St. Patrick’s Day – a holiday which is celebrated by all true Irishmen, and all those who feel themselves Irish inside the heart. Worldwide holds festive parades, people are getting dressed and painted in bright green color, all listen to Irish music and sing funny songs. And of course, treat the Irish national dishes and drinks.

The symbol of the holiday and a national symbol of Ireland – shamrock clover, with the help of which, according to legend, Saint Patrick demonstrated the idea of the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick himself, who lived 4-5 centuries, is considered the patron saint of Ireland, and the date March 17 – the day of his death. History tells us that he baptized people and cast out paganism, and the Irish believe that thanks to him there are no snakes on their island.

However, from pagan times other heroes came into the holiday. Thus, some of his heroes are the indispensable leprechauns – fairy shoemakers who possess a hidden pot of gold. If fortunate treasure hunters can catch a leprechaun, this creature must tell the person where his hidden treasure is. However, if you suddenly catch a cobbler, remember that you must not trust him – these fellows insidious and mischievous and can easily fool the unsuspecting treasure hunters.

They say that leprechauns went to the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day recently – companies that sell cards on this holiday, needed a likeable character who could appear in the figures. A severe, though good, the preacher of St. Patrick is not quite suited for this role. In figures leprechauns are usually dressed in a peaked hat and leather apron.

Happiness in St. Patrick’s Day you can find also in some other ways – you just need to find the four-leafed Shamrock. This leaf clover brings good luck always, but in St. Patrick’s Day the happiness is being doubled. It is unclear just what do the people of northern countries, where the holiday falls on a cold early spring, when the clover is in the meadows, and there is no trace.

Indispensable companions in the St. Patrick’s Day – Irish beer and whiskey. There’s even a joke regarding Irish whiskey: “Why did God created whiskey? So that the Irish would never be able to rule the world.” Whiskey is not only drink, but also the basis for various sauces and dishes. The famous Irish beer is just being poured into the holiday river; some of them even paint it green with food coloring. However, the true Irish insist that St. Patrick’s Day they drink alcohol no more than any other day. Indeed, it can’t be more! And then they help themselves with food such as corned beef with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes with parsley and green onions – and generally any food of green color.

If you have never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, then you have the opportunity to join a truly global community that supports this glorious tradition. For the Irish around the world is a “magical day when winter dreams begin to turn into the wonders of summer.”

But of course the most magnificent celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is held in Dublin – the capital of the Republic of Ireland. On this day, according to tradition throughout the city they arrange lavish parades, involving people dressed in costumes (red wigs and green caps) and also brass bands, each of which will certainly have some bagpipes. Noisy celebrations continued throughout the day, and ends late in the evening a grand display of fireworks.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day already has outgrown the boundaries of “Emerald Isle”, and now it is celebrated in all the major cities of the world. On this day people wear green clothes, “dress up” the building green, and in Chicago, they painted in green, even the urban river. After green – the color of spring, the shamrock and the national color of Ireland, no wonder this Irish Whiskey “Jameson” is bottled in green glass bottles.

Actually St. Patrick’s Day celebration lasts longer in Dublin. Here they begin a six-day festival dedicated to St. Patrick’s Day – the holiday of spring, beer and fun festivities.

Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast prepared a study of how St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, including such seemingly unrelated to Irish tradition, such as Japan and Russia. “St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by many people outside of Ireland. On this day, they start to behave” Irish “: wear green wigs, drinking green beer and listen to Irish music,” – said the representative of the Institute for the Study of Ireland University Belfast Dominic Bryan.

In most Irish parades of the St. Patrick’s Day are being held in more than 30 cities, including major parades taking place in Cork, Galway, Limerick and, of course, in Dublin, with its grandiose celebrations.

It’s funny that in Ireland this holiday for a long time was exclusively religious, and until the seventies of last century, Irish law required all pubs to be closed on March 17!

Now the main streets of Dublin hold festive processions in pubs playing live music. Residents of the city wearing red wigs and green caps, which are sold in stores, take with pots with Shamrock (one of the symbols of Ireland – four-leaf clovers) and national flags. On the evening of fireworks are being made in the central squares. Celebration is always held in the unrestrained joy.

Parade in honor of St. Patrick are stretched and scattered like the Irish themselves, who are scattered all over the world.

Except the fact that the Irish holiday is giving a lot of joy to the Irish people of Ireland, the country also benefits from it. Every year the festival attracts millions of tourists to Ireland, bringing an additional 60 million Euros to the national treasury. Anyways this is actually the thing that happens in most of the countries which are annually hosting this kind of festivals.

Here you’ll find a long list of various people wearing extraordinary and interesting masks and a lot of entertainments which will keep you up until the morning.

Carnevale, which is also known as Mardi gras, is celebrated in Italy and many places around the world 40 days before Easter. It might be simply called a sequel to the Brazilian celebration.

How is Carnival Organized?

Despite the fact that the Carnevale is being celebrated in Italy during the winter time this doesn’t mean that the winter festival is somehow more boring or less interesting. The celebration includes parades, masquerade balls, music, dancing and parties.

As to the children  then they will definitely enjoy throwing home made confetti at each other.

Carnevale has a pagan basis but as usually it got adapted to the Catholic traditions and now no one can argue the true Catholic meaning of the festival. The most common place for the celebration of the festival is Venice where the presentation is taking place a single day while in the other places the celebration might start up to few weeks earlier.

The most outstanding part of the Carnevale is that everyone supposes to wear a  maschere, typical carnevale masks and Venice is considered to be the best place to purchase some of them.  If you are thinking that the only time that you can get such a mask you’re mistaken.

They are being sold year round and their prices vary from simply cheap ones up to rather exclusive and expensive models which are one of a kind. There are so many of them that while walking down the Venice streets you can enjoy them in the displays of the stores.

One cannot wear a mask without wearing a special costume. This is a must especially for the masquerade balls. Some people also organize private parties which are not accessible for a wide range of the public.

