AUSTRIA
Street festival Pflasterspektakel, July 19-21, Linz. For three days, from noon to midnight, the 21st international street art festival Pflasterspektakel will take place non-stop in Linz. For its holding, 40 special venues will be prepared in the city center and in the Landhaus park, as well as 9 theatrical and musical "islands". The first half of the day is given to circus arts - magicians, jugglers and acrobats, and the evening and night - to mini-parades, fireworks and music shows. About 500 performances are announced in the program, so before setting off on a journey through the festival streets, it is better to familiarize yourself with the detailed schedule. //www.pflasterspektakel.at
Music festival, July 18 - August 19, Bregenz. The focus of the famous Bregenz Music Festival this year is the music of Benjamin Britten and other English composers, whose works can be heard at choral and symphonic music concerts (July 23, 25 and 30). The main festival events to be held on closed stage venues include Britten's opera "Death in Venice" and operetta "Paul Bunyan". But, by tradition, the main event will be an opera performance on the waters of Lake Constance. It is expected that about 7 thousand spectators will be able to visit it daily. This will be Giacomo Puccini's opera "Tosca". By the way, for the especially curious, special excursion tours around the famous floating stage are organized. //www.bregenzerfestspiele.com
BELGIUM
Gentse Feesten, July 14-23, Ghent. The Ghent Festival has been held for more than 160 years and is considered one of the largest and most interesting in Europe. In essence, it includes four big festivals: the Blue Note Records jazz festival (July 6-17), where both jazz avant-garde and classics will sound; the street theater festival (July 18-22); the puppet theater festival and the 10 Days Off contemporary electronic music festival. The Gentse Feesten program also includes classical and pop music concerts, costume balls, historical parades and fireworks. //www.gentsefeesten.be
Dour alternative music festival, July 12-15, Dour. The music festival in Dour will be held for the 19th time in the area of abandoned coal mines, where a tent camp will be set up. All its participants performing rock, techno, jazz, rap, chanson, hip-hop are united by the desire to experiment. Some restaurants in Kiev also offer to enjoy alternative music, but fans better go this year to Dour, where about 200 musicians from 32 countries will come. Among them are Lloyd Carter, The Rapture, James Delleck, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Dave Clarke, DJ Shadow, Wu-Tang Clan, etc. Tickets can be ordered in advance. //www.dourfestival.be
GREAT BRITAIN
Music and Fireworks Festival, July 7-8; Folk Festival, July 27-29, Warwick. In the famous ancient Warwick Castle, traditionally in July, two major festivals will take place. The summer open-air music and fireworks festival will welcome classical music lovers, who will be treated to the "Overture" from Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro", selected arias from Verdi's opera "Aida" and Bizet's "Carmen". Fireworks to Wagner's music will look especially good.
At the end of July, Warwick again expects an influx of guests - this time for the traditional folk festival. Fairs, live music, booths, rides will fully correspond to the folk spirit of the holiday, in which 30 music and dance groups will take part. //www.warwick-castle.co.uk //www.warwickfolkfest.demon.co.uk
International street festival Brouhaha, July 15 - August 6, Liverpool, Manchester and other cities. The Brouhaha festival fully justifies its name, since all events take place right on the streets: carnival processions, music concerts, circus performances, and dance parties. The opening ceremony will take place in Liverpool, where spectators will be able to enjoy performances by artists from Brazil, Cuba, Uruguay, Trinidad.
