Mardi Gras

By Sebastián Chacón

Mardi Gras is a very famous festival in all world, specially in New Orleans since 1718. The idea for he festival is to celebrate the opening for the “Lenten season”.  The Lenten season is the period of approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday. When the festival started in New Orleans was a very elegant and formal event. But now Mardi Gras in recognized for the music, parades, picnics, floats and excitement. Actually is a big holiday in New Orleans.

The traditions in Mardi Gras are the most important things, some people war crazy costumes, eat great food, see the parades and listen to music, for example it’s very common to wear a mask, that represents the ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating the festival for hundreds of years and it’s the biggest masked party in United State. The reason for wearing a mask is to show the society that everybody is the same although the differences between society classes.

If you are interesting in visiting New Orleans for a Mardi Gras festival, you must know some advices. For example, the carnival season begins on January 6th, which is king’s day. The weather during the festival can vary from very cold to very warm for this reason you should pack clothes for a chilly morning and for a warm afternoon. It’s important that you know Mardi Gras is free and it’s a family celebration.

Mardi Gras it’s a inclusive festival you can go with your family also with Friends and looking for a wild party. But pay attention to the traditions, the religious meaning. Well, and like whatever festival in the world enjoy the parades, music, food and friendly people.

Tanabata

By Angela Velosa

Japan as well as many Asian countries preserves their old customs noy only in their way of being or actinf in a society. You can see festivals been celebrate derived from its mother country, China. Another celebrations derivaded from legends in which preserve the tradition of the uses of specual costums, are dedicated the celebration. But this is not the only thing you can find in this grat national fest. To be recognized as a festival, trade is one of the most important things during that night, because tha ks to that, family, friends and lovers have the opportunity to have fun even in a "romantically" celebration. Tanabata is one of the most popular feast for lovers of Japanese culture, specially for lovers of anime or manga, since in many of those stories implement this celebration. But, which is the correct meaning of Tanabata?

Once upon a time, the princess Orihime, better knowing as the weaver princess of splendid costumes for gods of the sky, fell in love, on a dark and lonely night beside the Amanogawa river, with a young sheperd of clouds called Hikoboshi who lives on the other side of the of the river.  After a short time, lovers wherr finally married, but rhis made them forget their daily works. Gods doesn't wear costumes of the stars to light up the nights and clouds took over the sky creating endless rains. The king Tenko, father of Orihime, punished them for being irresponsable, separating the lovers at different ends of that connected the grounds for them not to see each other again. 

After the depression of Orihime, Tenko allowed themto see each other once per year, at the seventh day of the seventh month from lunar calendar. Magpies create a bridge of the wings every year and let lovers meet. Happiness is so big that, according to legend, Orihime and her husband Hikoboshi, make wishes of all those who celebrate the festival of Tanabata, makes true.

The festival is held once a year. These days, throughout Japan, each sector created its own derivations of the festival, although it keeps the main concept. In Tanabata, women use a straight dress with long sleeves and a belt which is adorned with a perfect bow, in addition to this costume, people wear some wood shoes that at first sight it looks really uncomfortable to use. Those suits are called yukata. On the other hand, men although they can wear these traditional yukata, they wear common clothing, like t-shirts, jeans, sneakers and others. Even the youngest children often wear this type of traditional dresses to live the spirit of the holiday. Yukata is not the first thing in this ceremony, for being the party that celebrates the love of Orihime and Hikoboshi, made a wish is the most important goals of the night, this wish is written on parchment and placed in the various branches of the bamboo that will be burned to bring their petitions to be heard, the following day.

Rototom Sunsplash

By  Nicolás González

Rototom sunsplash is the most important fest of reggae in the world, this fest was founded in 1994 in Italy now a days is celebrated in Spain as a result of changes overtime therefore in this article will be described the trajectory moreover in the fest you will find different kinds of activities environment of reggae culture and other kind of musical genres all in all if you would rather reggae you had better go and finish this article which starts with its trajectory.

First all is the trajectory which starts in 1994 in a famous disco with 2 times of reggae music and Jamaican culture, it was conditioned one free camping in the garden of the disco two years after in 1996 changed of two times to three and included international artist in 1998 sunsplash was transferred to Latisana, Udine and the camping was outfit, moreover in 1999 it confirmed as the most important festival of reggae it’s transmitted by internet, in the year 2000 tooks form like is today and is transferred to Ossoppo changing for nine days adding different kind of activities however in 2010 due to problems with Italian authorities. The fest changes of the place is in benicassim, Spain with the same activities.

