Earth Hour 2012
Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a worldwide event where participants will switch off the lights for an hour. Started in 2007 in Sydney, Earth Hour movement organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) has spread all over the world, with 5,251 cities and towns in 135 countries took part in the event.
When is Earth Hour 2012?
Earth Hour take place on the last Saturday of March annually. Earth Hour 2012 will be held on Saturday, 31 March 2012, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm at participant’s local time.
Earth Hour Origin
Earth Hour was originally organized by WWF and The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney in 2007. In 2008, the initial plan was for the rest of Australia to participate, but other cities around the world catches on and Earth Hour become a worldwide event.
Earth Hour 2012 Celebration
Earth Hour event is meant to drive awareness on climate change and for participants to take actions to reduce energy consumption. During the Earth Hour, participants will switch of the lights. Beginning from Fiji Island in the Pacific, the movement will make it’s way to Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Many cities will also host a number of events to drive more publicity and push for bigger awareness of climate change and global warming. There will be cooking demo, free concerts, star sighting, and free classes. Many landmarks around the world also participate in switching off lights.
Happy Earth Hour 2012
Holy Week 2012 Philippines
Holy Week 2012 in Philippines
Holy Week is the most important holiday in Philippines, where majority of population is devout Catholics. The festivities last for more than a week, from before Palm Sunday to after Easter.
When is Holy Week 2012 Philippines?
Holy Week 2012 in Philippines will fall on Sunday, 1 April 2012 to Sunday, 8 April 2012. It will be a public holiday from Thursday, 5 April 2012 to Sunday, 8 April 2012.
Holy Week 2012 Celebration in Philippines
Holy Week in Philippines is celebrated with huge festivities around the country. In some regions, Easter procession is started from Holy Thursday, where volunteers walk around the city in bare foot, carrying wooden cros.
In Philippines, Holy Week is also called as Semana Santa or Mahal Na Araw.
Happy Holy Week 2012, Philippines !
Great Whale Watching Spots in Australia
Australia offers some wonderful places where people can observe whales in certain season, usually during Winter, when the whales migrate from the Antarctic to find a warmer place. These whale watching spots in Australia become the main destination of tourists because whales are not the types of animals available at the zoo so that it’s rather difficult to find a place to observe this biggest type of mammal in the world. The whale watching spots are available in several West and South territories of Australia, and here are some best whale watching spots there.
Herver Bay
Herver Bay in Queensland is one of the best place to watch whale in Australia. There are 4 kinds of whale watching tours provided in this bay i.e. Morning Whale Watching Cruise, Evening Whale Watching Cruise, 3/4 Day Whale Watching Cruise and Fraser Island and Whale Watching. All tours are available from the beginning of August until the end of October due to the biggest chance of seeing whale in that period. The common type of whales sighted in Herver Bay is the huge Humpback with a couple of gigantic wing-like flippers. Humpback whale is known as the fifth largest from all types of whales. Besides whale watching, the visitors are able to enjoy the other kinds of attractions like swimming in the water park, fishing in the waters full of various kinds of fish, and bird watching in the woods of Herver Bay.
Gold Coast
In the Gold Coast, the visitors observe the whale from a luxury vessel captained by a professional who locates the vessel in a very strategic position to view the whale. In order to provide the visitors the best angle to watch the whales, a special deck giving a full view of the whale are placed inside the vessel. Moreover, limited number of people are allowed to get inside the vessel at once, so the visitors’ comfort in watching the whales is guaranteed. Just like in the Herver Bay, the type of the whale which can be seen in the Gold Coast is the Humpback Whale. From the special view deck of the vessels, people can also see birds, turtles, and dolphins aside from the whales.
Sydney
This popular city in Australia is also popular for its whale watching attraction. Many people prefer coming to Sydney for whale watching rather than visiting other whale watching spots in Australia because the visitors can hardly fail to find a whale to watch from one whale watching vessel in Sydney. In addition to whale, the visitors can also see the dolphins, seals, and some sea birds from the vessel. For the visitors who forgot to bring their cameras, a professional photographer is ready to capture the sighted whales on a photograph. Another reason why people choose to watch whales in Sydney is because this city provides a lot of attractive attractions other than whale watching.
Great Whale Watching Spots in Australia
Australia offers some wonderful places where people can observe whales in certain season, usually during Winter, when the whales migrate from the Antarctic to find a warmer place. These whale watching spots in Australia become the main destination of tourists because whales are not the types of animals available at the zoo so that it’s rather difficult to find a place to observe this biggest type of mammal in the world. The whale watching spots are available in several West and South territories of Australia, and here are some best whale watching spots there.
Herver Bay
Herver Bay in Queensland is one of the best place to watch whale in Australia. There are 4 kinds of whale watching tours provided in this bay i.e. Morning Whale Watching Cruise, Evening Whale Watching Cruise, 3/4 Day Whale Watching Cruise and Fraser Island and Whale Watching. All tours are available from the beginning of August until the end of October due to the biggest chance of seeing whale in that period. The common type of whales sighted in Herver Bay is the huge Humpback with a couple of gigantic wing-like flippers. Humpback whale is known as the fifth largest from all types of whales. Besides whale watching, the visitors are able to enjoy the other kinds of attractions like swimming in the water park, fishing in the waters full of various kinds of fish, and bird watching in the woods of Herver Bay.
Gold Coast
In the Gold Coast, the visitors observe the whale from a luxury vessel captained by a professional who locates the vessel in a very strategic position to view the whale. In order to provide the visitors the best angle to watch the whales, a special deck giving a full view of the whale are placed inside the vessel. Moreover, limited number of people are allowed to get inside the vessel at once, so the visitors’ comfort in watching the whales is guaranteed. Just like in the Herver Bay, the type of the whale which can be seen in the Gold Coast is the Humpback Whale. From the special view deck of the vessels, people can also see birds, turtles, and dolphins aside from the whales.
Sydney
This popular city in Australia is also popular for its whale watching attraction. Many people prefer coming to Sydney for whale watching rather than visiting other whale watching spots in Australia because the visitors can hardly fail to find a whale to watch from one whale watching vessel in Sydney. In addition to whale, the visitors can also see the dolphins, seals, and some sea birds from the vessel. For the visitors who forgot to bring their cameras, a professional photographer is ready to capture the sighted whales on a photograph. Another reason why people choose to watch whales in Sydney is because this city provides a lot of attractive attractions other than whale watching.
Sailing in Mekong Delta River
Mekong Delta is probably the most attractive place visited by tourists in Vietnam. It is famous for its floating markets where every goods are sold on the boats. Not only floating markets, in Mekong Delta, there are also floating villages where the villagers farm the fishes under their houses.
There are two ways to explore the Mekong Delta, by car and by boat. The car carries the visitors faster and safer, but the landscape is not nearly as good as the one sighted from the board. Visitors can see the wooden traditional ships and fascinating landscape in their cruise. While spending holidays in Mekong Delta, it is recommended for the visitors to visit Sa Dec, a beautiful colonial town. Only a few tourists have once been there, yet it doesn’t mean that Sa Dec is not a good place. Many tourists do not visit it since they just drop by to Mekong for one day. There aren’t many things to do or places to visit when someone have to spend just one day in Mekong Delta. Sa Dec offers a traditional market and great architecture designs made in the colonial period. Some wide orchards and paddy fields are available in this village that gives the visitors peaceful atmosphere while walking around the village.
There aren’t many luxurious hotels which can be found near Mekong Delta. However, the visitors can get more exciting experience by staying on a cruise vessel. The visitors can hire the cruise vessels for several days, and they can also use the boat to travel around guided by a boat owner. From the Mekong Delta, tourists are able to continue their travel to Cambodia, the capital city of Vietnam, or to Phu Quoc. They can also go travelling by ferry, but it will be much more fun to sail slowly on the boat. Starting from the Mekong Delta, there are plenty places in Vietnam need to be visited.
Easter 2012
Also called Resurrection Sunday, Easter 2012 is one of the major festival in the Christian calendar as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The early church saw the account of Jesus’ resurrection as the main indication of God’s point, declaring Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. Easter is celebrated since the fourth century and has been the center of the Christian community that even churches that traditionally do not follow other feasts of the church year celebrate Easter as the focal point of Christian faith and worship.
