Vacation With the Islanders: Caribbean Festivals

Cold winters send many travelers to the Caribbean for a break from the snow and ice, but even when the weather's warm at home, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Caribbean. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to do in the islands year-round, especially when you consider the many delightful festivals to take in.

Carnival Events

The best-known Caribbean festival [http://caribbean-guide.info/what_to_see_and_do/events_and_festivals.jsp] is Carnival, which is sometimes spelled "Carnaval." On many islands, this event takes place just before Ash Wednesday, but the dates vary from island to island. This event is generally an island-wide party, so while some parents with younger children may not consider Carnival the most appropriate festival, those interested in experiencing a genuine slice of island culture will usually enjoy this event.

Traditional Carnival dates are followed throughout much of the Dutch and French Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barthelemy, and Saint Martin – but not Sint Maarten. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominica, Montserrat, and Trinidad and Tobago also share these Carnival dates.

In Sint Maarten, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, and Jamaica, Carnival falls directly during Easter week, and those in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico continue their celebrations from the week before onto Easter itself. At the end of April, vacationers can enjoy Carnival on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

July is another month when vacationers can experience the festivities of a Caribbean Carnival, with Sint Eustatius (also known as Statia), St. Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda celebrating. Grenada's Carnival falls in August while St. Kitts' is celebrated for a week beginning on Christmas Eve.

Although each island has its own style of celebration, one thing you're certain to find is a distinct expression of a region's culture. Each island's culture comes out in force during these festivals, which are filled with colorful characters from island lore. Often, a king and queen are named for the event. All Carnival celebrations include music, and on some islands, musicians vie for competitive titles. If you're looking for a sure way to see and hear the best the islands have to offer, Carnival is one cultural event you shouldn't miss.

Mass Music

While music is a necessity during Carnival celebrations, it is also something islanders take particular pride in. Islands often host annual festivals featuring the cream of the crop in reggae, jazz, soca, and more. With so many music festivals in the region, it's easy to find one year-round.

The Barbados Jazz Festival is one of the Caribbean's most popular jazz festivals. Called “Paint it Jazz,” the event is generally held early in the year, around the middle of January, which is the same month a different type of crowd converges on the U.S. Virgin Islands for the St. Croix Blues and Heritage Festival. In February, travelers can enjoy Jamaican styles at the Negril Music Festival.

In May, Curaçao and St. Lucia each host jazz events. Curaçao's KLM Jazz Festival happens early in the month, but mid-month the St. Lucia International Jazz Festival opens its doors. At the end of May, those who like jazz can also stop in at the Jazz Festival on Antigua or visit Puerto Rico for the Heineken Jazz Festival.

In June, travelers can sample something different at the St. Kitts Music Festival, but the month opens with Jamaica's Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, and those who enjoy reggae may also want to be on the island in late July or early August for the Reggae Sumfest. Latin dance fans also have something to look forward to in July, when the Dominican Republic hosts the Merengue Festival.

Curaçao invites travelers to experience jazz again at the Curaçao Jazz Festival in early October, but those who would like to stop in the Dominican Republic can also enjoy the Annual Jazz Festival early in the month. While Jamaica kicks things off in November with the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Trinidad is host to the Pan Jazz Festival mid-month.

Those who like music, particularly jazz, will always find it in the Caribbean, but a music festival in these islands is a unique experience. Enjoy these events year-round across the islands.

Local Socials

Every island has its own local festivals. While many include Independence Day or the celebration of a ruler's birth, there are some traditional festivals that differ among the islands. Of course, most islands host plenty of local festivals, but some of the most famous parties include the following:

Reggae Sunsplash coincides with the Bob Marley Birthday Bash on Jamaica. These celebrations pay respect to Bob Marley, and the musical form he made popular around the globe. Fans of the genre may want to plan to spend some time on Jamaica around January 6th.
Puerto Rico enjoys a Coffee Harvest Festival for its popular mountain brew. Take a taste of their local blend in mid-February.
Pirates Week is a popular time to enjoy the Cayman Islands, especially for the young at heart. This celebration of pirates and the seafaring past takes place during the last week of October.
Sailors can enjoy Antigua Sailing Week at the end of April. This popular celebration has included as many as 1,500 participants, with 5,000 onlookers watching some of the world's top sailors.
On the island of Barbados, the field workers celebrated the end of the growing season in July or early August, and this tradition has carried forward in the form of the Crop Over Festival, one of the best-known Caribbean events.

No matter when you're planning a trip to the islands, you're sure to encounter a culture with a cause for celebration. On some islands, towns each have their own local festivals and events, while on others you may find commonly celebrated Caribbean pastimes. Either way, celebrations are a fun way to round out any trip to the Caribbean.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Festivals

North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of festivals throughout the year. The majority of festivals occur in the spring to fall seasons with the fourth of July being the peak time. It is notable that there are many festivals that also occur in December.

