Party Time Around The World

From the Caribbean to China, Europe and Oman, we have a run-down of the must-see events happening this year.

EUROPE

Malta
Fireworks Festival, April
More colour and excitement follows the Carnivals with the Malta Fireworks Festival on April 29th – 30th. A number of fireworks factories will be working together towards an unforgettable and spectacular evening of fireworks, as part of celebrations for Malta’s entry in the European Union.

October 11th -21st sees a nod to Malta’s impressive history, with the Malta Historic Cities Festival. Comprising eleven days of cultural entertainment, the festival will focus on Malta's main historic towns, namely those of Valletta, Mdina and Vittoriosa, where various episodes from Malta's history will be dramatically re-enacted. www.visitmalta.com

Prague
International Spring Music Festival in May-June
With its castle, Cathedral, Old Royal Palaces and quaint winding streets, Prague in the Czech Republic makes for a cultural long weekend break. The Prague Spring International Music Festival 12th May – 3rd June is a permanent showcase for outstanding performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles of the world. Combining a trip to the historical city with a stay at the luxury five-star Corinthia Towers Hotel, ideal for its location and superior for its service and facilities, that include an indoor pool, sauna, solarium, fitness centre and squash court as well as a casino and hair and beauty salon. The hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city and take in the sights and sounds of the music festival.  For further information visit www.corinthiahotels.com

Portugal
Carnaval in Lisbon, in May
Carnaval – Mardi Gras with rosary beads – sees normally reserved locals indulge in some revelry before they start fasting for Lent. Come May 16th hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make their way to Fatima to celebrate the apparitions of the Virgin Mary witnessed by three shepherd children in 1917. Hot on its heels is the June Festas dos Santon Populares (Festivals of the Popular Saints) – a riot of parades, music, dancing, fireworks, all-night partying and of course, church services.

Wine lovers in town in November can have their thirsts sated at the Festival do Vinho. Other highlights include the 18 concerts of the Super Bock Super Rock Festival in March, the Festival de Cinema Gay e Lesbico in late September and an international marathon every November.

For further information visit http://www.portugal.org/index.shtml

THE CARIBBEAN

Carnival in Grenada, August
In August, colour, music, creativity and celebrations bring the peacefully beautiful island of Grenada to a buzzing hub of activity when the annual Grenada carnival takes place. The capital of St. George’s embraces the festival with the sound of steel pan music filling the air and elaborate intricately designed costumes parading the streets, culminating in a street party on the last night.

Carriacou’s Maroon Festival, April
Carriacou, Grenada’s sister island also hosts the Maroon Music Festival from 27th -29th April which offers visitors the unique chance to witness the traditional Caribbean practice of a “maroon” - a celebration offering thanks for the last harvest and asking for good fortune during the upcoming planting season. The three-day festival is marked with traditional songs, dance, food and other cultural performances. The beating of drums thumps out the rhythm that pulsates throughout the celebrations and beckons all the surrounding communities to come and join the fun at the festival village.

Grenada Drum Festival, May
Not to be beaten on the drumming front, Grenada hosts its own lively Drum Festival from the 1st – 31st May, which transforms the Moonlight City Park in La Poterie into a cultural village featuring traditional drumming and dancing. Entertainment includes a “Traditional Night" of drumming and dancing, an "International Night" and a "Friendship Night" featuring a fusion of visiting groups and local drummers and dancers. Grenadian dishes ad local arts are also available during the three days of this fun event.

Carriacou Parang Festival, December
Carriacou Parang Festival is held each year on the weekend before Christmas Day. It celebrates the unique music, entertainment and traditions of Carriacou. The event was created in 1977 to revive and keep alive the “house to house” serenading of string bands, an indigenous aspect of Carriacou’s culture. Parang groups battle for cash prizes along with a challenge trophy during the Parang String Bands Competition. The groups use only percussion instruments for the performances and the lyrics in the songs can be rather controversial at times, reflecting on current political and historical events in the country. www.grenadagrenadines.com

MIDDLE EAST & THE ORIENT

Sweet Music In Macau, China
Thanks to its mixed heritage, Macau boasts a delightful assortment of European colonial structures, homes and modern retail outlets sitting next to intricate Buddhist temples and other ancient buildings, making it unique and unlike any other city in China. It is perfect for a short break due to its small area (just over 11miles?) and is fast-becoming the entertainment centre of Asia with the development of world-renowned Vegas style resorts and casinos already built and planned for the future.

International Fireworks Display Contest, Macau, October
Why not make a trip to Macau to co-incide with the annual International Fireworks Display Contest on the 1st October which will illuminate the stunning landscape of Macau in a burst of colour. With 90 countries from around the world taking part in the display, the event is an amazing sight, lighting up the night sky and giving visitors a good reason to tear themselves away from the tempting 24-hour luxury casinos that Macau is famous for.

Dragon Boat Festival, Macau, June
For those who would enjoy a day time event, the Dragon Boat Festival on the 19th June should not be missed. Taking place on the picturesque Nam Van Lakes in Macau, this festival sees teams compete in dramatic dragon boat races. Racing in ornate boats that measure about 30ft, each one is manned by teams of about 20 paddlers making this an exciting event and a great festival for spectators. The festival is held in honour of Wat Yuen, a court advisor and poet from the third century BC, who drowned himself in a dramatic protest against the emperor’s decision to go to war. As legend has it, the local people took to the water in boats to protect his body from being eaten by fish.

Macau International Music Festival, October
In keeping with Macau’s colourful history, the prestigious annual Macau International Music Festival from 1st -31st October presents audiences with musical works influenced by both Western and Chinese trends and traditions. The Festival will include performances from choirs, orchestras, singers and musicians and performances and will take place in a number of different venues ranging from churches and theatres to open-air spaces and park pavilions. www.macautourism.gov.mo

Oman’s Festivals
Untainted by overdevelopment and ruled by a respected Sultan, The Sultanate of Oman offers great beaches, rocky mountains, a classic desert, forts and friendly locals. In addition to its stunning scenery, Oman has a wealth of exciting and colourful Festivals to fascinate every visitor, from religious to cultural and shopping.

Ramadan, Oman, September-October
The most important festival in the Islamic calendar is the holy month of Ramadan, where "Day becomes night", as the Omanis are fond of saying. In 2007 Ramadan starts on 12th September and ends on 11th October. Contrary to the misconception that non-Muslims should avoid Oman during Ramadan, this time is actually an exciting and intriguing time to visit. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as Muslims break their fast, and to witness the good-natured partying is a real highlight. Giant tents are erected in the hotels and towns, sweetly perfumed with the fragrance of incense and rose water. Locals descend en-masse to the tents to celebrate, eat, dance and generally let their hair down and visitors are always given a hearty welcome. In Omani tradition, ladies can have henna tattoos on their hands and feet and all visitors can enjoy the folk and traditional sword dancing.

However, during the day, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking and tourists are requested to respect this by refraining from these activities in public. Hotels will normally still serve breakfast and lunch for guests as well as pool-side drinks etc, although not alcohol. Those wishing to consume alcohol can buy it duty free at the airport and consume it in their rooms or order room service. Tourist sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early. As it stands alcohol will not be served in restaurants in the evening during Ramadan, although persistent lobbying from certain quarters may change this in the not so distant future – so watch this space. www.omantourism.gov.om

10 March 2007