, medieval knights and Hansa

markets in Kaunas’ downtown.

September04-07 Vilnius - Sostinćs Dienos, the Vilnius City festival, with

carnivals, fairs, concerts and fireworks in the streets and squares of the city. This festival was voted the best city festival of the year in 2004

19-21 Vilnius - Art in Unexpected Spaces, a project changing the face of Vilnius, works of art appear in unexpected spaces in the city! Vilnius becomes a studio of unconventional creative works where familiar buildings, parks and squares assume unexpected aspects.

21–22 National - Autumn Equinox events dedicated to Gediminas’ feast and the Autumn Equinox. Vilnius Colors Carnival, Days of the Regions, International Festival of Fire Sculptures

25 – Oct 12 Vilnius - Sirenos (The Sirens) International theatre festival presents thought provoking and challenging modern European theatre.

October09-12 Vilnius – International Jazz Festival www.vilniusjazz.lt 24 – Nov 08 Various Locations - IMMC (International Modern Music

Community) World Music Days will be held for the first time in the Baltic countries. The purpose of the event is to present the creative works which cross and bring together the limits of genres, traditions, art forms or customary usage.

November 07-09 Vilnius - International Festival of Light LUX, combines science,

nature and the arts to reveal the mysterious world of light and colours. www.culturelive.lt

December Vilnius - Christmas in the Capital, lighting the Christmas tree

and the TV tower -“The tallest Christmas tree”, meeting Santa Claus in Cathedral Square and Christmas music events in Vilnius churches and concerts halls.

MaltaApril01 –20 Gaulitana - A Festival Of Music A series of twelve concerts

in various venues in Gozo will feature local and international artists/ensembles in a pot-pourri of musical events ranging from the sacred to the folkloristic and from the pop to the classical, in which musical sounds are sometimes also juxtaposed with the flavours of the local cuisine.

12-May 08 Valletta - 10th Edition of the European Film Festiva15 Valletta - On the 15th April, at 18.00hrs, St George’s Square,

or as it is more popularly known, Palace Square in Valletta, will be transported back in time through a faithful re-enactment of the awarding of the George Cross Medal to the people of Malta.

“To honour the brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history”, King George VI, 15th April 1942

The George Cross is the highest British medal, which can be awarded to civilians for acts of bravery. Malta is the only country to ever receive this award as a Nation, in recognition of the stoicism, true grit and will of the people, which was instrumental in helping the country pull through a horrific, incessant blitz during WWII.

May01 – 04 Island of Gozo - Fireworks Festival03 – 04 Valletta - The Great Spring Horticultural Show, organised

by the Malta Horticultural Society at San Anton Gardens, the show consists of over 200 classes for competition; a section devoted to participation by children organisations; artistic floral arrangements; exhibitions and demonstrations of local crafts, such as ganutell, monastery work, crochet, weaving, gold embroidery as well as agro-industry products. [email protected]

15


European Events10-11 National Park – Earth Garden Festival, music, dance,

entertainment, exhibitions, cultural, concerts – over 10,000 visitors last year [email protected]

Floriana – National Folk Singing Festival, held in the Argotti Gardens the event is a jamboree of local and Mediterranean folk music plus craft exhibitions and traditional food and drink.

29-30 National - European Auto Vehicles Drivers’ Touring Rally Of Malta, this is the first vintage car rally on Malta and there is to date 50 entrants. www.classicrallies.com/view_event/1121

June06-08 Valletta - A boat show, within the Grand Harbour, coinciding

with the 2008 Powerboat P1 Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea. The location, VGT (Valletta Gateway Terminal), situated within the Harbour, is a gem in Malta’s natural heritage, with vast areas of space for ‘dry’ and on- water exhibits. [email protected]

27-28 Buggiba – Malta International Air Show28-29 Buskett - The feast of Saints Peter and Paul, known in Malta as

L-Imnarja from the Italian Luminaria, meaning alight, is one of the oldest feasts on the Maltese Islands. This feast includes a mixture of religion, tradition, food and colour, with the highlight being held on the eve of the feast, the 28th, at the woodlands of Buskett. The main attraction there is the gathering of local musicians performing the traditional music of Malta called “Ghana”.

July01-15 Various Locations – Malta Arts Festival, music, dance

and theatre, festivals, family entertainment, cultural www.maltaculture.com

October10 Ta` Qali - Held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre

(MFCC), on Friday it is a morning show and on Saturday and Sunday performance will start at 18.00 hrs. www.maltamilitarytattoo.org/ [email protected].

Island of Gozo - Festival Mediterranea An annual event that offers all that Gozo boasts of in the cultural and artistic arena. This mid-autumn festival has an island-wide aspect, with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor events. Music concerts dominate the celebrations, but there are also international conferences, walks and talks in ancient and historic places, field trips, food and drink events and art exhibitions. Festival Mediterranea offers visitors a great opportunity to learn about Gozo’s temples and archaeological sites through a series of lectures and visits. [email protected] [email protected] www.mediterranea.com.mt

November28-30 Mdina - Malta International Challenge Marathon, better known

as the “Challenge”, this annual Maltese marathon features a unique three-stage formula, where every phase has a different distance but the overall length is still that of a regular marathon.

Visitors can watch the start of the first stage at Mdina, the second at Birzebbuga and the final one at St Paul’s Bay. The race finishes at the gates of Freedom Square in Valletta. www.marathonchallengemalta.com

NetherlandsApril05 -06 National-National Museum Weekend: 450 museums offer free

or discounted entrance www.museumweekend.nlUntil-18 May Keukenhof – Flower Show: A magnificent display of colour in

the 32 acre park, plus workshops for groups Theme this year: “China, Olympic Games 2008 Beijing” www.keukenhof.com

06–Sep Alkmaar-Traditional cheese market, every Friday from 10.00-12.30 in historical costumes. T. +31 (0) 72 511 4284

09 National - Windmill Day: 600 windmills and water mills throughout the country are open to the

13 Rotterdam - Fortis Marathon 26 – 27 Noordwijk /Haarlem - Flower Parade: Theme ‘Vacation’ www.

hollandrijnland.nl 30 National - Queen’s Day: There will be markets, shows, bands,

games and fireworks throughout the country.

May22-31 Utrecht - Festival aan de Werf Music, theatre and visual arts

festival30-22 June Amsterdam - Holland Festival: Annual dramatic arts - music,

opera, theatre www.hollandfestival.nltbc The Hague/ Scheveningen North Sea Regatta www.nsr.nl

June01 24 Aug Amsterdam - Vondelpark Open Air - theatre, dance, cabaret,

jazz, stand-up comedian, children’s theatre and music. www.openluchttheater.nl07 Hague/Scheveningen - Flags Day Event around the first

herring www.vlaggetjesdag.com21-22 Amsterdam - Canal Garden Open Days: Between

Brouwersgracht and Amstel River, some twenty classically designed gardens are open to the public.

July11-13 The Hague- North Sea Jazz Festival: Over eight hours of ‘live’

music per day on thirteen stages at the same time. More than one thousand jazz musicians take part www.northseajazz.nl

12-25 Friesland – Skûtsjesilen - a sailing competition with old cargo vessels, flat bottom boats that have been built in the turn of the century www.skutsjesilen.nl

17 – 17 Aug Haarlem (a.s.) Karavaan - a travelling summer festival with more than 90 performances on special locations in North Holland. http://www.karavaan.nl

24-26 Rotterdam - Ortel Summer Carnival – Annual 3 day Caribbean Carnival in the city centre of Rotterdam

August 01-03 Amsterdam - Canal Pride: the highlight of the Amsterdam Gay

Pride event. An extravagant procession of 80 boats makes its way through the heart of the city. www.amsterdampride.nl

16-24 Amsterdam – Grachtenfestival: Canal Festival with top international musicians perform over ninety concerts.

28 –31 Maastricht – Preuvenemint - The Vrijthof square will be laid out with food and wine, live music www.preuvenemint.nl

30-31 Arnhem - World Statues the largest festival for living statues in the world

September06 Arnhem / Oosterbeek The Airborne Walking Event in

remembrance of the battle of Arnhem6-7 Bloemencorso Aalsmeer - Flower Parade: A long ribbon of

flower-covered floats will be making its way from Aalsmeer, through Amstelveen and Amsterdam to Haarlemmermeer.

