Please select a destination from the list below to view information on events specific to that country and or resort:-

Mediterranean

Calvi Jazz Festival                                                                     mid June (annual)

For a thrilling week of jazz, visit the unspoilt island of Corsica with its deserted beaches and charming mountain villages - the Calvi Jazz Festival brings a top line up of international artists to the island and is one of the best music festivals on the scene. www.calvi-jazz-festival.com

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Les Voix du Lazaret                                                          late June

World music festival organised by the Jazz in Ajaccio Association. Held in Ajaccio, it features performers from around the world.

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Eterna Citadella                                                                    mid-July

This is a son et lumière (sound and light) spectacle which retraces the history of the citadel.

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Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques                    mid-Sept (annual)

This is a festival of polyphonic musical expression and since 1989 has been held in the Eglise St-Jean Baptiste at L’Oratoire St-Antoine at La Poudrière

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Candlestick Festival                                                         14 August (annual)

This traditional festival is held on 14 August in Sassari near Alghero, with its wonderful beaches and historic walled town. The lively celebrations are held to honour a wish reputedly granted by the Madonna in the 15th century for deliverance from a plague.

This popular festival begins at the Piazza Castello and proceeds through the medieval streets of the city’s old quarter with its churches and palaces. 

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San Salvatore festival                                                                       Sept (annual)

Hundreds of young fellows clothed in white set off on the Barefoot Race, an 8km run to the hamlet and sanctuary of San Salvatore, from Cabras, bearing an effigy of the Saviour. The event commemorates a day in 1506 when the townsfolk raced to the sanctuary to rescue the effigy from Moorish sea invaders.

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All > Sicily

Cous Cous festival                                                                       Sept (annual)

A very interesting festival is the annual cous cous festival near Trapani in the west of Sicily. Even if you are not a lover of cous cous this area is a great place to visit, it has a very African influence and is quite different from the other parts of Sicily and Southern Italy.

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All > Cefalu

The feast of the Most Holy Saviour

On 2nd August at 6pm, the flag of the Most Holy Saviour is raised on a flagpole on the roof of Cathedral, accompanied by explosion of firecrackers and music of the band.

The flag depicts the image of the Almighty on gold background.

The ease or difficulty with which the flag is raised predicts whether will be a good or bad year. The flag raising marks the start of celebrations which will conclude with the fireworks on the evening on the 6th. The flag raising and the explosion of the firecrackers (substitutes for cannon firing), along with the colourful and varied Luoggi (market stalls), are all that remain of the ancient Franca Fair, which was held from 2nd to 10th August, in honour of the Most Holy Saviour, according to the historian Francesco Alessandro di Bianca, (1798), this custom dates back to the re-foundation of the Bishopric of Cefalù by Roger II.

Apart from the religious ceremonies, the Feast is also made up of musical entertainment, competitions, concerts and historical-cultural events. On the afternoon of 6th August, at the Old Marina the ‘ntinna a mari takes place. A long pole, representing the bowsprit of a sailing ship, is suspended above the water of the port and a flag is placed on the top. The competitor who is the first to gain possession of the flag is the winner. This traditional competition of skill has selected , over the years, the most able seamen in Cefalù and has been made even more difficult by covering the pole with tallow and soap and by tying a rope to the top of the pole an pulling it to make the pole wobble. In order to learn more about how the ‘ntinna a mare works, you need to refer to the traditions and customs that have been passed on by word of the mouth and establish the rules and the way in which the competition should be prepared, organised and supervised. In the past the only people who could take part in the ‘ tinna a mari were the Rivela Sailors ( those who sailed long distance on large ships), who, according to tradition, have control over the use of the port of Cefalù and who were one of the most important of the eight workman’s guilds in the town.The Rivela Sailors the organisers of the ‘ntinna a mari and were the only competitors. Over time this guild disappeared and the competitors were chosen from among the descendants of the members of the guild, most of whom had become fisherman. Still to day only descendants of the original participants are allowed to compete. This group is composed of about a dozen skilled ‘acrobats’ who are very proud to be members of this very exclusive ‘association’.

They work together to organise the ‘ntinna mari and only they have any say in the ritual of its organisation, preparation, and supervision, the choice of the pole and the sailor who pulls the rope attached to it. They are the only ones who can decide the entrance of new competitors who, from time to time, replace their parents or relatives. Special dispensations are very rare and are only given with the approval of the older competitors.

Tanks to the members of this group this centuries old tradition has survived and still today takes place with the same vitality and enthusiasm as in the past. It remains not only one of the most important traditions of the town, but also, due to its genuine originality and sense of fair play, it has become a source of pride for the people of Cefalù, who identify greatly with it.
The people of Cefalù have considered the town to be under the protection of the Most Holy Saviour for centuries. ‘Tirrienu fiermu Gesù Sarbaturi!’ (keep the earth still Jesus Our Saviour) is the invocation they make to ward off earthquakes.

