Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Worldwide Top 10 Events in March, by Perpetual Traveller

For much of the world the early signs of spring are in the air and soon Northern Europe and North America will slowly start to thaw. We can even forgive ourselves for starting to think about the summer. The only trouble being is that the people on planet earth are somewhat gloomy at present and the Stock Markets reflect pessimism as they free fall into new historic lows. 

Scientists say that optimists live 7 years longer than their pessimistic counterparts. Subsequently we felt a duty to cheer you up and remind one and all that despite the economic woes across the globe, there are some fun and exciting things happening our there.

Here is out top ten lists of the world’s best events in March 2009…

St Patrick’s Day – Ireland & Worldwide 17th March 
The message is clear, “you don’t have to be Irish to join in”! All over the world in the Spirit of all things green including Guinness fueled celebrations will be taking place from Dublin and New York to Sidney. Being quintessentially Irish religious holiday, many will choose to attend a Catholic mass, whereby on March 17th it’s the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide. This of course is prior to when the serious celebrating begins.

Further Information: www.st-patricks-day.com 

Dubai World Cup – Abu Dhabi 28th March 
The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing. For more than two decades, horse owners and breeders from the Arab world have worked to establish the Arab presence in international thoroughbred racing, not only by winning top trophies in the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan, among others, but also by bringing world-class racing and breeding back home to the Arabian Peninsula.

Further Information: www.dubaiworldcup.com 

Carnival Limassol Cyprus 22nd February - 4th March
Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.

Further Information: www.visitcyprus.com 

Carnival Miami – Miami USA 27th February – 15th March 
The largest Hispanic festival in the US, with a variety of events including contests, tournaments, art and jazz performances, not to mention the wild parties Miami style! The biggest street party of them all is at Calle Ocho.

Further Information: www.carnavalmiami.com 

The International Food & Drink Event, Excel London UK, 15th – 18th March
The only global food and drink event that is totally dedicated to innovation, whereby international decision makers increase their competitive advantage by sourcing a diverse range of unique and consumer driven products from all corners of the globe.

Further Information: www.excel-london.co.uk 

Car Rally Mallorca, Spain 18th - 21st March
Noted as being one of the best of its kind, events in Europe. Moreover, this year the “Top Gear” presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be personally competing in the rally, which the BBC will film as part of the new “Top Gear” summer series.

Further Information: www.mallorcatour.net 


London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, the Camden Centre, London, England 18th - 20th March 
'Celebrating Waterways’ theme, London’s local beer festival (don’t forget the Great British Beer Festival) is marking its 25th year. With over 70 real ales, plus imported beers, ciders and perries, to choose from, the Festival has plenty of tastes to suit! Live entertainment and food will be present in true British style throughout.

Further Information: www.camranorthlondon.org.uk 

CowParade Madrid, Spain 16th January - 21st March 
The CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the entire world. CowParade events have been staged in over 50 cities worldwide since 1999. The highest selling cow is Wage Moo from CowParade Dublin 2003, selling for $146,000. It represents a beautiful mosaic of thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal, designed by renowned designer John Rocha. The public display is followed by a live auction, which takes place 2 or 3 weeks after the public display ends.

Further Information: www.cowparademadrid.com 

The European Fine Art Fair Maastricht, the Netherlands 13th- 22nd March 
Over 220 art and antique dealers from 15 countries will gather in one of Holland's oldest and most southern city of Maastricht at TEFAF, the Maastricht Fair. TEFAF is known for its rigorous vetting and authentication process. Before the show opens to the public, all works are evaluated for provenance, quality and authenticity by experts from every imaginable specialty. Any item that is questionable in any way is removed from the exhibition.

Further Information: www.tefaf.com 

Cape Town Festival Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 22nd March 
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this cultural and heritage event offers fun for all the family. The Cape Town Festival will include concerts over 3 days. The popular Festival Imbizos or Cultural Talks, diverse foods representing different religions and cultures and a range of activities targeting youth.

Further Information: www.capetownfestival.co.za 

Rome Marathon, Rome 19th – 22nd March 
What a way to start a marathon in front of the 2,000 year old Coliseum! Not being a runner myself, I ask how can one concentrate with such fabulous surroundings. I don’t think my focus would be on the path in front of me! If 2008 is anything to go by, literally the tens of thousands are expected to turn out for this truly great marathon. 

Further Information: www.maratonadiroma.it

Wherever you are in the world during March, enjoy yourself and be optimistic!

Sharon Mckinley 
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller

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