13-14 National – National Heritage Weekend: Monuments and historic buildings usually not assessable to the public open their doors for one weekend a year only. www.openmonumentendag.nl

October02 - 15 May 09 The Hague - Antique Market: Every Thursday from 9am till

4.30pm, held at Plein.19 Amsterdam - Marathon www.ingamsterdammarathon.nl

November16 - Dec 23 Valkenburg Caves - Christmas Market Fluweelgrot

Valkenburg: Numerous Christmas markets in individual caves

December05 All Netherlands “Sinterklaas” evening St. Nicholas visits all

children who have been good in the past year to give them presents

NorwayALL YEAR Stavanger 2008. The city of Stavanger will be European Capital

of Culture in 2008. Events will take place throughout the whole year. www.stavanger2008.com

April12 Oslo - Opening of new Opera House16-19 Stravanger Wine Festival Featuring Tour du Vin with

wine tasting at 11 bars and restaurants in the city. www.regionstavanger.com

28-May 05 Bergen Gay Pride Week www.bergengaypride.com29-May 03 Bergen Fest Music festival including blues, country & western,

cajun and rock.Norwegian and international performers. www.bergenfest.no

May National - Labour Day: Parades throughout Norway06-11 Stravanger MaiJazz International jazz festival www.maijazz.no15 Oslo - St Hallvard’s Day: Celebration of Oslo’s patron saint

with folklore,concerts, theatre and family entertainment www.sthallvardsdagen.no

National - Constitution Day: Celebrations, parades all over21 – 31 NATTJAZZ in Bergen. Northern Europe’s biggest jazz festival

with music ranging from trad jazz to World Music. Many internationally renowned artists. www.nattjazz.no

21- 4 June Bergen International Festival . One of Bergen’s artistic highlights.

Music, dance, theatre – an artistic window of the world. 23-25 Kinsarvik Blossom Festival Traditional folk dance festival 23-25 Oslo – Norwegian Military Tattoo

JuneJun - Sep Bergen - Concerts At Troldhaugen: Classical concerts with

Norwegian and international artists at composer Edvard Grieg’s home www.troldhaugen.no

Jun -Aug Bergen - Fana Folklore : Old traditions, national costumes, song, dance and food. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday www.fanafolklore.no

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13 -15 Oslo – Summer Fesrival: Activities and markets in the streets, theatre and concerts.www.oloarr.no

06-16 Honningsvag - North Cape Festival: Presentation of local cultural life. Exhibits, concerts, World Championship barrel throwing, outdoor dancing, boat convoys. www.northcape.no

12-15 Oslo - Norwegian Wood: Annual rock music festival with international and Norwegian musicians www.norwegianwood.no

21 Tromso - Midnight Sun Marathon: With other competitions at midnight and concerts and entertainment www.msm.no

23 National - Midsummer Night: Celebrations and bonfires throughout

20-28 Oslo - Pride Week: Gay pride week with film festival, concerts, cruise, comedy, bowling among other activities and happenings www.skeivedager.no

21 - 28 Harstad - North Norway Festival: The region’s largest cultural event, with performing and visual arts www.festspillnn.no

24 – 26 Halden Food festival The chefs move their kitchens outdoors and serve all kinds of delicious dishes at the market square. Entertainment and also a Wooden Boat Festival. www.haldentourist.no

July3 –6 Skudeneshavn – Skudefestivalen: One of Norway’s largest

coastal culture festivals with a maritime focus and traditional music, folklore www.skudefestivalen.no

3 - 6 Forde - Int’l Folk Music Festival: Norway’s largest folk music festival Concerts, exhibitions, festival parades and dancing www.fordefestival.no

9-12 Alesund Boat Festival www.batfestivalen.no 28-Aug 09 Trondheim - St Olav Festival: cultural event (concerts,

exhibitions, religious services, seminars, pilgrimages, dance, historical market) commemorating the death of St. Olav at the battle of Stiklestad in 1030. www.olavsfestdagene.no

August6-9 Oslo - Oya Festival: Rock music festival in the medieval

Middelalderparken park. www.oyafestivalen.com 6-10 Vadso - Varanger Festival:The festival presents concerts, jazz

cruises on coastal voyages, street parades, theatre, markets and exhibitions www.varangerfestivalen.no

7-10 Mandal Sea Food Festival. The narrow cobble stoned streets of Mandal will be laid long tables with fresh mussels, shrimps, cray fish, crabs and other delicacies from the ocean. Concerts and entertainment. www.skalldyrfestivalen.no

11-17 Stavanger - International Chamber Music Festival: Festival aiming to unite world-renowned soloists and new talents to

European Eventsperform chamber music in various ensembles.www.icmf.no

11-17 Bergen – Tall Ships race11-18 Oslo - Jazz Festival: More than 80 concerts over 7 days with

many world famous performers. www.oslojazz.no27-31 Ålesund - Norwegian Food Festival: Every year this festival

gathers thousands of enthusiastic foodies from all over the world for dining, wining, barbecues, beer tents, concerts and entertainment www.matfestivalen.no

September12-14 Bergen - Food Festival: Focusing on local food and

entertainment. www.matfest.no13-14 Oslo Autumn Festival

October1-19 Oslo - Ultima Contemporary Music Festival: Norway’s largest

contemporary music festival with concerts performances www.ultima.no

9-12 Varanger King Crab Festival - focus on one of the specialties of Norway’s northernmost region, the king crab. Concerts, art exhibits, king crab fjord safaris, gourmet evenings. VADSØ www.polarspectacle.no

24-16 Hardanger Food festival Focus on food traditions, local food products, handicrafts and culture, www.hardangerfjord.com

December Oslo - The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History: The

Christmas Fair at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is the largest pre-Christmas event in Oslo

10 Oslo. Nobel Peace Prize Award Parade to honour the winner of the 2008 prize. Nobel concert in Oslo Spektrum on the 11th. Exhibition on the winner at the Nobel Peace Center.www.nobel.no;

Oslo – Festival of lights: This annual festival in Oslo’s centre sees the official opening of Karl Johan as a “Christmas street”, with plenty of lights and decorations. There’s also ice ballet at Narvisen skating rink

PolandAprilTo 30 Warsaw - Carnival for the 40 days proceeding the solemnity

that Poles give to Lent, the celebrations never end. The festivities are customarily held in homes, but also in restaurants and hotels, community centres and nightclubs. Dancing and general revelry are the themes of the days

May01 - Sep 30 Warsaw – Chopin Music Summer Concerts. Born in the Duchy

of Warsaw Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin (1810-49) is one of Poland’s most famous sons and each summer Warsaw hosts a series of concerts featuring some of his best-loved works. The performances take place in the Royal Gardens of Lazienki Park at the site of the Chopin Monument, which was erected in 1926. These popular concerts have taken place every year since 1959 and attract Chopin fans from all over the world. Times 1200 and 1600 each Sun. www.infochopin.pl

19-20 Warsaw - Sabre World Cup “Wolodyjowski’s Sabre” – Men’s sabre championships www.pzszerm.pl

28 – 05 Jun Krakow – 48th International Film Festival, one of the oldest European film festivals presenting recent documentaries, animated films and dramas. www.cracowfilmfestival.pl

June14 Krakow Lajkonik Parade - A colorful parade led by Lajkonik,

a man dressed in a Tatar costume, riding a wooden horse. A reference to legends about the Tatar army residing in Krakow in the XIII century. www.polandforall.com

15-Jul 26 Warsaw -Mozart Festival performed by the Warsaw Chamber Opera. The complete works of Mozart www.wok.pol.pl

23 Krakow - Summer solstice night and in a pre-Christian ritual young, unmarried girls cast Garlands of flowers onto the River Wisla (Vistula)

23-28 Poznan - Poland’s largest festival of dramatic, street and open-air theatre www.malta-festival.pl

28 – Jul 19 Warsaw - Summer Jazz Days (Saturdays only) Outdoor concerts on the Palace Square in Warsaw with performances by artists from all over the world.

July06 – 11 Warsaw -International Street Art Festival Every street, bridge,

tunnel and building in the city plays host to street performers, entertainers, artists and sculptors eager to show off their works

August01 National - Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. 200,000

people lost their lives in the fight against Nazi occupation during the Warsaw Uprising of 1 August 1944. Poles all over the world remember the event and the heroic men and women who took part in the fighting to defend their city. The commemorations in Warsaw include a special ceremony at the Warsaw Uprising www.sweater.no

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Museum and the city comes to a standstill for a minute’s silence to remember the dead.

