Vera, United Planet’s Executive Director in Tanzania, recently attended the Santi za Busara music festival in Zanzibar (Zanzibar is sort of part of Tanzania).

What a wonderful way to indulge in the culture of another country experiencing the power of music as a language which needs no translation.  Here’s what she had to say as well as some amazing photos courtesy of her husband Peter…

Sauti za Busara – Music Festival Zanzibar

Stonetown never gets as busy as during the annual Sauti za Busara music festival. 

Visitors from every corner of the world come to Zanzibar to be part of this event which hosts musicians from all over Africa.

The city is vibrant with the many people and the sounds of music played in the open air of the Old Fort, at the Stonetown waterfront.

And, lucky me, I got to be there again this year.

Stonetown, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is only a two hour ferry ride away from Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital and largest city in Tanzania.

Beautiful Stonetown

When the sea is calm the boat ride is a treat.

To see the aqua blue ocean, local fisherman in sailing boats called dhows, small islands with pristine beaches, and finally entering the port of Stonetown itself, with splendid views of some of the best kept buildings of the city such as the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum and the Tembo Hotel, are worthwhile the trip.

The island of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago, has many beaches not too far from Stonetown.

White sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and amazing music...perfection!

Together with a friend I rented a car, and drove to Jozani forest to see the Colobus monkeys, found in Zanzibar only, and then continued to Paje, a town on the east coast of the island, to enjoy the beach for a few hours.

The music festival, held in February every year, lasts for 5 days.

One of my favorite performances this year was the Senegalese – Swedish band of Sousou and Maher Cissoko, playing West African kora music that just makes you want to dance.

A smiling musician enjoying the festival

There was also plenty of Taarab music to be heard, an East African coastal music style influenced by a mix of African and Arab music, and of which Zanzibar is the center.

Why don’t you come see and experience it yourself next year?

Read more about United Planet’s volunteer opportunities in Tanzania!

Pictures courtesy of Peter Stanley – www.photopoa.com

Yesterday was by far the craziest day I have experienced in Nepal (or perhaps anywhere). It was the Festival of Colors. As it was explained to me, this holiday represents the end of seasons past, and the welcoming of summer. Sort of like our version of the summer solstice. It’s all about new beginnings. A fresh start. I love this, and I woke up early in the morning just about as excited as the kids outside my window, who were throwing colorful water and powder at everyone who passed by. Keep in mind, this was 9am.

I jumped out of bed and went up to have breakfast with my host family. They were introducing my baby sister, Alya, to her first experience of this holiday. Putting red powder on her forehead and cheeks, and then doing the same to mine. I was giddy with excitement as I looked at my face in the mirror and took pictures of everyone.

Photo taken from Flickr, Animesh Singh

Now, I was warned by my family, as we sat around the kitchen table, that sometimes this day can get a little out of hand. They suggested that perhaps I should stay home and watch the festivities from the roof. But I knew that this was probably something I’d never experience again, and that I had to be a part of the action.

So after breakfast, I put on the oldest t-shirt and pants I had, and decided I would brave the walk to the orphanage (despite suggestions that I take a taxi). How bad could it be, right? A few water balloons here and there, no sweat. I wrapped my camera and wallet in a plastic bag, and walked out the door into what I quickly realized was absolute mayhem. I hadn’t even gotten out of the gates of Jayabageshwori (try saying that 5 times fast) and I was already drenched, head to toe. Now, I knew that girls were the particular target during this festival, but I think that hitting naive, wide-eyed, female tourists was the ultimate prize. Man, was I nailed. And let me just say that the balloons that these kids throw aren’t balloons at all. They’re thick little plastic bags. And when thrown at close range, they feel like they are setting your skin on fire as they explode. Honestly, I fought back tears from the pain about three times on my walk, or should I say desperate sprint, to the orphanage.

