AUSTRIA
Salzburg Cultural Days, October 12-28; Jazz Autumn festival, October 25 - November 4, Salzburg. The Salzburg Cultural Days will be a major event for classical music lovers. This year, the new Mozarthaus will be one of the concert venues for the first time, and the festival will open there. This time, the honor of starting the Cultural Days goes to a touring production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" by the Prague State Opera. On October 23, the St. Petersburg State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre will present a ballet based on Chekhov's "The Seagull", featuring music by Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Scriabin. The Cultural Days will conclude with a concert by the Salzburg Wind Orchestra performing music by Bach, Mozart, Verdi, and other composers (October 28).
Jazz-Herbst in Salzburg has been held since 1996 and differs from other similar festivals in that audiences can not only attend concerts with world stars, but also see themed films and visit exhibitions dedicated to the history of jazz. Among the participants of this year's festival are The Leaders (October 27), e.s.t. Esbjorn Svensson (October 30), Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (November 2), Paco de Lucia & Band (November 4). Three concerts will be held daily during the festival. Ticket price: €30. //www.salzburg.com //www.jazz4you.at
Elevate Festival, October 24-27, Graz. The residents of Graz themselves call this festival Schlossbergfestival, as it is dedicated to the city's main symbol, the Schlossberg, a green hill almost 500 m high with the remains of an ancient fortress. This year's festival theme is "Democracy", so in the first half of the day one can expect lectures, political discussions, and a series of documentary films on this topic. In the evening and at night (from 6 pm to 6 am), on several open-air stages, audiences can enjoy concerts and theatrical shows. Among the participants of Elevate are musicians from Japan, USA, Norway, UK, France, Canada. The main theme of this part of the festival is electronic music. A ticket for all concerts on one day costs €18, and a combined ticket for all concerts over four days costs €45. //www.elevate.at
BELGIUM
Europalia Cultural Festival, until February 3, Brussels. Europalia has been held in Belgium since 1969. The name of this major festival devoted to European art and culture includes the word "opalia", denoting a festival of the bountiful harvest in Ancient Rome. The program includes concerts of classical and contemporary music, drama, ballet and opera performances, folklore groups, film festivals, exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, as well as fashion and gastronomy festivals.
In October, audiences can attend concerts by the Bulgarian National Radio Choir, see performances by folklore groups from Bulgaria and Portugal, and get acquainted with the best Romanian films. An exhibition of ancient musical instruments promises to be interesting. The detailed program is available on the official website. //www.europalia.be
GREAT BRITAIN
Irish Festival, October 11-21, Newcastle. Tyneside Irish Festival – this is the name of this festival organized by the Tyneside Irish Cultural Society. Visitors can expect a comprehensive immersion in Irish culture and lifestyle. This year's festival will feature: Finbar Furey, Declan O'Rourke, Frank McCaffrey, Zoe Conway, Liam O'Flynn, Auvo Quartet. Irish-style dance and music parties will be held daily. //www.tynesideirish.com
Medieval Festivals, October, Nottingham. The most popular medieval festivals are known to take place in October in Nottingham. At the beginning of the month, the famous Goose Fair will open there, where, according to legend, Robin Hood himself appeared "to lure the treacherous Sir Guy into the forest and take away his stolen gold". At that time, the fair was located in the city center; now it takes place both in the city and in Sherwood Forest. Here you can buy not only food supplies but also jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and also have a great time on ancient rides. And be sure to try a simple old dish – mushy peas with mint sauce.
On October 18, 19, and 20, you can have dinner with real ghosts in Nottingham, and on September 20 and 21, the Robin Hood Festival will take place at Nottingham Palace – a staged show reviving the events of the "eternal" confrontation between brave forest warriors and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Medieval attributes (costumes, musicians, fairs) and the opportunity to be not only a spectator but also a direct participant in the performances have made this festival famous. //www.nottinghamgoosefair.co.uk //www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Arts Festival, October 13-27, Canterbury. The October Canterbury Festival – one of the oldest English arts festivals with an impeccable reputation – will be a major event in the cultural life of Great Britain. Over two weeks, audiences will be delighted with classical music concerts, theatrical performances, films, jazz, and folklore performances. This year, stars such as LD Frazier (October 21) and The Tiger Lillies (October 22) will take part. The festival will open on October 13 with the premiere of a musical show specially prepared for the occasion by the Canterbury Theatre Company. //www.canterburyfestival.co.uk
GERMANY
Beer festival, until October 14, Stuttgart. Cannstatter Volksfest is the name of this Swabian festival, which has been held since 1818. In terms of traditions, it is in many ways similar to the famous Munich Oktoberfest. Cannstatter Volksfest takes place in Bad Cannstatt, near Stuttgart. In the beer tents, you must taste local beer varieties, and in the "French village" try Gallic delicacies. A 24-meter pillar of fruit will symbolize this riotous fair with the inevitable Ferris wheel, "wild water races," a costume parade that will take place on the first Sunday of the holiday, and a musical fireworks display on the last days of the festival. Many people prefer the rural flavor of this celebration to Munich's. //www.wasen.info //www.cannstatter-volksfest.de
Festival of Lights and Shopping Night, October 16-28, Berlin. A marathon of fireworks, unusual light installations, 40 illuminated buildings, a rich cultural program – these are the main features of the annual Berlin Festival of Lights, which will take place in the second half of the coming month. October 20 has been declared "open house day": until midnight, anyone can visit the illuminated buildings of the city. In addition, daily special tours of the festival sites will be organized, which were hugely popular last year.