Dates of celebration

This year the Carnevale will be held on February 16 but celebrations in some parts of Italy will start from February 6 throughout February 16.

The all country celebrations are just amazing, but Venice, Viareggio, and Cento are the ones to  hold the biggest carnival festivals ever. Some of the other towns have unusual ways of celebrating this winter fest.

Carnevale in Venice

The actual beginning of the Carnival celebration is taking place at least 2 weeks earlier than the day of the big celebration. The joy of the upcoming festival is being spread throughout the whole city of Venice. At this time you can find a lot of people wondering in the streets dressed up as a masquerade visitors.

The most interesting things to participate are:
•    Gondola and boat parades along the Grand Canal
•    Mask parades in St. Mark’s Square
•    Carnival for Children in the Cannaregio district.
•    Grand fireworks show on the final day to end the carnival celebration.

Viareggio Carnevale

Viareggio as mentioned above has one of the biggest celebrations of the Italian Carnival. Vaireggio Carival is popular for its massive, symbolic paper maché floats used in parades not only on Shrove Tuesday but also the three Sundays before and the Sunday following the day. Admission is charged to view the parades as this is considered to be one of the best ways of entertaining the guests. Festivals, cultural events, concerts, and masked balls take place throughout the carnival season both in Viareggio and nearby towns. The fest time is also influencing the restaurants- which are offering special carnival menus.

Orange Throwing Carnevale

The town of Ivrea, located in the Piedmont region, has a unique carnival celebration with medieval roots. The carnival includes a colorful parade as in the rest of the country. The only exception is that it is followed by orange-throwing battles in the center of town. The farm carts are being carried to the town a month prior to the Carnevale. The orange battles usually take place on Sunday through the Tuesday of Carnevale. The concluding event of the fest  is the burning of the scarli (big poles, erected in the middle of each district’s square, covered with dry bushes) on the evening of February 16 to end the carnival season.

Equestrian Carnival

The  small town located in the heart of the popular island- Oristano celebrates Carnevale with a costumed parade, horse races, and a re-enactment of a medieval jousting tournament in a festival called La Sartigilia.

Roman Carnevale in Pont St. Martin
If you see traditional Roman nymphs and people dressed in togas then there is no doubt that you are in Pont St. Martin in the Val d’Aosta –a  northwestern region of  Italy. This place also saved some of the older traditions such as burning the devil and so on.

Brazilian Carnival in Italy

No, this is not a joke, but something to be watched. In some parts of the Italy people organize a Brazilian type carnival where you can participate in dancing contests and fill the rhythm of the Brazilian musicians and get involved in popular samba.

The best thing about is that the masks and the costumes of this kind of carnival fests are rather attractive especially for the male.

Alps Fest

Livigno which is right in the board of the Switzerland has a bit different celebration of the  Carnival with a procession of downhill skiers, followed by an obstacle race, fancy dress ball, and traditional parade in the streets.

Albanian Carnival

This Italian region is famous for its Albanian settlements. No surprise that the traditional Italian costumes here are being replaced with Albanian ones. Here the main trends of the celebration are the men dressed in women clothes and the wine which is always filling the cups of the visitors and the locals.

Southern Italian Celebration
Here the celebration of various carnivals is almost year round. The best place to witness the festival is the island of Sicily. Here everything is more of a local style and everybody seems to be so mysterious especially if thinking about the mafia origin of the population.
Sardinia Carnevale in Barbagia Mountain Villages
The island of Sardinia which is just another popular island following the sample of Sicily is steeped in tradition and that’s especially true in the Barbagia villages outside Nuoro. Tradition is powerfully reflected in their unique carenvale festivals, influenced by ancient cults and rites.

Carnival in Brazil – it is an event in which millions of people dream to get. Every year in  February, before Lent, the whole Brazil, is being seized by the continuous thunder of drums, batter inflammatory rhythm of samba, is immersed in the most bustling, bright and cheerful holiday, a grand show on the planet. Carnival in Rio – the most organized of them. Also, the carnival is held in El Salvador.

This year carnival will take place on the February 13th, so you better hurry up and book a hotel room to be able to witness the carnival of the year.

The History of Carnival in Brazil

The origins of Brazilian carnival are in the ritual dances of Black Africa, pulsating rhythms of which were brought to Brazil, along with millions of black slaves .In the mid 20th century the first school of samba was formed. In 1916, the first samba was written specifically for the carnival. It was called “By telephone”.

According to the scientists, the word “carnival” is based on two Latin roots – carno (meat) and vale (farewell). In ancient times this celebration was being held 40 days before the Holy Week and was a kind of celebration for foreign countries and highlight for the Lent.

However, the origins of carnival can already been viewed in pagan ceremonies in honor of the ancient Egyptian god Osiris and the Roman Saturnalia. When Christianity came replacing paganism, many traditions and celebrations were banned. Carnival was one of them. But the last century was the time when everything was changed and partying was back in the row.

Later, when the Europeans settled the world, they brought the carnival virtually to all of the continents in the world, and the locals gladly picked up the tradition. Carnivals in Brazil, Goa, Basel and Nice – each of these grand celebrations have their own flavor and special atmosphere.

Brazil Carnival, one of the most outstanding events of the world – it’s an exotic blend of European elegance, the ancient Indian traditions and customs of the Black slaves. Event the Catholic Church found a spot for such a “secular” holiday in their calendar, and since then it points exactly seven weeks before Easter and forty days before the Holy Week.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Carnival – this is the most important event of the year for every Brazilian, it’s the holiday, which concentrates on the very soul and mentality of this country. The world most famous carnival in Rio – a beautiful, expensive and sexy spectacle for the world public, but the folk festival is also not an exception. Folk festivals are held away from the tourist centers – in Salvador, Recife and Fort Leese, moreover, instead of frivolous subjects historical scenes are usually played out here.