As a matter of fact we are talking about two different places where this fest was firstly in Ossoppo, Udine and then in Benicassim, Spain regarding musical genres reggae is the principal however it’s not the only also is dance hall, Dub and ska that are similar and their cultures are the same.

On the other hand Rototom sunsplash has different activities, there is reggae music everywhere and the people enjoy listening reggae, in the evening there is proceeding, meetings about reggae music and rata culture. Moreover, documentals and movies also the people practice dancing capoeira, meditation and alternative medicine and others activities about the rastafarian culture regarding food there are a bunch of restaurants and bars with international food also there is store with ethnic crafts for that reason you have a bunch of activities to enjoy.

From the above, one can conclude that over time Rototom has had different changes moreover different places, musical genres and activities about rastafarian culture, rototom sunsplash it’s the most important fest of reggae in the world if you would rather reggae music and culture you had better not miss it.

The carnival of blacks and whites

By Christian Matusan

Certainly the statistics show that the carnival of blacks and whites is one of most crowded in Colombia. There attending more than six hundred thousand people for many countries. By the way, this festival has been an important cultural celebration for Colombians because it’s away to represent equality among different race. Traditionally, people have dressed up in colourful costumes and danced in the streets; everyone feels happy.

In addition the carnival is located in the San Juan de Pasto city, on first week of January. Consequently, some fascinating activities that you can find in this festival are: first, “the carnavalito”, second: the black day and finally, the white day. It’s very funny. Some people would rather rent an apartment than go to a hotel during the party.

I was there two years ago and it’was great, I was dancing and drinking for three days. You will be able to dance and be excited for a week!

The carnavalito has been, for forty years, the most important day for children in the great carnival of blacks and whites. On the 3^rd of January in San Juan de Pasto, the children and adolescents are the protagonist. In consequence they make their own parade and they dance above their amazing floats made by themselves. This is an excellent way to introduce children to the arts and crafts activities. They will be the future of the cultural traditions of Nariño.

Moreover, the black day has been celebrated on January five of each year. On this extraordinary day the people face are painted black and wear the same color. This activity represent equality between the different race in Colombia. On this day people dance a bunch types of folk music. On the other hand, there are traditional food like “the cuy”, the cuy is crunchy, salty and terrific.

Finally, the day of the whites has been made on 6 January each year since 1950. The rules of the game change and now people are painted white. In addition the party begins with parade of floats with enormous figures made by artisans, becoming a fascinating and lively cultural show.

All in all, this carnival is fascinating place to visit. Certainly, you and your family will have a great experience in this festival because you can take a tour, go sightseeing in the city and take pictures of amazing floats.

You had better make the reserves because normally the hotels are full I’m January in Pasto.

You will love it !!!

'Takanakuy' traditional peruvian fighting festival

By Nestor Palomino

While most of catholic people around the world celebrate Christmas day usually into family meeting, remembering Jesus birthday, eating typical foods, giving gifts and mainly sharing love and peace; in contrast to this kind of celebration there is a little town in Perú where people celebrate Christmas like enemies, due to it’s a special day for punching, fight like boxing sport, where the local residents fix up their personal problems among them just by fighting. This unusual festival is called in Peru’s native language “TAKANAKUY” which means “Punching Fight”, this takes place every year on December 25^th just on a faraway little town called Chumbivilcas, located in Cusco – Perú and it’s a custom that comes from ancient Inka’s people.

Fights are short 3 minutes of free boxing, because they don’t have many rules, the only thing that isn’t allowed for fighters is keep hitting when the opponent is fallen, matches among men, women and children, always begin with a greeting and a huge hug between fighters, that means they aren’t really enemies, so after finishing the short battle their arguments will finish for ever, and they will remain as good friends.

Last year several foreign tourists came to Chumbivilcas town to spend Christmas day and of course enjoy of this famous festival, two of those visitors Robert and Steven, Australian people, decided to take part of this contest as international challengers of “TAKANAKUY 2014”, to everyone´s surprise both of them were winners by knockout punch to their opponents. After the fighting, when Robert was asked how he had heard about TAKANAKUY, he said “by google, just searching by google”, on the other hand, Steven after getting congratulations for his good performance said “I had never fougth in my life, I don´t know how I won the fighting, I think it was luck”.

