AUSTRIA<\/p>
Salzburg Music Festival, May 9-12, Salzburg. This year the festival opens with a performance of Giovanni Paisiello's opera "The Unexpected Marriage". In the following days, music by Alessandro Scarlatti, Antonio Vivaldi, Tomaso Albinoni, and Antonio Lotti will be heard. So don't forget to bring a charger for your player so you don't run out of your favorite music during intermissions. Also on the festival's repertoire are Johann Adolf Hasse's oratorio and the program "Aria for Senesino" featuring countertenor Andreas Scholl and the chamber orchestra "Accademia Bizantina" (Mozart's House). \/\/www.salzburgerfestspiele.at \/\/www.salzburg.info<\/p>
BELGIUM<\/p>
Ascension Day, May 1, Bruges. The Ascension Day procession this year will take place in Bruges on May 1. The holiday traditionally begins with a solemn mass in Bruges' main cathedral and ends with a vibrant parade through the city streets. During this time, participants will be able to see one of Bruges' most revered relics - a crystal vessel containing a particle of the Holy Blood of Christ, which will be solemnly carried out of the cathedral. After that, a colorful theatrical procession with reenactments of biblical and historical scenes will go through the city streets. \/\/www.holyblood.com \/\/www.visitbelgium.com<\/p>
Brussels Arts Festival, May 9-31, Brussels. The Brussels Arts Festival Kunstenfestivaldesarts is called a cosmopolitan urban festival. It calls for tolerance and respect, asserting that in the modern world, and especially in the urban environment consisting of diverse communities, national, linguistic, and cultural boundaries are being reexamined and erased. From May 9 to 31, the festival will provide its venues for people of all ages, genders, professions, religious and political views. As always, the program includes new works of contemporary theater, dance, music, film, and media art. \/\/www.kfda.be<\/p>
Jazz Festival, May 23-25, Brussels. The 13th jazz festival in Brussels will gather 450 musicians from around the world this year. The jazz marathon program announces about 100 concerts, which will take place at the city's most popular venues. Jazz will be heard everywhere in the Belgian capital these days: in parks, squares, restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels. Admission to concerts is free. \/\/www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be<\/p>
GREAT BRITAIN<\/p>
Puppet Theatre Festival, May 11, London. Mr. Punch is the most beloved puppet character of the English. This glove puppet has been entertaining them for centuries, and they reciprocate by grandly celebrating Mr. Punch's birthday. This year he turns 346. The traditional festive service at St. Paul's Cathedral will not take place this time due to Pentecost celebrations, but the puppet show festival, which usually takes place in the garden near the cathedral, has not been cancelled. Additionally, the birthday guests can expect fun performances by clowns, circus performers, brass and folk music, and a fair. \/\/www.alternativearts.co.uk<\/p>
International Music Festival, May 21 - June 7, Bath. The famous international music festival in Bath will take place for the 60th time. The festival opens with a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra (conductor - Colin Davis). The musicians will perform Schubert's Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major and Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 in E major. In addition to numerous concerts of classical, folk, jazz, and electronic music, the program includes films, masterclasses, shows, and a children's parade. Two exhibitions are also planned: a photo exhibition by the famous English photographer David Farrell and an exhibition of festival posters from the past 60 years. Also, participants of this year's Bath festival will include Evelina Petrova and Alexander Balanescu (May 25), as well as Evgeny Sudbin (June 3). \/\/www.bathmusicfest.org.uk<\/p>
GERMANY<\/p>
Fireworks, May 3, 10, 24, Bonn and other cities. In Germany, as part of the "Rhine in Flames" festival, numerous fireworks displays are traditionally held. They are best observed from sightseeing boats that make stops in various cities. And on May 10, the 18th International Pyrotechnics Competition will take place in Hanover. Pyrotechnicians from Portugal, France, the Philippines, Denmark, and Canada will present the most spectacular shows lasting about 30 minutes. \/\/www.firework.rhine-river.com<\/p>
International Tango Festival, May 1-4, Hanover. At the tango festival in Hanover, guests and participants can expect fiery dance parties, concerts, film screenings, and photo exhibitions. Over four days, musicians and dancers will share with each other and guests the amazing world of Argentine tango. The festival will open with the orchestra Sexteto Mayor, one of the most vibrant and popular tango orchestras. \/\/www.tangofestival-hannover.de<\/p>
Hamburg's Birthday, May 9-12. Hamburg will traditionally celebrate its birthday with a port festival. Organizers promise to surprise residents and guests with an extensive program: ship parades, performances by artists from the Tugboat Ballet, fireworks, water and air shows, concerts, and fairs. The tastiest spot of the festival will be the fish market. The "Port Lights" festival is scheduled for May 9, fireworks and Tugboat Ballet performances on May 10, and the small and large parades on May 9 and 12. On May 12, a concert by musicians of the Hamburg Philharmonic will take place. \/\/www.hafengeburtstag.de<\/p>
Carnival of Cultures, May 9-12, Berlin. The Berlin Carnival of Cultures will take place for the 13th time. Its main idea is freedom and interpenetration of cultures. The carnival program includes performances by artists, dancers, and musicians. May 10 is declared the children's day of the carnival. \/\/www.karneval-berlin.de<\/p>
GREECE<\/p>
Flower Parade, May 31, Rhodes. On the last Saturday of spring, the inhabitants of the island of Rhodes celebrate the arrival of summer. Since ancient times, it has been customary on this day to decorate streets and houses with flowers. Rhodes residents wear festive costumes adorned with flowers and hold a flower parade. \/\/www.rhodes.gr<\/p>
DENMARK<\/p>