Photo taken from Flickr, Maciej Dakowicz

Safely inside the gates of OCCED, I was overjoyed to see all the kids. Though some of them were hardly recognizable, what with the state they were in. They caught me up on the war that had been going on with their surrounding neighbors, and I helped them to launch water balloons at the enemy over the walls of our fort. But our fight against the other houses quickly turned into a fight against one another. I became even more soaked and rainbow-bright… something I didn’t think was possible. After sneaking a few pictures of the kids, shielding my camera from the mayhem, I decided to make a run for it and find the closest cab driver. My walk from the gates of the orphanage to the taxi lasted only thirty seconds, but it felt like an eternity. It was as if every kid on the street had been anxiously waiting for me to come back outside. Their anticipation as I inched closer to them suddenly spilled over, and I was attacked on all sides. All of the shopkeepers and passersby held their stomachs as they laughed at me and shouted, “Happy Holi!”

And it was, very happy.

You can read more about Hallie’s trip to Nepal on her blog and plan your own trip to the Festival of Colors on our website.

I have always loved celebrating Chinese New Year, despite the fact that I am far away from home. It brings back a lot of old childhood memories– I could play as much as I wanted without my parents’ supervision; I could receive many red envelopes from elder relatives; and I could eat all kinds of delicious food all week . The whole country gets seven days off for the celebration, so that we can relax and savor a few meals together, and have the time to fully enjoy the festivities.

Photo taken by Yewenyi, Flickr.

Everything associated with Chinese New Year should represent good fortune. To single people, good fortune may mean love and romance. Good fortune may mean good grades for students, children for families, jobs for the unemployed and improved health for the sick. There are a few traditions we have to prepare for New Year: houses are swept clean to get rid of traces of bad luck; all debts should be paid off before the New Year begins; and problems of the previous year are to be left behind.

Food plays a huge role in Chinese culture and lots of food is consumed during the New Year celebration. Chinese New Year dishes are symbols of prosperity, happiness, health and longevity for everyone at the table. Each and every food, either by its appearance or the multiple meanings of its name, represents Chinese beliefs. For example, dumplings symbolize the hope for prosperity in the coming year (people even insert a coin into a couple of dumplings for good luck). According to Chinese belief, if you are fortunate enough to be served one of the special dumplings, you may acquire even more wealth in the coming year! Noodles represent longevity for their appearance; they should not be cut or severed. Fish represent prosperity since the Chinese word for fish, yu, also means abundance and prosperity. During the Chinese New Year, fish is served whole, to represent family unity. The fish should not be fully consumed by the family, so as to symbolically save for the year to come.

Photo taken by sheilaz413, Flickr.

As Chinese culture tends to be highly collectivistic, family relations are extremely important to the Chinese. Decisions are made with full family member involvement. On New Year’s Eve, a huge family reunion dinner is held in every home in China. No matter where people live, they are expected to return home for Chinese New Year. It is not only to have a fabulous dinner together, but also an important time to let family act as “one”: we share joy together, we listen to each other, we wish everyone happiness in the family, and most importantly, we know our family will always support us no matter what. Back when I was a kid the most exciting thing for me was visiting my grandparents’ house on New Year’s Day, where a big red envelope with money inside would be waiting for me. The gift’s meaning was always my grandparent’s wish for my health, happiness and success. Elders all over China do the same for their grandchildren during Chinese New Year to wish them health, happiness and success in the coming year.

I am glad to see this unique festival transforming into an exciting cultural event the world over. I would like to wish all of you Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Tiger bring you good health, increased prosperity, great happiness and success with your 2010 resolutions!

If you want to see Hong Kong Fireworks for Chinese New Year, click here!

There is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm hanging in the air during this time of year in Holland, especially amongst children. Mid-November usually marks the beginning of a celebration we Dutch call Sinterklaas or St. Nicholas. And Sinterklaas has arrived in Holland again!