If you're unfamiliar with the festivals in Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia below will help give you an overview of the festivals and some basic information to help you plan your next trip to the mountains.

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, April

This race is held annually in April. For this race 80 co-ed teams of three hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The race begins in the Chattahoochee National Forest and ends in downtown Blue Ridge City Park where competitors are greeted with live music, food and the finish line.

Cinco de Mayo Festival, McCaysville-Copperhill - May:

The Cinco de Mayo Festival is held each May. What makes this festival unique (and fun) is the food, music and dancing that occurs on the street bridge between McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN.

Arts In The Park, Blue Ridge - Memorial Day Weekend:

Blue Ridge City Park is the site of over 200 arts, crafts and food booths each Memorial Day Weekend. Arts in the Park is a great demonstration of mountain crafts, fine art, music and dance, and has been recognized as one of the Top 20 events by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Old Timers Day, Downtown Blue Ridge - Saturday Closest to July 4th:

This celebration includes a parade in downtown Blue Ridge. This is a great place to be for food, crafts, ice cream and entertainment.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks, Marina - on or near July 4th:

During the afternoon this is a great place for live music and food. At night people enjoy fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge.

Concerts in the Park, Downtown Blue Ridge Park - July & August:

This venue is a source of good music in a beautiful setting on warm summer nights. Bring your own quilt or lawn chair and a picnic supper, then enjoy the music.

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo - August:

This western rodeo is fun for all ages. Rodeo features bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and other special events.

Labor Day BBQ, Labor Day in Downtown Blue Ridge

This annual BBQ at downtown Blue Ridge City Park starts at 11 a.m. and runs until the food runs out.

Wildlife Festival of the Arts, Downtown Blue Ridge Park - September:

The Wildlife Festival includes forest service information, fly-fishing demonstrations, great food and entertainment. There are more than 75 artists on site that sell sculptures, paintings and woodworking.

Family Fishing Festival, Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, September

Fly-tying and casting demonstrations, educational exhibits and plenty of fish to catch in Rock Creek. Call (706) 838-4723 for more information.

Mountain Harvest Sale, Blue Ridge Farmer's Market - 3rd and 4th weekend in October:

The Mountain Harvest Sale features local arts, crafts, food and fun on two separate October weekends.

Halloween Safe Zone, Downtown Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge Main Street is closed and kids of all ages trick or treat from shop to shop.

Holiday Art Show & Sale - November through December:

Shop for regional art and crafts at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Light up Blue Ridge, Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday after Thanksgiving:

See the official lighting of the Christmas tree and watch as Santa arrives. The Christmas festival in downtown Blue Ridge includes Music, refreshments, caroling and all-day activities.

Hometown Christmas, Downtown McCaysville - First Saturday of December:

See the lighting of the bridge in McCaysville, GA. This parade includes Santa's arrival, food, refreshments and entertainment.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express - Weekends in December:

Bring the kids to ride the Blue Ridge's holiday train and see Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. Listen to Christmas stories and sing carols.

Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia Vacations:

North Georgia is a great destination for a family vacation. People enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain North Georgia region because of the relaxed setting and beauty of landscape. Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta, the region is a great destination for adventure-seeking vacationers and those that want to take it slow. An industry for tourism has grown around the beauty of the mountains and quality of fishing. The next time you are considering North Georgia cabin rentals, consider a trip on this region's rivers, lakes and streams.

Smoky Mountain Harvest municipalities a wide range of fun, with festivals and fall foliage

Since the colors of the leaves begin to change, then the seasonal activities in the municipalities of Smoky Mountain Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Drifting swimming and summer outdoor concerts bring this festival city of Tennessee, special events and some of the best fall foliage in America are planning their holidays for visitors to fill it. The fall weather makes it both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg comfortable and relaxing places to stay on a weekend or a week. Your accommodation mayMoreover, making the trip very special, like a hut in the mountains creates a calm, carefree environment, every tourist can get a loss

Each year, enchanted by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and its lush foliage visitors fall in this natural harbor to get a staff in this spectacular landscape of travel. The bright green covering the mountains change color red, yellow, orange and alternate with the green, so a screen is best described as "great." The Great SmokyMountain National Park is very visitor-friendly and provides comfortable vantage points for pictures, easy to drive a scenic route, travelers in full, the expansive beauty of the area to take, as well as paths, select the colors of the season allows.