On the last weekend of October, during the night from Saturday to Sunday (27-28), all major stores in Berlin will be open until midnight, offering special deals and programs for their customers during the traditional Shopping Night. Cinemas, bars, cafes, and restaurants will also be open all night – after all, you have to celebrate your successful purchases. //www.festival-of-lights.de //www.lange-nacht-des-shoppings.de
GREECE
Chestnut Festival, October 13-16, Elos (Crete). In mid-October, in the so-called "chestnut villages" of Crete, a chestnut harvest festival takes place. In the village of Elos, which is located near the town of Kissamos (also known as Kastelli), you can attend a colorful local festival with parades, music, and a chestnut fair. In Elos, they usually prepare sweet chestnuts with spices, but the fair will also have other exotic chestnut dishes: soups, salads, cakes, marmalade, and other delicacies. It is best to wash down the chestnuts with local wine. By the way, on October 21, a similar chestnut festival will also take place in Paris. //www.gnto.gr
SPAIN
Gastronomic Festival "Gifts of the Sea", until October 14, El Grove. The first two weeks of October in El Grove are dedicated to the world-famous gastronomic festival Fiesta de Exaltacion del Marisco. In the past, this was just a local festival dedicated to the catch of turbot and mussels. But every year, the number of seafood fans who come to this festival to try dishes made from halibut, mollusks, lobsters, crabs, langoustines, and other sea creatures is growing. A folklore festival, art and science exhibitions, and culinary competitions occupy an important place in the program of this event. During the festival, a large seafood fair will be open. //www.galinor.es
International Music Festival Womex, October 24-28, Seville. The international festival Womex (World Music Expo) has been held since 1994. It is dedicated to ethnic and traditional music and takes place in various European cities. In October, the festival audience, as in past years, will gather in Seville. This year, more than 300 musicians from 70 countries will perform at the World Music Expo. The event will open with a presentation of the Pakistani-Spanish project Qawwali-Flamenco at Seville's Lope de Vega Theatre, where the main events of the festival will take place. //www.womex.com
ITALY
Chocolate Festival, October 13-21, Perugia. This year, the Eurochocolate festival will take place in Perugia for the 14th time. This time, the theme will be the exclamation "Food of the Gods!" At the festival, you can taste and buy more than six thousand varieties of chocolate products, including funny sweet mobile phones, wallets, watches, and even spaghetti. On October 14, the famous chocolate sculpture competition will take place, in which, by the way, anyone can participate. The program also includes chocolate body art, culinary competitions for the most original chocolate dish, live music concerts, theatrical and pyrotechnic shows. //www.eurochocolate.com
Truffle Festival until November 11, Alba. White Piedmont truffles Tuber Magnatum Pico are also called "white diamonds": they are considered tastier than black French truffles, and their price reaches €2,000 per kilogram. For this reason, not everyone can attend the auction that will take place as part of the festival. But you must definitely go to the fair, where you can taste local dishes using these mushrooms – risotto, pasta, sauces, oil, creams, fonduta. By the way, there you can find local wines, snails, and other exquisite dishes of Piedmontese cuisine.
The cultural program is no less intense than the gastronomic one: from medieval processions, palio, and the election of the truffle queen – to sports competitions, music, and theater shows. //www.fieradeltartufo.org
CYPRUS
Kypria 2007 Festival, until October 20, Nicosia. The international festival Kypria, which takes place in September-October in various cities, is considered an important event in the cultural life of Cyprus. The most intense program awaits the residents of the Cypriot capital Nicosia. "The Barber of Seville" performed by the Moscow Helikon Opera, a classical music concert with European choral groups, and on October 9 – a jazz concert. One of the most important events of the festival will be a performance by Maurice Béjart's ballet company (October 19 and 29). //www.cyprustourism.org
The Grape Festival "Afamia," October 6-7, Koilani. At the beginning of October, the village of Koilani, located near Limassol, hosts the ancient grape harvest festival – "Afamia." The main event of the festival will undoubtedly be the tasting of juices, wine, and desserts made from local grapes. Traditionally, a folklore festival, singer and dancer competitions, a craft fair, and a painting exhibition are held during these days. By the way, in Koilani, the local winery produces excellent Commandaria – one of the oldest dessert wines in the world. //www.cyprustourism.org/
NETHERLANDS
ADE Club Music Festival, October 18-20; PINT Beer Festival, October 26-28, Amsterdam. The dance and electronic music festival ADE primarily attracts a young audience: it is here that you can get acquainted with new trendy directions in club music. This year, about 500 popular DJs and dancers will take part in the event, including Mala Vita, Caspian Hat Dance, Nouvelle Vague, Billy Nasty, John Askew, DJ mps Pilot, DJ Paulos, DJ Tommi, and other popular musicians and DJs.
