November 5, Guy Fawkes Day (England)
Every year on November 5 in England, Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated with fun and on a grand scale. People also call these celebrations as Bonfire Night, because the whole pre-history of the holiday revolves around historical events - an unsuccessful attempt to undermine the building of the British Parliament and the execution of the conspirator Guy Fawkes. Across the country - on squares and in private courtyards - stuffed Guy Fawkes is burned, fireworks are launched and guests are invited to a festive dinner. Grilled sausages, barbecue chicken legs and toffee apples with syrup are cooked at home and on the streets.
November 9-11, Festival of Olives and Olive Oil
(Baena, Spain)
The largest European festival of olives, which celebrates the end of the olive harvest in Andalusia. At this time, thousands of tourists come to the small town of Baena. On the streets there are celebrations with music and dancing, fairs and competitions, as well as generous Spanish food. Each visitor will be able to see with his own eyes all the processes of olive processing and even participate in the production of olive oil, followed by tasting.
November 10-11, Festival of White Truffles
(San Miniato, Italy)
San Miniato in Italy is famous for its white truffles, which are much less common than French blacks. In November, white truffles that grow on the roots of local trees are harvested and immediately cooked. For tourists, there are interesting tastings and master classes for cooking truffles, event “hunt” for truffles is organized under the guidance of an experienced specialist. On the streets of the city people can watch funny performances and be treated with truffles, wines, snails and cheeses - all in the best Italian tradition.
November 15, Feast of Beaujolais Nouveau
(Bojo, France)
Every third Thursday of November in France (and all over the world!) people celebrate the holiday of the new crop wine - Beaujolais. This young wine matures quickly, and it is precisely by its taste and characteristics that the French evaluate the “goodness” of the harvest this year. Winemakers from the town of Bozho are the first to begin the celebration, they arrange solemn processions with torches at midnight. They gather on squares where the barrels of Beaujolais are located, and where large-scale tasting begins. On the eve of the holiday, bottles with Beaujolais will be scattered around the world, so that on November 15 every wine admirer could taste the young wine.
November 21, Loi Kratong
(Thailand)
The incredibly beautiful holiday of Loi Kratong is celebrated in Thailand every year, on the night of the twelfth full moon. Each inhabitant builds symbolic boats from the leaves of a banana tree and, with the advent of darkness, puts them into the water, and also luminous paper lanterns are released into the sky - thus the spirits of water and light are honored in the country. The sky is filled with fireworks, and people hold hands together and make wishes.
December 6-8, The Festival of Lights
(Lyon, France)
During this festival, candles are lit in every window in Lyon, and the streets are filled with the light of lanterns, lamps and various illuminations. In this way, Lyonians praise the Virgin Mary for withdrawing of the plague epidemic from their homes. Light paintings highlight the beauty of the ancient city, laser shows and fireworks are held. The Festival of Lights annually attracts several million tourists!
December 21-22, The Dongzhi Festival
(China)
On the day of the winter solstice in China, the beginning of a new natural cycle is celebrated, and the day itself is considered to be magical and very happy. Near the temples unusual ritual events are held. At home, people remember their ancestors and do sacrificial offerings with special dishes. In the south, people prepare tangyuans - rice balls with a paste of red beans, and in the north people cook dumplings.
December 31, Hogmanay
(Scotland)
In Scotland, New Year is celebrated in its own way - with torchlight processions, fire shows and various performances. The most interesting events take place on the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Here people believe that with the help of fire, that is lit on December 31, you can transfer wisdom to the new year. For this reason, in Scotland, the New Year's shows and performances are especially bright and “hot”.
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