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Tenerife Carnaval

Carnaval in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the biggest and most vibrant carnival celebrations in the world. It takes place annually on the island of Tenerife, which is part of the Canary Islands, Spain. The Tenerife carnaval usually occurs in February or March, just before Lent, and it’s known for its colorful parades, elaborate costumes, lively music, and energetic street parties. It is a much different vibe than found at the Carnivals in Venice or Nice, France.

The Tenerife carnival is famous for its spectacular costumes and competitions, including the selection of the carnival queen and her court. The festivities often last for several weeks, with various events and activities taking place throughout the city. It’s a time when locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere and embrace the spirit of celebration.

The streets are filled with music, dancing, and entertainment, with people of all ages participating in the festivities. Traditional foods and drinks are also enjoyed during the carnival, adding to the cultural experience. Overall, Carnaval in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a vibrant and lively celebration that showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Canary Islands.

History of the Tenerife Carnaval

Tenerife Carnival has roots dating back centuries. It originated as a pagan festival celebrated by the Guanches, the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, to honor their gods and celebrate the arrival of spring.

With the arrival of Spanish conquerors in the 15th century, Christian traditions merged with the pagan festivities, leading to the evolution of the carnival as we know it today. Over time, it became a significant event in Tenerife’s cultural calendar.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the carnival faced restrictions and was even banned at times due to its excessive revelry. However, it persisted, and by the 20th century, it had regained popularity, evolving into the elaborate and extravagant celebration it is today.

Modern Tenerife Carnival features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, lively music, and street parties that attract thousands of visitors from around the world. Each year, the carnival has a theme, and participants compete in various contests, including costume competitions and dance-offs.

The main events typically take place in the capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, although other towns across the island also host their own celebrations. The carnival culminates with the burial of the sardine, symbolizing the end of the festivities and the beginning of Lent.

Tenerife Carnival has become an essential part of the island’s identity, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and providing a platform for locals and tourists alike to come together in joyous celebration.

Carnaval de Nice

Carnaval de Nice is a popular carnival celebration held annually in Nice, France and a bucket list item. It is one of the largest and most famous carnivals in the world, rivaling Carnaval or Carnivals in Venice, Italy and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Carnaval de Nice attracts thousands of visitors every year. The event takes place over two weeks, usually in February, and features a variety of colorful and elaborate floats, costumes, music, and dance performances.

The carnival takes place along the Promenade des Anglais, which is a famous seaside promenade in the city of Nice, France. During the carnival, the promenade is transformed into a lively and colorful parade route, with floats, dancers, and musicians entertaining the crowds. The parades take place both during the day and at night, and the illuminated floats against the backdrop of the sea create a truly magical atmosphere.

The Carnaval de Nice holds significant cultural and historical importance for the city of Nice and the wider region of the French Riviera.

First and foremost, it is a celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, and serves as a way for the local community to come together and mark the start of the spring season.

The carnival is a celebration of the local culture and traditions of Nice, and it features many local musicians, dancers, and other performers showcasing their talents.

Additionally, the Carnaval de Nice is a major tourist attraction and economic driver for the city, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The event generates significant revenue for local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, and contributes to the local economy.

In terms of cultural significance, the carnival is known for its intricate masks and costumes, elaborate floats, and vibrant atmosphere, which showcase the creative talents of local artists and artisans. The event also features a variety of traditional music, dance, and performance styles, providing a window into the local culture and traditions of the region.

Overall, the Carnaval de Nice is an important event that showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the city and region, and serves as a symbol of the community’s vibrant and creative spirit.

Flower Parade at Nice Carnaval

The Flower Parade is known for its colorful and elaborate floats, which are decorated with flowers, feathers, and other natural materials. The floats, which can be up to 15 meters tall, are typically created by local florists and are designed to depict a wide range of themes, including historical events, fairy tales, and cultural celebrations. Thousands of people come to watch the parade each year, making it one of the most popular events at the Nice Carnival. The Flower Parade is usually held on the first Sunday of the Carnival and is a major highlight of the two-week-long celebration.

The tradition of the flower parade dates back to the late 19th century when local residents began throwing flowers at each other during the carnival. This playful activity eventually evolved into a formal parade, with floats adorned with flowers and participants throwing flowers at the crowds.

Flowers are thrown from the floats during the Flower Parade at the Nice Carnival as a way to symbolize joy and good cheer. This tradition dates back many years and is seen as an expression of celebration and festive spirit. As the floats move through the streets of Nice, participants on the floats will throw handfuls of fresh flowers into the crowd, creating a shower of petals and a burst of color. The flower-throwing tradition is a way for participants on the floats to share the beauty and happiness of the parade with the spectators and to create a memorable experience for all those who attend. The flower-throwing is also seen as a symbol of generosity, as the participants are giving something of themselves to others in order to spread happiness and good will.