Easter 2012 Date
Easter Sunday 2012: Sunday, 8 April 2012
Easter Monday 2012: Monday, 9 April 2012
When is Easter 2012? Easter 2012 will fall on Sunday, 8 April 2012.
In many countries, the celebrations begin a week earlier, with Palm Sunday marking the start of Holy week 2012.
Easter Date Calculations
Easter date is based on lunar cycle. Accordingly, lunar month that starts somewhere between 8 March and 5 April will be designated as paschal month for the year. Third Sunday in the paschal month will be designated as Easter Sunday. Accordingly, Easter Sunday can falls anywhere between 22 March and 25 April (inclusive). Easter 2012 falls on 8 April 2012.
Easter 2012 in Australia
Aside from its religious implications, Australia celebrates Easter as a four day holiday weekend that starts on Good Friday and ends on Easter Monday. Australians take Easter 2012 as a mini holiday to get together with friends and families. It is also a busy day for domestic air travels in the country and is also considered a perfect event for weddings and baptisms.
Australians also celebrate Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. Being the last day before lent, the people of Australia initiates a feast consisting of the foods that wouldn’t last the forty days of lent. Australian groups and families also share their made pancakes with each other. Selling them to raise money for charity is also an annual event.
Easter egg hunt is also a popular activity among Australians, especially children. Here, the Easter bunny delivers chocolate Easter eggs to children. Easter egg hunts are conducted mainly on parks and recreational areas wherein adults scatter and hide Easter eggs for the children to find and gather for a prize.
Easter 2012 in Philippines
Being the only Christian country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines celebrate Easter religiously each and every time. Easter 2012 celebrations in Philippines begins with Ash Wednesday followed by Palm Sunday and is followed by the Holy Week that will end on Easter Sunday.
Palm Sunday marks the preparation of Filipinos for Easter. People go to church with palm leaves to be blessed by the priest and attend the mass as a Festivity will start on Palm Sunday when everyone goes to church with palm leaves and listen to the mass to prepare them for the week-long celebration ahead. Monday to Wednesday is still considered as normal days although restrictions like drinking are now prohibited.
On Maundy Thursday, Filipinos attend the mass to commemorate the beginning of Jesus’ sufferings. The Station of the Cross is also observed where devout Catholics of the country visit as many churches as they can. Some would stay as home and sing the Pasyon or Passion. Good Friday is the time penitents reenact the Passion of Jesus up to the point of His crucifixion. Black Saturday is still time for fasting and people prepare for Easter Sunday where they all go to church to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Some families would flock to the beach and parks to be with their families and friends.
Easter 2012 in Ireland
Ireland celebrates Easter 2012 just like any other Christian nation. Masses are rampant and traditions are observed. Most people get together with friends and families after church services for a traditional Irish meal. Children receive and eat Easter eggs afterward. Although this meal may be quite festive, some people tend to still observe fasting, or no meat between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
Easter 2012 in New Zealand
People in New Zealand celebrate 2012 Easter by attending Church services over the weekend to commemorate Jesus’ death, suffering and resurrection. Local bakeries usually make Hot Cross Buns and East Eggs for the Easter Bunny to collect and distribute to the children come Easter 2012 Sunday morning.
Easter 2012 in United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Queen takes over in the celebration of lent, particularly on Maundy Thursday 2012 by giving Maundy Money to senior citizens who are usually chosen if they had done some service to their community. Palm leaves are also present, which are blessed and is decorated on churches. Easter Eggs, the Easter bunny is also an attraction for children. Morris dancing is also an attraction. Men dress up in costumes with hats and ribbons around their ankles and dance in the streets and carry an inflated pig’s bladder that they occasionally poke over young women’s heads for good luck. Women would also dress up during Easter in Easter bonnets laced with ribbons and flowers.
Easter 2012 in United States
People in the United States celebrate Easter 2012 much like any other Christian country in the world. It is the time for fasting, penitence, confession, carnivals and being with loved ones. Some cities in the US stage the passion of Jesus through plays and holds and Easter parade as well.
Easter 2012 in Canada
In Canada, Easter 2012 usually falls on the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Aside from its religious connotations, Canadians celebrate Easter with local traditions like Easter egg hunts, decorating Easter eggs and being with families and friends. The exchange of decorative Easter eggs is also common among close-knit families. The event is so important that even non Christian affiliations also take part in the celebration.
Easter 2012 in Other Countries
Easter 2012 is also a major holiday in most other Western countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. Elsewhere, Easter is usually also a holiday albeit probably in smaller scale; for example Good Friday 2012 is a public holiday in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.
Happy Easter 2012 !
Dry Valley, The Largest Ice-Free Area in Antarctica
Unlike the other surface of Antarctica, Dry Valley is not covered by ice but an arid land full of gravels. One reasonable explanation about the absence of ice is that Dry Valley is sandwiched between two high mountains in Antarctic which block the path for the ice towards the valley. The other cause is the extreme speed of the wind blowing above Dry Valley, about 322 kilometers per hour, that sweeps the ice slipping of the mountain. The wind leaves nothing but brown color land completed with small pebbles and skulls as well as mummified dead seals scattering around the land.
Scientists claim that Dry Valley has almost similar weather and situation with the surface in Mars. Its extreme cold temperature, around -68 degrees of Celsius, the super fast wind blowing, and arid land resemble Mars so much. So far, no one including the smartest scientists are able to make the explanation about how two different planets can have two very similar places. This fact put Dry Valley into a very interesting object to be inspected and reviewed, particularly about the possibility for people and the other organisms to live there. The scientists come into the conclusion that if some organisms are able to live in Dry Valley, there might be quite similar living things in Mars.
When this valley wast first discovered in 1903, the founder named it as “a valley of death’ because of its boring brown landscape with no creature could be sighted. Though, the next researchers proved that some organisms such as mosses, nematodes, and lichen put Dry Valley as their habitats. Bigger creatures like seal, penguins or polar beers can’s stand living in such extreme place, though some seals or other creatures can be found in the form of mummies or skeletons. Dry Valley is very dry for less than 100 mm water equivalent of precipitation occurring every year. The extreme weather in Dry Valley doesn’t make it as a cozy place for vacation, still it represents one of the most extreme places around the world.
Pamukkale Turkey Natural Terraced Hot Spring
Pamukkale is one of the World’s Heritage Sites in the Southwestern of Turkey. Along with Hierapolis – meaning the Holy city – Pamukkale is conceded as one of the World’s Heritage Sites considering its natural beauty of ladden-hot spring. Observing Pamukkale, the Turkish word for cotton castle, makes people doubt that this place was formed naturally because it seems so sturdy and well-structured. The words cotton castle symbolizes Pamukkale well for it has the beauty of natural cotton-color laddering hot springs. Most people call it as the prettiest natural swimming pool on earth because Pamukkale has a collection of 17 pools containing warm water where people sometimes bath.
The popularity of Pamukkale makes it visited by thousands people each year causing many hotels, roads, and restaurants popping out around the hot spring. All of these accommodations and facilities give advantages as well as disadvantages to both visitors and the citizens. On one occasion, the tourists and citizens get better facilities and access; on the other hand, this natural heritage site is threatened by the development of buildings and the passing by vehicles. As a result, when Pamukkale was officially claimed as one of the World’s Heritage Sites, these hotels and roads were wiped out of the area of this remaining beautiful site.
The volcanic activity under Pamukkale’s ground is what actually causing the hot spring. The water flowing down the terraces of Pamukkale has the temperature about 33 degrees of Celcius and contains calcium carbonates causing the calcium sedimentation to form the terraces. The pearly-white terraces containing warm water invite the visitors to feel different sensation of swimming or bathing in some of the pools. However, swimming and bathing are now forbidden in Pamukkale for the shake and safety of the tourists themselves because the terraces are quite fragile that it may collapse when holding too heavy loads.
The restriction of swimming or bathing in Pamukkale doesn’t lower the people’s interest to visit the site. The chance to sight such natural wonder is more than enough to keep people appearing every year.
Isra Miraj 2012
Isra Miraj 2012, Journey of the Prophet Muhammad
Isra Miraj is an important event for the Muslims concerning the journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madina. The name Isra Miraj derived from two different words Isra, meaning the night journey, and Miraj, meaning the ladder, which describes two parts of the night journey of Prophet Muhammad.
When is Isra Miraj 2012?