02-10 Maków Podhalañski, Szczyrk, Wisła, Zywiec - Beskidy Culture Week, the largest in Beskidy and one of the most prestigious European folk events www.tkb.art.pl

15-31 Krakow – Music in Old Krakow Festival Various locations around Old Krakow

September Krakow - ‘Bajit Chadasz’ Jewish Culture Month - Discussions,

lectures, concerts and exhibitions. www.judaica.pl 22 – 28 Warsaw XLIX “Warsaw Fall” International Festival of

Contemporary Music –A series of concerts presenting works of Polish and international composers. www.warszawska-jesien.art.pl

October01-31 Warsaw - International Film Festival More than 100 films

are screened in theatres throughout Warsaw for this festival. Awards are given for best film and for most popular film in the entire festival

November11 Gdansk – Independence Parade

December01 - 31 Warsaw – Advent & Christmas markets are held in various

locations throughout the city, the annual Christmas Fairs are a great place to shop for unusual gifts or just soak up the festive atmosphere.

Portugal April05-06 Madeira - Flower Festival It is a breathtaking festival with

a street parade and floats, through the streets of Funchal, exhibiting and perfuming the air with a multiplicity of floral species of the island.

May 01-04 Funchal - St James the Less Festival, every year on 1 May

Funchal pays homage to its patron saint. The Old Quarter of Funchal and particularly Santa Maria Street and Corpo Santo Square experience a special kind of revelry, in a party with typical Madeira street decorations.

03-06 Monsanto - Festival of the Crosses, tradition says that in 2ndC BC the residents of Monsanto sought refuge in the castle and for 7 years resisted a siege by Roman invaders. In order to convince the Romans that the garrison would never surrender through of hunger, they threw a heifer down the mountain slope that they claimed had been fed on leftovers. This strategy fooled the attackers and led them to end the siege.

12-13 Fátima – Pilgrimages, the Apparitions of Fátima have turned the town into one of the world’s major centres of the Marian cult. The largest gatherings of devotees occur on 13th May especially the Candlelight Procession on the night of 12th May and the “Adeus” (Farewell) Procession on 13th May, which closes the celebrations and 12 to 13th October. www.rt-leiriafatima.pt

June01-30 Lisbon – St Anthony’s Day and the neighbourhoods of Alfama,

Castelo, Mouraria and the Bairro Alto are filled with music and colour to celebrate the birth in Lisbon of the patron saint.

01-30 Madeira Islands -The Atlantic Festival is an entertainment and culture event. This festival presents a mixture music at venues, such as Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias, Casa das Mudas in Calheta and a number of churches. The Festival also has an International Fireworks Competition, in which on Saturdays contestants organise firework displays to accompany music. www.madeiraislands.travel

01-30 Oporto - Feasts of São João, the patron saint’s night is held on the of 23rd June and is of pagan origin and associated with the celebration of the summer solstice however the partying goes on all month and is marked by dancing, eating and fireworks.

20-29 Terceira - The Sanjoaninas are the biggest popular festivities in the Azores. The festivities date back to the 16thC and have always played a key role in the culture of the Azores. They begin with the opening procession and march of the queen and continue for several days, encompassing cultural, recreational, ethnographic and sporting activities. www.visitportugal.com

22-24 Porto Santo – Summer Festivals The celebration of St. John’s day marks the beginning of the summer festivities in. There are lots of interesting events including traditional parades www.madeiraislands.travel

July01-31 Coimbra - Festivities of the Holy Queen, in even numbered

years the town celebrates the festivities of its patron saint – the 14thC Holy Queen Isabel.

The festivities last around one month and include various performances, exhibitions, gastronomy/handicrafts fairs, sporting competitions and lots of entertainment. The high point is the solemn procession in which the wooden framework carrying her effigy, weighing around 1 ton, is transported by twenty four men through the main streets of the city between the Graça Church and the Convent of Santa Clara–a-Nova.

24-27 Cacela-Velha - Days and nights of the Enchanted Moor transport Cacela-Velha back to Arab occupation, between the 10th and 13thC. The streets are invaded by the exotic atmosphere and in the village centre there is a traditional Arab market where it is possible to purchase Oriental products and spices, make a henna tattoo or appreciate the work of artisans that sell jewellery, pottery and tapestries. The restaurants serve Arab gastronomy and in every corner, visitors will encounter characters such as snake charmers and belly dancingers and Moroccan folklore shows that complement the event.

August01-04 Guimarães - Festas Gualterianas These festivals are over a

hundred years old and the high point of the celebrations is the procession held in honour of São Gualter (St. Walter). This takes place on the Sunday. There’s also a vast programme of entertainment including an historical parade, a flower battle, bullfighting, fireworks and live music. www.aoficina.pt www.guimaraesturismo.com

09-17 Silves - Medieval Fair, see how the Moors and Christians lived in the Middle Ages during this seven-day period. Silves was the capital of the Algarve during the Arab occupation. In a historical re-enactment of the Christian Re-conquest the city will be invaded by characters from the past, including jugglers, acrobats, dancers and snake charmers.

September01 – 07 Campo Maior - Flower Festival, the town is decorated with

paper and colour. The streets are adorned with flowers and paper in brightly coloured compositions www.visitportugal.com

11 – 13 Vila Baleira – Columbus Festival, this event is dedicated to Christopher Columbus and is held in, Porto Santo. The festival involves music, drama, exhibitions and parades recalling the age of the Portuguese discoveries.

28-31 Castro Marim - Medieval Days During four days and nights, the castle of Castro Marim plays host to kings and queens, knights, jesters, noblemen and ladies. The entire Court make a procession which is followed by jousting tournaments, street theatre performances, banquets accompanied by medieval music and a handicrafts and a fair with arts and crafts www.cm-castromarim.pt

28 Lisbon – ½ Marathon, once a year, on the Vasco da Gama Bridge, cars have to make way for participants in the Half Marathon of Portugal.

October Terceira – Jazz Fesrival Year after year, in October, the Angra do

Heroísmo International Jazz Festival, has progressively affirmed its position as one of the leading jazz festivals in Portugal. www.visitportugal.com

November07-16 Golegã - The National Horse Fair is held in a region where

the equestrian tradition is deeply rooted attracting thousands of people to the various events featuring the magnificent Lusitanian thoroughbred horse. www.horsefairlusitano.org

SloveniaApril18-20 Maribor Memorial Artistic Gymnastics World Cup 41st

Šalamun19-20 Piran and Secovlje Regional Park salt works Salt Makers’

Festival26-27 Bled First of May Rowing Regatta26 –04 May Volcji Potok, Arboretum Spring Flower Show

May2-4 Izola - Slovenia Open - International competition in Latin-

American and standard dance10-11 Maribor - XCO and DH Mountain Bike World Cup 16 Slovenia - Graduation Parade - the largest synchronized

dance in the world24 – 07 June Bohinj - 2nd International Alpine Flower Festival

June Slovenia ‘Tour de Slovenie’ bike raceTo Sept Postojna - 10th International Youth Music Festival6 – 8 Kamnik - Path of Venus - Medieval Days programme13 –15 Bled - 53nd International Rowing Regatta19 – 28 Sept Ljubljana Festival 200820 –22 Idrija 27th Idrija Lace Festival 27 -12 July Maribor LENT 2008 - 16th International Summer Festival30 -4/July Ljubljana 49th Jazz Festival

European Events

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European Events

JulyEvery Thur Bohinj - Musical Summer Portorož - Melodies of Sea and Sun Festival1-31 Koper, Izola, Portorož 15th Primorska Summer Festival -

theatre and dance events1 – 31 Celje Summer in Celje - City of Princes3-6 Ljubljana Ana Desetnica - 11th International Festival of

Street Theatre3-17 Bled - Bled 2008 - 13th International Music Festival3-6 Piranm - MIFF - Mediterranean International Folklore Festival4 – 16 Aug Brežice - Seviqc of Early Music 2008: classical music

concerts featuring artists of international renown11-13 Otocec Rock Festival25-27 Bled - Days and Bled Nights - fireworks and light show on the

lake26 Bohinj - Kmecka ohcet / Peasants’ Wedding -traditional

presentation of ancient wedding customs29-31Aug Ljubljana - 17th Trnfest Festival - musical evenings, theatre

and dance performances, art exhibitions

August Portorož - International Beach Volleyball TournamentEvery Thur Bohinj - Musical Summer9-17 Crna na Koroškem - 53nd Koroška Tourist Week, traditional

events20-24 Begunje na Gorenjskem - Avsenik Festival23-13 Sept Piran 7th Tartini Festival

September4-14 Maribor - Musical September –Festival 9-10 Ljubljana - Festival of Medieval and Renaissance Music and

Medieval Days 12-14 Kamnik - National Costume Festival30 –5 Oct Maribor - 8th Festival of the Old Vine - Ceremonial harvesting

of grapes from the world’s oldest vine, international tourist event

October9-19 Ljubljana - City of Women - International Festival of

Contemporary Arts17-29 Maribor - 43nd Borštnik Festival: Slovenian and European

theatre groups’ competition

November Ormož - St. Martin’s Week - baptism of new wine11 Ptuj Martinovanje / St. Martin’s Festival wine harvest festival

December12-16 Bled, Pokljuka Skiing: Biathlon World Cup (men’s and

women’s) Slovenia Christmas and New Year events

SpaInAprilTo 27 Esparraguera - La Passió: Held at the Teatre La Passio-

Esparraguera has been running non-stop since medieval times. It is a prime example of 16thC religious Spanish theatre, often referred to as an auto. The play is a representation of the passion of Christ. Local families normally play the roles and tradition dictates that they are handed down from father to son.