On July 21, a costume parade will take place in Manchester, which will grow into the Parampara carnival show. From July 24 to 27, a traditional dance festival is planned, and July 26-28 - a drummers' festival. On July 26, a hip-hop party is expected in Liverpool, and on July 28 - a carnival in Bootle. //www.brouhaha.uk.com
Lady Godiva Festival, July 13-15, Coventry. The festival in Coventry, dedicated to the legendary Lady Godiva, who became a symbol of the city, will be held for the 10th time this year. Its main event - a carnival procession through the streets of Coventry led by a naked Lady Godiva on horseback - will take place on Saturday, July 14. But the program is not limited to this. During these three festive days, you can listen to live music concerts, watch theatrical and circus performances, see the final and award ceremony of the G Factor music competition, and take part in sports competitions. //www.godivafestival.co.uk
GERMANY
Masala Festival, until July 15, Hanover. Masala is one of the most popular multicultural events of this summer in Germany. It seeks to bring together different styles of music, different countries and different generations. The festival program intricately mixes ethnic, classical and contemporary music performed by musicians from 20 countries. This year will feature: Ensamble Nuevo Tango from Argentina; Mlimani Park Orchestra from Tanzania; Moderna Tradicao from Brazil; The Silk String Quartet from China; Simphiwe Dana from South Africa and other performers. The festival is also famous for its fair, where you can get acquainted with traditional crafts, art and national cuisine of the participating countries. //www.masala-festival.de
The Rhine in Flames festival, July 7, 14, 21, Cologne and other cities. The traditional popular Rhine in Flames festival continues, featuring music concerts, parades and, of course, pyrotechnic shows. It has long been known that the best way to watch festive fireworks is from pleasure boats that make stops in different cities - such a program has long been successfully implemented in Germany. On July 7, you can attend a pyrotechnic show and illuminated boat parade in Rüdesheim, on July 14 - a fireworks festival and live music concerts in Cologne, and on July 21 - a parade, fireworks and wine festival in Oberwesel. //www.rhein.feuerwerk-info.de //www.firework.rhine-river.com
DENMARK
Roskilde Festival, through July 8, Roskilde. The Roskilde Festival (30 km from Copenhagen) has been held since 1971 and annually attracts about 100 thousand rock music fans. This year it will feature Björk and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse and The Killers, Beastie Boys and My Chemical Romance - and about 200 more musical acts. In addition to non-stop concerts, audiences will be able to take part in sports competitions (beach volleyball, parkour, football, swimming), graffiti contests, theatrical and sculptural improvisations, and visit a mini-film festival. //www.roskilde-festival.dk
Viking Festivals, July 6-21, Jels. In summer, Denmark hosts many Viking festivals, known primarily for battle scenes and craft fairs. The festival in Jels differs even in name: “The Viking Chronicles.” This name reflects above all the festival’s historical theme. “The Viking Chronicles” will take place in an ancient open-air city amphitheater overlooking a lake. So spectators will see land battles and scenes from Viking life in the amphitheater itself, and battle scenes on the water and boat competitions on the lake. //www.jelsvikingespil.dk
SPAIN
Running of the Bulls and the Fiesta of San Fermín, July 6-14, Pamplona. The main event in Pamplona’s July life will undoubtedly be the dangerous running of the bulls (encierro) and the Fiesta of San Fermín, the patron saint of Pamplona. The most thrilling moments of the festival occur when enraged bulls are released onto the narrow streets of the city, and brave volunteers try to outrun them. Of course, the contest usually does not go without casualties, and therefore on the eve of the fiesta there will be an alternative naked run of people protesting against the stupidity and cruelty of such bullfights. By tradition, the festival also includes a solemn mass, a costumed procession, a parade of giants and a folklore festival. //www.sanfermin.com //www.pamplona.net
European Hot Air Balloon Festival, July 11-15, Igualada. The largest balloon festival in Spain and one of the largest in Europe will be held this year in the small Catalan town of Igualada. About 40 aeronaut teams from different countries will rise into the sky in huge multicolored balloons. About 25 thousand people will watch these spectacular and thrilling competitions, and for them the organizers have provided accompanying music and tasting programs. //www.ultramagic.com //www.launch.net
La Mar de Músicas Festival, July 6-28, Cartagena. La Mar de Músicas will be held for the 13th time in Cartagena, located on the Mediterranean coast. The main feature of this festival is complete immersion in the culture and art of a single country. This time the festival is dedicated to Mexico; audiences will get acquainted with traditional Mexican music and dances, crafts, contemporary art and, of course, national Mexican cuisine. It can be assumed that the Mexican film festival will also become popular. //www.lamardemusicas.com