Carnival, May 17–24, Aalborg. The theme of this year's carnival in a small town in northern Denmark sounds intriguing: 'Magic in the Air'. According to the organizers, everyone will be able to experience miraculous transformations at the carnival. The carnival confronts reality with fantasies, erases boundaries, and preaches freedom of spirit in everything—from creative self-expression to eroticism. On May 17, dancers will perform on the city streets; on May 18, a children's parade will take place; on May 20 and 22, theatrical shows and open-air concerts await carnival guests in the city park. More than 25,000 people will participate in the main costume parade on May 24. //www.karnevaliaalborg.dk
Carnival, May 9–11, Copenhagen. In mid-May, the capital of Denmark will host a traditional carnival with over 100,000 participants. The carnival will leave no one indifferent: dancing until late at night, thrilling salsa and rhythmic samba, blues, film screenings, rides, and many other entertainments for children and adults. //www.karneval08.dk //www.visitcopenhagen.com
SPAIN
Horse Fair, April 27–May 4, Jerez de la Frontera. This Spanish city is famous not only for its excellent wine but also for its annual horse fair. During the fair, Gonzalez Hontoria Park becomes a 'city within a city'. Spectators can expect riding competitions, harness races, and traditional dressage. Additionally, the program includes bullfights, exhibitions, fireworks, Andalusian music, and fiery dances. //www.jerez.org
Festival of Saint Isidore, May 15–21, Madrid and other cities. Saint Isidore is considered the patron saint of Madrid, but festivities in his honor take place in mid-May throughout Spain. Saint Isidore became a saint during his lifetime due to his gift of finding sources of drinking water. In the 16th century, a chapel was built on the spot where Isidore, according to legend, discovered water. Since then, residents of Madrid have come to this source to collect water, believing in its miraculous properties. On the feast of Saint Isidore, every citizen must visit this source. Spaniards celebrate this day wholeheartedly: with music, theatrical performances, and dance parties. //www.turismodecordoba.org //www.esmadrid.com //www.multimadrid.com
ITALY
International Beach Festival, May 10–18, Palermo. Sicily's annual beach festival takes place on Mondello Beach (near Palermo). It is a celebration of sports, music, and fun. The program includes a sailing regatta, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, beach volleyball, and parachuting competitions. This year's festival will feature teams from New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Greece, Israel, France, Germany, Poland, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. In the evenings, guests and participants will be entertained with jazz and pop music. //www.wwfestival.com
CYPRUS
Flower Festivals, May 10 – Lemesos; May 11 – Larnaca; May 25 – Paphos. In Cyprus, as on the island of Rhodes, summer is welcomed with flowers. The tradition of the festival was inherited by Cypriots from the ancient Greeks, who in antiquity held celebrations (Anthesteria) in honor of Dionysus, the god of fertility and patron of winemakers. The festival program includes lavish flower parades, exhibitions, and bazaars. //www.visitcyprus.com
NETHERLANDS
Windmill Day, May 10, Netherlands. On this day in the Netherlands, millers hang blue flags on their windmills, and those wishing to go inside look closely: if a flag is on the windmill, you can enter. Across the country, more than 600 windmills open their doors to visitors. Entrance is almost everywhere free.
In former times, the windmill held an important place in the life of ordinary Dutch people. It provided food, and it also conveyed joys and sorrows. The main thing in life is the wings. The Dutch learned this and used them to transmit important information. For example, happy news was indicated by a 'running' position of the wings, where the miller stopped the wings just before they reached their highest point. //www.holland.com
FRANCE
Bravades Festival, May 16–18, Saint-Tropez. The festival in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint Tropez, who was martyred under Emperor Nero, has been celebrated since the 16th century. The head of the Bravades brotherhood receives the traditional symbols of authority over the city on these days. The festival opens at dawn on May 16 with fireworks, a parade, and a costumed procession that ends near the chapel of Saint Tropez. The next morning, dressed in national costumes, procession participants attend a solemn mass. On the last day of the festival, May 18, thousands of locals and guests take part in a parade, which traditionally ends with a feast and open-air dancing. After that, a festive service will be held in the church. //www.worldeventsguide.com //www.ot-saint-tropez.com
FINLAND
Festival 'The Whole World Comes to Visit', May 24–25, Helsinki. In May, representatives of cultures from around the world will gather in Kaisaniemi Park. The most daring musical, theatrical, and dance experimental projects from various countries will be presented on four festival stages. The parallel program includes discussions, sports competitions, meetings with representatives of public organizations, tasting of exotic dishes, and performances for children. //www.maailmakylassa.fi
CZECH REPUBLIC
Music Festival 'Prague Spring', May 12–June 4, Prague. This year's Prague Spring program features over 50 concerts by outstanding performers and orchestras. The festival will feature the Prague Symphony Orchestra, the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the Prague State Opera Orchestra, the Greek Philharmonic Orchestra, the Budapest Festival Orchestra, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and others. Representatives from 25 countries will come to the festival. //www.festival.cz
SWEDEN
Stockholm Marathon, May 31. For the 30th time, a major sports marathon is being held in the Swedish capital. Runners will have to sweat it out: running a distance of 42 km 195 m through the streets of the capital of the Swedish kingdom is not that easy. It is expected that this year 16,000 people will come to participate and cheer. //www.visitsweden.com