08-13 Seville - La Feria de Abril: April Fair with round-the-clock flamenco parties, and the Paseo de Caballos (Procession of Horsemen and Carriages) at midday - an enticing programme of typically Andalusian cultural events

21-24 Alicante - The Moors and Christians Festival: One of the major celebrations in Alicante’s calendar, a mixture of religion, history and street carnival.

27 Madrid – Marathon27-04 May Jerez - Feria del Caballo: The world-renown ‘Jerez Horse

Fair’ is the most prestigious equine heritage event in the whole of Spain, and one of the most important in Europe. It draws many thousands of visitors to witness the superior displays of horsemanship, bullfights and flamenco. T +34 956 35 98

MayDtbc Madrid - the Fiesta de San Isidro Madrid’s largest fiesta,

offers the chance to don traditional castizo finery, feast on delicacies such as thick steamy broth and soak up flamenco, zarzuelas and Latin celebrations

02 Madrid - Dos de Mayo: A celebration of the fiercely independent spirit of the Madrileños, who fought valiantly against the French army on 2 May 1808. The Madrid region holds its official holiday on this historic day, with music and dance in the Plaza Dos de Mayo.

JuneTo August Barcelona Summer Festival [del Grec] - theatre, dance and

music.23-24 National - La Fiesta de San Juan: being a Catholic event, the

celebration sounds quite conservative, but the name really does

not convey the exciting evening preceding Saint John’s day for many parts of Spain. This event also marks the longest day of the year and carries strong connotations of pre-Christian Celtic and Iberian rituals involving fire and water!

July03-06 Madrid - Gay Pride Celebrations Madrid plays host to Spain’s

biggest Pride celebration. The main event is the carnival-style parade through the city which ends with a huge party.

06-14 Pamplona – Encierro: The Bull Run, part of the spectacular Fiesta de San Fermín, is conducted along an 800m stretch of the town’s streets towards the bullring.

29 Neves -Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme: Every year this small town, sees thousands of people converge for the ‘Fiesta of the Near-Death Experience’. Followers of Santa Marta, the town’s patron saint, known as the ‘saint of death’, hold one thing in common - they have all nearly died. The dress code for the fiesta is eerie as well. Those honoured enough to have been graced with a brush with the Grim Reaper are expected to turn up in their coffin!

August16-24 Malaga Feria de Malaga - the biggest party in town with fancy

dress, exotic food and dance, and fireworks20-31 Requena – La Fiesta de la Vendimia: This Valencian town

stages a water fight to celebrate the beginning of the grape harvest. One of the highlights is the ‘Noche de Zurra’. Residents take to the streets to beseech water needed for the next harvest. Their neighbours waste no time in granting their request - with the help of buckets of water and hoses the inhabitants of houses which line the main streets make sure that their fellow citizens below get a thorough soaking.

16-23 Bilbao - Aste Nagusia: This festival celebrates the city’s Basque heritage with one of the most vibrant fiestas in Spain. Over 100,000 people take part in the celebrations, which include the famous Strongman games, as well as nightly firework displays, with a different nation invited to stage the show each night.

27 Bunyol - La Tomatina: Every year 30,000 residents and visitors in this tiny village turn out for the largest tomato fight on the planet.

There are very few rules in La Tomatina - it is compulsory to squish your tomato before sending it into the red blur of the crowd before you, and other projectiles are not allowed. There is a monumental 125,000-kilo arsenal of ripe fruit.

Within hours, though, the town is transformed back to its former self. Shopkeepers take down their tarpaulins and everyone chips in to hose down the town and return it to its former ‘tomato-less’ glory.

SeptemberDtbc Segorbe - Semana de Toros: During the Segorbe Bull Run

horsemen accompany a torrent of bulls along Calle Colon to the town’s main square. The festival attracts over 200,000 people who come to watch the impressive sight of bulls racing down the main street.

10-13 Cardona – Corre del Bou: Another anticipated event in the fiesta calendar. Part of the Festa Major it dates back to the 16thC. On the opening day of the fiesta, the encierro takes place - when the young bulls are placed in a pen in a makeshift arena in the town square, who are then joined by around 100 men. The only way out is for them to climb some of the few ropes or alternatively scramble up the sides of the walls.

The act that gets the biggest audience, however, is the cargolera. A man contained in a wicker basket, with only his legs and head sticking out, must attempt to dodge the crazed bull attacking him. His last resort is to endure the blows and roll himself to safety as quickly as possible.

24 Barcelona - Fiesta of La Mercè: During the fiesta celebrating the Virgin of Mercy, the city undergoes a fantastic makeover of Catalan popular culture and mythology. Fire-breathing dragons, costumed devils, human pyramids, Sardana dance groups, orchestras, DJs and big-name bands converge on the city.

October12 National Day

November01 Cadiz - All Saints Day: A colourful celebration in Cadiz, with

beautifully decorated market stalls, often depicting current events, lining the streets. The wholesale traders’ market is also open to the public on this day.

SwedenMay 01-04 Stockholm Belly Dance Festival. The annual Belly Dance

festival offers oriental dance workshops, theme classes with guest teachers

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European Events

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04-06 Liseberg’s Garden Days, which is the biggest garden fair in western Sweden. Around a hundred exhibitors

17 The Göteborg Half Marathon - Göteborgsvarvet31 Stockholm Marathon 17.500 runners from all over the world.

June To Sept Dalarna.Dalhalla Festival Concerts at an outdoor auditorium in

a former limestone quarry www.dalhalla.se 06 National Day: Celebrations all over the country. The largest and

most traditional event will take place at Skansen with the King and Queen

05-07 Sölvesborg, Blekinge-Rock Festival: With international well known artists

12-14 Hultsfred, Småland-Hultsfred Rock Festival: Sweden’s largest with attractions for everyone.

13-14 Vätternrundan The world’s largest bicycle race (186 miles) for some 16,000 cyclists around Lake Vättern.

24 National -Midsummer Eve/Solstice Celebrations: With dance and music around the maypole.

28 – 28 Sept Gardens of Gothenburg 2008 For three glorious months one of Northern Europe’s largest flower and garden exhibitions will surprise and inspire www.gardensofgothenburg.com

28-July 5 Music at Lake Siljan Music festival in Dalarna with more than 100 different programs and performances .www.musikvidsiljan.se

July 11-12 Hälsingland - Hälsinge Hambon: 42nd anniversary featuring

several musical and cultural events05-13. Swedish Open Båstad, Skåne Annual International tennis

tournament.08-16 Östergötland - Hova Knights Week: Medieval week. T +46-

506-301 2014 Borgholm, Öland- Victoriadagen: Celebrations to mark Crown

Princess Victoria’s birthday attended by the royal family. www.victoriadagen.nu

13-19 Göteborg - Gothia Cup 730.000 youths from 124 different countries take part in the Gothia Cup.(Soccer) www.gothiacup.se

17-19 Karlshamn -Baltic Festival: Folk celebration with cultural events from all over the world T+46 454-811 16

28-Aug 03 Stockholm - Gay Pride Festival: www.stockholmpride.org

August01 Crayfish Party – all over Sweden

03-10 Visby, Gotland-Medieval Week: Markets, people wearing medieval attire, music, contests and games. T+46-498-29 10 70

08-10 Gothenburg Jazz Festival The annual international Festival show cases some of the biggest international and Swedish jazz artists www.gothenburgfestival.com

12 -17 Gothenburg- Göteborgskalaset Festival: Events all over the city

www.goteborg.com12-17 Stockholm Cultural Festival Cultural Festival with 400 different

acts www.kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se

17-24 Skåne - The Malmö Festival: A gigantic party with music, theatre, special fireworks, sport events, amusement parks and handicrafts. www.malmofestivalen.nu

31 Stockholm - Gärdet Tjejmilen: A 6 mile race around parts of the city with over 30,000 female runners T +46-8-545 66 440