All in all many people hate and reject this controversial fighting festival due to they believe it’s an awful way to display violence, harmful specially for children’s personality, also they consider it’s a wrong and silly way to settle their personal arguments or disagreements, so those kind of problems should be fixed up under the laws; but others agree and enjoy with this festival, everyone in the community likes it a lot, because it’s a nice time for relaxing, dancing and singing folk music, eating typical foods and drinking different beverages. Finally, this unusual way to celebrate Christmas is difficult to understand for current people who don’t know well old customs of ancient Peruvian culture, so many years ego Inka’s people used to live just as warriors, they overcame their enemies and other cultures. However, I don’t agree with children’s participation in any kind of fighting, because violence is so harmful for their personality.

Oktoberfest

By Rodrigo Galarza

This festival was born in munich with the wedding of the princess Teresa of Sajonia, from them this festival is celebrated every year. Is important for its costumes and its food. Attend every year a bunch of people who love beer, the people will try different kinds of beer, this festival has expanded by many countries, generally the oktoberfest stands out for its activities its particular history and different types of beer.

Last year, I atended the oktoberfest in Colombia. In fact in the clubs the beer is cheaper than ather places, i would rather drink craft beer than other drinks therefore i had better know this fest because the beer is the best of the world, i speak from my experience.

At the beginning of this festival the people began this celebrations when the owners of breweries arrived, promptly the people were gathering in the main square, in the first place the town would rather see the main parade because in this parade the mayor was opening the first beer, in other words, it was the beginning of the party to illustrate this celebration, after the town was beginning to drink craft beer, pricipally to commemorate the wedding of the princess.

They used to wear the typical customes to commemorate this festival but now the people wear normal clothes, the town didn’t use to dance but now the people always are dancing. To summarize, the oktoberfest changed its habits with the passing of time.

The oktoberfest was born in 1810. When the prince Ludwig married princess Teresa of Sajonia logically all people munich invited to the party and in honor of the princess the fields used to be called theresienwise but now the fields change the name to “ Baviera” for this reason a horse race was organized, on the following year the race organized again its race year after giving the opening to the oktoberfest, however on 1960 the horse’s race finished. From then this festival only celebrates with craft beer. After wedding of princess this fest goes from generation to generation keeping its roots and customs, however now is more important to drink beer than horse’s race.

The oktoberfest is the most traditional festival in the worldwide in comparison to other festivals, it keeps most customs, but the oktoberfest changed its habits with the passing of time. Otherwise, this festival is important because the people would rather share in family.

Mainly because they enjoy playing together. Of course the people are excited about drinking a bunch of beers and each festivals tries to keep the the typical customs as main icon in the countries that is presented. Specifically in Colombia the people like enjoying this festival each october because it is the best excuse to share together. The statisties say that a 80% worldwide would rather visit this festival.

If you want to try differnt kinds of beers you have to visit this festival. I highly recommend it is an unforgettable experience.

Definitly it is worth it.  

Carnival of Venice

By Adolfo Bernal

There are many carnivals in the world, but in February is the best; Italians have been prepared a great party “The wonderful carnival of Venice”. This famous show is a magical and epic even, you will find a bunch of “history and culture” as well as” “dresses and mask”, those are the starring, and the third important component is “good food and dances”.

For these reason, if you like to enjoy your life to the limit, you had better know this Carnival, where between waterways, cats and beautiful  women , Italy will be the best place to visit in your vacation.

For the first, in 1162 The Carnival was born in memory of Victory of Patriarch of Aquilea, Furthermore, it got official structure in Renaissance Age, until 1979 it returned and operated like we know it now. The Carnival of Venice have been a great part of Italy`s history, you can find how the wars ware important in developing of the zone.

Other important topic is “Dresses and Masks”, Venice has been invaded for miles of artist that wear their elegant dresses and fantastical masks, where they use feathers, sequins and velvets designed by the Italian tailors; they make you feel like in another time.

Likewise Italy, an especial “Venice” has been in a place where you would rather taste he best Italian food, dishes, dancers gather around carnival, you can find magical dances, typical songs and talented musicians; they play only for you, in your journey between traditional building, you will be excited about enjoying all things than they have to you.

Overall, If you like to enjoy the best Carnival of the world you had better visit Venice, you will be able to see its dancers, artists, shows and you will taste delicious food that Italian cook have prepared for you.

Finally, it is necessary to know that Venice is a Romantic place; Italians will be waitning for us.  

Cali fair

By Livaniel Gil Sánchez 

In Colombia there are some of the most important festivals of Latin America. However, I think that the most exciting of those festivals is Cali Fair or “La Feria de Cali”. The first Cali Fair was in 1957 and since then, it has been a tradition not only for the people of Cali, but also for people from other cities of Colombia and even foreigns.