The 12th Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival also takes place from September 12 to October 31 The event brings the festive side of the economy and local residents, as the whole city is decorated harvestDecoration, including pumpkins, scarecrows, hay bales and other symbols of the season. There are also special events and attractions to complete the event. During this festival, arts and crafts play an important role, and events such as Gatlinburg's Arts & Crafts Heritage Days Festival, where visitors can tour Gatlinburg's arts community, is a key event.

Dollywood, Tennessee premiere theme park, is also spread a red carpet for their national and the GospelHarvest Festival. The festival begins on October 3 and until November 1. During these four weeks there will be more than 250 free concerts with the best of Southern Gospel music. The festival will also be arts and crafts from some of the most talented country and serve a delicious selection of artisan selections such as Southern fried green tomatoes. The harvest festival is fun for the whole family and is agood way to spend a day in fall in Tennessee. And with great options for families Dollywood packages can save you a lot of money this season.

Another important event during the Harvest Festival is Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair. From October 9 to 26 award-winning theory Gatlinburg Craftsmen Fair opens the doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center, the audience with the 33rd Annual Fall Meeting Gatlinburg Craftsmen Fair. many craftsmen and artisans are available to show every day,their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. This show is a great way to bring all the talent in the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts can be found.

The fall season, take the time to enjoy the beauty of America and enjoy the festivities of the season. Treat yourself to the beauty of Tennessee and the hospitality of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

beer festivals around the world

The beer has a large part of the culture of many countries around the world. Each country usually has the brewery celebrated particularly at certain times of the year. This is usually when the beer is made. Festivals are a great way to try new and unusual beers and learn more about beer. I am also a good way to meet other producers and lovers of beer. If you are interested in your beer home-brewed beer can be found on muchdifferent types of beer and the brewing process.

The most famous beer festival and the world's largest Oktoberfest is held every year in Germany. The festival lasts for more than two weeks and will celebrate a special beer called Oktoberfest harvest. Many countries worldwide have adopted this particular World Festival and the German people around to celebrate many. large tents are furnished with long tables and chairs. There are live bands on stagethroughout the event.

In Great Britain, Great British Beer Festival every year in August. Took place in London, is the most famous beer festival and the largest in the United Kingdom. And 'organized by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. The format of the British Beer Festival is different from the German Oktoberfest. Kegs of beer from different breweries are set up behind rows of tables. Employees serve beer from casks.

The United States hosts an annual eventcalled the "Great American Beer Festival (Gabfest). This three-day event will be the end of September in Denver, Colorado, instead. enjoy beer lovers more than 1,600 different beers. producers whose country cabins provide a beer-ounce cups sample of his willing. The festival holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers on tap in 2005, a site in. Every year the festival grows in size.

You can find more information on some of the beer festivals inIts territory is one of us online for beer or ale-organization of their country. Often promote their events, providing a calendar and information on traveling in the area for the festival.

Food Festivals - Tasty Trips On A Tight Budget

     With gas and airline prices soaring, Americans are looking for more affordable ways to enjoy spontaneous day trips, weekend getaways, and longer vacations without sacrificing the fun. What's a food-lover to do? Consider a food-festival vacation. You can stay close to home or venture to new destinations-there are plenty of food festivals to choose from all across the country. So if you enjoy travel, outdoor activities, or good food, satisfy your inner travel bug and palate at the same time by attending a food festival.

     What better way for residents to show pride in our heritage, our towns, and the fruit of our fields or the catch of our rivers and oceans, than to host a food festival? These festivals have always been a means of uniting communities through celebrations of harvests and giving thanks for a plentiful growing season. They can be traced back thousands of years to celebrating the arrival of harvest time, the autumnal equinox, and the honoring of earth gods.

     Combining the excitement of celebrations with the fresh taste of local foods, food festivals continue those traditions today-typically honoring a crop grown or food harvested in the region. Commonly featured foods include seafood, fruits, vegetables, chili, and barbecue while some events highlight more unusual local specialties. Regardless, there's a festival for every taste.

     Food festivals are ideal entertainment for the whole family. Besides the main attraction-delicious food-these festivals feature a variety of amusements. Live musical entertainment is common, eating contests are popular, and off-beat competitions are always a favorite. Like fairs or carnivals, food festivals often feature children's activities and exciting midways with their flashing lights, daredevil rides, and games of chance.

     Pageants are often highlighted by the crowning of the festival queen. Small or elaborate parades create fun for all ages with imaginative floats and marching bands. Races burn off calories-or build an appetite. Evenings are crowned with firework shows. Slower-paced attendees can meander through arts and craft booths, farmers markets, or displays of antique cars, fire engines, or farm equipment. For those strictly there for the food, many festivals hold recipe competitions or cookoffs.

     Many festivals have a small-town character, while others have gained nationwide recognition. Festival length varies-from one-day affairs to a week or more.