But for every Carioca – Rio residents – “provincial” holidays are not worth a fraction of attention, because all the main action takes place here, in the main city of Its Majesty’s Carnival. During the four official days of celebration (and unofficially the country is celebrating it for more than a week), there comes a time when the city gives itself into the power of joy, when the eyes are being clouded with passion.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro … impossible to describe the most ambitious furor of emotions and passions, music and dance, the unbridled joy and celebration of life in one short article.

Carnival in Rio is now one of the most ambitious and most organized carnivals in Brazil. Each year, the samba flows into the blood of all participants and guests of the carnival for more than five days and for this five day Brazil turns into an African country. Samba schools (each of which is between 3.000 to 5.000 participants) are composed mainly of people from the city suburbs. During the Rio carnivals samba schools compete with each other and their performance is evaluated by a special jury.

Carnival Terms

The chief term of the carnival is to have fun! And the Brazilians are happy to obey it. More than a week no one works, although officially the carnival lasts only four days.

Groups act like fashion models on the catwalk, in front of a crowd of 100-thousand spectators, who are admiring them from on the benches. They play out their own stories, united by a common theme: politics, nature, sports, arts, music – all topics must be Brazilian. Schools come up with their unique song, creative costumes and choreography. Costumes should not only dazzle with their beauty, but also consistent with the era and location of the selected topic.

Another term for the festival is that full nudity is forbidden, so viewers can only enjoy the endless options for luxury and often risqué costumes.

This may be a historic event, honoring a person, the plot of a story or a legend. Allegorical platform transforms into movie scenery, which illustrates the same theme. Rehearsals begin for several months before the carnival.

The Promising Start

Traditionally, the carnival begins with a symbolic transfer of the keys to the mayor of the city – the “king” of the carnival. For four days he is the rightful owner of the city and shall be empowered to publish and to repeal any laws.

The holiday usually starts in the small town of Olinda. Here the oldest dance school “virgins” – 250 men dressed in women’s clothes point out the beginning of the show. Gradually, the entire country is being covered with  carnival madness. Millions of Brazilians, forgetting about all the problems and domestic difficulties are having fun and dancing.

But their most cherished dream – to see for a magical show at the amazing Rio. At the top of the allegorical chariots the first one to go is the Princess of the school. The height of the chariots is limited to ten meters.  There is a special spot for the elite dancers who are almost without clothes. The procession, consisting of the members of one school, sometimes stretching for a mile, and its progress Sambadromu takes about an hour.

The show must not only conquer the hearts of the audience, but also the judicial panel, which chooses the champions and losers of this year. The jury evaluates the performance in many ways: music and lyrics, synchronous movements, plot setting, compliance with a given theme, colorful costumes, the main chariot design, etc. Grades are usually reduced to the crude composition asymmetry, the lack of expression in the dance or the ecstatic reaction of the audience. But after the announcement of the the end, the holiday does not stop. Everywhere there is a wide range of beauty contests, masquerade balls, competitions, prizes are awarded for best costumes.

Here we will introduce you the top 6 places where you can organize both deserved and desired holiday.

1. Musical Concerts in Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital is going to extraordinary pomp as well as Hungarians are doing their best to make the proper spirit for the royal festivities to celebrate the New Year.  This year on the last day of 2009, December 31 at the Budapest Opera House will be a concert of music by Johann Strauss performed by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra. The musician were preparing for the concert for almost a half year, so the impressions are guaranteed. If looking for a place to have a luxurious dinner with your beloved you might like the option of the famous restaurant “Gyundel”, where the chic awaits you, served in a box dinner starting from 80 and going up to 363 euros. The day before the grandiose celebration the Convention Center will be introducing a spectacular concert of 100 gypsy violins. For those who consider themselves to be religious on Jan. 3 in the Church of St. Matthias on the Buda hills you can enjoy New Year’s Mass with hymns. Another interesting fact about this awesome country is that the hotels cost here not that expensive so you don’t need to worry about the money-savings.

2. Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany

In addition to the popular art place of  Ludwig Museum which is introducing a collection of  one of the most beautiful expanse  of contemporary art in Europe, in Cologne, you can visit … Schokoladenmuseum – the museum of chocolate, and it is worthy to visit especially for those who like the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The programme of the visit: the fountain with a hot liquid chocolate, with jets, which rise up to three-meter height. You’re even allowed to have a try! All of this sounds so good that it seems almost irresistible to avoid.
In Cologne, it is just pleasant to wander through the ordinary streets, where there are no annoying machines as they are not noisy and disturbing. The main hint here is the fact that you don’t need to pay too much of money to stay in the hotel right in the middle of the city, as there are a lot of more interesting hotels with nicer views and with a cheaper prices.

3. London sales, United Kingdom

They start on the next day after Christmas and last until 31 January- feels like one of the gorgeous deals for a whole month. It’s so interesting that the sales raise day by day and for the past two weeks they get up to 80%, particularly at the Regent Street or Oxford Street! In the same spirit and luxury hotels are: lower prices which make them more affordable for those who are planning to spend their European trip visiting UK. If the plan is not about money-saving, then you can try choosing through the range of expensive hotels, which become available with lower prices.

4.Silence and bliss in Mont-Royal, France

Those who are looking for relaxation and quiet time not far from the capital of the lovers, then we recommend Tiara Château Hotel Mont-Royal, which is only 30 minutes from Paris, near Chantilly. This small rural hotel is nothing like a former house for hunting dogs of a French baron of the Renaissance period. The former library which is now turned into a lounge bar will have a special celebration on the day of St. Sylvester (i.e.31 December) which will last for 22 hours. During the party the guests will be served a festive dinner with a special French champagne (199 euros per person, including a stay in a room on the top floor and breakfast).
The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, playground for a game of squash. In the woods nearby you can a walk or ride a bicycle if you want, so that the New Year you will meet with a proper exercising.

