Know your kimono
by Anywhere you go in Japan, the kimono is omnipresent. It is not, as I had imagined, only a ceremonial dress, or something reserved for festive …
Category: Festivals & Celebrations
The mask maker of Malaysia
Siow Ho Phiew’s studio is tucked away in a quiet lane in an industrial area just outside Kuala Lumpur. It is easy to miss the …
10 interesting facts about the Cologne Carnival
1. The Carnival is the highlight of Cologne’s social calendar, with the season officially beginning on 11/11 at 11.11 am. It then goes into silent …
Kids in the Cologne Carnival
Kamelle! The cry rents the cold, crisp Cologne air. A few thousand kids are out in cute costumes, all bundled up against the cold, eager …
No rhyme or reason
I had not been in Limerick for an hour before someone mentioned Angela’s Ashes. The most famous book to come out of this city is …
India’s Culture Calendar for 2014
Here is a list of unmissable festivals through the year in India, dedicated to arts and culture, local colour and just pure fun. Roll up …
The great Indian Regatta
There is a buzz in the air. At 11 in the morning, the dozens of houseboats lined up on the edge of the water are …
Iftar fasting and feasting
As the sun sets on Mumbai and the muezzin’s call for the evening prayer rings out, signifying the end of the day’s fast, the party …