A WELCOMING TOWN
n What: Iceland Airwaves 2013
n Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
n When: October 30 - November 3
Since the first edition was held in 1999 (in an airplane hangar), Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier annual showcases for new music - Icelandic and otherwise - in the world. Reykjavík is quite possibly the perfect festival city - small enough to be welcoming, sophisticated enough to offer cultural, historical and nightlife diversions to rival most cities. Surrounded by some of the most unique and astonishing natural beauty you’re ever likely to see, the festival has featured artists like Sigur Rós, Hot Chip, Of Monsters and Men, TV On The Radio, Florence and the Machine and Björk.
A GREAT LINE-UP
n What: ZOUKOUT dance party
n Where: Sentosa, Singapore
n When: December 13 and 14
The party starts at 8 pm and goes on till 5 am the first day and 8 am the next. And
keeping you up will be Electro, Trance, House, Techno to Mambo, Jambo, Hip Hop and Pop played by the likes of Afrojack, Danny Avila, Dash Berlin, Lee Foss, Martin Solveig, Nervo, Otto Knows, Solomun and Zedd.
DRINK ALL YOU WANT
n What: Norwich Beer Festival
n Where: Norwich, England
n When: October 28 - November 2
Those of you who missed Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, despair not. With some diversion in travel plans, ye lager fans can holler cheers at Norwich Beer Festival that is part of the many beer promotions held around the UK. Don’t forget to take in the history and scenery of this city too.
TRICK OR TREAT
n What: Halloween
n Where: Most popular in the USA
n When: October 31
Even Bangalore celebrates it now, but the mother of all Halloween (actually All Hallows’ Evening) observances is in the US. Meant to be a day to remember the dead, including saints (hallows) and martyrs, as says Wikipedia, it’s marked with decorations made of pumpkins and with children going door-to-door asking to be tricked or treated.
IN REMEMBRANCE
n What: Day of the Dead Festival
n Where: Mexico
n When: Nov 1 and 2
A bit like Halloween but with a lot more rituals and pageantry, the Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos is a national holiday in Mexico. Families pray for those who have passed on, remembering them with sugar skulls, their favourite foods and leaving them gifts by their graves. The celebrations coincide with Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honouring the deceased They also leave possessions of the deceased.
THE ELITE KIND
n What: Melbourne Cup Day
n Where: Melbourne, Australia
n When: November 5
He l d o n t h e first Tues-day of November, The Melbourne Cup, conducted by Victoria Racing Club on the Flemington Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse race. And like all such events, it’s not just about the horses and winnings, but also about the fashion stakes and the fun.
TURKEY AND ALL
n What: Thanksgiving Day
n Where: USA
n When: November 28
To thank for the harvest, to thank for the year to come, to seal friendship with the native Americans, and now to prepare for the coming of the holidays, Thanksgiving Day has many histories including that it’s a version of observances brought by the pilgrims from England. A secular custom now, the day is marked by a lavish lunch with family.
A WHITE DAY
n What: International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
n Where: Prague
n When: Dec 12 -15
Winter is almost here and before you realise, it will be Christmas time. The International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music, organised by Millennium Agency Prague and OR-FEA Prague in co-operation with Czech Choral Union, is the first and biggest advent and Christmas music festival held in Central Europe that invites choirs of all kinds to perform.
INDIE SPIRIT
n What: Rhythm and Vines Festival
n Where: Gisborne, New Zealand
n When: Dec 28 - 31
Started by university friends, this festival provides platform for local artistes and a place where people can party in a safe environment. This year the line-up includes Wiz Khalifa, Empire of the Sun, Shapeshifter and more.