In many parts of Europe children look forward to day that celebrates the feast of St Nicholas rather than Christmas, for it is on this day that they receive gifts and have a chance to make fun of each other in a practice that commemorates St Nicholas who is largely regarded as the Saint of Children. This festival is a major event which is celebrated with much fanfare in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the Netherlands the event is celebrated on St Nicholas’ eve which falls on the 5th of December while in Belgium it is celebrated on the morning of the 6th of December. The feast of St Nicholas is also celebrated in some parts of France as well as in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and in the town of Trieste in Italy. Traditions that mark this event differ from country to country though it is the most prominent in the Netherlands where St Nicholas is commonly known as ‘Sinterklaas’.
Archive for November, 2008
Every winter art lovers, dealers, collectors and much of the international jet set wing their way to the beach front shores of Miami for the Art Basel Miami Beach which is the most important art show in the United States. This art show which is held at the Miami Convention Center and draws more than 220 dealers and 40,000 collectors also features many parties and crossover events which feature music, film, architecture and design apart from the main art shows and exhibits. This glamorous Art fair is the sister event of the more staid but equally prestigious Switzerland Art Basel. The many events of the Art Basel Miami Beach are largely concentrated in the cities’ historic and beautiful South Beach/ Art Deco district which is a pulsating hub of restaurants and night clubs. The Art Basel Miami Beach is to be held this year from Thursday the 4th of December to Sunday the 7th of December.
Leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa are to participate in this invigorating and stimulating art extravaganza which will feature contemporary art works of more than 2000 artists. The 220 galleries which are chosen to participate in this event are some of the most well respected dealers in the business who bring their most unique and interesting works to be displayed at this art fair. These works feature the creations of both established and new artists. The Miami Beach Art Basel offers a wonder platform for art lovers to discover new trends in contemporary art as well as to feast their eyes on rare museum caliber art works. read more
The Birmingham International Tattoo once again returns to Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena (NIA) to enchant and delight its fans later this month. This Tattoo which is regarded as a leading event in Europe attracts leading military bands and various other performers to the NIA every year. This year it is set to celebrate its twentieth anniversary. This exciting event will feature two performances the first of which scheduled to be held on Saturday the 29th of November at 6pm and the second which is to be held on Sunday the 30th of November at 2pm.
The Niagara Falls are one of the most visited natural wonders of the world which present a spectacular sight at any time of the year. These breath-taking falls which are shared by both the US and Canada have been immortalized in countless works of art and literature as well. The beauty of these falls is greatly enhanced during the winter months when the falls are surrounded by fresh falling snow and are lit up with thousands of lights during one of Ontario’s grandest and most exciting events known as The Winter Festival of Lights.