Cali Fair is always at the end of the year, after Christmas and before New Year. If you have the chance to go to this Fair, here you have three things to do before the Fair finished. First, you have to go to a Salsa Concert then you need to attend the parade of the fair and why don´t you try testing typical Cali food?

When the people listen to “Cali” the first thing that comes to mind is Salsa, and it’s true. Salsa is like a religion for Cali people, you can breath it in the atmosphere. Therefore, you have to go to a Salsa concert in Cali Fair. There isn’t a famous salsa’s artist that has not been presented in the Fair. From Celia Cruz, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Cheo Feliciano and other local groups like Guayacan and Niche. Those artists have presented their best performances on stages of the Fair. In one night you can have many options to choose. Some of those options are free and others you have to pay, but I’m sure you won´t regret.

Besides, you have to attend the parade of the Fair. If you want to know all about the cultures and traditions of Cali and its people, the parade is the place and the moment for that. This parade is formed by dancing companies of all the neighborhoods of Cali. Each one represents an aspect of the local tradition. You will see the expression of the black race and its importance in the origins of Cali. Also you’re going to see some customs like ride pot (paseo de olla), red devils (diablos rojos), hairdressers, antique cars and, of course, salsa dancers. This parade is free and it lasts almost three hours. You only need water and you´d better use sunscreen because the weather in Cali is too warm and the parade is in the street.

Cali, like all places, has its typical food and although you can eat this food anywhere in the world, only in Cali it tastes different. I think that one of the main characteristics of the food of Cali is excess seasoning. It is good if you don’t have problems whit your health. But, there are some typical dishes that everybody can eat, the Aborrajado is like a dessert, if you want, this is a plantain with cheese inside. Other one is Champús, this is a mix based in honey (melao) and corn, and also it has fruits. And the other meal that you need to try in Cali is a fruit Chontaduro this is good with honey and salt. About the food you need to be with open mind and all the attitude to enjoy eating all.

Even, there are many options to go to the end of the year. I would rather Cali and its Fair. The salsa, parade and food are some of the reasons to enjoy in family. Actually, there is the main of the Fair, to return to the origins, to the family. Son, no matter if you are local or foreign, the Fair invites you to do part of this tradition.

The day of the death

By Lina Sánchez Alvarado

The death is for the majority of the people a synonym of sadness and goodbyes. However, in Mexico is an opportunity to pay tribute for your family and friends who are dead. I have never been in México but through the photos of this day, I can feel that is a special holiday. The Mexicans would rather remember their dead relatives with food and humor. As usual, this day they were praying for the souls until the dinner began. In this way, the souls of the dead people will be able to have a better spiritual journey. In essence, The day of the death is a set of beliefs and customs, that we are going to present in the next paragraphs. The Katrina’s skull, the symbol of this day, will be another topic. You had better read this article before going to México. Then you won’t have a bad experience. You don’t miss this complete guide about the death.

The popular belief about this day is that the deceased have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth. In this way, the dead people will be able to enjoy again the pleasures of life. As an illustration, the families have meeting in the cemetery to pray and remember their relatives who died. The Mexican’s belief says that the people go to cemeteries to be with the souls. Overall, the Mexicans would rather take the death with humor and celebrate it like part of the life. This day has Aztec’s belief: the death is one part in the cycle of existence. Likewise, in México the people have customs that go according to these beliefs.

The Mexican customs about this day are really picturesque. During the three-day period families use to clean and decorate graves. Second, the families built altars with sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Some catholic people pray around the graves and it is customary to leave possessions of the deceased at the cemetery. In some towns, the people will be able to celebrate this festival for a week. It is sure a national celebration in México and the Katrina’s skull is its main symbol ¿Don’t you know it?

In particular, Katrina’s skull is a female skeleton dressed only with an elegant hat. It was created by a famous Mexican printmaker, José Guadalupe Posada. Likewise, Posada was able to create a satirical portrait with this creation. The Katrina’s skull has been a joke for Mexican natives who wanted to adopt European aristocratic traditions. The artist was worried about missing Mexican traditions. Indeed, the Katrina is a way to claim the Mexicans’ beliefs. Now, It is the symbol of ‘The day of the death’. The people would rather put its image in all celebrations about the death. Certainly, the Katrina is an icon.

Although, the beliefs and customs about this day could change, it is important to make emphasis that this tradition never goes to disappear. For the Mexican people, it is a rule to give tribute to the death, to remember their dead relatives and to share with other members of their culture. In a brief, this traditional day shows to other countries that it is possible to understand the death like something kind and funny and not like a sad chapter of the life. You had better go once in your life to this festival. I am sure that it will be an unforgettable experience. Why wouldn’t you come to México?