The Muslims celebrate Isra Miraj on the Rajab 27 according to Islamic calendar, and upcoming Isra Miraj 2012 will fall on June 17, 2012. The Isra Miraj is widely known as the beginning of Muslims’ duty to do the five-times prayers a day.
The Origin of Isra Miraj
As mentioned before, Isra Miraj consists of two parts of the night journey of Prophet Muhammad. The first part, Isra, began when the Archangel Jibrail met the Prophet Muhammad, and brought the Prophet to get onto a buraq, the quickest steed of the heaven, towards Masjidil Aqsa in one night. The second part, Miraj, started when the buraq brought the Prophet Muhammad for a tour on the circles of heaven. During Miraj, Prophet Muhammad met the other Prophets – Adem, Musa, and Isa – and spoke with them before the buraq took him to meet the God. The Muslims believe that during the meeting between God and the Prophet Muhammad, the God told him that the Muslims should pray fifty-times a day, but then the prayers were reduced until only five-times a day.
The Tradition of Isra Miraj
There is no special tradition done by the Muslims to celebrate Isra Miraj, though some group of people sometimes organize religious activities such as singing Islamic songs, reciting Koran, conducting a prayer together, and so on. The most common thing done by the Muslims during Isra Miraj is to thank God about everything given to them by doing the five-times prayers in a more solemn way and doing the sunna prayers besides the compulsory ones. The Isra Miraj event is not meant to get relax and have a good time but to deepen one’s spiritual life.
Best wishes for Isra Miraj 2012.
Ujung Kulon National Park Indonesia, Home To Endangered Animals and Plants
Located in the Southwestern tip of Java, Ujung Kulon National Park is a place to preserve the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros. The name Ujung Kulon is taken from Javanese phrase meaning the western tip which describes the location of the national park itself. In 1991, this park was proclaimed as one of the World’s Heritage Sites because it is the remains of rainforest in Java island as well as the natural habitats for 57 rare floras and 350 species of animals including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Javan Rhinoceros
Javan Rhinoceros, as the most protected animal in Ujung Kulon National Park, are very threatened for the reason that there are only about 50 or 60 rhinos left in this park. The rhinos make Ujung Kulon National Park as their only habitats for they can only live in certain tropical rainforest. The poor mammals were used to be hunted because of their horns. The horns were said to be a very valuable ingredient for the efficacious medicine from China, and the price for a kilogram of Javan Rhinos’ horns is no less than 30,000 USD. In order to maintain the population of Javan Rhinoceros, also known as Lesser One-horned Rhinoceros, several cameras were installed around this national park by UNESCO, and the cameras successfully captured a couple of rhinos with their calves. It is a very good news proving that Javan Rhinoceros are able to breed in their natural habitation.
Transportation and Accommodation
As a matter of fact, the infrastructure towards Ujung Kulon National Park is not very good. In order to reach there, the visitors can have a tour from some resorts in Anyer, beach in the Northwest of Java, or take a bus from West Jakarta. Getting into a bus will be much cheaper, though it will take a long time and quite uncomfortable trip. There isn’t any luxurious accommodation available around the national park, but simple lodges together with the local cuisines are provided by the local villagers. The more people staying in the lodges, the cheaper fee should be pay to rent the lodges from the villagers.
With the greater promotion from Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism concerning Indonesian tourism sites, The infrastructures and accommodations around Ujung Kulon National Park are more likely to be developed. Through this way, it will be easier for both local and foreign tourist to observe the most endangered large mammals in the world – Javan Rhinoceros.
Assumption Day 2012
Assumption Day 2012 (The Assumption of Mary)
Assumption Day, also known as The Assumption of Mary, is a feast day for the Christians to commemorate the assumption of Virgin Mary into heaven. It is celebrated annually on August 15 in some European and American countries such as France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Colombia, Ecuador, and so on. The Christians believe that when Mary was dead, her body and soul both ascended into the glory in the heaven. Some countries make the Assumption Day as the public holiday while some others consider it as a common busy day, though most Christians celebrate this feast by going to the church.
When is Assumption Day 2012?
Upcoming Assumption Day 2012 will fall on August 12, 2012.
History
The Assumption Day is celebrated based on the assumption that the Virgin Mary was bodily ascended into the heaven to join her soul before the body started to decay. Although one bishop at the end of the 4th century stated that no one really know about the dead of the Virgin Mary, the Christians kept celebrating the Assumption Day, called as the Feast of Our Lady of the Harvest in Europe, since the 4th century.
Traditions
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, people celebrate the Assumption Day by doing a kind of parade on canoes and traveling around the villages. A group of people in Sicily, Italy, usually carry a large Virgin Mary’s statue towards another group carrying the Christ’s statue. The Christ’s and Mary’s statues approach each other three times before people carry the statue of Christ back to the church. In Italy and some South American countries, most cities are decorated in colorful garnish and firework displays. While in France, people consider the Assumption day as a public holiday when feast is held in every family.
The Assumption Day is probably not as big as the other important Christian feasts like Christmas, Easter, or the Ascension Day, but the Christians, especially the ones in Europe and South America, celebrate the event with the same enthusiasm as celebrating the other feasts.
Best wishes for celebrating Assumption Day 2012 !
Boryeong Mud Festival 2012
South Korean Boryeong Mud Festival 2012
Boryeong Mud Festival is a festival held annually in Boryeong, South Korea. The festival, started in 1998, was was initially meant to promote the cosmetical effect of Boryeong mud flats, but recently it has grown to become one of South Korea tourism highlight, attracting as many as 2.2 million visitors in 2007, and is said to attract the most number of international tourist compared with other events or festivals.
When is Boryeong Mud Festival 2012?
Boryeong Mud Festival 2012 will be held from Saturday, 14 July 2012 to Tuesday, 24 July 2012 at the Daecheon beach, Boryeong, South Korea. Generally weekends will be a lot more crowded, so pick the time and day that suits you better.
Boryeong Mud Festival 2012 Celebration
Koreans as well as international tourists flock to the Daecheon beach area during the festival, enjoying mud wrestling, mud sliding, and even swimming in the mud. There are also special obstacle-course-like programs, catered for those with extra energy. After all activities, you can also enjoy mud massage. During the night, people continue the party at the beach, singing and dancing to music and fireworks.
Enjoy Boryeong Mud Festival 2012 !
Viernes Santo 2012
Viernes Santo 2012
Viernes Santo or Good Friday is a Christian festival commemorating crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is an important festival in the Christian religion because it symbolize the sacrifice made by Jesus as salvation for human beings.
When is Viernes Santo 2012?
Viernes Santo 2012 falls on Friday, 6 April 2012, 2 days before Pascua de Resurreccion (Easter) celebration.
Viernes Santo 2012 Celebrations
Viernes Santo 2012 is important celebration in most Western countries as well as many other countries where Christianity is recognized; and especially so in many Spanish speaking countries like Puerto Rico, Panama, Columbia, Mexico. Even in Philippines, where English is more commonly spoken than Spanish, Good Friday is known more as Viernes Santo or Biyernes Santo.
Beside the religious importance, Viernes Santo is also noted by non-Christians, since that it always fall on Friday thus mark as start of 3 or 4 days long weekend. Many use this as opportunity to travel.
Happy Viernes Santo 2012 !
Gio To Hung Vuong 2012
Gio To Hung Vuong 2012 – King Memorial
In 2007, Vietnam government declares a new public holiday for commemorating Hung King (Hung Vuong), the legendary king of ancient Vietnam. This new holiday is called Gio To Hung Vuong, or Hung Kings’ Temple Festival.
When is Gio To Hung Vuong 2012?
Gio To Hung Vuong 2012 falls on Saturday, 31 March 2012. The Gio To Hung Vuong 2012 public holiday will be on Monday, 1 April 2012.
Gio To Hung Vuong 2012 Celebrations
Gio To Hung Vuong 2012 is held on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month each year at the Hung temple. The Hung temple is the place of worship for Hung Vuong, the legendary first king of ancient Vietnam, and is one of most important place in Vietnam cultural and historical foundation. Thus, it is only fitting that the celebration for remembering Hung Vuong is centred here.
Thousands of Vietnamese, including the country leaders, will come to the Hung Temple to pay respect to Hung Vuong, as well as joining or watching the special colourful parade. This festival is relatively unknown to tourist, but it is certainly a spectacle for those that come and join in.
