The festive season is upon us and in the largely Christian western world there is a full calendar of events linking to the celebration of Christmas to look forward to. We at Perpetual Traveller challenge you to do something different this year, by visiting an event in another country or culture. After all with the crisis there are plenty of offers! We can assure you of an truly uplifting experience where money is not the ultimate objective, which is so often the case thee days. Here below are some ideas around the world that we highly recommend with a few non Christmas options to.
German Christmas Markets 28th November - 24th December 2008
World famous Christmas Markets like no other! If you’ve never experienced a German Christmas Market you should add it to your list of must do’s. It’s especially interesting for all the family.
One of the most famous markets is called Nuremberg .The Old Town is decorated in its Christmas regalia and permeated with tempting aromas of mulled wine, sweet roasted almonds, Nuremberg sausages and gingerbread, thus creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The Christkindlesmarkt lies right at the heart of the city which is steeped in more than 400 years of tradition, providing a truly international showcase for all Franconian and German Christmas Markets.
Further information: www.christmasmarkets.com
Covent Garden Piazza, London, England, Great Christmas Pudding Race 6th December 2008
“Seasonal Silliness” The 28th annual Great Christmas Pudding Race will be taking place at Covent Garden Market in London on December 6th.Participants will participate in a all action fun relay race at which time they will have to navigate an obstacle course at speed while carrying a Christmas pudding on a tray. A festive good laugh and expect to see some weird and wacky sights!
Further information: http://www.viewlondon.co.uk
Espace Fontevieille, Monte Carlo, Monaco 28th November – 1st December 2008
When in Monaco why not pop along to the Espace Fontevieille and experience first hand Monte Carlo’s Gastronomy Fair. A great opportunity to experience the smells and delights of the region. This year the Master Chefs have a real challenge on their hands, as they have to create a Chocolate piece based on the theme “The Chocolate Woman”.
Further information: http://www.visitmonaco.com
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 1st December 2008
Does anyone do it bigger and better than the UAE? To celebrate UAE National Day a unique concert and on stage for the first time in the Middle East, George Michael and Alicia Keys will play at the Zayed sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi for what is certainly the biggest concert ever in the region.
Further information: http://www.timeoutabudhabi.com
St André Fair Avignon, France 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2008
Since the middle Ages bargain hunters and sellers have flocked to Annecy for its traditional and quaint St André Fair. These days more than 1100 stalls and 6000 visitors crowd the winding streets and dainty bridges in the centre of town. The inhabitants of Avignon welcome in the crisp Provence winter with this attractive and traditional Fair, held every year throughout the streets of the town.
Further information: http://www.beyond.fr
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil National Samba Day 2nd December 2008
National Samba Day in Rio de Janeiro is a party not to be missed. Samba is a significant part of Brazilian culture, which involves people of all ages dancing in the streets the rhythm of the powerful beat! Traditional Samba groups from Rio take train compartments on the ‘Samba Train’ and party from Central do Brazil station to Oswaldo Cruz.
Further information: http://www.highbeam.com
Tübingen, Germany ChocolART 2nd – 7th December 2008
Imagine this, participating in a chocolate-making course followed by a tasting session ! Yum Yum workshops of enthusiasts galore learn the Art of chocolate decorating and lets face consumption too. If that all sounds a bit much for you try out the relaxing and very tasty Chocolate Massage. Now for the best news, the ChocolART festival is all FREE! Eat your heart out Cadbury’s
Further information: http://www.tuebingen.de
Ponzano Romano, Italy Spinster Festival 6th December 2008
How about this for something a little different on the matchmaking scene! Representatives of the council collect names of all the unmarried women between the ages of 18 and 34. Names are put into a container and later in the day one name selected the winner receives a symbolic dowry and the best wishes of the council to find a Husband soon! A gastronomic event is also held at the same time offering local delicacies, one imagines to attract virile young men.
Further information: http://www.italiantourism.com
Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Bucharest, Romania Winter Gifts Festival December 2008
Marking the start of the festive season, the Winter Gift Festival at the Museum of The Romanian Peasant in Bucharest features the work of roughly 150 local artists. Objects for sale range from traditional wood and pottery items to decorative rugs and hand-made jewelry. A great place for original and truly unique Christmas presents.
Further information: http://www.romaniatourism.com
Livigno Resort, Sondrio, Italy Art in Ice 2nd - 6th December 2008
Livigno hosts the annual international Art in Ice competition, where ten teams of 3 sculptors compete to transform three-meter blocks of pressed snow into works of art Italian Ice. Artists the world over head to the festival to make the mono-color artworks. The event strives for purity and simplicity, with strict rules on the dimensions of the 3 square meter snow blocks and banning of chainsaws, other electrical cutting tools and all means of coloring the snow
Further information: http://www.italiantourism.com
So whatever your flavor, try out something new this year and take a few days of the Shopping and 21st Century consumerism that has engulfed our lives. You can always take advantage of the sales in January, because with the Credit Crunch of this disastrous financial year, will surely promise the best recorded sales ever in January 2009!
Monday, December 1, 2008
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