5.Music  Year in Warsaw, Poland

All 2010 in Poland will be held under the patronage of the bicentennial of the birth of Frederic Chopin, with a rather extensive program of various musical concerts and competitions. 7 January is going to be the starting day of the festivities in Warsaw, where Chopin’s heart is stored. And all of this will start with a concert at the Philharmonic House.
The Polish capital is an extraordinary place due to all of its pleasant scenes and spots to visit. The old quarters of the city were rebuilt after the Second World War and they were given their initial appearance and all of this looks simply charming.  One of the best places to stay in the hotel “Victoria” which is right the middle of the oldest and newest parts of the city, serving as a connecting chain for those parts and having details of both.

6. Relaxing Spa in Abano, Italy

Abano, an Italian thermal resort, which is known since the Roman times for the healing properties of local water, is located near the town of Padua.  Here the main treasure is not the five star hotel with all of equipments but rather a thermal spa. In an atmosphere worthy of the Visconti, thermal establishments offer a variety of Christmas programs, acting in the first week of January, it might sound a little bit weird but it’s true. The most intensive program combines both the cultural elements and physical procedures. If you still consider yourself not satisfied then you better also visit Verona, which not far away from here. One of the main reasons can serve the fact that here is now a fashionable exhibition: a collection of 400 creches, brought from all over the world, are being presented in the magnificent scenery of the Roman arenas.

1.Japan

Certainly in Tokyo you find a giant robotic Santa, but most likely he will only hint at the classic Christmas in this country. Holiday connected with the infant Jesus, there does not exist as the country is not Christian. But the Japanese love to have fun twisted it in his own way, actually turning it into a … Valentine’s Day!.Just imagine a Valentine Santa. Doesn’t it sound funny.

The most popular sweet for  December 24 becomes a huge cake that every self-respecting man presents the woman he loves. Lovers must go to a restaurant, and children are not left alone but rather with gifts received- toys and candy. It is also considered fashionable to rent a room in an expensive hotel and spend a romantic night over there.

In addition, the bustle of the shops give Japanese a custom to give gifts to each other at the end of the year. To do so, even there is a special industry: in the store it is enough to reach the shelf, where we can find presents laid of various amounts, so you choose the one that is of your desired sum and content, to fill in a form with the recipient’s address and pay for purchases at the checkout. The rest will be done by the  store: putting the gift in a beautiful paper, making a card and delivering to the recepient.

2.Saudi Arabia

If you like the  story of Grinch who stole Christmas, and always wanted to ban the celebration, go to Saudi Arabia as its one of the best places to do so. In the most conservative Muslim country of the world the birth of baby Jesus is not celebrated, and sometimes persecute those who try to do it. The religious police periodically withdraws from stores thematic holidays greeting cards, and customs at the airport – Christmas ornaments. It sounds so aweful, isn’t it?

The denial of any other religions in the country comes to the point that even aircraft are prohibited from flying over Mecca. For the simple reason that the shadow of the liner has a cross shape and fell to Kabbah, can defile it, so this sounds to be such a pity for the Christian popularity of the country which is a minority.

3.Algeria

Well, the flag of the country which has a moon and a star on it speaks up of itself.Those who want quiet Christmas meet in Algeria, do not pursue, but in the country, 99% of which adhere to Islam, this holiday is celebrated not accepted and some of it may still seem like an insult to Islam. For example, when a couple of years ago, reindeer, harnessed to a sleigh, carrying a Santa Claus, suddenly appeared on the main street of the Algerian capital, some passers-by a desire to pounce on the masks with his fists. Although the alleged eyewitnesses, in recent years in the country have become very popular Christmas cookies, and the only Christian in the parish of the country, even spend the festive liturgy. But other signs of Christmas here to search is not worth it and it’s better not to organize something as it might be very dangerous.

4.Iran

Despite the fact that the Iranian streets still are caught indecently dressed women, and along with the men who dared to something to stand out from the crowd, religious taboos in the country is not as strong as it is expected to be. In some places  they even arrange  “Christmas” sales, well of course the store managers explain it with the fact of the end of the year.

Typical picture is a showcase of expensive clothes shores, where there are mannequins in traditional hijab, but right next to it is a hug amount of  sparkling Christmas tree lights. Perhaps this is due to the fact that it was from Persia, two thousand years ago, that 3 Wisemen came to welcome the birth of blessed son, and therefore completely ignoring the holiday does not work.

5.Thailand

Once in Thailand, you are likely to simply forget that this is the time for Christmas, and at the same time  New Year. It is difficult to think about the Christmas trea and Santa Claus, when the temperature is increasing on the  street up to  30 degrees, and instead of snowing outside the window sparkles warm emerald sea.

Of course, the hotels always organize a special dinner, but if you go to the city, it turns out that it lives the usual bustling about Christmas and nobody thinks about it. However, Thais are not always averse  of celebrating, even the public holidays here are 14, almost twice as much as in some of the countries. So, for example, the local schoosl may be visited by elephants, dressed in red and white caps, and make a presentation to the distribution of gifts. And in Bangkok, you can admire the Santa made of condoms, which is not the first year to be presented next to the entrance of one of the restaurants as a symbol of the fight against AIDS.

6.Nepal

If the tourist part of India at Christmas is  all shining with  the glittering garlands, and the windows are  decorated with small Christmas trees, then in neighboring Nepal on a holiday  there’s nothing to remind anyone about the Christmas spirit present here  except of the date on your mobile phone. At 12 o’clock at night in the city will be  as dark and quiet as nowhere else in the world, and local residents will sleep, not even knowing that in many countries at this time the street lights are burning and there is a flowing crowd of many thousands of people. The country inhabitants even travel to the neighboring countries to take part in glamorous parties of the Christmas.

7.Turkey

As in many Muslim countries, Turkey is not widely spread custom to meet Christmas, but Turks are rather religiously tolerant. The country is hosting a lot of Christian population to meet Christmas in some of their resort places.  There are many cases where the first Muslim neighbors graciously accept from Christian neighbors Easter eggs, and then those same neighbors are Christians happily eat rahat delight at the Diabetes Day, which marks the end of Ramadan.

But, according to recent studies of Turkish scholars, the tradition of prank up the tree just came from ancestors of the Turks. True, they decked it on 22 December, the winter solstice, which is esteemed by them as a “feast of rebirth. A Christmas tree is, in turn, was considered a “tree of life”.