Happy Gio To Hung Vuong Day 2012!
Mahavir Jayanti 2012
Mahavir Jayanti 2012 – Birth of Mahavira
Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival in Jainism, celebrating birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara (human beings that achieve enlightenment and become spiritual leader). Mahavir Jayanti is a public holiday in India for Jain.
When is Mahavir Jayanti 2012?
Mahavir Jayanti 2012 falls on Thursday, 5 April 2012.
Mahavir Jayanti 2012 Celebration
During Mahavir Jayanti celebration, devotees and practitioners will go to Jain temple to pay respect, by bathing Mahavira statues, then proceed to offer prayers and meditate. Monks will lead special services and teach the virtuous path. Donations and other charitable acts are encouraged on this day.
Happy Mahavir Jayanti 2012!
Semana Santa 2012
Cuando Es Semana Santa 2012 – Holy Week in Spain
Semana Santa, or the Holy Week is a Christian religious holiday, celebrating the last week of Lent, leading up to the Pascua de Resurreccion (Easter) celebration. Spain is well known for it’s Semana Santa traditions, with parades and processions throughout the country, especially the most glamorous one in Seville – Andalusia.
When is Semana Santa 2012?
Semana Santa 2012 will fall on Sunday, 1 April 2012 (Domingo de Ramos – Palm Sunday) to Sunday, 8 April 2012 (Pascua de Resurreccion – Easter). Here are days of Semana Santa 2012:
Domingo de Ramos 2012
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Lunes Santo 2012
Monday, 2 April 2012
Martes Santo 2012
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Miercoles Santo 2012
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Jueves Santo 2012
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Viernes Santo 2012
Friday, 6 April 2012
Sabado Santo 2012 / Sabado de Gloria 2012
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Pascua de Resurreccion 2012
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Semana Santa 2012 Celebration
During Semana Santa 2012 celebrations, there will be parades and processions everywhere in Spain. Some of the well known ones are in Malaga, Lorca, Seville, Leon, Cartagena and Viveiro.
Most of these parades will involve volunteers wearing penitential robe and carrying either candles or wooden cross. In many places, these devotees walk barefoot and carry chains on their feet.
Besides in Spain, Holy Week 2012 is also known as Semana Santa 2012 in Panama, Puerto Rico, Philippines and Mexico, as well as among Spanish speaking communities in the USA.
Happy Semana Santa 2012 Celebration !
Ching Ming 2012
Ching Ming 2012 – Chinese Tomb Sweeping Day
Ching Ming, Qing Ming, or the Clear Bright Festival is Chinese festival to remember the dead, by visiting and cleaning grave sites of the deceased. Often, people also will bring food and drink as offering to the ancestors.
When is Ching Ming 2012?
Ching Ming 2012 falls on Wednesday, 4 April 2012. However the tomb visiting is often done before that. Vernal equinox (or spring equinox) on 20 March 2012 marks the middle of spring and signify when people can start tomb visiting ritual.
Ching Ming 2012 Celebration
While Ching Ming is celebrating death, it is undoubtedly a festive occasion for Chinese. Extended families often plan the grave visit together, thus it becomes family outings and often marked as family reunion. In the past, people will start the spring plowing, while singing and dancing, on the Ching Ming Day. To some, Ching Ming Day is often as important or even more important than the Chinese New Year.
In South East Asia, Ching Ming 2012 will be celebrated by chinese in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore.
Happy Ching Ming 2012 !
Visakha Bucha Day 2012
Visakha Bucha 2012 – Vesak Celebration in Thailand
Visakha Bucha, or the Vesak Day, is a Buddhist festival to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha Gautama. In Thailand, a predominantly-Buddhist country, Visakha Bucha is a very important religious festival and is a public holiday.
When is Visakha Bucha 2012?
Thailand Visakha Bucha Day 2012 will fall on Monday, 4 June 2012. The celebration usually last for about a week, so you can expect the festive till as long as Sunday, 10 June 2012. Take note also that while many countries celebrate Vesak 2012 on 5 May or 6 May, Thailand celebrates it in June 2012. This is because different method of calculation used.
Visakha Bucha 2012 Celebrations
Devotees will come to Buddhist temples to pray and pay respect to the Buddha, as well as offer food and alms to the monks. Monks will give blessings as well as Dhamma talks. In the evening, people will gather to join candle light procession.
Happy Visakha Bucha 2012 !
Great Singapore Sale 2012
GSS, or The Great Singapore Sale is an annual shopping event in Singapore, co-organized by the Singapore Tourism Board, stores, shopping malls, and many other retail companies, to promote the tourism industry in Singapore as well as increasing shopping experience for Singaporeans.
When is Great Singapore Sale 2012?
Great Singapore Sale 2012 will be held for 8 weeks from Friday, 25 May 2012 to Sunday, 22 July 2012. The Great Singapore Sale 2012 has been timed to coincide with the peak travel seasons to enable visitors to enjoy the fantastic deals all around.
When is Great Singapore Sale 2011?
Great Singapore Sale 2011 will be held for 8 weeks from Friday, 27 May 2011 to Sunday, 24 July 2011. The Great Singapore Sale 2011 has also been timed to coincide with the Singapore Arts Festival (13 May 2011 – 5 June 2011), Singapore River Festival (1 July 2011 – 9 July 2011), and Singapore Food Festival (16 July 2011 – 25 July 2011) to give visitors even more compelling reasons to visit Singapore during GSS 2011.
During the Great Singapore Sale 2012, you can enjoy up to 70% discount for everything on sale, anywhere in Singapore. From posh shopping centers in Marina Bay and Orchard to small stores in the suburbs, you will find fabulous deals for clothes, gadgets, beauty treatments, spa, attractions, and even food !
Many fantastic deals are up to grab during the Great Singapore Sale, with discounts up to 70% off, value deals under $50, special 1-for-1 deals, gifts-with-purchase promotions, and lucky draws.
For tourist, get even better deals because you can get GST return for almost everything you buy. Exclusive tourist privileges, priceless MasterCard rewards, exciting events and promotions, and late night shopping, dining and entertainment also await you.
You can grab fabulous deals virtually anywhere in Singapore during the Great Singapore Sale 2012, but if you want to make best use of your time, you can’t go wrong with the shopping belts of Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Bugis and Southern Waterfront.
Here are some popular shopping centers in Orchard area:
- Wisma Atria
- Ngee Ann City / Takashimaya
- Lucky Plaza
- ION Orchard
- Plaza Singapura
- Far East Plaza
- Tang Plaza
- The Heeren Shops
- Wheelock Place
- The Centrepoint
- The Paragon
- Forum The Shopping Mall
Heart of all the actions for Great Singapore Sale 2012 is located at Singapore’s most popular shopping district, in Orchard Road. There are many hotels along the Orchard Road. Here are a few selections:
Great Singapore Sale 2012 – Hotels in Orchard
Want to indulge yourself and your family? We have some luxury hotel recommendations for you.
Great Singapore Sale 2012 – Luxury Hotels in Sentosa Island
Great Singapore Sale 2012 – Luxury Hotels in Town
Looking to make best use of your budget on the shopping trip? Here are a few budget hotel recommendations.
Great Singapore Sale 2012 – Budget Hotels in Geylang (under $50)
It is not advisable for female visitors traveling alone to stay in Geylang.
Great Singapore Sale 2012 – Other Budget Hotels in Town (under $70)
Shopper Pro-tips: Looking for even better value? Check out the clearance sale in August. Virtually greater discount on almost everything in Singapore, provided it’s not sold out yet.
More Great Singapore Sale 2012 Resources
Great Singapore Sale 2012 Official Site
Discounted Singapore Hotels for Great Singapore Sale
Singapore Tourism Board
Singapore Retailers Association
Enjoy great savings and a great time in Singapore, and make sure to check out the Great Singapore Sale 2012 !
Dongzhi / Winter Solstice Festival 2012 / 冬至 2012
The Dong Zhi (??) or Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Chinese and many other East Asian nations. It is usually celebrated during the Dong zhi solar term (winter solstice) on or around December 22, where the sunshine is usually at its weakest and the daylight shortest.
The concept of the festival traces back to the Yin and Yang philosophy of balance and harmony. After this celebration, it is said that there will be days with longer daylight hours, also an indication of the increase of positive flow of energy.
