Welcome to ‘Unico’- a new festival
calendar, covering some of the unique events unknown to
many, bizarre to others and nostalgic to locals. The calendar
will be revised monthly until we have a collection for a
full year. Everyone is encouraged to participate by suggesting
festivals below in the comments.
December
5-8 Festival
of Lights Lyon, France
Imagine Lyon’s history come alive with thousands
of lights. The city is now not only known as the culinary
capital of France, but as one of the best kept secrets
of Europe. Visitors from around Europe come to participate
and admire an outdoor art exhibition of light in all
its forms: candles, projections, installations, illuminations
and fireworks.
.
December
6 - 9 Lucha
Libre London London, England
Men in sleek tights and colourful masks…experience
a unique Mexican entertainment, possibly a mix of wrestling,
theatre and cabaret. Decide for yourself!
.
.
December
6-8, 13, 14, 20, 21
Torrone Festival San Marco dei Cavoti, Italy
Come taste this traditional sweet, torrone - Italian
nougat. It was born and crafted in Cremona in 1441 for
a wedding. Now traveling around the world, torrone has
become an everyday delight.
December
13, 16, 19, 21 Les
Glorieuses de Bresse Louhans, Montrevel-en-Bresse, Bourg-en-Bresse, Pont
de Vaux - France
Bresse, the gastronomic centre of France, hosts an animated
competition for the best bird in town. After the judges
award the title of the ‘Glorious’ to the
finest bird the market opens for sale.
December
21
Christmas Swim Nice, France
Water temperatures are around 15 degrees celsius in
December. Join the courageous swimmers in Nice for a
chilly dop at the annual Christmas swim.
December
23 Radish
Festival Oaxaca, Mexico
A unique exhibition of figures sculpted out of radishes.
Many sculptures explore the history and culture of Oaxaca,
in particular the Christmas traditions and birth of
Jesus.
December
28
The Dance of the Mad Ones (Baile
de los Los Locos) Fuente Carreteros, Spain
This is not the most authentic Spanish experience, however
it promises lots of entertainment. The origin of the
dance still remains a mystery and various myths exist
up to this day.
December
31
Iemanjá Festival Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A day to worship Iemanja, the Goddess of the Sea. It
is a New Year celebration with a twist of cultural and
religious rituals.
January
2 - 6 Festa
Nazionale Della Befana Urbania, Italy
In Urbania the tradition runs with a legendary old
woman flying on a broom and handing out presents to
the good kids, and coal to the bad ones. It’s
an annual celebration for young and old alike.
January
6 Hornschlittenrennen Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
A bizarre experience seeing hundreds of ancient sleighs
battling for the Bavarian title. Hold on tight, it gets
very bumpy.
January
18 Doo
Dah Parade Old Town, Pasadena, USA
Doo Dah – the name itself is bizarre. This is
a farcical parade with no particular theme.
.
January Mummers'
Parade Philadelphia, USA
Mummery actually means an absurd performance. Comical
characters disguised in colourful costumes perform farcical
shows and parades. Dating back into the 17th century,
mummery began in Egypt and throughout Europe until it
was eventually brought into America by immigrants.
January
Thaipusam Festival Kuala Lumpur (Batu Caves), Malaysia
A celebration in honour of Lord Muruga. Everyone will
walk 3 km to reach the Batu cave. It is believed that
one can cleanse past sins at the ceremony or ask for
future favours. A spectacular event not to be missed.
.
Photography
provided by: (in order of appearance)
Vahagn Stepanian, Aidan Gibbons, Marla Gulley, Anne Zarinnia,
Nana Voevudsky, Tom LaFaver, Manuel Romero, Victor Carreto,
Paul, Filip Marszal, Adam Michaels, Geoff-inoz
The
Calendar can never be complete. Do you know any other festivals
or events? Please post them in the comments.