8.North Korea

It also happens that the policy is stronger than religion and everything that is happening in that country is all controlled by the police. For example, in North Korea the only person to celebrate Christmas is the great secrecy, because the only permissible holidays are gone birthday of Kim Il Sung and now Kim Jong Il’s ruling.  So you just cannot have any kind of parties for that day to be associated with any kind of Christmas traditions.Yes, and calendar here is not on the birth of Christ, but from the birth of Kim Il Sung. However, the chance to get a tourist in Korea is very small. And this year the country is, in principle, closed its borders from November to mid January.

9.China

Christmas in China is not officially celebrated, but the tradition to decorate anything and everything on the eve of the festival has established itself here as a presentation of the year.  Though even the New Year celebrated here is different from the one celebrated in Western countries. Even palm trees  are getting decorated and waiters of the  restaurants and shops sellers often put on the red and white caps. What is surprising, because in that country is more than half of Christmas toys for the whole world. And of course, such an abundance, combined with a love of Chinese to bright colors, could not affect the local traditions.

10.Any tropical island

And you can just rent any suitable tropical island or visit one of them if the financial afford allow you to do so. Proposals, launched with about 10 000 dollars per week are good enough. Oh, this is the place where  Santa Claus with his reindeer, presents and other Christmas tinsel just does not get to.

You better check our list of best Christmas celebration places to find the pleasant feeling of Christmas spirit.

1.Lapland, Finland

This small land needs to be called a really amazing place as it is believed that a real Santa Claus lives at the Arctic Circle in Lapland. You can come to visit him and get deeply into the job with his assistants to prepare traditional biscuits and even sit on his lap, if you have not done this in childhood. If you do not want to stand with the willing crowd in front of  the official residence Yolopukki, located in Rovaniemi, go to his deputy, to the town of Kuusamo. It is believed that local Santa speaks all the languages so you do not have to fear that Santa Claus had misunderstood what you put forth.

2.Granada, Spain

In Spain you can not just lie on the beach in the hot summer, but anyways a better place for a Christmas tale than city of Granada, it is difficult to think. Towering in the distance snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, where there is a great ski resort, and the magical and majestic Alhambra Palace very close to creating the most appropriate atmosphere for the holiday. Here you can wander through the cozy, typically Spanish, streets, or get lost in the winding alleyways of the Muslim quarter Albasin. I always pause in the city until January 5, when the Spaniards celebrate El día de los Reyes, Three Kings Day. The festive atmosphere will be felt even during the breakfast, which in this day traditionally consists of strewn pieces of fruit pudding and a cup of thick hot chocolate. We can meet Santa Claus in this day is impossible, but you can admire the fantastic royal parade – a miniature carnival with a merry costumed procession and scattered the crowd of sweets and candies.

3.Oslo, Norway

Undoubtedly, Norway can claim the title of the most snow-white country in the world. I see this most easily by going to the Holmenkollen – located on a hill suburb of Oslo. This can be reached by subway or a trip to a reindeer sleigh. It is in Holmenkollen, among the red and yellow houses, the locals gather to drink mulled wine and crunch to traditional Christmas cookies. By the way, along with Santa if you see a festively dressed dwarf – do not be surprised, but rather make a wish. This is a local Santa Claus, whom they call Yulenissen.

4.New York, USA

Christmas in America – is the embodiment of Commerce: Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, brightly lit by Radio City, the endless sales and lively rollers create a local holiday atmosphere. The first shot of the film “Home Alone” fully reflect reality. Perhaps, only here know how to celebrate Christmas at the same time comfortable and with imperial scale. Go to the Brooklyn Bridge, look carols in Times Square and walk around the city, looking trim. Route map can be bought almost anywhere.

5.Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam can offer much more than the well-known coffee shops and quarter the red light. The narrow alleys and quaint canals create the atmosphere of the city of angels. Decorated in honor of the holiday windows and falling here and there, Christmas markets beckon its lights. Every free angle, or area  are occupied by rollers- both young and old. A prototype of Santa Claus, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Holland, so here  all of your dreams will surely be heard, and desires fulfilled. If there is a wish to visit the Christmas Mass, it is best to go to the Museum Amstelkring – a secret church, located in the attic of the house in the heart of the quarter “red light”.
6.Edinburgh, Scotland

Christmas in Edinburgh is like a walk in the distant medieval past, during the traditional royal exits and bagpipe playing Christmas songs. Countless festivals, gala concerts, performances of choirs and cabaret, heavy dinners, when the table is breaking with food, start here from the beginning of December. And do not miss the parade of fire on Jan. 29, when about one and a half thousand people march for the Viking spacecraft on the streets, and then came to the central square, holding a grand bonfire, and fireworks.

7.Nuremberg, Germany

Christmas City “number one” in Germany, known primarily for its fair Kristkindlesmarkt. Every year in the city center, this town is built of wood and cloth, where the walk cinnamon and mulled wine, the smell of the Nuremberg sausages, roasted almonds and traditional pies. The market act dance and music ensembles and, of course, you can buy all sorts of gifts. If you have a desire to hide from the hustle and bustle – take a look at the house Volfshera They made a very interesting exhibition on the history of Christmas fairs. Each year, the exhibition adds a new section, one way or another connected with Christmas. This unique collection of Christmas motifs, and an exhibition of nurseries, and an exhibition courier carriages, which, by the way, you can ride. Ribbon displays stretched across the city, and come here less than a week is simply not worth it.

8.Prague, Czech Republic

They say that even in the warmest winter for Christmas in Prague is snowing. Therefore, a night walk through the mystical city, lay covered with fluffy crunchy snow, you provided.People here prefer to decorate the living plants in tubs. And buy them a countless number of – not only in the central squares of the city, but  in every store . Another awesome thing  is the device exhibits dedicated to the events of Bethlehem. And, here fantasy has no limits.  And in churches you can witness a play with the whole theatrical performances with the wise men, angels and the Virgin Mary. On the streets everywhere selling mulled wine, so it is impossible to freeze.