Unlike most Chinese festivals that are based on Chinese lunar calendar, Dong Zhi celebrates the winter solstice which occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun and thus is based on the Gregorian (Western) solar calendar.
Dong Zhi 2012 / Winter Solstice Festival 2012 / ?? 2012 Date
Dong Zhi 2012 / Winter Solstice Festival 2012 / ?? 2012 will fall on Friday, 21 December 2012.
Dong Zhi 2011 / Winter Solstice Festival 2011 / ?? 2011 Date
Dong Zhi 2011 / Winter Solstice Festival 2011 / ?? 2011 most likely fall on Thursday, 22 December 2011.
Dong Zhi 2012 in Singapore
Dongzhi 2012 is an important festival for Singaporean Chinese. Chinese families gather during Dong Zhi to pay homage for a good year, and celebrate it by eating tang yuan, a traditional food made out of rice flour stuffed with sesame seeds or red bean paste served along a clear soup made of sugar and water and seasoned with pandan leaves and ginger. It is also a time for them to be with their families and friends and to rekindle old friendships.
Dong Zhi in Malaysia
Malaysians observe the Winter Solstice Festival like every Asian countries. The Chinese community of Malaysia would gather with their families and friends and celebrate a good meal together.
?? 2012 in China
This is the time of the year where families reunite and people tend to get busy stocking food for the upcoming winter in China. Chinese believe that as the day grows longer after the festival ??, positive energy will also be stronger. People also wear new clothes and exchange gifts with each other and also visit their departed loved ones. Most institutions are also closed during this day, from schools to offices are people are usually seen celebrating almost everywhere. Dumpling soup is also present during the celebration in some parts of Northern China. The community of Southern China also eats tangyuan and is also offered as gifts to friends and relatives.
?? / Winter Solstice 2012 in Hong Kong
A large portion of the Hong Kong populace is of Chinese descendangts and the ?? festival is celebrated throughout the city. Each celebration is observed with zeal and eagerness every time. The Winter Solstice festival is among those Hong Kong festivals that is known for its elaborate stature. Here, the people of Hong Kong put on new clothes and give gifts to one another, especially with their loved ones. It is also a time for families to reunite and celebrate the festival together.
?? 2012 in Taiwan
Aside from the followings of China customs in Taiwan, they have their own custom of offering a nine layer cake as a commemoration to their ancestors. The cake is made up of glutinous rice flour that the people of Taiwan shape in the form of a chicken, tortoise, duck, pig, sheep, cow and steam it in pots of different layers. Another custom is that Taiwanese consume large amounts of tonic food during the festival. They believe that most physical activities should be taken in moderation and bodies should be well fed in preparation for the winter season ahead. This gesture was derived from the phenomena of animals called hibernation. It is therefore necessary to eat more fatty foods so that the body can produce heat in order to fight the cold weather.
Happy Dong Zhi 2012 / Winter Solstice Festival 2012 / ?? 2012 !
Holiday in Jakarta
As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta becomes the most populous city in Indonesia with approximately 10 million population in 2010. The crowd however doesn’t this Big Durian any less desired to visit as many historical buildings and entertainment places can be found in Jakarta. Some people say that Jakarta represents the culture and tradition of Indonesia.
All attractions like Zoo, Marine Land, parks, historical buildings, Museums, Water Park, and Shopping center can be found in Jakarta. The only zoo in Jakarta, Ragunan Zoological Garden has the combination of zoo and park and becomes the most-visited zoo in Indonesia. Ragunan Zoo possesses a large collections of animals from many regions in the world including Komodo and Cassowary whose habitats are originally from Indonesia.
The famous marine land in Jakarta, Ancol Dreamland, is located in the north bay of Jakarta. Here, visitors can find the amusement park, water park, beach, outbound place, and many more attractions. To enter the beach in Ancol Dreamland, visitors only need to pay about Rp13,000 or about US$1.46. However, Those preferring to visit the other parks or playgrounds in Ancol are required to pay the entrance fee for each park for about US$10 until US$20.
Some historical buildings are located in Kota Tua area in Jakarta. Kota Tua is the Indonesian words for the old town which represents the atmosphere around the area. Most of the buildings in Kota Tua are old because buildings in Kota Tua are protected by the government as the cultural area. No buildings are permitted to be changed or demolished. The owners of the buildings have to maintain the original shapes of the buildings. That’s why visiting Kota Tua area makes the visitors remember their past or feel as if getting back to the past.
For the ones who want to discover all of Indonesian cultures and tradition without going to all provinces in Indonesia, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is the ideal place to visit. In this park, there are some imitations of traditional houses from all provinces in Indonesia. Moreover, the miniature of Indonesian map is illustrated in an artificial lake at the center of the park. Visitors are able to see the whole part of Indonesian map patterned in the lake by riding on a cable car. The entrance fee to enter Taman Mini Indonesia is surprisingly cheap for only Rp10,000 or about US$1.125.
Tourists with low budget for vacation can choose Jakarta as the best holiday place.
August Monday 2012
August Monday 2012 – The Commemoration of Slavery Abolition
August Monday, also called as the Emancipation Day, is a public holiday in some provinces of Canada, some districts in US and some ex-British colonies countries in Caribbean. This event is held to commemorate the abolition of slavery, especially the slavery of the Africans, in those territories. People generally celebrate August Monday on the first Monday of August every year by organizing some attractions including carnival and traditional performances.
When is August Monday 2012?
The August Monday 2012 will be celebrated on Monday, 6 August 2012.
History of August Monday
People start celebrating August Monday based on the Slavery Abolition Act which was held on August 1, 1834. In this act, the British parliament abolished slavery in all of the British empire including the tributaries. Even though this kind of act was once annuled in 1998, the slavery abolition is still in force until recently.
In order to commemorate the end of slavery in their territories, some countries celebrate the first Monday of August, the day when the Slavery Abolition Act was held, as the August Monday. In fact, some provinces and territories in Canada have different names of August Monday i.e. Saskatchewan Day, British Columbia Day, New Brunswick Day, Civic Holiday, Simcoe Day, Heritage Day, and Natal Day.
Tradition of August Monday
Some Caribbean countries celebrate August Monday not only for one day but for a whole month of August. These countries include Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Gaigos Island. They celebrate this event by organizing series of carnival and some attractions such as masquerade performance, calysto music, competitions, and many other traditions. The attractions performed in the August Monday are all derived from local folklore, religion, and culture. In Anguila and the Bahamas, the event is celebrated for in the August 1st with a large street party held in the morning and a kind of carnival held in the evening.
Many other districts and territories celebrate this Emancipation Day in different dates, here are the lists of the dates.
Some Territories of Canada
Just like the name of the event, August Monday, many territories in Canada hold this event on the first Monday of August. August Monday 2012 will be celebrated on Monday, 6 August 2012 in Canada.
Florida, US
People in Florida celebrate the Emancipation Day on May 20 based on the speech about Emancipation Proclamation propounded by General McCook in 1865.
Kentucky and Mississippi, US
This event is held on May 8 in Kentucky, according to a source, the slaves in Kentucky understood their right and freedom at that time.
Washington D.C., US
In this capital city of the United States, people celebrate the Emancipation Day on April 16 based on the Compensated Act signed by the President in 1862.
Virgin Islands, US
The Emancipation Day, which is held on July 3, is considered as a public holiday in Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico
One of commonwealth countries, Puerto Rico makes the date March 22 as a public holiday to commemorate the Emancipation Day.
Enjoy and celebrate August Monday 2012 !
Holika Dahan 2012
Holika Dahan 2012 – Eve of Holi
Holi is an important festival for Hindu devotees in India, celebrated on the full moon of the Phalgun month (February-March). Holi is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and the most important ritual of it is on the day before, during Holika Dahan, when people light bonfires to symbolize burning of the evil.
When is Holika Dahan 2012?
Holika Dahan 2012 will fall on Thursday, 8 March 2012, one day before Holi 2012.
Holika Dahan 2012 Celebrations
During Holika Dahan, bonfires are lighted up by families, followed by prayers. Holika Dahan is said to commemorate the escape of Prahlad (devotee of god Vishnu) from being burned when carried by Demoness Holika into fire.
Happy Holika Dahan 2012!