September To 28 Gardens of Gothenburg 2008 one of Northern Europe’s largest

flower and garden exhibitions www.gardensofgothenburg.com27-28 Stockholm – Lidingöloppet: Has been awarded the Guinness

Book of World Records’ largest terrain race in the world T +46-8-765 26 15

October 24 –28 Umeå, Västerbotten -40th International Jazz Festival: T +46

(0) 90 154323

NovemberNov/Dec Skansen Christmas Market The open-air museum in

Stockholm shows show Swedes celebrated Christmas in bygone days with traditional old-time Christmas festivities in historic buildings. www.skansen.se

Liseberg Christmas Market Gothenburg’s amusement park hosts a festive Christmas market with traditional handicrafts, ice-skating and lots of food. www.liseberg.se

December 10 Stockholm – Nobeldagen: The Nobel Prize Awards are

presented by HM the King at a formal ceremony. By special invitation only. T+46-8-663 09 20

13 National – Lucia: The coronation of Lucia, the bearer of light is celebrated all over Sweden when a young woman is chosen to lead the annual procession of light at Skansen open-air museum in Stockholm.T+46-8-442 80

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SwitzerlandAprilTo 31 Oct Lenzburg & Hallwyl Castles - ‘Arthur’ – Exhibition – Stories

surrounding the King, his Knights and the Holy Grail www.ag.ch/museumaargau

12 - 13 Arosa - Carnival festival www.arosa.ch/guggentreff 14 Sechseläuten - Zurich spring festival with parades and burning

of the Böögg www.sechselaeuten.ch 25-26 Aarberg - Antiques and Flea Market, 250 exhibitors at “Puce”

- as the market is commonly referred to; said to be one of the most atmospheric in Switzerland. At the end of April and August, and thousands of visitors www.puce.ch

May09-11 Bellinzona - La spada nella rocca, 12thC medieval re-enactment

at Castle Bellinzona a UNESCO world heritage site www.laspadanellarocca.ch

10 Bern - The Grand Prix is a foot racing festival and top-class spectacle both on and off the road. In 2006 about 22’856 competitors decided to take part in a race along the “10 most beautiful miles in the world”. The biggest racing event in German Switzerland is both a competition for the elite, and a family attraction. The unique backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage Site gives it a special appeal. www.berninfo.com

June21-22 Zürich - Christopher Street Day, Gay pride Day www.csdzurich.

ch 21-22 Gruyères - Medieval Festival, in the beautiful Gruyères castle to

celebrate mid-summers day www.chateau-gruyeres.ch 27-29 Luzern - Federal Yodeling Festival www.jodlerfestluzern.ch

July04-06 Weggis - Rose festival with firework display www.rosenfest-

weggis.ch 24 - Aug 03 Genève - Fêtes de Genève, Geneva festival www.fetes-de-

geneve.ch 25-27 Nendaz - International Alphorn Festival www.nendaz.ch 31 Biel/Bienne – Big Bang, festival on Lake Bienne, with firework

display, 50,000 visitors expected www.bielerseefest.ch

August01 Swiss National Day – Celebrations all around Switzerland!09 Zürich - Street Parade, Respect! www.streetparade.ch 22 - 24 Zürich - Historical Mediaeval Festival, The society of

Gesellschaft zu Fraumünster will be parading the City of Zurich’s cultural heritage that is reflected in its close relationship with the Fraumünster Abbey, which was the de facto ruler of the city for 650 years, from 853AD to 1524AD. Jugglers, sword fighters, dancing groups Swiss craftsmen and women display historical handicrafts. www.mittelalterspectaculum.ch

29-30 Aarberg - Antiques and Flea Market, 250 exhibitors at “Puce” - as the market is commonly referred to; said to be one of the most atmospheric in Switzerland, and thousands of visitors www.puce.ch

September27 Morges - The Night of the Scarecrows, this itinerant, colourful

show is based on a legend. It will lead its performers from Denens, the world’s capital of scarecrows, to Morges. After a spectacular son et lumière show in the castle courtyard and a torchlight procession in the old town of Morges, the King of Scarecrows will be burnt, so that the grape harvest and the great night party may start. www.nuitdesepouvantails.ch www.morges-tourisme.ch

October02 Adelboden - Autumn Market, market stalls will fill the village

centre as people trade or just pass the time - because “Märit” also means the chance for a friendly chat. www.adelboden.ch

November24 Bern - Zibelemärit traditional onion market with popular festival

www.berninfo.com

UK Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008 Events and

festivals throughout the City, throughout the year www.liverpool08.com for full details

Waddeston Manor, nr Aylesbury, house, gardens, wine cellars. Special events throughout the year www.waddesdon.org.uk

April03-05 Aintree -John Smiths Grand National Festival: T+44 (0) 151

523 2600 www.aintree.co.uk Until 20th London – Kew Gardens: Spring brings a blaze of colour to

the Gardens as over 5 million bulbs burst into flower, from the crocus carpet and blue chinidoxia to swathes of daffodils. The festival will include the opening of Kew’s new Alpine House, the first glasshouse to be built here for 20 years. [email protected]

Until 01 Jan 09 Tower of London - Ceremony of the Keys: 700-year-old ceremony of the locking of the main gate of the Tower of London carried out each evening by the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower accompanied by an escort of guards. Passes are essential and must be obtained in advance

06 2008 Olympic Torch Relay The Olympic flame will be carried across London as it travels around the world on its way to the start of the Beijing Olympic Games

18-19 Ayr - Scottish Grand National Festival: Many of the horses and jockeys racing in the Scottish Grand National would have already competed in the English Grand National 2 weeks earlier, but no horse has won both races since Red Rum in 1974 www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

13 London -Floral Marathon: T+44 (0) 20 7902 0199 St George’s Day - Look out you old dragons!23 Stratford-on-Avon - Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) birthday and

the day he died!

European Events

Steinenvorstadt 1CH-4051 Basel Tel. +41 (0)61 225 95 95 Fax +41 (0)61 225 95 96www.puppenhausmuseum.ch

Opening Hours: MUSEUM, SHOP und CAFÉ:Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.The building is accessible by wheelchair.

'Welcome to Basel, Mr. Bearkin.'

'Is this the way to the Doll’s House Museum?'

PH_ENG_86x123.indd 2 29.3.2006 8:11:32 Uhr

Lenzburg Castle Hallwyl Castle

Exhibition ARTHUR – Stories surrounding the King, his Knights, and the Holy Grail

Open 1st April to 31st October, Tue–Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel. +41 62 888 48 43, www.ag.ch/museumaargau

Ins. Chalk Farm 86x59 10.4.2008 10:23 Uhr Seite 1

22


24- 27 Harrogate - Spring Flower Show T+44 (0) 1423 561046 www.flowershow.org.uk

25-05 May Cheltenham International Jazz Festival - the UK’s top jazz fest16-27 28th International Classic Motorcycle ShowStaffordshire

County Showground The oldest and largest of the Classic Motorcycle Showshttp://www.classicbikeshows.com

26 – 31 Gloddau Isaf, near Llandudno - Urdd National Eisteddfod (youth eisteddfod) Europe’s largest youth arts festival.www.urdd.org

27 Vaisakhi London Trafalgar Square the holiest day in the Sikh calendar. It will be celebrated with a religious service, followed by Asian music and entertainment...

May01- 05 Speyside - Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival: features tasting

sessions, ceilidh, and exhibitions. Heaven for whisky lovers. www.spiritofspeyside.com

04 Edinburgh – BUPA Great run 07-11 Windsor Home Park Royal Windsor Horse Show An

equestrian celebration of all things. It combines top sporting and competition action with a spectacular venue

08-10 Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo ‘A Heroes Welcome’. New in 2008 - marching bands, the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, Pipes and Drums and the Musical Drive of the Kings Troop

11 Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival Processions, and a wide selection of shows, folk music, dancers, clowns and jugglers. The birthday celebrations of Mr Punch, www.alternativearts.co.uk

17 Wembley Stadium - The FA Cup Final The biggest event in the football year

18-Aug 31 Lewes – Glyndebourne Festival – Biggest opera festival of the season www.glyndebourne.com

24-25 Twickenham Stadium Heineken Cup Final Rugby London -The RHS Chelsea Flower Show T+44 (0) 20 7834

4333 www.rhs.org.uk21-07 June Somerset, Bath International Music Festival - classical and

other musical styles in this, the most classical of all UK cities23 – 08 June Salisbury Festival One of Britain’s leading multi-arts festivals

featuring international performers from the worlds of music, drama, dance, opera and street performance throughout the historic city of Salisbury. http://www.salisburyfestival.co.uk

24-25 Twickenham Stadium - Emirates Airline London Sevens Rugby

24-Jun 06 Isle of Man – TT Motorcycle Festival: www.iomtt.com 24-26 Kent Garden Show - Maidstone Kent’s premiere garden show

with feature gardens, floral displays, numerous trade stands, brass bands, children’s rides, craft marquee and more.

