World Events Calendar for Travelers:
Religious Festivals and Attractions.
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North America
- Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate,
late November thru early January . About 70 rooms of George Vanderbilt's house will be decorated. Self-guided tours,
live music, candlelight evenings.Call 1-800-543-2961
- Huamantla, Mexico
Feast of the Assumption,
August 15 - 16. Solemn procession through streets with elaborate
floral decorations, followed by running of the bulls. Call 1-800-446-3942.
- Mexico City, Mexico
Blessing of the Animals
, January 17. The Cathedral, the Church of San Antonio and other
churches.
Europe
- Ireland
Day of the Wren , December 26.
Masked revelers and musicians go from door to door.
- Moita, Portugal
Our Lady of Good Voyage Festival
, September. Procession for blessing fishing boats, bullfights
and bulls let loose on streets. Call (212) 354-4403 for dates.
- Munich, Germany
Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Fair)
November 29 - December 24. One of Germany's most famous Christmas Fairs
(along with those of Nuremberg and Stuttgart. Expect plenty of Gluehwein (hot mulled wine)
and tasty treats to warm your soul and raise your spirits.
For ticket and other information call: +(89) 2 60 81 34.
or check out their website at:
Munich.
For great, moderately-priced accomodations in a pleasant residential neighborhood,
we recommend the: Hotel Uhland. It's great location in Theresienwiese
(Theresa's Meadow) is within comfortable walking distance
from the Marienplatz, where the Christkindlmarkt is held, and the train station.
- Nuremberg, Germany
Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Fair)
November 29 - December 24. Germany's most famous Christmas Fair
(although Muncheners might disagree). Expect plenty of Gluehwein (hot mulled wine)
and tasty treats to warm your soul and raise your spirits.
- Rome, Italy
Epiphany Fair, January 5.
Piazza Navona. Toys and candy.
- Tournai, Belgium
Grand Historical Procession
, September. Costumed groups march in honor of the Virgin Mary's
saving the city from the plague in the Middle Ages. Call +(69)23.34.34.
- Vatican City
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass ,
December 24, St. Peter's Basilica.
The Pope and 10,000 others celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
An awesome spectacle for people of all beliefs.
- Venice, Italy
Carnevale, February.
Centuries-old pre-lenten celebration. Parades and performances are held almost nightly,
amd become more intense and theatrical in the days preceding Ash Wednesday.
Masks and costumes are optional, but highly encouraged. For more information,
call the Italian Tourist Office (U.S.) at (212) 245-4822.
Asia, Australia
and Oceania
- Israel
Hannukah, Late November-Early
December. Nightly candle-lighting in town squares, hotel lobbies,
shopping centers, followed by folk dancing.
- Japan
Bon, August.
A religious rite held in memory of the dead, who in Buddhist belief revisit
the earth at this time of year. Buddhist temples. Call (212) 757-5640.
- Melbourne, Australia
Carols by Candlelight
, December 24. 40,000 carolers sing at Sidney Meyer Music Bowl
on Christmas Eve.
- Thailand
Buddha's First Sermon, following
enlightenment, commemorated with candlelight porcessions at all
Buddhist temples. July 11.
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