The flowers that are thrown are typically a mix of brightly colored blooms, including roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, and dahlias. These flowers are selected for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms, as they need to hold up during the parade and last long enough to be enjoyed by the spectators. The flowers are usually carefully arranged in large bunches or woven into garlands, which are then thrown from the floats. Some floats may also use flower petals to create a shower of color, which can be especially striking as they fall from the sky and blanket the streets in a rainbow of hues. Regardless of the type of flower used, the goal is to create a festive and memorable atmosphere, and the use of flowers is an essential part of this tradition.

History of Carnaval de Nice

The Carnaval de Nice has a long and rich history that dates back over 150 years. The first official carnival in Nice was held in 1873, and since then it has become an important tradition for the city and its residents.

In the early years, the carnival was a celebration of the arrival of spring and was marked by the use of masks and costumes, as well as food and drink. Over time, it has evolved into a larger and more elaborate event, with elaborate floats and performances. During World War II, the carnival was suspended, but it was revived in the 1950s and has been held every year since.

Today, the Carnaval de Nice is one of the most famous and popular carnivals in the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, intricate masks and costumes, and elaborate floats, and it continues to be an important cultural event in Nice and the wider region of the French Riviera.

If you’re in the area during the carnival, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Medusa is a common theme at the Nice Carnaval. One possible reason for the use of the Medusa symbol at the Nice Carnaval is to represent the idea of transformation and renewal. The carnival is a celebration of spring and new beginnings, and the Medusa symbol may represent the power to transform and create something new out of chaos.

Carnival of Venice

Where Venetian masks create a theatrical atmosphere

The Carnival of Venice is a traditional festival held annually in Venice, Italy, prior to the start of Lent. It is one of the oldest and most famous carnivals in the world, dating back to the 11th century. And it is a definite bucket list item. It rivals Carnival in Nice, France and Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

During the Carnival, the streets of Venice come alive with masked revelers dressed in elaborate costumes and masks, taking part in parades, parties, and other events. The highlight of the Carnival is the “Flight of the Angel,” where a costumed performer descends from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica, to the delight of the crowd below.

The masks worn during the Carnival are an important part of the tradition and can range from simple, elegant designs to elaborate and ornate creations. Many participants will spend months preparing their costumes and masks, creating a truly stunning and theatrical atmosphere throughout the city. The atmosphere and vibe is much different than Nice or Tenerife.

St. Mark’s Square is a popular gathering place for carnival festivities. It is a great place to wear a mask and blend in with the crowds.

The Carnival of Venice is a unique and magical celebration that attracts visitors from all over the world to experience its colorful and elaborate traditions. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the Carnival is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

The Carnival of Venice is an unforgettable experience for many reasons

Here are a few of the key factors that contribute to its unique and magical atmosphere:

The masks: Wearing masks is a central tradition of the Carnival, and they add an element of mystery and intrigue to the event. From simple, elegant designs to elaborate and ornate creations, the masks are a true feast for the eyes and help to create a truly theatrical atmosphere.
The costumes: The costumes worn during the Carnival are often just as elaborate as the masks and are an essential part of the celebration. Participants will often spend months preparing their costumes, which can range from traditional Venetian styles to more elaborate and fantastical creations.
The history: The Carnival of Venice has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, and it’s one of the oldest and most famous carnivals in the world. Taking part in the celebration is like stepping back in time and experiencing a piece of history.
The location: Venice is already a breathtakingly beautiful city, but during the Carnival, it takes on an even more magical and captivating atmosphere. The canals, bridges, and historic buildings provide a stunning backdrop for the colorful and elaborate celebrations.
The atmosphere: The Carnival of Venice is a true spectacle, and the combination of music, masks, costumes, and street performers creates an unforgettable atmosphere that is both festive and enchanting.

Overall, the Carnival of Venice is an experience like no other, combining history, culture, and celebration in a unique and magical way. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, it’s an event that should not be missed. And it is an event that should be on your bucket list!

The Carnival of Venice brings out the revelers.

Not sure how to describe this at The Carnival of Venice

The Carnival of Venice is for both males and females to dress in costume.

Visiting Australia for the First Time

Australia is a vast and isolated landscape surrounded by lore and tall tales. Before actually visiting Australia for the first time, many people believe Australia is a country of deadly creatures lurking around every corner and kangaroos so large that Aussies can ride in their pouches. For this reason, some of the bravest world travelers have been intimidated by landing on the lonely southern continent of Australia. If that is your impression, and you have visited countries like Turkey, Netherlands or Mexico, then read on. You will be surprised.

Tall Tales

Are there really spiders in every toilet and sharks in every body of water? Will it really be 50°C, or is there a misprint in my guidebook?

In reality, what you’ll actually find when you arrive in this modern, progressive country is world-class beaches, perfect year-round weather, ever-smiling locals, and a lively nightlife scene. Australia consistently ranks in the top 3 healthiest, wealthiest and safest countries to live in. The country is nothing but a welcoming host to its millions of international visitors a year.

Bondi Beach is one of the world’s most famous beach destinations.