Thailand Water Festival 2012
Thailand Water Festival 2012 – Thai New Year
Thai New Year (called Songkran festival in Thai) is celebrated as traditional New Year’s Day throughout Thailand. It also coincides with the traditional New Year in Cambodia. The festival has been known more as Thailand Water Festival to foreigners, since the celebration includes water-fights in the streets.
When is Thailand Water Festival 2012?
Thailand Water Festival 2012 is generally celebrated from Friday, 13 April 2012 to Sunday, 15 April 2012, eventhough in some places like Pattaya the festival last longer until 19 April 2012.
Thailand Water Festival 2012 Celebrations
While traditional celebrations such as visit to temple and elderly is still prevalent among the locals, foreigners come to the festival mostly for the water-fight throughout the city. And while traditionally the water is meant for cleansing and purification, the emphasis now is on fun and party. That it falls in April, which is usually the hottest month of the year certainly makes the water-throwing all more popular among the youth and foreigners.
Enjoy Thailand Water Festival 2012 !
Nyepi 2012
Nyepi 2012 – Bali New Year
Nyepi, literally means “Silence” is a festival in Bali that celebrates the coming of traditional New Year based on Saka calendar. Nyepi is a Hindu holiday, however is observed by every residence in the island including non-Hindu and foreigners.
When is Nyepi 2012?
Nyepi 2012 falls on Friday, 23 March 2012. The day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, falls on Saturday, 24 March 2012. While traditional Nyepi observation is confined mostly to Bali, it is also observed as a public holiday in Indonesia.
Nyepi 2012 Celebration
Nyepi, known also as “Day of Silence” is not really a tourist attraction since everyone on the Bali island is expected to observe silence on this day, from 6 am till 6 am in the next day. While tourist is free to do what they wish within hotel rooms, they are not allowed to be outside. So no entertainment, no traveling, and no one allowed in the beach.
Thus, most would-be tourist would prefer to avoid traveling to Bali on the Nyepi 2012. However, some would find it interesting and choose to go during Nyepi instead.
Happy Nyepi 2012
Columbus Day 2012
Many countries in the America continent celebrate anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the continent on 12 October 1492. The day is known as Columbus Day in the United States.
Columbus Day is celebrated on every second Monday of October.
Date of Columbus Day 2012
Columbus Day 2012 falls on Monday, 8 October 2012.
Date of Columbus Day 2011
Columbus Day 2011 falls on Monday, 10 October 2011.
Christopher Columbus is the famous discoverer of the advanced country, United States of America. He sailed into the Western Hemisphere and got his expedition to this country on October 12, 1942. Columbus was well-known throughout the world because of the country that he found, and because of America’s gratefulness of having him discover their land, they gave him a day of commemoration.
This day is now called as the Columbus Day, starting when Former US President Benjamin Harrison announced the plan of having a proclamation regarding the 400th year of the foundation of America. Americans were encouraged to celebrate Columbus Day with festivities and other forms of celebrations. After 45 years of waiting, the Columbus Day was announced as a national holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America. It is observed every second Monday of the Month October.
Every town and city in America has their own styles of celebrating Columbus Day. But in general, Americans celebrate this holiday by sharing the Italian-American culture with each other. Parades are done in each town as well. People go straight to the nearest annual street fair and wear their favourite colourful costumes. Italian foods are sold in every corner, Italian music and dances are performed in concerts, enriching the Italian-American culture.
The Colorado State, who was the first one who declared the Columbus Day as a National Holiday of Commemoration, they celebrate it by teaching geography, explorations and sailings to the people. They are spreading their knowledge about the things that they know about America. On the other hand, citizens of Boston celebrate it by having a parade annually distinct to the Sunday before the day of Columbus Day. Other groups have a good time in Columbus Day by going to parks and have a picnic with their loved ones. And sometimes, re-enactment of the arrival of Columbus in America was stage played somewhere near the water.
Another way of celebrating is founded by Latin Americans; people call it the “Day of Indigenous Resistance”. Instead of celebrating the Italian-American culture, they commemorate it by honouring the indigenous people in their country.
Native indigenous people have their own celebrations and make their own parties. In these parties, they do some performance of their traditional dances, teach everyone about their culture the Native American culture, and have powwows in their villages. Powwows are the gathering of native people in North America. It is the common tradition for tribes where they dance in circles and play music with each other.
If there are people who celebrate these in this way, there are people who contradict this idea of celebration.
For non-Catholics, many do not prefer celebrating this as the main priority of Columbus is seen as to spread the religion through his expedition. Also, there is a controversy regarding his true purpose in arriving in America. When he came to America and become the governor of a city, he introduced the punishment torture. So for the non believers, they do not want to celebrate this. Instead, they just have this day as their rest day since it is a national holiday and their works are suspended for that day.
Happy Columbus Day 2012 !
Menton Lemon Festival – It’s All Yellow and Orange
The very bright colors of yellow and orange are going to garnish the city of Menton, France, on February 17 until March 7 2012 because the Lemon Festival will be held. This lemon festival has been held for 78 years and the next 2012 will be the 79th festival in which 145 tons of citruses and oranges are utilized to make gigantic sculptures in the form of animals, knights, and buildings. Some people may assume this festival as a huge waste of fruits, but people in Menton think of it as delightful moments where great arts are shown. Last year, this festival succeeded in gathering 250,000 people in the middle of Menton city to observe the great yellowish sculptures of citruses and oranges.
This year the festivals invite 7,000 professional artists to form the citruses into gigantic sculptures. About EUR9 until EUR23 should be paid by the visitors to get involve in this sweet-smell festival. In the forthcoming Menton Lemon Festival, many kinds of parades will be organized; some of them are the Parade of Golden Fruit and the Moonlit Parade. By the end of the Moonlit Parade, beautiful fireworks will be set to enliven the night of the festival. Besides the parades, the visitors will also be able to attend a Citrus Exhibition and the Garden of Light, a square illuminated by colorful light at night.
To attend the parades and many other attractions in the Menton Lemon Festival, an entrance ticket is required. The price of entrance ticket to the Menton Lemon Festival ranges from EUR9 until EUR23 depending on the facilities given and the number of attractions the visitors wish to attend. The ticket to view the parades while standing will be much cheaper than sitting (9 € for standing ticket and 17 € for the sitting ticket), and another entrance fee is required to attend the citrus exhibition. The ticket prices will be less expensive if the visitors come in a group of 20 or more people. Although the ticket prices are quite expensive, it doesn’t lower people’s desire to visit the unique Menton Lemon Festival.
Places to Visit in Barcelona
People may choose to visit Madrid or Valencia while they are in Spain, yet no other places in Spain like Barcelona. Placed in between Spain and France as two popular countries in Europe brings Barcelona different with the other cities in Spain. It is such an ideal place for someone wishing to experience different customs and habits in this glamorous city. Don’t get surprised to discover that people in Barcelona wake up very late in the afternoon and the earliest time to have dinner is at 10 pm. This is caused by the glorious nightlife in Barcelona influenced by France and the Spain itself. In order to handle the confusion about how life’s going in Barcelona, here are the tips of things to do in Barcelona.
Visit the art and architecture of Antonio Gaudi
Gaudi, the greatest architect in Barcelona, created the unique design and shapes of monuments and buildings in Barcelona. There are shades of nature in every buildings or other thins he designed. His famous masterpieces are La Sagrada Familia, details in the top of a temple designed in the most complicated patterns and forms. Until recently, Gaudi is the most honored architect in Barcelona.
Get Fresh in the Beach
Beaches in Barcelona propose fresh sensation as well as freedom to every visitor of the beach. The freedom given in the beaches result in many topless women swimming or sunbathing quietly on the sand. Though, the beaches in Barcelona are better to be visited during summer because it has frozen temperature in winter. Don’t end the day quickly by go to bed early since the wild nightlife at the beaches invite visitors to awake all night long.
Watch Football Game
Football, as the main sport in Spain, also attracts people in Barcelona. They keen to support their best football team, Barcelona, in every football match performed by the team. The great supports from the supporters is one of the factors making Barcelona won many local and international competitions and owns a large collection of trophies. The great loves and affections to Barcelona football teams causes people in Barcelona to hate their great rival, Real Madrid. So, it is better not to wear any attributes or jersey of Real Madrid football team otherwise you prefer to be glared by most people you see in Barcelona.
