Post Tagged with "festivals"

Happy Valentine’s Day!

This day honors one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and today it is celebrated in over 100 countries around the world. Take a look at what some of our contributors have to say about it!

Valentine’s Day in the USA (By Jason, our contributor from the US)

As I child I remember getting a packet of Valentine’s cards and hand writing the names of every child in my class on the back of factory-made cards and putting each one inside an envelope addressed to each kid in my class.  I carried these to school in a brown paper bag then I put one on each classmate’s desk.  At the end of the day, I collected the exact same number of cards from my classmates and carried them home in the same brown paper bag.  I enjoyed reading each one.

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From our contributors: September 13th

Here’s our bi-weekly roundup of articles written by members of out team on their personal blogs. This week we take a virtual tour of the art in some Paris churches, take part in the Moon Festival in Japan, get pushed in Hong Kong and celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai. Happy reading!

Anu, our contributor from India, writes about the last day of Ganesh Chartuthi, a festival devoted to the Hindu god Ganesha. Although it was raining, devotees came out ion full force to celebrate their god.

“This year, the Lord arrived amidst pouring rains, and he decided to leave amidst pouring rains too! After a couple of dry days, the heavens seem to have opened up just for Him to leave! However, the enthusiasm has not abated…” (more…)

From our contributors: 19 July

Another week, another roundup of articles posted by our contributors on their blogs with subjects ranging from prehistoric cave paintings in India to Ocean Day in Japan.

Anu, our contributor from India, visits the prehistoric cave paintings of Anegundi. These fascinating paintings provide a glimpse into the life of our Neolithic ancestors.

“Imagine living like our ancestors, having to struggle for every meal, every piece of covering, even for a roof over the head, not to mention the dangers lurking around every corner! And yet they persevered, though it took centuries for things to change, for them to evolve!”

 
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Bastille Day Celebrations

A little bit of history first.

The first stone of the Bastille Fortress was laid in 1370 in the extension of the already existing city walls. The heavy rectangular building was flanked by eight 24 metre high round towers and surrounded by 25 metre wide moats.

It ceased to be a military fortress in the late 16th century and was converted into a state prison. A simple letter signed by the king was enough to send a man inside its cold walls.

Seven prisoners were still imprisoned in the Bastille on 14th July, 1789 when it was seized by the revolutionaries who saw in it the symbol of royal power and absolutism. (more…)

Summer Solstice Celebrations in France

Today, Friday 24 June, is in France the day we celebrate St. John the Baptist and it is also an opportunity to celebrate the Feux de la Saint-Jean.

This tradition, which dates back to ancient times, most likely originated in Asia Minor and was introduced to Eastern Europe by the Celtic tribes 3000 years ago. Feux de la Saint-Jean was originally the celebration of the Summer Solstice on June 21st. The ancients use to light bonfires on the previous evening in honour of the Sun, a way to pray for its protection for the harvest to come.

Image credit

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Burning Art in Valencia

Las Fallas is a festival in Valencia, Spain, that I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys art, fire and noise. This famous fiesta is one of the most famous festivals in Spain and attracts people from all over the world who want to witness the burning of these ephemeral sculptures.

Ninot (photo by R. Rodrigo)

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