The Procession on 6th August, which always marks the end of the religious part of the Feast, follows the Solemn Celebration in the Cathedral, the Liturgy by Lamplight on the evening of the 5th, and the Holy Communion, presided over by the Bishop, on the moming of the 6th, the Procession moves off from Piazza Duomo along the main streets of the town.

The evening fireworks display marks the end of the celebration in the beautiful setting of the gulf of Cefalù.

All > Aeolian Islands

All > La Gomera

JANUARY

6 Jan Santos Reyes - Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián
20 Jan San Sebastián - San Sebastián de La Gomera

FEBRUARY

Carnival San Sebastián de La Gomera.

APRIL

24 Apr San Marcos - Agulo

MAY

15 May San Isidro - La Palmita (Agulo, Epina y Alajeró.

JUNE

13 Jun San Antonio - Valle Gran Rey.
24 Jun San Juan - Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey and San Sebastián.
29 Jun San Pedro - Valle Gran Rey, Vallehermoso, San Sebastián.

JULY

8 Jul San Benito - Los Aceviños. Hermigua
11 Jul San Cristobal - San Sebastián de La Gomera
14 Jul Virgen de La Salud - Arure (Valle Gran Rey)
16 Jul El Carmen - Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián, Playa de Santiago,
25 Jul. Santiago Apóstol - Playa de Santiago.

AUGUST                                            

3 Aug San Benito Abad - San Sebastián de La Gomera.
8 Aug Santo Domingo - Hermigua.
15 Aug Virgen de Candelaria – Chipude, Vallehermoso
16 Aug San Salvador - Arure. Valle Gran Rey.
23 Aug Santa Rosa - Las Rosas, Agulo.
24 Aug San Bartolomé - Alojera ( Vallehermoso) and San  Sebastián.
30-31 Aug Virgen del Buen Viaje - Taguluche (Valle Gran Rey).
30-31 Aug Virgen de Lourdes - El Cedro.

SEPTEMBER

1 Sep Virgen del Pino - El Cercado. Vallehermoso.
6 Sep Fiestas Colombinas - San Sebastián de la Gomera
8 Sep Nrta. Sra. de La Encarnación - Hermigua.
12 Sep Caridad del Cobre - Tamargada, Vallehermoso.
14-15 Sep Virgen del Buen Paso - Alajeró.
24 Sep La Merced - Agulo.    

OCTOBER

First Monday of October Virgen de Guadalupe - Puntallana (San Sebastián).
Second Sunday of October Virgen de La Salud - Las Nieves (San Sebastián).
3 Oct Santa Clara - Arguamul (Vallehermoso).

NOVEMBER

30 Nov San  Andrés - Vallehermoso.   

DECEMBER

13 Dec Santa Lucía – Tazo, Vallehermoso.

All > St Lucia

December

Kalalu World Music Festival - Held at Saamans Park at Choc Bay during the first week of December, the Kalalu festival features an authentic line-up of performing artists from the World Music genre. World Music is authentic, ethnic based music with international cross-over appeal.

Atlantic Rally For Cruisers (ARC) - The world's largest ocean crossing race, beginning in the Canary Islands, terminates in the St. Lucia Rodney Bay Marina at the start of this month. Many of the yachters stay over until after Christmas so look out for exciting vessels there.

St. Lucia Open - Held at the St. Lucia Racquet Club this is a tennis and squash competition open to anyone who wishes to compete against the best regional and international amateur or club players. It is followed by a tournament restricted to professionals only who compete for prize money.

February

Independence Day - On this day St Lucia celebrates her status as a country independent from Britain since 1979. Special events in recognition of this day are the norm.

April

Earth Day (22nd) - Sunrise and Sunset ceremonies are held all over the island to celebrate this day. The Pigeon Island National Landmark, and the southern town of Vieux Fort are the venues for major events that commemorate Earth Day, the day when more than usual themes highlighting the necessity for preservation of nature are discussed.

May

Festival of Comedy - Designed to raise funds for the St Lucia National Trust, this annual event showcases local and regional talent over a period of two days at the St Lucia Cultural Centre as well as a family day at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.

St Lucia Jazz Festival - The jazz festival has been and continues to be one of the most exciting and well-organized shows in the Caribbean region. A must for jazz fanatics, this week long spectacle involves a variety of shows at different venues on the island. The Jazz festival dates normally fall within the first 2 weeks of May, lasting for a minimum of 10 days.

July

Carnival - Experience our carnival. With costumed bands parading through the streets, various competitions like Soca and Calypso Monarch, King and Queen of the band, Miss Carnival Queen and Panorama, there is plenty to do in a lively party atmosphere.

Click Here for Carnival Event Lineup Details.