US Independence Day 2012
The United States Independence Day is one of the most important events that most Americans look forward to. Known more as the Fourth of July, it is a federal holiday in the country. Independence Day commomerates Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 when US achieved independence from Great Britain. This day is commonly associated with fireworks, barbecues, fairs, picnics, family reunions and ceremonies celebrating the history of USA and her independence.
US Independence Day 2012
US Independence Day 2012 falls on Wednesday, 4 July 2012.
US Independence Day 2012 Celebrations
The Independence Day is a United States federal holiday which is marked by nationalistic displays with mostly outdoors celebrations. Since it is also a federal holiday, this means that non critical federal institutions like the postal service will be closed during the day. Many politicians make it a point to have an appearance on public events with prepared speeches that talk about the nation’s history and the people’s fight for independence.
Americans celebrate Independence Day with their families. Most families either host or attend picnics during the day, while others try to attend family reunions to enjoy long weekends if the celebration is close to the weekends. The usual decorations on this day are streamers and balloons that are color red, white and blue; the colors of the United States flag. Most of the time, there are annual parades in the morning where everyone in the city or two is invited to participate while a special fireworks is displayed in the evening.
In most occasions, the fireworks are accompanied by songs like the national anthem and other patriotic songs. This greatly depends on whether you are in the northern states or the southern states. Mostly the songs reflect what happened before the Independence Day and how the Americans fought for it.
The firework shows in many states are the ones that children look forward to. Some families want to have a firework display of their own while some would choose to watch the public fireworks show. As there are some safety concerns regarding the fireworks display, some states having to ban the fireworks altogether or put a limitation on the types of fireworks that are allowed to be use. While some states are popular with tourist because of their Independence Day fireworks. In the year 2009, New York City had over 22 tons of pyrotechnics which exploded into a magnificent firework display. There were other major fireworks displays like in San Francisco and in Washington. D.C.
Every Independence Day, a salute of one gun in each state in the United States is fired at noon in any military base. This is called a salute to the union.
While it is official to celebrate it on the 4th of July, the levels of participation vary depending on the day of the week the celebration falls on. The first week of July is usually one of the busiest times in USA retail scenes.
Happy US Independence Day 2012 !
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay 2012
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay 2012 – Easter In Philippines
As country with predominantly devoted Catholic population, Easter (called Pasko ng Pagkabuhay in Filipino) is a very important holiday in Philippines. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the death. The Christian bible teaches that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is foundation of Christian faith as it is prove that Jesus is the powerful Son of God.
When is Pasko ng Pagkabuhay 2012?
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay 2012 falls on on Sunday, 8 April 2012. The celebrations will start from days before, as the Mahal na Araw 2012 (the Holy Week) is the most important holiday in Philippines.
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay 2012 Celebrations
In the name of tradition in a number of places in Philippines, people volunteers to reenact the cruxification of Jesus in a graphic display of religious devotion.
The ritual is usually not condoned by church authorities, however it is very ingrained in the local tradition that people accept it as highlight of the festival.
Happy Pasko ng Pagkabuhay 2012 !
Thailand Loy Krathong 2012
Thailand’s Loy Krathong (or Loi Krathong) is one of the many traditional festivals of Thailand. It is an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
The word “Loy” literally means “to float” and “Krathong” means a raft. The raft is said to be about a hand span in diameter and is traditionally made from a section of a banana tree trunk. Throughout the years of evolution, the Loy Krathong raft has been developed to be made out of bread or Styrofoam as an alternative form.
Bread raft was introduced to protect the environment because of the fact that having numerous rafts can lead to a huge water pollution problem. As a result, the bread raft was ingeniously created not only for the user, but eventually, the raft will become food for the fishes and other animals living in the river. All forms of rafts are decorated with uniquely folded banana leaves, candles, flowers and incense sticks, among others.
Loy Krathong 2012 is a popular festival, with many locals and visitors is expected to join the observations.
Loy Krathong is celebrated during the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar and usually falls in November in western Gregorian calendar. This year, Loy Krathong 2012 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 28 November 2012. While a popular festival, Loy Krathong is not marked as a public holiday in Thailand.
In the night of the full moon, locals will float small rafts or Krathong in the river or on any bodies of water present in their area. Some even float the raft in a basin in the comfort of their own backyard. Thais believes that this gesture is to honor and pay homage to the Goddess of the water Phra Mae Khongkha. Some believe that it is to ask for forgiveness to the things that they have done to the rivers during the past years, hence it is done during the end of the year.
In cooperation with the tradition, government officers, corporations and other organizations creates bigger and well decorated rafts and have organized certain competitions. Fireworks and beauty contests are just among the many activities present during the festival.
Sukhothai is said to bear the origins of the Loy Krathong, but scholars recently have found out that it was and invention during the Bangkok period. Writings of H.M King IV in 1863 stated that the original Brahmanical festival was adopted by Thailand Buddhists as part of their ceremony to honor the original Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Aside from adorning the Buddha with light as represented by the candle on the raft, the floating represents the letting go of all grudges, anger and other forms of negative feelings.
Apart from venerate the Buddha with light (the candle on the raft), the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one’s grudges, anger and defilements, so one can start a new and fresh life. People will also cut their fingernails and hair and add them to the raft as a symbol of letting go of the bad parts of oneself. Many also believe that floating a raft will bring them good luck, and at the same time thanking and honoring the Goddess of the Water.
Beauty Pageants that accompanies the festival is also known as the “Noppamas Queen Contests”. As the legends tells it story, Noppamas was a partner of the Sukothai king Loethai in the 14th century. She was also the first person to ever float a decorated raft.
Malaysia also celebrates Loy Krathong in the same manner and is celebrated mostly in the Tumpat area in Kelantan. The ministry of tourism in Malaysia, realizing that the Loy Krathong Festival draws thousands of foreigners from all over the world during the celebration, has since made it a tourist attraction. The festival is celebrated on the same day as Thailand Loy Krathong 2012, on Thursday, 10 November 2012.
If you are a visitor, you can surely see some activities in any bodies of water, including lake or river. Here are some popular places to release the candlelit raft during Loi Krathong 2012:
Bangkok: Here, people assemble in large number at the banks of Chao Phraya river to float their Krathongs. Lumphini Park is also a popular place to float Krathongs.
Sukhothai: Join the Festival in Sukhothai Historical Park. This is the place where the first krathong was said to be set afloat and is likely to be where most activities are. A beautiful sound and light show is the highlight here.
Chiang Mai: The Loy Krathong Festival takes place along the Mae Ping River on two nights of the full moon. On the first night, the people of Chiangmai take their lanterns to the Ping River and set them afloat. Then on the second night, Chiangmai hosts an illuminated parade with large floats of beautiful Chiangmai women dressed in the northern Lanna costumes of old.
Hotels in Bangkok
Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel
Shangri La Hotel
Hotels in Sukhothai
Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa
Thai Thai Sukhothai Guesthouse
Le Charme Sukhothai Hotel
Hotels in Chiang Mai
Veranda Chiang Mai the High Resort
Touch Star Resort
Kao Mai Lanna Resort
Happy Thailand Loy Krathong 2012 ! Happy Loi Krathong 2012 !
Australia Labour Day 2012
Labour Day 2012 in Australia
Labour Day commemorates the labour movement of Australia in the nineteenth century. Labour Day is a public holiday in Australia, with dates fixed by the state and territory governments and thus varies.
In Western Australia, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in March, while in both Victoria and Tasmania, it is the second Monday in March.
In both Queensland and the Northern Territory, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in May.
In the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales, Labour Day is the first Monday in October.
When is Labour Day 2012 in Australia?
Different Australian states celebrates Labour Day 2012 on different dates. While the spirit is generally the same, Labour Day is also called with a number of different names.
In Northern Territories it is called May Day since it falls on first Monday of May; while in Tasmania it’s called Eight Hours Day, after the eight-hours-movement in the 19th century (eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest).
Here are the Australia Labour Day 2012 dates:
- Western Australia Labour Day 2012 falls on Monday, 5 March 2012
- Tasmania Eight Hours Day 2012 falls on Monday, 12 March 2012
- Victoria Labour Day 2012 falls on Monday, 12 March 2012
- Northern Territories May Day 2012 falls on Monday, 7 May 2012
- Queensland Labour Day 2012 falls on Monday, 7 May 2012
- South Australia Labour Day 2012 falls on Monday, 1 October 2012
- Australian Capital Territory Labour Day 2012 falls on Monday, 1 October 2012
- New South Wales Labour Day 2012 falls on Monday, 1 October 2012
Happy Labour Day 2012 !