     While most food festivals are free or charge a nominal admission fee, and many offer free samples, some are ticketed events for admission and/or the food. Depending on the location, there may be a parking charge. Since fees change frequently, make sure to contact the festivals ahead of time so there are no surprises. Keep in mind that many festival proceeds go to charity, which may make swallowing the cost more palatable.

     Typically you go from booth to booth (pay as you go) and sample different foods or recipes of the same food. But other festivals have whole meals for purchase or are sit-down meals. Festivals may feature a particular raw ingredient (like strawberries or tomatoes) while others involve preparing dishes on-site (like chili or barbecue). Or if you crave variety, "Taste Of" events typically feature the signature dishes of local restaurants.

     More and more people are planning their travels around food-related events, and every state boasts many delicious destinations for celebrating its regional specialties. So gather your family and friends and savor the fresh taste of local fare while enjoying the great outdoors - without breaking the bank!

Harvest Festivals

Fall festival time...harvest, abundance, wine, food. A time of celebration!

Or is it?

     The stock markets are plummeting, there's talk of recession, people are losing their jobs and financial giants are crumbling.

     I live in a rural area, and as I have been thinking about this article the last few days, I have been looking forward in anticipation to writing about the Fall Wine Festival, harvest celebrations, and the general feeling of being thankful for such abundance. The apple trees out my window are laden with dark red apples contrasted against a brilliant blue sky. I can hear the machinery in the orchard next door as the harvest continues. The grapes are soaking up the last of the summer sun, preserving that essence as sweet sugar that makes our wines so luscious.

      Traditionally, this is the time of great celebration. Here in the Okanagan in South Central British Columbia, Canada, life is pretty much the way it always has been. The late summer is traditionally warm this year, and the orchardists, vineyards and wineries are all gearing up to bring in the last of the ripened fruit. The grapes will be crushed, and we will all celebrate at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Two weeks of celebrating abundance.

     Here in B.C. Canada, we are relatively unscathed by the financial and economic chaos that is occurring in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. People are losing their jobs, their homes, and their retirement security. People are frightened. The news is flooded with the horror of a system in collapse. There are huge areas and cities that have been devastated by storms. Suffering is palpable.

     And it makes me wonder about all of all this celebration and indulgence and frivolity. It's kind of like the feeling you get when you find yourself laughing at a funeral. It makes me feel guilty somehow. It just doesn't feel right. I should be sorrowful out of respect for those that are suffering.

     And, yet, life goes on. And, I am thankful. I am thankful that I am living in a time and place that I can enjoy the abundance all around me. I want to celebrate the weather, the harvest, the crush. I want to enjoy the fruit of the farmer's labour - the wine and the food. My friends. My good fortune.

     I WILL savour all the richness that it available to me. And be even MORE grateful at this year's Harvest Festivals as I recognize that this year, I am so very privileged. I will celebrate and be mindful of all those that are not as fortunate as I this year.

If you are one of those hit hard by current circumstances, my hope is that you will find some small reason to celebrate too.

Bali Festivals

     Bali has myriad festivals, rituals, and events. Balinese culture has great meaning behind all its festivals. Some festivals in Bali are dedicated to certain gods, including those who symbolize knowledge, virtue, or birth.

     Harvest festivals, fasting and retreat festivals, blood sacrifices, and temple festivals are all part and parcel of Bali festivals. Festivals that signify the anniversary of a temple's founding called Odalan are quite famous. Nyepi festival marks the beginning of a new lunar year and on this day, everyone in Bali, including tourists, must remain silent. It is believed that any evil spirits would pass away thinking that the place is uninhabited due to the complete stillness.

     The most important Bali festival is Galungan, which symbolizes the victory of virtue over evil. Balinese call it the victory of Dharma over Adharma. It is considered essential that the Balinese visit all their family temples on this day. A local holiday is declared on this day and every family is supposed to plant a bamboo pole decorated meticulously with coconut leaves and flowers.

     Pagarwesi, another famous festival in Bali, is devoted to the lord of the universe, Sanghyang Pramesti Guru. The name literally means iron fence and Balinese people pray to this god for strong mental defense.

     Festivals in Bali are eventful and colorful and the list includes Kuningan, when ceremonies are held for Balinese ancestors. This festival brings the New Year holiday period to a close.

There are festivals and ceremonies in Bali that are dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati. Lots of ceremonies are also held to honor Holy Scriptures, science, literature, and arts.

     Tumpek landep, a festival of weapons and tools made of metal for proper use and function is celebrated in every Balinese family compound. The rice harvest festival is one among the several popular festivals in Balinese culture. Tribute is paid to the rice god Dewi Sri, by placing small straw rice-god dolls in fields and villages. You can always check out the online resources and the significant number of books available to get to know about Balinese culture and festivals.