Kids Safari Summer (TBA) - Children between the ages of 9-14 are invited to explore the island during the summer months in order to learn about its valuable ecosystems and other places of interest. A well-rounded curriculum includes arts and crafts and learning about local folk and other traditions.

August

Emancipation Day/ National Heroes Day (7th) - This celebration has a dual purpose, to celebrate not only the abolition of slavery, but also the achievements of outstanding St. Lucians. Now an official national holiday, more cultural events are being organized to mark the occasion.

La Rose Festival - Uniquely St. Lucian, this annual floral festival is rooted in the rural communities. Various La Rose Groups celebrate it with performances at the National Cultural Centre.

Market Feast (7th) - The Castries Central Market becomes a hub of activity with food, drink, music and people who come out to enjoy this feast.

September

St. Lucia Bill Fishing Tournament (TBA) - A three day fishing competition that attracts region wide participation for the many encouragements offered to whoever manages to catch a 1000lb Blue Marlin. Stiff penalties are imposed on those who catch fish weighing less than 250lbs and do not tag and release them.

La Marguerite Festival - Part of Creole Heritage Month, this floral festival is similar to the Festival of La Rose and is usually celebrated with a traditional lunch and cultural performances.

October

Creole Heritage Month - A celebration of things St. Lucian. The Folk Research Centre organizes various events to promote and recognize our culture. These include theatre productions, the election of a Creole Queen and the Babonneau Community Festival.

International Creole Day ends this month with festivities held in Desruisseaux, Piaye and Anse La Raye. Contact 758-452-2279 for more information.La

Marguerite Festival (17th) - Part of Creole Heritage Month, this floral festival is similar to the Festival of La Rose and is usually celebrated with a special lunch and cultural performances.

November

International Food Fair (7th) - Excite your taste buds with local and international dishes from this fair organized by the St. Lucia Tourist Board. Held at the National Cultural Centre, cuisines from various local ethnicities as well as international foods are presented and may be sampled.

Charity Golf Tournament (27th) - The Rotary Club of Gros Islet hosts its annual golf tournament at the St Lucia Golf and Country Club. All proceeds are donated to all Rotary sponsored charities, all are welcome to register.

Legends Tennis Week (TBA) - This is the highlight of the final week in November. Organized by and held at the St. Lucia Racquet Club, tennis aficionados may not only benefit from clinics held by masters of the game, like Illie Nastasie or Roy Emerson, but at the end of the week, fans can also see the greats in action when they play exhibition matches.

All > Croatia

Histria Festival, Pula                                                    01 Jun - 31 Aug TBC

A host of top international artists and musicians play at this annual 3 month long festival at venues including Pula’s ancient amphitheatre. Sit on the steps and enjoy a drink under the stars. 2008’s programme includes - TBC -

www.histriafestival.com

•  Holiday Options, 0844 477 0452

Dubrovnik Summer Festival                                             01 July - 31 Aug TBC

This famous festival of music, theatre and dance uses Dubrovnik itself as the stage. Performances take place in the piazzas, in palaces and up on the ramparts and St Lawrence fortress. Tickets from £10.

www.dubrovnik-festival.hr

• Holiday Options, 0844 477 0452  

Kastav ‘White Sunday’                                                        first Sunday of Sept

Pretty, cobbled hilltop village 10 minutes from Opatija – annual celebration of new wine and biska (mistletoe brandy) – stalls dressed in white satin selling local produce. Musicians

• Holiday Options, 0844 477 0452

Supetar Summer Cultural Festival

lasts from June through to September. There are classical concerts, folklore festivals, dances, theatrical shows and numerous other events which are presented in public places and churches. Local patron saint feast is on June 29th. The feasts in the neighbouring villages are July 2nd in Mirca and August 15 th in Spliska.

First of May - Prvosvibanjski uranak (Labour day) – local tourist office and city council organize koncerts and free food for guests..
June 12-th - St. Anton – Koncert of a local church quire
Local koncerts throught the summer, al kapella groups, rock koncerts, fishermen's nights etc.

Makarska’s Cultural summer events are known of its concerts of Dalmatian “a capela” singing groups, festivities like fishermen’s nights with firework display, carnival, performances by famous musicians, actors and folklore groups, rock, jazz and blues concerts.

It is traditionally held in July and August at town squares, narrow streets and the main promenade…..

There are some nice summer events in nearby places on Riviera, too.

All > Slovenia

Rikli’s Days Festival at Lake Bled                             July (annual)

Celebrating the Swiss hydropath who first brought health tourism to Slovenia, this 3 day festival of music along the lake also has food and speciality stalls selling famous Slovenian glass and wooden objects. The highlight on (Sat date) evening is when 100,000 candles are floated and lit on the lake (eggshells saved over the year from local bakers, cafes from making famous Bled cream slice) followed by fireworks from the castle.

www.slovenia-tourism.si

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All > Serbia