Colors of London - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Strict following of rules remains one of main traits of local residents. This is true for absolutely all spheres of life. Londoners are very careful and diligent in work. They are very patient in filling various papers and documents, and carefully follow the traffic rules. It is worth noting that the same is expected from the newcomers. Any violation of public policies or generally accepted norms can cause frustration and confusion. Local people are very sensitive to nature. While walking in the city, you can hardly see people wearing fur or leather. Even the soldiers of the Royal Guard have been forced to change their uniform and instead of hats made of natural bear fur they now wear hats made of artificial materials.

Citizens are very reluctant to drinking alcoholic beverages. Local stores start selling alcoholic drinks on weekends only after 19.00. Tourists are very surprised that in local entertainment facilities and clubs men and women can have rest in separate rooms. In this city also live many Irish and Scots, who do not like being called the British. Themes concerning the national identity and culture are not the best ones during communication with native people.

Besides unique sights, London attracts visitors by its unforgettable holidays. January is the time for a colorful Christmas parade, which attracts thousands of music artists. Within several days here take place various cultural events that follow each other literally for hours. Vacationers and local people are able to attend numerous concerts, fairs and performances. The unusual celebration is organized in March. We are talking about the Festival of whiskey. The festival attracts lovers of this drink from all over the world. During the festival guests have an opportunity to taste hundreds of different types of whiskey, as well as to buy a few bottles of the beloved drink. Early June is the time of the annual Arts Festival, during which are held various exhibitions and auctions. One more important event of June is the famous antique fair «Summer Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair», which attracts collectors from different countries of the world. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The number of festivals, carnivals, and events held in the British capital are countless. The rich history of the city and the abundance of ethnic groups living here, provide an amazing combination of a wide variety of festivals and destinations. January traditionally begins with the New Year's Day Parade, during which thousands of tourists and performers of all genres march from Parliament Square to Barkley Square. The march starts at 12:00 p.m. From 15 to 30 January, the traditional London International Mime Festival takes place. This event also collects artists of contemporary genres from around the world. In late January - early February passes the noisy Chinese New Year. The holiday starts in Chinatown and is accompanied by all the traditional for such an event paraphernalia - street parades, musical performances, festivals of fireworks, street food, kites. In mid-February, London Fashion Week starts, which attracts famous designers, models, fashion experts, manufacturers, the world's haute couture press and merchants. It is held in a special pavilion in the middle of the garden of the Natural History Museum.

March literally blows up the capital with noisy festivities in honor of St. Patrick's Day, and first of all - with the colorful St. Patrick's Day Parade, which gathers thousands of musicians, dancers, tourists and ordinary citizens. During these days, all the city is painted green, Celtic music sounds at every corner, and almost everywhere there are competitions of dance groups. Another traditional event - the Spring Equinox is celebrated on the night of March 20-21. The last week of March in London is known for the most famous rowing competition between the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race teams. This tradition was established in 1829, during which the rivals on classic rowing boats pass 6.8 km on the speed directly on the Thames. In April, passes the famous London Marathon from Greenwich Park to the Westminster Bridge. It is one of the most prestigious and massive races in the world. In May, the city of London starts to prepare for the famous five-day Chelsea Flower Show, organized since 1913 by the Royal Horticulture Society. In the framework of this event, the landscape designers and florists from all over the world demonstrate the latest achievements in the field of gardening, special thematic gardens, and new varieties of plants and flowers. The task for florists and designers is changing every year, what makes this event more interesting!

The Official Birthday is the most famous event in the country, and it also opens the summer calendar of festivals. It is traditionally held in June, and if you are in London - you will have a chance to see the Queen. From early June till the middle of the month passes the Summer Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair. It is one of the largest art and antique fairs, where hundreds of authoritative companies and private collectors exhibit their goods. The London Festival of Arts is held in the capital for 2-3 weeks and usually, falls on the end of June - the beginning of July. It offers a huge variety of performances by classical musicians, opera and theatrical groups, specialized film screenings and excursions. At the same time, the City of London Festival begins. This festival is, perhaps, the most respectable London holiday, which offers many free morning concerts in churches, parks, and squares - from classics to jazz. Around this time period passes the famous two-week Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. July is, perhaps, the busiest period of the year. In the middle of July, the oldest rowing race in the world starts - Doggett's Coat and Badge. Since 1715, it has been held annually, and for the victory at the distance of 7.4 km from the London Bridge to the Chelsea Bridge, the champion receives only ... 50-250 pounds, a red raincoat and a silver badge issued in the honor of the accession of George I to the throne. However, this is one of the most prestigious prizes in the world of such races, so there is no end to the participants. In August, the street festival of Caribbean culture Notting Hill Carnival passes. It's accompanied by a costumed parade and dance performances and is considered the second largest in the world after the Carnival in Rio.

If you came to London during Fall, start your "cultural" tourism from visiting the finale of the Classical Music Festival Proms and the Thames Festival with its grandiose rowing marathon held in September. In October, the London Fashion Week deserves attention and the official opening of the parliament session after the summer holidays. This ceremony is closed to visitors, but you can glance at the passage of the Queen's motorcade and visit a variety of street events and exhibitions. The end of October and the beginning of November is familiarized with the opening of the London International Film Festival - one of the largest and most influential cinematography events on the planet. Then follow the traditional Halloween and the already famous Night of Hau Fox, or the Bonfire Night. This fest is fun and bright with its numerous fireworks all over the city and the solemn burning of the effigy of the most famous Gunpowder Plot member, as well as the Lord Mayor's Parade with its noisy procession of citizens and the new mayor.