ITALY
Verdura Festival, through July 29, Palermo. The Italian word “verdura” translates as “greens, vegetables,” which fully reflects the diversity and even eclecticism of the musical genres presented at the festival: classical, rock, chanson, pop, ballet and contemporary dance, opera and musical. The event will take place in Italy’s largest theater - the Teatro Massimo in Palermo. The festival will open with a concert by the legendary Patti Smith. This year’s program includes ballet evenings (July 6, 7 and 11), an evening dedicated to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (July 17), opera evenings (July 19, 25). Audiences will see a solo jazz concert by Brazilian singer, composer and instrumentalist Gilberto Gil on July 12. //www.teatromassimo.it
Festa del Redentore, July 14-15, Venice. In early July, two regattas will take place in Venice: the Murano Regatta and the Malammocco Regatta, but the most spectacular water festival is considered the Festa del Redentore, or the celebration in honor of the Redeemer. This festival was first held in 1576, when the city was freed from the plague and construction of the Church of the Redeemer began on the Giudecca island. By tradition, this two-day festival begins with the construction of a floating bridge 330 m long across the Giudecca Canal and a solemn procession and mass in the Church of the Redeemer. Saturday is devoted to rides in decorated gondolas along the canals of Venice, and will end with a grand fireworks display and public festivities. On Sunday, a festive regatta will be held in the Venetian lagoon, and then the fun will continue in the beach area of the Lido island. //www.turismovenezia.it
Opera Festival, through September 1, Verona. The world-famous Opera Festival is held in the ancient amphitheater “Arena di Verona,” built in the 1st century BC under Emperor Augustus. The first performance took place there in August 1913 - Verdi’s “Aida” was presented. Since then, staging the best operas and performances by famous artists have been an established tradition. Audiences of the Arena di Verona, which seats 16 thousand spectators, have heard the voices of Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras and other opera stars. In July, audiences will see Puccini’s “La Bohème” (18, 21, 24 and 27), “Nabucco” (7, 20) and Verdi’s “Aida” (8, 15, 17, 22, 25, 28), as well as Rossini’s opera “The Barber of Seville” (14, 19, 23). //www.arena.it
CYPRUS
Festival of Ancient Drama, until August 4, Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia. As last year, eight international theatre companies from Italy, Bulgaria, England, Greece, Germany and Cyprus will present their performances at the famous festival of ancient Greek drama, which will take place in three Cypriot cities for the 11th time. The stages will be the ancient theatres of Odeon (Paphos), Curium (Limassol) and the Makarios III Amphitheatre in Nicosia. Audiences will see two versions of Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" (July 6-9 and 15-16), two tragedies by Sophocles - "Ajax" (July 27-30) and "Electra" (August 2-3). They will also see Aristophanes' comedy "Women at the Thesmophoria" (July 8-10) and Euripides' tragedy "Iphigenia in Aulis" (July 21-23). Almost all performances follow the same pattern: the first day in Paphos, then Limassol and Nicosia. //www.cyprus-theatre-iti.org
THE NETHERLANDS
Summer Carnival, July 26-28, Rotterdam. The Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval) in Rotterdam has become an integral part of city life, although at first it was just a parade involving small ethnic groups from Cape Verde, the Antilles and Suriname. It must be said that the exotic spirit of the festival is still preserved today. The carnival traditionally begins with the election of the queen (July 22). Three days are allotted for preparation, and then: July 26 - a beach party with cocktails, dancing, live music concerts; July 27 - the traditional "drummers' battle" for the main prize of €6,000; July 28 - a costume parade and a big Latin American party on all city streets. //www.zomercarnaval.nl
FINLAND
Sea Festival, July 21-22, Kotka. Since 1962, the largest sea festival in the country has been held in the port of Kotka, so traditions here are quite established. First comes sport - all kinds of spectacular races on sailing ships, yachts, motorboats and ordinary boats. (It is said that the children's sports festival in Kotka looks better than the adult one.) In the evening - a mini jazz festival and a competition of sea songs and sailors' dances. Simultaneously with sports and music - a fish market and tasting of seafood dishes, and the most interesting thing awaits spectators before tasting - competitions for the speed of cleaning fish and seafood. //www.visitfinland.com
Jazz festivals, July 14-22, Pori; July 26-28, Raahe. The international Pori Jazz festival has been held since 1966 and annually brings together about 200 performers of various jazz styles, whose art is usually appreciated by more than 100,000 spectators. This year will perform: Paul Anka (July 19), Elvis Costello (July 21), Al Foster (19, 20), Kurt Rosenwinkel (19, 20, 21), Gilberto Gil (19), India.Arie (20), Natalie Cole (19), The Roots (20). Ticket prices - from €20 to €55.