23-Jun 08 Bath-Fringe Festival: Theatre, music, dance, visual and more all over the city. www.bathfringe.co.uk

30 Chipping Campden - Robert Dover’s Olimpick Games: The games date from 1612 and were known as ‘Olympick’. Rustic sports, displays and bands followed by fireworks and a torch light procession into the town – and yes the games are recognised by the British Olympic Association

June02-11 Sept Regents Park, London - Shows for 2008 include the

Shakespeare classics A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, plus a new production of the musical Gigi.

06-07 Epsom - Derby Days: T +44 (0) 1372 470047 www.epsomderby.co.uk

02 London -Tower of London: 62 Gun Salute at 1300h - Anniversary of Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

09-17 Aug London - The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition - the annual exhibition brings together a wide range of new work by living artists. It is the world’s largest open contemporary art exhibition many exhibits for sale

13 29 Glasgow - West End Festival: 60,000 partygoers www.westendfestival.co.uk

14 London - Trooping the Colour, on her Birthday the Queen leaves Buckingham Palace at 10:00 and arrives at Horse Guards Parade at 11:00. www.wcities.com

Berkshire - Royal Ascot: - The poshest of posh UK horseracing/social events

21-29 Pembrokeshire Fish Week 150 events including cookery demonstrations, seafood extravaganzas, fishing trips, water sports, competitions and exhibitions www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk

23-Jul 06 London - Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships www.wimbledon.org

27-29 The Glastonbury Abbey Musical Extravaganza This wonderful open air event takes place in the historic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey over 3 nights. Stunning artists grace the Extravaganza stage, and there are wonderful music, fireworks and water display. http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

July July/August Cardiff - Summer Festival The best of street theatre, live

music, children’s entertainment and comedy. www.cardiff-festival.com

European Events

23


3 – 5 July Waddesdon Manor Music Festival Its first! Three fabulous nights of open-air picnic concerts, including Katherine Jenkins and legendary Buddy Holly and his Cricketers and The Counterfeit Stones www.waddesdon.org.uk

08-13 Hampton Court - Flower Show: organised by the Royal Horticulture Society T+44 (0) 20 7649 1885 www.rhs.org.uk

02-06 Henley-upon-Thames - Royal Regatta: www.hrr.co.uk04– 06 Silverstone - Formula 1 Grand Prix: www.silverstone-circuit.

co.uk08-12 Kew Gardens – Summer Swing Open air concerts www.

rbgkew.org.uk09-13 River Thames -Henley Festival: 5 evenings when the stars are

really out – free art day on Sat, Family Fiesta on Sun14-20 Farnborough Air Show – every second year, open to the public

19-20th17-20 St Andrew - The Open Golf Championships T+44 (0) 1334

460000 www.opengolf.com 18- 13 Sep London – The Proms: Orchestral concerts, semi-staged opera,

contemporary, chamber and choral music all at the Royal Albert Hall. www.bbc.co.uk/proms

25 – 27 Caerphilly - The Big Cheese One of the largest free gatherings of re-enactments, entertainers, music and folk dancing. www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese

26-02 Aug International Folklore Festival - Billingham In it’s 44th year it hosts 11 groups with over 400 artists from around the world and presents the best world of folklore dance and song has to offer www.billinghamfestival.co.uk

28 27Sept London - Houses of Parliament open to the public Tickets T 0870 906 3773 www.parliament.uk

31- 29 Sept Buckingham Palace - State Rooms open. The Queen and Members of the Royal Family receive and entertain their guests of State, ceremonial and official occasions. In 2008 visitors will be able to experience the spectacle of the Palace’s Ballroom set up for a State Banquet

29- 02 Aug Horseracing: Glorious Goodwood is a sporting 5-day spectacle worthy of its compelling heritage http://www.goodwood.co.uk

August London - Trafalgar Square Festival - features a stunning

programme of outdoor performance arts from the UK and overseas over a three week period.

01-23 Edinburgh - Edinburgh Military Tattoo T+44 (0) 131 225 1188 www.edintattoo.co.uk

01 – 08 Sidmouth Folk Week Celebration of world, roots and dance and song with major concerts, dance displays, carnival atmosphere, children’s events and street entertainment. http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

02-09 The Solent - Skandia Cowes Week: Yacht’s heaven 02 - 09 Cardiff - National Eisteddfod of Wales This cultural gathering

is dedicated to Welsh, Britain’s oldest living language.www.eisteddfod.org.uk

03-25 Edinburgh-The Edinburgh Fringe Festival: T+44 (0) 131 226 5257 www.edfringe.com

03 London - Carnival del Pueblo - join Europe’s largest celebration of Latin American culture, parade through south London to Burgess Park, for the festival that features live music, arts and crafts, food and entertainment.

08-31 Edinburgh - International Festival: Classical performing arts in six major venues and several smaller around the city www.eif.co.uk

07-10 Bristol - International Balloon Fiesta: Set in the rolling parkland of Ashton Court Estate, the Fiesta features mass balloon launches of over 100 balloons, plus a wealth of family entertainment. www.bristolfiesta.co.uk

14- 15 Channel Islands - Jersey, the annual Battle of the Flowers T+44 (0) 1534 639000 www.battleofflowers.com

16-24 Llandrindod Wells - The Victorian Festival - Horses and carriages, Victorian window displays, and appropriate costume www.victorianfestival.co.uk

16-18 Isle of Wight - Garlic Festival - Newchurch over 250 stalls and many tempting garlic-flavoured products for visitors to try

24-25 London - The Notting Hill Carnival: Europe’s largest carnival 28 – 02 Nov Blackpool – The Blackpool Illuminations: Britain’s most

popular attraction is switched on www.blackpooltourism.com

September Waddeston Manor, nr Aylesbury, house, gardens, wine cellars.

Special events throughout the year www.waddesdon.org.uk 06 Braemer - The Braemer Gathering: Always the first Sat of the

month (Must book in advance) www.braemargathering.org 12-14 Harrogate - Autumn Flower Show: T+44 (0) 1423 561046

www.flowershow.org.uk12-21 Southampton-Boat Show: www.southamptonboatshow.com13-14 London -Mayor’s Thames Festival, free programme of arts and

river-themed events. www.ThamesFestival.org25-04 Oct Hexham Abbey Festival features concerts of classical, jazz and

world music, poetry, an art exhibition, street theatre and music and education events in and around the historic Hexham Abbey. http://hexhamabbey.org.uk/festival

26 – 28 Porthcawl -Elvis Festival The biggest Elvis festival in Europe,

attracting Elvis tribute acts from all over the world. www.elvies.co.uk

31 02 Nov London - The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

October11-25 Canterbury – Arts Festival: www.canterburyfestival.co.uk 21 Trafalgar Day every year on the same date21 - 17 Nov Aberdeen City and Shire - sound 2008 is an exciting

and unique contemporary music festival, , set up by local organisations with the aim of presenting an eclectic but broad range of contemporary music. www.sound-scotland.co.uk

24 – 02 Nov Perthshire Amber-The Dougie MacLean Festival’ A jewel of a festival’ where contemporary song meets folk, roots and tradition. www.perthshireamber.com

24-02 Nov Edinburgh/Borders - International Scottish Storytelling Festival - A celebration of live oral storytelling folk and fairy tales from around the world.

27 –09 Nov Swansea - Dylan Thomas Festival www.dylanthomas.com31 - 01 Nov Glasgow - Whisky Live offers the ultimate whisky experience

with varied tastings, master classes, live music and regular nose-off competitions.

NovemberNov/Dec Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Outdoor ice skating and

family entertainment on Cardiff’s City Hall Lawn. www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com

1,2,8&9 Waddeston Manor, nr Aylesbury. Christmas Fair in the Coach House www.waddesdon.org.

06-08 London – ETOA European Marketplace (GEM )www.etoa.org 08 City of London - Lord Mayor’s Show T+44 (0) 20 7606 303010-13 London – World Travel Market ExCel www.wtmlondon.com11 London - Remembrance Day: Parade at the Cenotaph12 – 21 Dec Waddeston Manor, nr Aylesbury East Wing decorated for

Christmas including Christmas Fairs, Food Markets and choirs singing in the Gardens www.waddesdon.org.

