Fun and festivities in Great Britain - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

One of the most important holidays in the UK is Christmas, which is traditionally celebrated on December, 25. The whole country lights up with holiday illumination on the eve of the holiday. It is celebrated even by families who do not belong to any religious confession. Christmas trees are set on the squares and in the living rooms. Houses are also decorated with toys, garlands, wreaths, and twigs of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling. It is customary to meet Christmas in the family circle. The whole family and relatives gather at the dinner table. The Christmas table dishes are strictly traditional. Turkey with stuffed vegetables is always served, and the hostess cooks a Christmas pudding for dessert. Another treat is specially cooked mulled wine. December 26 is a boxing day. It is common to exchange souvenirs and go for a walk.

On January 5, on the eve of Christian Epiphany, the Twelfth-day is celebrated. On this day, it is necessary to remove all festive decorations from the house and from the street, otherwise, the whole next year will be unsuccessful. The ornaments that remain in the house can not be taken away until next Christmas. On February 14, lovers celebrate Valentine's Day. They exchange greeting cards and themed gifts. The UK is a monarchy. The entire population of the country loves and honors the royal family. Therefore, the birthday of the queen or the king is considered a national holiday. It is celebrated separately from the real date of birth of the ruling monarch. The holiday takes place on the first, second or third Saturday of June. A military parade is organized, which is attended by all the members of the royal dynasty. The bright and noisy holiday ends with a grandiose salute.

New Year in the UK is also celebrated with a parade. The British spend the night with their family and close friends; they treat New Year's Eve as a new frontier. It is customary to make promises, set goals and build grandiose plans for the next year. At 12 noon on January 1, a colorful parade starts in London. Acrobats, dancers, musicians, and actors take part in it. On the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, the British celebrate Mother's Day. It is necessary to visit a mother or grandmother, give her flowers or a greeting card. During the celebration of Easter, it is customary to exchange chocolate eggs and special buns with a cross. Easter celebrations begin on Friday; rites and festive events end only on Monday. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The main holiday of Northern Ireland is St. Patrick's Day, who is the heavenly patron of this country. The fest is held on the day of his death, on March 17. The holiday is celebrated on the territory of the whole of Great Britain, in a number of cities of the USA and other countries. A grand parade is held in London. In Manchester, there is a two-week Irish festival. There are some cultural events and a market in the holiday timeframe. The festival ends with a colorful parade. The main events take place in Belfast. The streets are filled with green decorations. Even the water in the fountains is painted green. October 21 is the unofficial celebration of the Day of the Apple. There are fairs where one can not only buy apples but also try dozens of various dishes with this fruit, as well as take part in funny apple contests.

One of the most significant events in the fashion world takes place in London. London Fashion Week attracts the most famous designers. World stars come to watch defiles. The event is held twice a year, in February and September. The best fashion houses in Britain show new collections to the public. The unique festival of the Straw Bear is held in the vicinity of Cambridge. During the parade, processions with straw stuffed bears are held along the streets. At the end of the holiday, figurines are burned. In early August, the festival of the legendary hero of England, Robin Hood, takes place in Mansfield. The event is accompanied by theatrical performances and historical reconstructions of the battles. In February, the Vikings Festival is held in York. This city was the capital of the Vikings many centuries ago. Residents of the city transform into fearless warriors and participate in improvised battles.