At the end of July, another stylish festival will take place in Raahe - "Jazz by the Sea", which is famous for its cozy home atmosphere. For €8 to €20, audiences will be able to hear Icecold, JazzKamikaze (July 27), La Pandilla, BassDrumBone and Henry O′Trio (July 28). Concerts will be held on the island of Fantti and in clubs on the seafront. //www.porijazz.fi //www.rajatsi.fi
FRANCE
Bastille Day, July 13-14, Paris and other cities. As always, one of the grandest French holidays - Bastille Day - will be celebrated lavishly. It will open with a military parade, and then for two days the French capital will be immersed in fun: balls, illuminations, picnics. It seems that absolutely everyone takes part in the folk festivities. The holiday will end with a magnificent fireworks display. In Cannes on July 14, a fireworks festival will be held in honor of the holiday, in Arras - a parade of giant dolls, and in Saint-Chartier - a traditional music festival (July 12-15). //www.pidf.com //www.saintchartier.org
61st Theatre Festival, July 6-27, Avignon. As usual, at the famous international Avignon Festival, audiences will be able to appreciate new works by world-famous theatre directors. On the first day, on the main stage (the courtyard of the Papal Palace), a performance by the "associated director" of the current festival, Frédéric Fisbach, based on Jean Genet's play "The Screens" will be shown, and the following evening audiences will see the play "Unknown Deed" by the famous playwright and director Valère Novarina. Also promising to be interesting are another interpretation of Shakespeare's "King Lear" by Jean-François Sivadier, the play "North" by the famous German provocative director Frank Castorf, a new play by the Polish intellectual director Krzysztof Warlikowski "Angels in America", a dance performance-installation by Sasha Waltz "Insideout", and a provocative play by Argentine Rodrigo García "Raw. Medium. Well Done. Burnt." Also eagerly awaited is the festival's favourite - Ariane Mnouchkine's "Théâtre du Soleil" with the six-hour diptych "Les Éphémères". //www.avignon-off.org/site/festival //www.festival-avignon.com
Festival of Arts, July 6-30, Carcassonne. The Festival of Arts, held in the beautiful medieval Carcassonne, is always a spectacular event. Its program includes: theatre and dance performances, opera, music concerts and shows. World-class stars take part in this celebration with pleasure. This time the program includes: Rossini's opera "The Barber of Seville" (July 6), Maurice Béjart and "Béjart Ballet Lausanne" (July 11, 12), a solo concert by Pascal Obispo (July 17), a concert by Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation (July 27), Joe Cocker (July 30). //www.festivaldecarcassonne.com
CROATIA
International folklore festival, July 18-22, Zagreb. The 41st folklore festival in Zagreb will greet guests with music and dance concerts, a film festival, and an exhibition "Traditional Jewelry of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina". Traditional polyphonic singing (Sardinia, Georgia, Croatia) - July 19; concert of Indian folk music and traditional dance - July 20; big folk dance evening "Dance With Us!" - July 20 and 21. The celebration will feature 30 Croatian and 10 foreign ensembles, among them Konga Vibes from Malawi. The film festival will be dedicated to last year's anniversary folklore festival in Zagreb. //www.msf.hr
Medieval festival, July 24-28, Rabac. The annual medieval festival, held in the resort town of Rabac, fits perfectly into the architecture of this city. On July 24, the festival will open with a costumed parade, and a huge medieval fair will also start operating, where you can purchase handmade goods by local artisans. On July 27, the most spectacular events will take place: a knight's parade and tournament. During these days, you should definitely try national Croatian dishes prepared according to old recipes and watch performances by wandering musicians and comedians on the streets and squares of the city. //www.tzg-rab.hr //www.fjera.hr
CZECH REPUBLIC
Folklore festivals, July, various cities in the Czech Republic. All July folklore festivals in the Czech Republic are associated with the celebration of "Slunovrat", or the Summer Solstice. Live folk song and dance, performances by folklore ensembles are very popular in this country. Until July 7, the traditional festival Zahrada ("Garden") will take place in Namest na Hane, specializing mainly in ethnic music, blues, and country, and from July 12 to 14, in the town of Jindrichuv Hradec, the festival "Folklore Rose" (Folklova ruze) will be held on the square in front of the castle. //www.folkcountry.cz
SWITZERLAND
Jazz festival, July 6-21, Montreux. Several years ago, the organizers of the famous Swiss jazz festival announced an expansion of the musical spectrum, so now at the Montreux Jazz Festival, in addition to jazz, rock and pop music, rhythm and blues, soul, and blues are performed. As Gazeta.Ru reports, this year's participants include: The Chemical Brothers (July 6), Heaven and Hell (July 7), Placebo (July 8), George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band 2007 (July 9). Faithless (July 10), Pet Shop Boys (July 19), Van Morrison (July 20). On July 14, a Brazilian carnival will take place as part of the festival, and on July 16, the traditional "Jazz Night of Surprises" will be held. //www.montreuxjazz.com