London Chocolate Festival 2012
The sweet and tasty chocolate will decorate London Southbank Center on Friday, 20 March 2012 – Sunday, 1 April 2012 where the London Chocolate Festival is going to be held. London Chocolate Festival 2012 will please all chocolate lovers in London seeing that the best chocolatiers in the world are going to take part in creating the soft, sweet, and pure chocolate dishes for the festival. It is also the best chance for all chocolate lovers in the entire London to gather around and taste the samples of luscious chocolates for free since no entrance fee is required to join the festival.
Attending the festival, the visitors will not only able to taste the samples of delicious chocolates made by the finest chocolatiers in the world but also chat with the chocolatiers about their creations. Moreover, the visitors will be allowed to take a few chocolates or sweets home as a gift for families or friends from the festival. Besides the chocolate dishes, some other foods and drinks will be available in the festival, so it’s rather surprising that the visitors can attend the festival without paying anything. Another benefit of attending the festival is that the visitors will discover the nutrient contents of chocolates and the benefits to their bodies.
The next London Chocolate Festival will be held on December to tone up the festivity of Christmas and New Year which are going to take place on that month. People usually prepare some sweets and cakes as special dishes to celebrate those events, and chocolate is one of the common dishes prepared. In the London Chocolate Festival, the visitors do not need to prepare their own chocolate dishes for everything will be provided there. One thing the visitors need to do is tasting as many chocolate as possible before taking more chocolates home. Yet, no matter how many chocolate the visitors eat during the festival, they will crave the chocolates again and again considering the delicacy of chocolates made by the greatest chocolatiers around the world.
Go Enjoy London Chocolate Festival 2012 !
Victory Day around the World
Victory Day is known as the day to commemorate some countries’ victories in certain wars during the countries’ history. It is celebrated in different dates among different countries due to the date when they won their own important wars e.g. the war against colonizers, the war caused by a conflict with a neighboring country, or the war in the World War. In order to remember the heroes, the innocent victims, and also the triumphant of the victory, Victory Day was made as a public holiday which is celebrated every year. Below are the dates of Victory Day in some countries around the world.
Bangladesh’s Victory Day (December 16)
Bangladesh celebrates its Victory Day on December 16 every year to commemorate the victory against Pakistan in 1991. People in Bangladesh calls this Victory Day as Bijoy Dibosh.
Croatia’s Victory Day (August 5)
Croatia celebrates the Victory Day as well as its Independence Day on August 5. The war occurred during 1991 until 1995 to gain Croatia’s independence from Yugoslavia. By the end of the war, most Serbs lived in one of the important places in Croatia, Knin, fled to their own country, and now Knin becomes one important municipality in Croatia.
Egypt’s’ Victory Day (December 23)
Victoria Day in Egypt is held on December 23 every year to celebrate its victory in the Suez Crisis (Suez War) against France, Israel, and the UK. The war occurred due to the struggle of Suez Canal, the only land bridge connecting Africa to Asia.
Europe’s Victory Day (May 8 )
The Victory Day of Europe, also known as the Victory in Europe Day or VE Day, is an annual public holiday in the European countries to commemorate the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies in 1945. Many countries in Europe celebrate it on May 8 while some commonwealth countries hold it on May 7, and Russia together with the other ex-Soviet Union countries held it on May 9 due to the differences in the European time zones.
Malta’s Victory Day (September 8 )
This small country in Europe celebrates Victory Day to commemorate its victory against the Ottoman Turk in 1565 and
also against Italy in 1943. At the same time, people in Malta also celebrates the birth of Jesus’ mother, Mary.
Sri Lanka’s Victory Day (May 18)
Victory Day in Sri Lanka is celebrated on May 18 annually due to Sri Lankan Military’s victory against LTTE, a kind of militant organization, which was formed to separate themselves from Sri Lanka. That civil war in Sri Lanka was taken place during 1983 until 2009.
Vietnam’s Victory Day (April 30)
Victory Day in Vietnam is a public holiday held annually to commemorate the triumph of the Vietnamese communists 1975. It officially ended the Vietnam War between Vietnamese communists and the National Liberation Front which was helped by the US army. By the end of the war, Vietnam was considered as a communist state, just like China and Hong Kong. The Victory Day in Vietnam is also known as Reunification Day and Liberation Day.
Even though different countries have different names and dates of Victory Day, they have the same spirit and purpose in celebrating this day which is to commemorate the important event which influenced the history of the countries.
Corpus Christi 2012
Corpus Christi is a Christian feast to honor the Body of Christ in Christian-majority countries. This feast is usually held on Thursday after the Trinity Sunday, or on the next Sunday for some districts in US. In some European and South American countries such as Austria, Poland, Portugal, Bolivia, and Brazil, Corpus Christi is celebrated as a public holiday when the shops and offices are quiet while some other countries such as Australia, UK, and US do not treat this feast as a national holiday.
When is Corpus Christi 2012?
The upcoming Corpus Christi 2012 is going to be held on June 7, 2012.
History of Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, also known as Day of the Wreath and the Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ, began in 1246. The words Corpus Christi were derived from the Latin words meaning the body of Christ. The feast began when a nun named Saint Juliana of Liège had her first vision of Christ in 1208. 20 years later, she had her second vision but decided to hide it from anyone else.
Finally, she told her vision to a confessor who told all of her visions to the bishop after St. Juliana’s confession. Due to the ability of bishops to order a feast in the previous time, a bishop called Robert de Thorete commanded a feast of Corpus Christi based on St. Juliana’s vision to be held every year.
Tradition of Corpus Christi
People celebrates Corpus Christi through certain traditions, one of the tradition is done by the priests who carry a holy bread in a kind of vessel called monstrance. In Spain, it is not only the consecrated bread carried in a monstrance but also some figures of saints and other characters in the Bible and passed through a flower-decorated path .
People in Germany celebrates the feast by decorating the monstrance in a colorful way and putting some holy symbols inside it before lifting the monstrance throughout the city. The cute thing about the tradition of Corpus Christi in Germany is when the little girls wear pretty dresses and the wreaths of flowers.
Corpus Christi 2012 is also an important festival in the Philippines, a very religious country in the South East Asia; though some traditionalist in the country felt it has been shifting in meaning from purely religious to more of a celebratory festival.
Enjoy and celebrate Corpus Christi 2012 !
Memorial Day 2012
United States Memorial Day is a federal public holiday to commemorate US soldiers that have died during military service. Now it has been extended to remember non-military persons as well. Memorial Day was also named as Decoration Day in the past.
US Memorial Day falls on last Monday in May every year.
Date of Memorial Day 2012
Memorial Day 2012 falls on Monday, 28 May 2012.
How people in the United States celebrates Memorial Day
During Memorial Day, people in the US visit the graves of their deceased relatives, regardless of whether they had served in the military. Since it falls on Monday, Memorial Day has also become one of long-weekends tradition devoted for short vacation, shopping, or family reunions. You can expect many activities around the country during the Memorial Day 2012 weekends.
Happy Memorial Day 2012 !
Mahal Na Araw 2012
Mahal Na Araw
Mahal Na Araw is a very significant religious festival in the Philippines and is the probably the most important public holiday in this predominantly Catholics country. Mahal Na Araw (literally means Holy Days) celebrates the Christian Holy Week preceding the Easter.
When is Mahal Na Araw 2012?
Mahal Na Araw 2012 will be celebrated from Palm Sunday 2012 (Sunday, 1 April 2012) till Black Saturday 2012 (Saturday, 7 April 2012)
Mahal Na Araw 2012 Celebrations
During Mahal Na Araw 2012, and specially starting from Huwebes Santo (Maundy Thursday), business in Philippines will be closed, and will open again only after Easter.
Filipino will gather in churches and attend special church services during these few days of Mahal Na Araw 2012.
There are also processions in some part of Philippines symbolizing of the Passion of Christ.
Since Mahal Na Araw 2012 represent days-long holiday, in recent years many Filipino opt to travel, either to overseas or to domestic destinations such as Boracay Island.
Have a good celebration of Mahal Na Araw 2012 !
