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 …

The ceremony known as Pagerwesi is an important part of being a Balinese, as it is celebrated across all economic backgrounds, observed with great reverence and due ceremony. If you’re on the island during the time of Pagerwesi, ensure you check in at one of the Bali luxury villas in the city such as the luxurious Alila Villas Uluwatu. Offering you stylish Bali boutique villas graced by attentive hospitality and sumptuous luxury, your time in Bali is sure to be unforgettable here. Otherwise known as Rerainan Gumi by the locals, it is celebrated every 210 days on what is known as the Wednesday of Shinta, which is the first week according to the local Pukawon calendar system. Pagerwesi translates to “iron fence”, and stands for an element of protection …

A town in Bali, Indonesia, Ubud has a rich history and is noted for a number of festivals. Travellers on the lookout for Ubud accommodation can go for an option such as Alila Ubud Bali, a preferable Ubud hotel. Travellers to the region looking to get a unique cultural experience will truly enjoy Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, which brings brilliant writers, visionaries, musicians, artists and performers together to celebrate all forms of storytelling including poetry, plays, graphic novels, song writing and travel writing. Having long been Bali’s centre of fine arts, music and dance, Ubud also plays host to the Ubud Jazz Festival, one full of entertainment and vigour.

Staying true to its name – the Big 5 is considered to be the biggest and grandest stage of them all in terms of the booming construction industry in the Middle East. The event which is scheduled to be held between the 25th and 28th of November 2013 at Dubai’s World Trade Centre should be on your itinerary if in the vicinity. Of all the 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer tourists, select Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai which will offer you a perfect stay during the event. Such Dubai luxury hotels would pave the way for you to enjoy the Big 5 and all it has to offer. The construction show which has been organised for the past 30 years serves as a platform where professionals in the …

Christmas is not the same without all the cheer this festival is known for. Tradition marks the heart of such festivities which is fun and symbolic to the 25th of December. Since Christmas festivities have a lot to do with the Western culture, it always comes with a winter theme as its backdrop with snow adding a magical touch to this special day. In Australia and New Zealand although Christmas is profoundly celebrated, the weather really does not match up to the Christmas theme. Here such a celebration is nice and bright and sunny and everything traditionally winter based seems a bit off for the nice warm weather outdoors. Yet countries like Australia and New Zealand go all out in keeping the spirit of the …