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.
February
13 - 15 Trang
Underwater Wedding Ceremony Trang, Thailand
Planning your wedding in February? Why not get married
underwater on the beautiful beaches of Thailand?
.
February
14 – 24 Carnevale
Venezia Venice, Italy
The theme this year (2009) is ‘Sensation: 6 senses
for 6 sestieri’ – the 6 districts of Venice.
Witness the old and new ways of celebration. Put on
your mask and let the show begin.
.
.
February
15
Olive and Bruschetta Festival Spello, Italy
This day marks the end of the olive harvest, a reason
to party, dance and indulge in good food.
February
19 - 23 Devil's
Carnival - La Diablada Oruro, Bolivia
One of the most authentic carnivals of Latin America.
Being a mining town, Oruro’s locals used to worship
the Devil as the God of the underworld. Hence, the highlight
of the carnival is the Devil’s dance. Nowadays,
the celebration has become in honour of Pachamama –
the Mother Earth.
February
19 - 25
Carnival at Vilanova i La Geltrú Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain
A cavalcade of sweet meringue baked by local bakers;
a food fight amongst adults, and colourful sweets being
thrown at each other. It’s a war not to be missed.
February
21 - 24 Pero
Palo Villanueva de La Vera, Spain
Men carry the figure of Pero Palo through the town while
beating and throwing objects at it, until its head falls
off. Peropalo is a symbol of freedom and joy, an example
of this town’s identity and a sample of the fragile
human condition.
February
21 - 24 Ivrea
Carnival Ivrea, Italy
Known for its orange fight... so don’t forget
your protective mask, if you don’t want to get
bruised, and join the battle.
February
24
The Great Spitalfields Pancake
Race London, England
Competitors team up, choose their colours and race with
a pan frying pancake. Halfway through they have to toss
and catch the pancake before reaching the finishing
line. All sponsored proceeds go to charity.
February
Güímar Carnival
(Las Burras de Guimar) Güímar, Tenerife, Spain
A carnival full of donkey performances, hence the
name ‘The Donkeys of Guimar’. It is believed
that on this night all witches turned into donkeys.
Photography provided by: (in order of appearance)
Lusine Stepanian - 3 photos, Hicham Jabrane, Manuel M. Vicente,
Luca Moglia, Steve Rutherford, The Compass
The
Calendar can never be complete. Do you know any other festivals
or events? Please post them in the comments.
