The National Day of any nation is a day of pride and joy. It is a day when a nation’s strength is celebrated by the unity of its people, and serves as an important reminder of a shared national identity. For nations that have known the yoke of colonial rule, it is a day where first independence is remembered. The United Arab Emirates, just like most other nations, has a national day. Back in the day, it was the British Protectorate Treaties that ruled this nation. On the 2nd of December 1971, the UAE for the first time was formally nationalized from these treaties and from this point on, the nation began functioning under its own jurisdiction, and eventually unified the different Emirates in to …

Although Christmas in not a public holiday in China; it is celebrated with the same grandeur and glamour exhibited in more opulent nations. Like Valentine’s Day or any other commercial festival, Christmas brings with it plenty of decoration and a whole festive holiday spirit. When you look at the many streets lined with sparkling Christmas trees and hear Christmas carols echo in the distance, you would really be surprised that Christmas is not a religious festival in China. Despite Christianity not being a primary religion in China, the country houses a substantial amount of churches. After all, China does have a population of 1.3 billion people and the Christians, according to statistics, make about 2 % of this population. Nevertheless the younger generation of China …

Spring is the time that Guangzhou is at its best. The flower festival in the province, the largest show of fresh flowers in Asia, usually takes place three days prior to the annual Spring Festival holidays in February. The extension of the 2013 flower festival to 18 days well after the Spring Festival is an indication of its popularity. As the holiday spirit is in the air this is the time that everyone takes to the streets to have fun and enjoy a fabulous collection of flowers and plants in all sorts of arrangements. Red lanterns festoon city streets, flower fairs proliferate all over the province and a carnival like atmosphere prevails everywhere. People throng the flower shows to enjoy the electric atmosphere, innovative flower …

Known for its pristine sun drenched beaches and exciting water sports, the island of Sri Lanka offers the perfect coastal getaway. This enchanting tropical paradise providing many exciting experiences that take you on a unique journey of discovery, as you learn more about the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage as well. A great destination to visit the whole year through, Sri Lanka is also an ideal place to herald in the New Year. Spending the 31st of December on the coast is well worth experiencing and one of the best locales to do so is in Negombo. Located along the West Coast, Negombo is conveniently situated near the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake making it a great base for those entering and leaving the …

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, …

Colourful costumes overflowing with grandeur, energetic movements and thudding drum beats characterize this lively yet elegant dance portraying the proud and rich heritage of the Sri Lankan nation. Originating from the central hills region of the country, there are plenty of hotels Sri Lanka amongst which Hotel Hilltop is amongst the hotels Sri Lanka in which one can lodge in while exploring this ancient art. It is said that the origins of the dance lies in the Kohomba Kankariya, originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island to cure a king who had a recurring dream. The Kandyan Dance is a venerated art form and follows a tradition of its own. In the olden days, this dance was performed by dancers who belonged …