There are a few things you do need to know before you land in Australia, though. Firstly, all Australians shorten their words. So be sure to ask for the direction to ‘Maccas’ instead of ‘McDonald’s.’ Secondly, the sense of humor can be confusing at first for a foreigner. If in doubt, assume everything an Australian says is sarcasm. And third, because this is a country of leisure, all the shops open late and close early!

Now I know what everyone is thinking, Australia itself is a continent. This country is enormous, so how do you decide where to visit for your first trip? Given its size, not many visitors backpack.

How to get the authentic Australian experience when visiting Australia

There are three cities you have to visit. Melbourne for the art, music, and sporting cultures, Sydney for the high-end beach lifestyle, and Cairns for access to one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef. Cross these three locations off, and you have a great cross-section of the beauty Australia has to offer.

Visiting the Netherlands | An Insiders Guide

Visiting the Netherlands makes for a great place to visit for everybody from anywhere. Throughout the ages, the Netherlands has always been a place of immigrants and refugees. So you will recognize a lot of influences from different locations. And you will understand its colonial past.

At their own countries’ independence, many people from Indonesia (mostly in The Hague) and Surinam (mainly in Amsterdam) came to the motherland. This has influenced the language and cuisine (look for Spekkoek from Indonesia and Roti from Surinam). You will see grocery stores (called ‘Toko’) everywhere catering to this clientele.

In cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, just about every nationality in the world is represented. This is reflected in restaurants from all corners of the world, from Nepalese to Ethiopian to Argentine cuisine.

Language wizards

And because we are ‘traders’ (we have a history of international trade, that’s what made us rich in the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age), we rely heavily on our economic ties, with Germany and England mostly. Therefore, we speak four languages. Most Dutch speak Dutch, English, German, and French. Announcements at the airport will be in all those languages. And indeed, the younger people all speak English. Expats even complain because we won’t let them practice Dutch with us. As soon as we hear someone is foreign, we switch to English.

When Visiting the Netherlands, beware of those that tell it like it is

When visiting the Netherlands, you must know, we are used to speaking our minds. To many foreigners, it may come across as rude. However, it is not. We never intend to offend anyone. We are just being straight forward. So, get used to it!

No rules when traveling in the Netherlands

The Dutch don’t like rules and hierarchy. We are used to working together as a people to keep the water out. As you may know, we pretty much wrought our country from the sea ourselves.

We are also an egalitarian people, which means that we sit everybody around the table to give everyone a piece of the pie and work out compromises that work for as many people as we can. This is called ‘polderen,’ which means we treat everybody equally. Also, we don’t accept orders. We call our teachers and bosses by their first name, and we basically hate rules. For example, you’ll see a lot of jaywalkers, wrongly parked bicycles, and you might encounter some rude drivers.

There are laws when it comes to drugs in the Netherlands

When visiting the Netherlands, be aware that we don’t like soft drugs. We do have some rules here, though, trying to please everyone, as usual. It is often thought that soft drugs are legal with us. They are not. We have a policy where we condone the recreational use of soft drugs. It’s not legal, but carrying a couple of grams, won’t get you arrested. It is assumed it’s for personal use. That is condoned. More than a couple of grams will get you arrested because the police will think you’re dealing. And that is illegal.

We have designated, licensed coffee shops where these soft drugs are sold. Don’t buy drugs in the streets because you don’t know what you’re buying. In 2014 white heroin was being sold as cocaine in Amsterdam, and some tourists died. Really, go to the coffee shops, if you’re so inclined.

When visiting the Netherlands, look for Coffeeshops to indulge in your pleasure.

Transportation options when visiting the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small, densely populated country, with an excellent public transportation system to get around quickly. It may take you a couple of train and bus changes and maybe a ferry, but you can get pretty much anywhere within three to five hours. All you need is a public transportation pass (the ferries may be excluded, most of those are privately owned), available at the bigger railway stations (including the one at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), and understand you have to check-in and out with every different kind of carrier (train, bus, tram) you use. They will remind you to check out too, though, in big cities like Amsterdam also in English. (By the way, ‘sprinter’ trains are all-station-trains, don’t be fooled by the name.)

There is more than just Amsterdam when visiting the Netherlands

When visiting the Netherlands, there are alternatives for Amsterdam. For example, you could visit Utrecht or Leyden instead. They have ‘walkable’ compact city centers, including canals and canal houses, like Amsterdam, and lots to see and do too. If you don’t want to leave Amsterdam but want to avoid the city center’s crowds and tourist traps, visit Amsterdam West instead. For instance, in ‘De Hallen‘ you will find film screens, food courts, and cafés, and shopping streets and the Ten Kate market are around the corner.

Finding your own way

You could book fully arranged tours, but finding your own way is really easy. The whole country is highly organized and used to catering to foreigners. Everybody speaks English, and you will find that people are happy to help you at every corner. All in all, being in such a small country, having an excellent public transportation system and everybody speaking English, it’ll be hard to get lost in the Netherlands!