Colors of Buffalo - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Buffalo is a city with an interesting history. It has many peculiarities that make the city stand out of the list of other cities and towns of the state. For example, Buffalo is often referred to as the “snowy city” because it often snows heavily in winter. Early snow can appear already in the middle of October. As a rule, snow showers are the strongest in December. The peculiarity of the local climate is much defined by the proximity of lakes. Wind passes through them and becomes humid, and that humidity falls down on earth in the form of snow. This climatic effect is often referred to as “the lake effect”. Snow showers stop only after ice appears on the lakes.

Climate is not the only peculiarity of the city. Travelers are virtually mesmerized by the numerous architectural landmarks of Buffalo. Yet a hundred years ago local architects decided not to take into consideration European standards and develop their own unique building system instead. Almost every building in Buffalo is a true masterpiece of architectural art.

The name of the city is no less interesting. There are several legends that explain the origins of the word “Buffalo”. In accordance with one of them, the city was named after the Niagara River, precisely, after its French translation. The city is often referred by another name – “the city of good neighbors”. This name is quite symbolic because Buffalo has twin cities in different parts of the world. In true, the city got this “nickname” somewhat earlier, at the beginning of the 20th century, when a hydro-electric power station was built in the area and Buffalo got the first electric lanterns in the country. The next name, “the city of trees” is totally understandable after a stroll in Buffalo. There are many beautiful trees in absolutely all parts of the city. Buffalo is famous for its beautiful parks and magnificent gardens. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The city has a vibrant cultural life. Various events, exhibitions, and performances never end there. As there is some event nearly every week, tourists will not feel bored and have a wonderful chance to explore the cultural life of the city. Naturally, some events and festivals are bigger and attract more visitors and participants. For example, in March the city hosts the annual Buffalo Bloody Mary Fest. It’s a friendly competition that brings together best barmen and mixologists of the city. The competition has three categories – Buffalo’s Best Bloody Mary, Most Creative Bloody Mary, and Best Garnished Bloody Mary. As visitors decide who the winners are, there is no wonder why this festival is extremely popular. As a rule, it is important to purchase the entrance ticket several months in advance to be able to enter the venue.

If you’re more into wine, Buffalo’s Premier Wine Festival is the right event to visit. On the first decade of April, the Buffalo Convention Center is the gathering point for winemakers of the region. The list of participating vendors is expanding every year. Wine sampling, various master classes, and entertainment are the essential part of the event. This event is also very popular with local people and guests of the city, so it is better to purchase tickets in advance.

The Buffalo Museum of Science also provides space for the festival dedicated to a no less popular drink – beer. This event is not only a mere beer tasting – the festival covers all aspects of the “beer science”. Various presentations, home brewing equipment, information about microbreweries of the region, food that suits beer the most, and many other beer related topics form the program of this event. Of course, beer and snack tasting is an essential part of this festival. Not only visitors but also a panel of judges sample all varieties of beer and award the best ones with The Wise Choice Award. The award got its name after Kevin Wise, famous beerologist who had a significant impact on the development of beer science in the region.