9.Rome, Italy

In Italy, the snow – a miracle in any season, even in the dead of winter. But to meet Christmas, this did not interfere, despite the fact that there  main blooming orange trees and slender cypresses and verdant palm trees clearly indicate that the cold weather in this blessed city is simply not the case. Grouped around the potted trees are perceived here as exotic plants rather than as an attribute of the Nativity. A huge Christmas tree to Vatican annually receives a gift from other countries, put the central squares of the city. The cafe smell of roasted chestnuts, Christmas cookies and chocolate. And at Piata Navona open traditional fair domestic sweets, Christmas figurines, and other crafts. And of course, in the Eternal City is certainly worth a visit on the festive Mass, which are conducted in all councils.

10.Cities named in honor of Christmas

And, finally,you can organize a unique Christmas trip. No, this  is not a simple tour to the place which are popular with their Christmas celebrations, but rather to the towns with the Christmas names . Such tours  can be done throughout US.

For example, in Florida Christmas, located between Orlando and Kennedy Space Center. Streets here are named after the famous reindeer, all the mailboxes are decorated with  Santa. And there is also a decorated Christmas tree at the entrance to town, which is held there all year round.
You can also spend Christmas in the town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Summer visitors here attracts an amusement park, but in winter, all aimed at meeting a gay Christmas. Tourists waiting for the museum of Santa Claus, Gingerbread House, and above all, a grand festival.

1.Greenwich Christmas Market
When being a rather popular place in England it is holding one of the best Christmas markets which start in December 9. All of the ceremony is being accompanied with mulled wine and live music and all of this lasts until Christmas. Organizers promise a lot of surprises, wonderful gifts that are not ashamed to be put under the tree or in stockings obedient kids. A special attention needs to be paid on the fashion jewelry for the women.

2. Christmas Fair in Zurich, Switzerland
This traditional Christmas fair is one of the largest, if not the largest covered fairs in the Europe. But this doesn’t mean that this place is boring and left without any fun. It might be hard to believe, but under the roof this fair became the house for more than 160 wooden stalls and a huge Christmas tree, decorated with five thousand Swarovski crystals. Opened on 27 November, the market operates until the official Christmas Day of December 24.

3. Christmas market in Leeds, Yorkshire, England
In the small town of Leeds located in England, is one of the largest “German-style” Christmas markets in the UK, which means- here you are being awaited by dozens of booths filled with handmade toys, jewelry and all sorts of delicacies so typical of UK: fried cakes, candied fruits, soups, and grilled sausages. And be careful when visiting a real beer cellar: tasting good German beer is very easy to get carried away. The fair runs from 13 November up to 20 December.

4. Christmas Fair in Mechelen, Belgium
From 18 to 20 December in the town square between tall Gothic towers will be fair, where you can buy typical Belgian gifts, drink warming mulled wine in the evening still and listen to performances by singers and musicians. This place cannot be called an ideal fair place with its offers, but the atmosphere and the spirit of Christmas are definitely guaranteed. So this might be slightly called to be a best way of resting after the Christmas gift-buying.

5. Christmas Festival of Padstow, Cornwall, England
This pre-Christmas festival devoted only couple of days and they are rather various each year. Clearly, in a town where the restaurants with renowned chef Rick Stein, any holiday brings joy, first and foremost, gourmets and sybarite. A novelty in 2009 will be a skating area of 3000 sq.m, where you can get rid of all the stress and just get relaxed. And after the sports, guests can warm up with hot chocolate and the hot cakes in the cafes or bistros, located nearby.

6.  Christmas Fair in Tallinn, Estonia
Another medieval type of fair can be simply called this Baltic treasure. This colorful occasion is usually held on the main square, which is constructed by 64 wooden benches. Felt hats, pickled cabbage, carrots, ceramics, hand-stitched quilts and many other interesting things will be submitted to the singing of choirs, performances of poets and musicians. This promises to be something unforgettable. This market is open till Orthodox Christmas, so wander along its rows can be even after the New Year as the latest holiday is being celebrated in January.

7. Fête dé Noué, Jersey
Christmas parades, holiday entertainment, a demonstration of old classic movies, working till late night shopping – all this can be seen from 26 November to 20 December at the festival in Jersey. This seems to be not just a Christmas holiday but simply a way of getting acquainted with the population here and their culture. If you find yourself in the vicinity, be sure to dedicate a holiday a couple of days – this is where you can feel the atmosphere of a real English Christmas and find out how the land of rains hosts this awesome holiday.

8.  Christmas Fair in Krakow, Poland
If the list of mulled wine, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and Christmas carols seems too much common from the listings above then this market will not much vary from others that have opened throughout Europe. But as our listing is based on the most interesting ones then this fair also has something extraordinary to offer. This time the main features that are included are huge snow drifts, which further set the holiday mood and snowmen which are being made with the Polish children to celebrate the spirit of the holiday.

9. Christmas market Caerphilly, Wales
From 12 to 13 December in Wales is a medieval-type of Christmas market. This can be truly distinguishing if being compared to the English type of fairs. As the Welsh people like to celebrate everything with the respect of the oldest traditions you will not be surprised if feeling yourself in the medieval times. You might come here to listen to ancient music, wander among the hundreds of stalls that sell traditional products of local artisans, and children waiting for rides, sweets and a fascinating journey into Santa’s grotto.

10. Christmas market, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France
From 27 November to 24 December operates France’s largest Christmas Fair Arras. In more than 60 kiosks at the elegant pedestrian street, you can buy everything you need for a meeting of the Nativity: from sweets to a special Christmas beer. French people like to get prepared for the Christmas very detailed and this includes every single element of their homes such as not only decorating their homes with Christmas trees and various Christmas accessories but rather making their homes into Christmas masterpieces. So if you consider yourself a true Christmas shopper, you better stop here.