14-24 London Jazz Festival This year’s London Jazz Festival has collected music from every nook and cranny of the jazz spectrum. www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk

28-30 Cardiff, South & Mid Wales Wales Rally GB Final round of the World Rally Championship. www.walesrallygb.com

30 St. Andrew’s Day - If you’re a Scot then this is the only place to be on Nov 30th

December Christmas Markets – Nationally and Internationally www.

christmas-markets.org

European Events

24


National Holidays & Notable Dates 2008

AustraliaSat 26/01/08 Australia DayFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayTue 25/04/08 Anzac DayMon 09/06/08 Queen's BirthdayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

AustriaFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DaySun 11/05/08 PentecostMon 12/05/08 Whit MondaySun 22/06/08 Corpus Christi DayFri 15/08/08 Assumption DaySun 26/10/08 National DaySat 01/11/08 All Saints DayMon 08/12/08 Immaculate ConceptionThu 25/12/08 Christmas Day, from the words

Christ’s Mass, a celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth

Fri 26/12/08 St. Stephen’s DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

BelgiumSun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DaySun 11/05/08 PentecostMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayFri 11/07/08 Flemish Community DayMon 21/07/08 National DayFri 15/08/08 Assumption DaySat 27/09/08 Day of the French Speaking

Community Walloon RegionSat 01/11/08 All Saints DaySun 02/11/08 All Soul’s DayTue 11/11/08 Armistice Day 1918Thu 15/11/08 German Community DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 St. Stephen’s DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

CanadaFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondaySun 11/05/08 Mother’s DayMon 19/05/08 Victoria DaySun 15/06/08 Father’s DayTue 24/06/08 St Jean BaptisteTue 01/07/08 Canada DayMon 04/08/08 Civic DayMon 18/08/08 Discovery DayMon 01/09/08 Labour DayMon 13/10/08 Thanksgiving DayFri 31/10/08 HalloweenTue 11/11/08 Remembrance DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

Croatia Fri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DaySun 22/06/08 Corpus Christi DaySun 22/06/08 Day of Antifascist StruggleWed 25/06/08 National DayTue 05/08/08 Homeland ThanksgivingFri 15/08/08 Assumption DayWed 08/10/08 Independence daySat 01/11/08 All Saints DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

Czech Republic Sun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 08/05/08 Liberation DaySun 05/07/08 Constantine and Methodius DaySun 06/07/08 Jan Hus DaySun 28/09/08 St WenceslasTue 28/10/08 Independent State DayMon 17/11/08 Day of Freedom and DemocracyThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

Denmark Thu 20/03/08 Maundy ThursdayFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayFri 01/05/08 Prayer DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DayMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayThu 01/06/08 Constitution Day Wed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

EstoniaSun 24/02/08 Independence DayFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Spring DaySun 11/05/08 Whit SundayFri 23/06/08 Victory Day - anniversary of the

Battle of VõnnuTue 24/06/08 Midsummer DayWed 20/08/08 Re-independence DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

Finland Sun 16/03/08 Palm SundayThu 20/03/08 Maundy ThursdayFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DaySun 11/05/08 Whit SundayMon 19/05/08 Memorial DayFri 27/06/08 Midsummer EveSat 01/11/08 All Saints DayThu 06/11/08 Swedish DaySat 06/12/08 Independence DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 St Stephen’sWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

France Sat 22/03/08 Holy SaturdayFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DayThu 08/05/07 Victory DayMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayMon 14/07/08 National (Bastille) DayFri 15/08/08 Assumption DaySat 01/11/08 All Saints DayTue 11/11/08 Armistice DayWed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

GermanyFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter Monday

Thu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DaySun 11/05/08 PentecostMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayThu 22/06/08 Corpus Christi DayFri 03/10/08 Day of German UnityFri 31/10/08 Day of ReformationSat 01/11/08 All Saints DayWed 19/11/08 Day of Prayer and RepentanceWed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 31/12/08 New Years Eve

Greece Mon 10/03/08 Orthodox Shrove MondayTue 25/03/08 Independence DayFri 25/04/08 Orthodox Good FridaySun 27/04/08 Orthodox Easter SundayMon 28/04/07 Orthodox Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayMon 16/06/08 Ortodox Whit MondayFri 15/08/08 Assumption DayTue 28/10/08 Oxi DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

Hungary Sat 15/03/08 National DaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DaySun 11/05/08 Whit SundayMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayThu 20/08/08 Constitution DayThu 23/10/08 Day of the RepublicSat 01/11/08 All Saints DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

Ireland Mon 17/03/08 St. Patrick’s DaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 May DayMon 02/06/08 June HolidayMon 04/08/08 August Bank HolidayMon 27/10/08 October HolidayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 St. Stephen’s DayWed 01/01/09 New Years Day

IsraelThu 20/03/08 Fast of EsterFri 21/03/08 Purim - the Jewish Mardi

Gras - commemorates when the Jewish people in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of the young queen Esther

Sat 22/03/08 Shushan Purim – Purim is celebrated a day later in walled cities

Sun 20/04/08 Passover (First Day)Sat 26/04/08 Passover (Last Day)Fri 02/05/08 Holocaust Memorial DayWed 07/05/08 Remembrance DaySat 10/05/08 Independence DayFri 23/05/08 Lag B’Omer -Remembers Bar

Kochva who seized Jerusalem from the Romans

Mon 09/06/08 Shavout – Feast of the HarvestSun 20/07/08 17th day in the Jewish month

of Tammuz, Jews the world over fast and lament the many self inflicted calamities that have befallen the Jewish people

Sun 10/08/08 Fast of Tisha B’Av – Commemorates the breach of the walls of the Temple of Jerusalem by the Babylonians

25


National Holidays & Notable Dates 2008and then by the Romans

Tue 30/09/08 Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year (First Day)

Wed 01/10/08 Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year (Second Day)

Thu 02/10/08 Gedalyahu Fast – Commemorates the assignation of the Babylonian appointed King of the Jews, Gedalyahu, by Ishmael, who was a member of the House of David

Thu 09/10/08 Yom Kippur – A Day of Atonement for the ‘het’ (id) straying from the rightful path

Tue 14/10/08 Sukkot (First Day) – Means the huts that sheltered the Israelis during the 40 years of wondering in the desert after the exodus from Egypt-a joyous period of feasting

Wed 20/10/08 Sukkot (Last Day)Wed 22/10/08 Simchat Torah – A celebration

of the annual completion of the public reading of the Torah (Jewish Bible), and the beginning of a new reading cycle

Mon 22/12/08 Hanukkah (First Day) -The ‘Feast of Light’ celebrates the story of the ‘Maccabees’, a small band of Jewish fighters who saved Israel and Judaism from the Syrian Greeks

Mon 29/12/08 Hanukkah (Last Day)

Italy Fri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter Sunday – Celebrates

Christ rising from the dead. The Easter egg gift is a contemporary symbol of Christ’s immortality

Mon 24/03/08 Easter MondayFri 25/04/08 Liberation Day - Recalls the

overthrow of the dictator Mussolini during WWII

Thu 01/05/08 Labour DayMon 26/05/08 Rome – St. Philip Neri Day,

celebration of the capitols Patron Saint

Mon 02/06/08 Republic DayTue 24/06/08 Florence – St. John the Baptist

Day, celebration of the cities Patron Saint

Sun 29/06/08 St. Peter and Paul DayFri 15/08/08 Assumption Day – An

important Catholic holiday ‘Assunta in Cielo’, - when Mary was taken body and soul to Heaven to be with her son, Jesus

Fri 15/08/08 Ferragosto – A fiesta dating back to 18C BC when Emperor Augustus ordered celebrations to honour Diana, the pagan goddess of the woods and hunting

Fri 19/09/08 Naples - St Gennaro Day, celebration of the cities patron saint

Sat 01/11/07 All Saints Day – Celebration of all Christian Saints

Sun 07/12/08 Milan - St Ambrose Day, celebration of the cities Patron Saint

Mon 08/12/08 Immaculate Conception –celebration of the appearance to Mary of the Arch Angel, Gabriel who told her she was "full of grace"

Wed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas Day

Fri 26/12/08 St. Stephen’s Day, the first Christian martyr is celebrated by Roman Catholics

Wed 31/12/08 New Year’s EveWed 01/01/09 New Year’s Day

LuxembourgSun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 May Day – A festival of

flowersThu 01/05/08 Ascension Day – Christ’s entry

into heavenSun 11/05/08 Pentecost – a celebration of

the founding of Christianity when the Holy Spirit descended on Christ’s disciples and gave them the gift of tongues to convert

