>When it’s January in Helsinki, the night can seem endless. And what’s the one thing that people are needing more of in the dead of winter in northern Europe? Light, of course! And once again they’re going to get it. From Wednesday January 6 to Sunday January 10, the eighth … Read more
Germans sure know how to throw a party. Fun festivals with oom-pah bands, beer, wine, sausages plus all sorts of tasty edibles — and plenty of gemütlichkeit. There really is no accurate translation for this word which describes the jolly ambience and lively spirit that is the essence of these … Read more
Forget Tribeca and Aspen. When it comes to film, Karlovy Vary, the largest and most visited of the Czech Republic’s famous spa towns, is the place to be. Besides being one of the oldest film festivals in the world (it was inaugurated in 1946) it’s one of the most important … Read more
A trip to the Czech Republic is amazing in any time of year—whether it’s for May Day festivities in the springtime, the not-too-hot weather during summer or the magical holiday season. But if you’re looking to experience Bohemia like a local, plan your trip during one of these events, happening … Read more
Good news for all you film fans. The annual Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF for short) held in Bergen, Norway is getting ready for its close-up. Showcasing international films, the event gets off the ground at the end of October (23rd) and runs just a little over a week until … Read more
So, if you’re like me, you’ve been thinking that this summer’s blockbusters aren’t up to par and with ticket prices to see a first run film out of control, the experience is a bit of a letdown. Summer is all about smash hits and top-grossers, but this summer hasn’t delivered. … Read more
Think Norwegians are reserved? Just head for one of the country’s summer festivals and you’ll change your mind. When the weather turns warm and the sun beats down on those clear blue fjords, the beat goes on and on. From the capital of Oslo to the Arctic Circle, and clear … Read more
It’s been over 150 years since the King of Norway entered a proclamation declaring, “From 1854 onward a yearly market shall be held in Røros, commencing the second to last Tuesday in the month of February, and lasting until the following Friday. When the King speaks, Norwegians listen. In February … Read more
Multiple, musical modalities were the hallmark of the recent inaugural Catalpa Music Festival. A range of bands performed an array of genres and on offer was something for everyone including rock, retro, reggae, R & B–and rain! Fittingly, the 2-day festival played out on Randall’s Island, where multitudes of people … Read more
Here’s an idea for a summer destination: anywhere in Ishikawa. Bordered by the Japan Sea on the western coast of Japan, this prefecture perfectly lends itself to outdoor sports and relaxation. Just so you know what to expect, Kanazawa, the most well-known city in Ishikawa, rightfully boasts of Japan’s best … Read more
Summer just doesn’t make sense without food trucks, outdoor concerts, free performances, and hoards of travelers looking for a place to camp out. Whether you depart with a backpack or arrive first class, there’s a festival out there for you this summer, and here’s just a few of the best … Read more
There is only one possible word to describe Cannes, France — and that is ‘glamorous’. The sparkling Mediterranean Sea, haute boutiques and opulent hotels are only some of the reasons why this city on the Côte d’Azur is considered to be a playground for the rich and famous. Cannes’ biggest … Read more
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years – so much so that it’s now spread out over two weekends instead of one — and there’s nary a celebrity who would dream of missing the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California. You name them, they’ve been: Twilight’s Kristen … Read more
Art is a reflection of the world around us, how we live in different environments and interact with many kinds of people. If you live in a busy city, perhaps you know how what I’m talking about. It’s hard enough to stop and smell the roses, let alone stop … Read more
World Village Festival Hearing the words “world” and “festival” together, I immediately think of people joining hands around a massive bonfire and singing songs about world peace. Finland’s World Village Festival, however, is way more than that (minus the bonfire). If Memorial Day comes around and you have no plans … Read more