Well, this is something beautiful to get thought about but there are a lot more interesting things that  need to be taken into account while talking about the Thanksgiving Day or Harvest Festival celebration, such as how do we celebrate them in our countries and how do they do it around the rest of the world?

We do offer you to have a look at Top 7 Thanksgiving Day and Harvest Festival celebrations around the world.

1. Mid-Fall Festival in China

The Mid-Fall Festival is the Chinese version of the Thanksgiving Day, which is also known as Moon Festival. The usual timing for this holiday celebration in made upon the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, as it is believed that the moon is the fullest and roundest by that time. Connected with that comes the traditional food of mooncakes baked and served in a variety of ways. Traditionally on this day, Chinese family members and friends will reunion for having a look at the bright mid-fall harvest moon. Other celebrations include planting mid-fall trees, carrying lit lanterns and having them hang around the tallest buildings and towers and collecting dandelion leaves and distributing them among family members and friends. The Mid-Fall Festival is the only holiday except Chinese New Year which is held in all the Chinese communities around the world.

2. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in United States

Thanksgiving Day is announced to be a time family reunions in America and the official beginning day of the Christmas season. Most of the common symbols of the Thanksgiving Day are associated with food such as carved turkeys, pumpkin and apple pies, cranberry sauce and corn. These dishes might be included in almost every house Thanksgiving meals Thanksgiving is  also the holiday of gift-giving to your family members and friends while showing your gratitude and respect to your elders and siblings. Popular Thanksgiving gift-list includes flowers, jewelry, chocolate gift baskets, wine and etc.

3.’Harvest Festival’ in United Kingdom
‘Harvest Festival’ is one of the most popular and oldest festivals held in United Kingdom. Its history roots go deep into the year of 1843, when Robert Hawker invited local parishioners for a special thanksgiving service at a church in Cornwall. Soon it turned into a custom of decorating churches with home-grown plants, fruits and vegetables as a showing of gratitude. The ritual of offering an animal sacrifice, generally a hare, is accompanied with the cutting of last sheaf of corn.
The celebration is accompanied with songs and fruit and vegetable giveaway.

4. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Canada
Canadian celebration of the holiday takes place on the second Monday in the month of October every year. The timing difference between the American and Canadian versions of the holiday varies because of the earlier start of the fall timing. The first Canadian holiday celebration was symbolizing the gratitude to god for the recovery of King Edward VII from serious illness but the official announcement of the holiday by the Canadian government was only made in 1957. The thanksgiving celebrations include most of the typical American customs such as parades, ‘family feasts’ and ‘turkey’.

5. “Kadazan Harvest “ Celebration in Malaysia
While being a country based on a large number of islands -Malaysia has a local traditional celebration of the holiday. The Kadazan Harvest festival of Malaysia is celebrated by Sabah every year. This traditional religious holiday is held in May in favor to the local Rice God. The rice-associated holiday is accompanied with the homemade rice wine distribution among localities who wear their traditional costumes Carnivals are also considered to play an important role while celebrating the festival.
The celebration also takes into account lots of varying activities, cultural programs and agricultural shows, buffalo races and traditional games.

6. Homowo Festival in Africa
African Harvest Festivals as not a surprise have a lot of religious connotations and can be characterized by a variety of religious dancing and singing. Dancers usually wear national masks and clothes made of natural materials.  Homowo- which translated will be like ‘hooting at hunger’, is a popular festival in Africa. It is the largest cultural festival of its unique kind. The Homowo festival here is associated with the gratitude showing towards kings and queens.

7.’Ladainha’ Celebration in India
The State of Goa which is known as a most-Christian populated part of India has its unique tradition of Thanksgiving celebration, which is known here as ‘Ladin’ or ‘Ladainha’. ‘Ladin’ literally means a litany to the Virgin Mary. During the Thanksgiving ritual, people thank God not only for the material benefits gained but also spiritual. The preparation for the festival includes purchasing wheat and gram, candles, wine and colored tinsel paper.

Abergavenny, Culinary Festival

September 19-20

These are great days for all gourmets of Wales. One can try a variety of Welsh food production in the 170 kiosks, to taste chocolate and cider from the best manufacturers, visit the master classes by renowned chefs, including lessons on preparing famous Wales’s pancakes.

Manchester,   food and drink festival

1-12 October

Although the festival lasts more than a week, travelers are unlikely to go around all the 100 sites scattered across the city. The square of St. Anne and the Northern Quarter are surely worth visiting. A wine festival will take place on October 2. Those who hold out at this festival of gluttony before October 10 will have the opportunity to participate in the festival of whiskey and try samples of this noble drink, made in Japan, the United States and even in India.

London, Market of leisurely meal

Dates may change

The word “slow” is completely not suitable for describing the British capital, and yet, every autumn in London “market of leisurely meal” at the Southbank Centre is opened. The first tents have already been opened in the past weekend. The market will still exist in 18-20 September. Do not worry if you do not have time to come to the UK on these dates: market will be open for another three weeks in a row – on the weekends. Here you can buy products from around the world: Scallops from Dorset, oysters from the Mersey, the exotic mixture from the Levant.

Liverpool, Food Festival

13-20 September

If you hurry, you can still take part in the gastronomic festival in Liverpool. This year the festival is held for the second time. It is attended by 50 leading bars and restaurants. During the week they offer various discounts and special thematic menu, such as “Fish Friday”, “Local organic food.” Those who visited the park on September 13 in Sefton, had the opportunity to try all at once.

Nottingham,   food and drinks festival

September 16-20

This month, Nottingham holds its first festival. In addition to tasting products in 30 booths scattered throughout the streets of the city, guests should visit the festival at the Market Square, where the master classes of renowned chefs and the presentations of the best products of local producers take place. Here “Cocktail session” and tasting of beer just for women will be held.

York,  food and drinks festival

18-27 September

If last year’s festival was dedicated to the raw food diet, then, this year the main theme will be “simple food”. Among other notable innovations like “wine sessions” and “chocolate fair” are included in the program. Men should stick closer to the Ale Trail, where 200 best pubs of York will present their products.