Mon 12/05/08 Whit MondayMon 23/06/08 National Day – Independence

from Netherlands and Belgium in 1890

Fri 15/08/08 Assumption Day, Mary’s body and soul was assumed into the Kingdom of Heaven

Sat 01/11/08 All Saints Day, a celebration of all Christian Saints

Thu 25/12/07 Christmas Day, Christ was born in Bethlehem

Fri 26/12/07 The Feast Day of St Stephen whose name means crown, the first disciple of Jesus to receive the martyr's crown

Mon 01/01/08 New Years Day

Malta Wed 19/03/08 St Joseph’s Day, poor

carpenter and husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Fri 21/03/08 Good FridaySat 31/03/08 Freedom DayThu 01/05/08 Labour DaySat 07/06/08 Sette Giugno, 1919 Uprising

when troops open fire on a crowd protesting at poor conditions killing five men

Sun 29/06/07 Feast of St Peter and PaulFri 15/08/08 Assumption DayMon 08/09/08 Our Lady of Victories Day, a

celebration of the defeat of a Turkish siege in 1565

Sun 21/09/08 Independence Day, on this day in 1964, Malta became a sovereign and independent nation within the Commonwealth

Mon 08/12/08 Immaculate ConceptionSat 13/12/08 Republic DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Netherlands Fri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayWed 30/04/08 Queen Juliana’s BirthdayThu 01/05/08 Ascension Day, Christ’s entry

into HeavenMon 05/05/08 Liberation Day, a

remembrance of the defeat of Nazi forces in Holland in 1945

Mon 12/05/08 Whit Monday, day after Pentecost

Thu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

New ZealandSat 06/02/08 Waitangi Day marks the

signing of a treaty in 1840. In that year, representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs signed what is New Zealand’s founding document

Fri 21/03/08 Good Friday, a commemoration of the 3-hour agony of Christ's Crucifixion

Sun 23/03/08 Easter Sunday, the celebration of Christ rising from the dead

Mon 24/03/08 Easter MondayWed 25/04/08 ANZAC Day, the anniversary

of the 1915 landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers –the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey

Mon 02/06/08 Queen’s Birthday, a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II

Mon 22/10/08 Labour DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayThu 01/01/09 New Years DayFri 02/01/09 Day After New Years Day

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Norway Wed 19/03/08 Holy or Ash Wednesday, when

Judas conspired to betray Christ

Thu 20/03/08 Holy or Maundy Thursday, celebrating the last supper of Jesus and the disciples

Fri 21/03/08 Good Friday, the memory of the crucifixion

Sun 23/03/08 Easter Sunday, Christ rose from the dead

Mon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 May DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension Day, Christ’s entry

into heavenMon 12/05/08 Whit Monday, Day after

PentecostSat 17/05/08 National DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Poland Sun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DaySat 03/05/08 National DayThu 22/05/08 Corpus Christi Day celebrates

Jesus’ last supper with the disciples

Fri 15/08/08 Assumption Day, the immaculate Virgin is taken into heaven

Sat 01/11/08 All Saints Day, a celebration of all Christian Saints

Tue 11/11/08 Independence Day, the unification of the state of Poland in 1918 after partition by Prussia, Austria and Russia for a 100 years

Thu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Portugal Thu 20/03/08 Maundy Thursday

Commemorate the last supper, final supper shared by Jesus and His disciples before his death

Fri 21/03/08 Good Friday, over 2,000 years ago Christ was crucified

Sun 23/03/08 Easter Sunday, Christ rose from the dead

Fri 25/04/08 Liberation Day, Marcello Caetano was removed from power in 1974 in opposition to his military policies and war in Africa

Thu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 22/05/08 Corpus Christi commemorates

the Last Supper on the day before Jesus' crucifixion

Tue 10/06/08 National Day, the anniversary of the death of Portugal's national poet, Luis Vas de Camoes (1524-1580)

Fri 15/08/08 Assumption DaySun 05/10/08 Republic Day, in 1910 the

Portuguese Republic was established following 200 years of monarchy

Sat 01/11/08 All Saints DayMon 01/12/08 Restoration of Independence

Day, independence from Spain in 1610

Mon 08/12/08 Immaculate Conception, God’s choice of Mary to conceive Jesus

Wed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Russia Sat 08/03/08 International Women’s Day,

commemorates the New York women revolt in 1857

Sun 27/04/08 Easter Sunday (Orthodox)Thu 01/05/08 Labour DayFri 02/05/08 Labour Day (2nd Day)Fri 09/05/08 Victory in Europe Day, defeat

of Nazi Germany in 1945Thu 12/06/08 Independence Day, June 12,

1990, the Russian Congress of People's Deputies officially adopted the Declaration of the State Sovereignty, establishing the Russian Federation as a sovereign state

Sun 07/11/08 Day of Reconciliation and Consent

Fri 12/12’08 Constitution DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Slovakia Republic

Fri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 08/05/08 Liberation DaySat 05/07/08 St Cyril and St Methodius DayFri 29/08/08 Resistance DayMon 01/09/08 Constitution DayMon 15/09/08 Virgin Mary DaySat 01/11/08 All Saints DayMon 17/11/08 Freedom & DemocracyWed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 St Stephen’s DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Slovenia Mon 24/03/08 Easter MondaySun 27/04/08 Resistance DayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayFri 02/05/08 Labour Day 2Wed 25/06/08 National DayFri 15/08/08 Assumption DayFri 31/10/08 Reformation DaySat 01/11/08 Remembrance DayThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Independence DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Spain Wed 19/03/08 St JoseThu 20/03/08 Maundy ThursdayFri 21/03/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayThu 15/08/07 Assumption DaySun 12/10/08 National DaySat 01/11/08 All Saints DaySat 06/12/08 Constitution DayMon 08/12/08 Immaculate Conception Thu 25/12/08 Christmas DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Sweden Thu 20/04/08 Maundy ThursdayFri 21/04/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DayMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayFri 20/06/08 Midsummer EveSat 21/06/08 Midsummer Day Sat 01/11/08 All Saints DayWed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 St Stephen’s Day

Thu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Switzerland Thu 20/04/08 Maundy ThursdayFri 21/04/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayThu 01/05/08 Labour DayThu 01/05/08 Ascension DayMon 12/05/08 Whit MondayThu 22/12/08 Corpus ChristiSun 29/06/08 Saints Peter and Paul DayFri 01/08/08 National DayFri 15/08/08 Assumption DaySat 06/09/08 Genevian Fast DayWed 17/09/08 Federal Fast DaySat 01/11/08 All Saints DayMon 08/12/08 Immaculate ConceptionWed 24/12/08 Christmas EveThu 25/12/07 Christmas DayThu 01/01/09 New Years Day

Turkey Wed 23/04/08 Sovereignty DayMon 19/05/08 Ataturk RemembranceSat 30/08/07 Victory DayThu 02/10/08 End of RamadanFri 03/10/08 End of Ramadan 2nd DaySat 04/10/08 End of Ramadan 3rd DayWed 29/10/08 Republic Day, commemorate

the founding of Turkish Republic by Ataturk in 1923

Tue 09/12/08 Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice)

Wed 10/12/08 Kurban Bayrami (2nd day)Thu 11/12/08 Kurban Bayrami (3rd day)

UK Mon 17/03/08 St Patrick's Day (Northern

Ireland)Fri 21/04/08 Good FridaySun 23/03/08 Easter SundayMon 24/03/08 Easter MondayMon 05/05/08 May DayMon 26/05/08 Spring Bank HolidaySat 12/07/08 Battle of the Boyne (Northern

Ireland only)Mon 25/08/08 Late Summer Bank Holiday UK

(Except Scotland)Thu 25/12/08 Christmas DayFri 26/12/08 Boxing DayWed 01/01/09 New Years DayThu 02/01/09 Scotland Extra Bank Holiday

USAMon 26/05/08 Memorial Day, Honour U.S.

citizens who have died in warFri 04/07/08 Independence Day, 1776

declaration of independence from Britain

Mon 01/09/08 Labour DayMon 13/10/08 Columbus DayTue 11/11/08 Veteran’s Day, tribute to all

those who have fought for their country

Thu 27/11/08 Thanksgiving Day, Americans gather together to feast and give thanks

Thu 25/12/08 Christmas Day

National Holidays & Notable Dates 2008

National Holidays and the full listing of all European Countries main festive and cultural events are available as a pdf file for you to download onto your systems. Just email [email protected] or telephone 0044 (0)1761 479645

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