And at the end of October, the famous Dutch PINT Bokbierfestival will be held for the 30th time at Amsterdam's Beurs van Berlage, where you can taste the best local beers and listen to music. //www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl //www.pint.nl //www.visitamsterdam.nl/
FINLAND
Herring Catch Festival, October 7-13; Carnival of Lights, October 12-21, Helsinki. This last and largest fish market of the year in Helsinki has existed since 1743. Every day, the city's Market Square will sell both fresh and specially prepared salted, pickled fish, and of course, the famous herring in dill mustard sauce.
The Carnival of Lights in Helsinki is a multi-day celebration of the evening city, specially illuminated during these days. Public festivities, romantic music concerts, and fireworks form the basis of this festival, the main events of which will take place at the Linnanmäki amusement park. //www.hel2.fi //www.linnanmaki.fi
Sibelius Music Week Festival, October 23-28, Järvenpää. Järvenpää is considered the city of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. He spent the last years of his life here and died here. The Sibelius Week Festival is held with the active participation of the Sibelius Academy and is known primarily for launching new stars. This year, young vocalists from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Iceland will take part in the Week. The central place in the festival program is occupied by Sibelius's vocal works. The Week will conclude with an awards ceremony and a grand final concert featuring Bach's Mass in B minor for soloists, choir, and orchestra. //www.sibeliuslaulukilpailu.fi
FRANCE
Jazz Pulsations Festival, October 6-20, Nancy. Five stages, several concerts a day, freedom in musical experiments, and a thirty-year history have made this festival one of the most popular in Europe. Traditional blues, swing, Dixieland, folk, avant-garde jazz, gospel, and chanson all coexist here. This year, the festival will feature Élisabeth Kontomanou, Biyouna, Karzapp' 4tet, King Automatic, The Bloody Hollies, The Joystix, Trio Ivoire, Son of Dave, Nublu Orchestra, Jazzlab, and other musicians. October 16 is hip-hop day, and October 18 is jazz-rock day. Tickets for evening concerts cost from €4 to €25, while daytime concerts will mostly be free. //www.nancyjazzpulsations.com
CZECH REPUBLIC
Strings of Autumn Festival, September 23 - November 18, Prague. "Jazz and classical, tradition and experiment" – this is how the organizers define the theme of this festival, which will take place on five stages, including the Czech Museum of Music and the Rudolfinum. This year's festival program includes performances by the Moscow Patriarchate choir "Ancient Russian Chant" under the direction of Anatoly Grindenko (September 26, 27), a concert by the famous Portuguese fado singer Ana Moura (October 1, 2), the avant-garde theater-music project Handa Gote Research & Development (October 21), and jazz improvisations by the Bester Quartet (October 25). On October 30, everyone can attend a genuine ancient Andalusian festival "Nouba" at the Rudolfinum. //www.strunypodzimu.cz
Pilsner Fest Beer Festival, October 3-7, Pilsen. This celebration has been held for more than a century and a half in the ancient city of Pilsen, known worldwide for its brewery and Beer Museum. In addition to tastings of the best Czech beers and a gastronomic feast, residents and guests of the city can expect an extensive musical program. 35 concerts will take place on three stages. Within the framework of the festival, art and photo exhibitions will open, literary readings, original beer-themed competitions, organ music concerts will be held, and from Friday to Sunday, a "historical fair" will operate in the city. On Sunday, a beer collectors' fair will also open. If you decide to go on a tour of the brewery cellars, you will be treated to beer tasting from barrels and historical fencing. //www.pilsnerfest.cz
SWITZERLAND
Gastronomic and Autumn Festivals, until November 4, Lugano. October in Lugano traditionally welcomes the "high cuisine festival" – as the gastronomic festival, which lasts a whole month, is often called. In the city's restaurants and cafes, visitors will be offered special tasting programs that include traditional local dishes at minimal prices.
And from October 5 to 7, the 'Autumn Festival' will take place in Lugano. Those who want to say goodbye to summer and wisely meet the inevitable autumn can console themselves by choosing treats and souvenirs at the fair and listening to ancient folk music. Ticino wines, polenta and risotto will certainly help overcome autumn sadness. By the way, on the 5th and 7th in Lugano, as part of the puppet theater festival, you can watch the puppet show 'Phantasmagoria' performed by the Turin Puppet Theater. //www.taa-michel-poletti.ch //www.rassegnagastronomica.ch