The Spring Lantern Festival is enthusiastically celebrated in China, neighbouring nations and by the Chinese diaspora around the world. In Hong Kong it is an occasion of joy and relaxation, when all sections of society unite to celebrate the event as one. The festival which occurs on the15th day of the earliest month of the lunar calendar falls on the final day of the New Year festivities. The event is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as couples take the opportunity to spend cherished moments together on this occasion. In times past single people would try their hand at matchmaking pursuits on this special day. As you might expect on this night a myriad of lanterns are constructed, with innumerable colourful lanterns adorning storefronts, …

In Hong Kong Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year but New Year’s Eve, December 31st, is not far behind and is celebrated with countdowns, fireworks displays and much partying. One of the most crowded New Year’s Eve venues is the countdown at Times Square. If getting jostled by thousands of people is fun, then this is the venue for you. Live music makes the waiting bearable and taking along something to eat and drink will definitely enhance the experience. When the time is right everyone joins in the countdown after which a four minute multi coloured fireworks display bursts overhead and there is much hugging and celebratory handshakes around. The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is what the whole world associates …

One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky. The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon …

A land of various ethnicities, traditions and religious beliefs, Sri Lanka has a wide range of cultural events each year that showcase the island’s rich heritage. If you are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka look to witness some of the events that are taking place during the course of your stay. One of the best ways to explore the country is by signing up for sightseeing tours and Sri Lanka Holiday Travel is one option worth considering. Featuring some of the best holiday travel Sri Lanka has to offer, this well known tour operator takes you to key locations around the island. There is some kind of cultural event taking place almost every month in Sri Lanka. January is when Hindus celebrate Thai Pongal in honour of the …

Staying true to its name – the Big 5 is considered to be the biggest and grandest stage of them all in terms of the booming construction industry in the Middle East. The event which is scheduled to be held between the 25th and 28th of November 2013 at Dubai’s World Trade Centre should be on your itinerary if in the vicinity. Of all the 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer tourists, select Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai which will offer you a perfect stay during the event. Such Dubai luxury hotels would pave the way for you to enjoy the Big 5 and all it has to offer. The construction show which has been organised for the past 30 years serves as a platform where professionals in the …

Christmas is not the same without all the cheer this festival is known for. Tradition marks the heart of such festivities which is fun and symbolic to the 25th of December. Since Christmas festivities have a lot to do with the Western culture, it always comes with a winter theme as its backdrop with snow adding a magical touch to this special day. In Australia and New Zealand although Christmas is profoundly celebrated, the weather really does not match up to the Christmas theme. Here such a celebration is nice and bright and sunny and everything traditionally winter based seems a bit off for the nice warm weather outdoors. Yet countries like Australia and New Zealand go all out in keeping the spirit of the …