Pembrokeshire, Culinary Festival

September 26-27

This gastronomic festival is intended for those who want to learn how to do a perfect roll natto-maki, to win the competition for the best pudding, but at the same time to drain a glass of local wine while listening to live music performed by street artists.

Suffolk,  food and drinks festival

26 September-4 October

All about local food and beverages can be learned on the festival, which will be held in the county of Suffolk for the fourth time. Celebration will take place not only in the central streets, which will bring together over 70 participants, but also in shops, farms, breweries of the East Suffolk.

Shetland, Shetland Culinary Festival

2-11 October

If distances do not frighten you, it is worth to go to the beautiful Shetland Islands; where in early October the second Food Festival will be held. Here, you can see not only the best seafood and meat of the highest quality, but also taste local delicacies such as cakes of algae and black potatoes.

Cumbria, Kendal Culinary Festival
October 24-31

These days, local cooking schools, wine shops and farms open their doors to all visitors. First of all, during the culinary festival you can learn everything about the production of the best sausages and burgers, to see how coffee is roasted, taste organic wines.

Cardiff, Cheese Festival

September 26-27

Lovers of cheese are waiting in Cardiff Castle at the end of September, where all interested persons will be able to see products from sheep, cow, and goat, buffalo milk, listen to the lectures on the cheese, and taste the cheese-winners of international competitions.

Herefordshire, Big Apple

October 10-11

Every year since 1989, in September, Herefordshire community honors the modest local fruit – an apple. Organizers offer to taste the best English varieties, taste the apple juice, cider, pies, apple filling, and drive a bike in the great apple-pear orchards of the county.

On February 14, take your sweetheart to watch the migration of butterflies in the Mexican province Miokan or go to the carnival in Salvador, not as famous as the carnival in Rio, but more sincere. There is much less direction, and anyone can join the marchers, what is happening on all the streets of this very African city of Brazil.

Do not go to warm countries for fun in March and say goodbye to winter on a merry note. The easiest way for this is the snow and music festival in Mayrhofen Austria. Every year, at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, under the motto “Snowboards day, dancing the night” lovers of winter fun and hot parties are gathered here. After active outdoor recreation follows a more active recreation in clubs, dance parties with the best European D.Js, street costume shows, and live music under the roof and in the middle of the Alps … In general, the main issue is not about where to go, but to keep up everywhere.

If the dancing attracts less than politics, and creative impulses nevertheless need to vent, go to Valencia to engage with local people constructing a giant papier-mâché dolls of famous public figures. It does not matter if the figure created by you would seem unsuccessful: they will be happily burned in the last day of the fire festival. They say that the spectacle of the burning of giant figures with gradually separating parts of their “body” is fascinating and is more impressive than any, even the most grandiose firework.

The festival in the orange of the Netherlands is considered to be the best to celebrate the arrival of the heat and the offensive of spring. Despite the fact that the ruling queen’s birthday is in January, and her predecessor was born on April 30, on the last day of the month citizens dressed in orange, from the morning start to celebrate the holiday which has become national. The most interesting thing is happening in Hague, where the palace of the Queen is, and in Amsterdam, where the Orange mortal river is. Moving in accordance with the bends of channels, people sing, dances and light fireworks. The evening ends with a carnival. By the way, this day the police is not allowed to intervene in what is happening, that is why the fun reaches unimaginable proportions.

An alternative would be to go to Barcelona at St. George’s Day, colorful analogue of Valentine’s Day, when everywhere in the streets there are red roses, and on the square before the cathedral flock of dragons sit peacefully. All day dragons are quietly photographed with everyone allowing dragging their tail, but at midnight, they are prepared for attack, snorting with fire and smoke, cramp the audience. As a result, the emerged victorious St. George wins fire-breathing dragons and in token of reconciliation red roses grow from their jaws.

While choosing where to go in May, you should pay attention to the Scottish Festival of whiskey. It is in May, that a month of whiskey is announced in Scotland. You can visit the distillery usually closed to the outside public and take part in tastings of rare aged varieties.

In June, it is best to choose the white nights of St. Petersburg. You need to only buy tickets in advance on the train or plane, and then, walking at night, enjoy the mystical and romantic atmosphere of the city on the Neva.
Leaving for the traditional European resorts in July (and August) ,perhaps ,will be a madness: it is hot and the crowds are everywhere. It is much better and more interesting to make a fascinating journey along the rivers and lakes of Finland. The choice of water transport means can be anything from a kayak or raft to the comfortable ship, and road maps of water drawn in such detail that even the novice traveler will not get lost in the numerous rivers and lakes of the country.

In August, it’s high time to go to Ireland for a traditional Puck Fair, the world’s oldest non-religious holiday. Known for their love of horses, the Irish turned it into a big fair, where horses are sold and many horse races take place, incendiary Irish music sounds and beer flows. Those who cannot handle the horse are always offered to take part in silly contests like throwing a pie or competitions for the longest tongue. Winner takes on the keg of “Guinness”. The coronation of a wild goat caught in good time in the mountains will be the culmination of the feast.

If you enjoy art, do not miss the most intriguing exhibition of the year in September. In the UK Tate Gallery Turner and Masters Exhibition will be held, where famous British landscape painter’s paintings, which he bequeathed to the gallery, will be paired with the works of those whose style he once imitated.

In October you should go on a camel fair in the Indian city of Pushkar (Rajasthan) by all means. It was once visited only by the locals, but now the fair has gradually become not only the largest place of trade with the animals, but also a national festival that attracts many tourists. Despite the fact that the Year’s Fair is dedicated to the Hindu festival, carnival atmosphere and fun makes it attractive for all. The highlight of the festival is the racing camels.

In November it will be interesting to visit the show in the open air at Brandenburg gates, dedicated to the fall of the Berlin Wall. And of course, December is associated with the wires of the outgoing and the new meeting. To escape from the pre-holiday hustle and get entirely different impressions is possible if you go to the festival of dancing Dervishes in the Turkish city of Konya.