By Flickr user van der Broek

It is said that Sinterklaas, along with his Zwarte Pieten, or Black Peters, helpers keep record of children’s behavior throughout the year in his book. He comes to Holland to give all the good children presents, and the bad children get chased by a Black Peter with a stick!

By Flickr user Pingu1963- very busy!

By Flickr user juffrouwjo

To cover the simultaneous visits of Sinterklaas across the country which children often find suspicious, children are told that he gets help from hulp-Sinterklazen, which means “Help St. Nicolases,” who are dressed just like him, because of course he cannot be in two places at the same time.

Every year on the third Thursday of each November, French people celebrate the new arrival of a particular wine: the Beaujolais nouveau — or the new Beaujolais, for English speakers. But what is it, and what are we celebrating?

Flickr user jadefrog_01

Consequently, during one night all the French people from Beaujolais through the Southwest of France celebrate the fresh made Beaujolais Nouveau. This is a great opportunity for people to share their love of wine. Often these tasting moments are accompanied by music, sausage and pâté. It’s how we share our French roots and our love of wine! In France, an old proverb says, “one glass of wine per day is good for your health”! So crazy, the French!

Flickr user Digimist

Everyone should buy their airline tickets now and try this incredible cultural experience!

These are words that millions of partygoers wait an entire year to hear. Finally, Oktoberfest has begun.

From the third weekend in September to the beginning of October the people of Theresienwiese, Munich celebrate the festival of Oktoberfest. In 1810, the people of Bavaria celebrated in a grand matter with horse races and feasts to toast the nuptials of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig. The reception was so popular that the people began to repeat the event year after year creating the festival that occurs today. Beginning with the Brewer’s Parade, the participants of this festival follow “The Lord Mayor” through the city center from Sonnenstrasse to the meadow in which the festival is held at Thereisienwiesse. Fortunately, for people who also have difficulty with pronunciation the meadow also holds the nickname “d’Wiesn,” which is pronounced “dee-veezen” in German.

After “The Lord Mayor” taps the first barrel of beer in the opening ceremony over 6.5 million liters of beer are consumed. To make things easy for those who have already had a few steins, only one type of beer is sold throughout all of Oktoberfest appropriately named ‘Oktoberfest-Bier’. To be served you must be seated inside one of the many large tents; drinks can only be paid for using special tokens also sold in the tents. Along with large amounts of beer consumed, Oktoberfest also goes through 500,000 chickens, 104 oxen, and more than 50,000 pork knuckle servings throughout the event.

For those interested in something other than beer consumption there are many other things to see at the festival. From roller coasters to flea circuses, magicians, and live music there is something for the whole family. Employing more than 10,000 people, this is no small event. Oktoberfest has its own police force, child care center, post office, sewage system, and U-Bahn terminal.

Although the festival is almost over this year, for those hoping to experience Oktoberfest next year count on planning months in advance as many hotels book up very quickly. And for those of you with children, Tuesday is family day and there are reduced prices on all sideshows and rides.

And finally, to all of the merry festivalgoers currently at Oktoberfest, “Prost!” or “Cheers!”

Photo by Flickr user Jorge S. King

Starting late in the morning, a greased pole is raised holding a ham at the top. Participants then fight to get the ham off of the top climbing their way up in any way possible. When the ham is finally removed, water cannons are fired signaling the start of the main event. Thousands of tomatoes are brought into the square and are thrown by participants at any available target. For about an hour, all you will see are tomatoes flying and spatters of red all over the square. Eventually, a second blast is fired from the water cannon signaling the end of the fight. At that point, the party continues throughout the city with music, parades, dancing, and fireworks.

Photo by Flickr user manuesco1946

Photo by Flickr user elyoshimura

If you can’t make it to Buñol this year, stop by on the last Wednesday of August next year and it will happen all over again!

Taken by Flickr user Claudio Zeiger

The story begins with a rich farmer who gives his favorite ox, or boi, to his daughter as a present. A trusted farm hand is given the responsibility to watch over the ox and protect it. One day, the farm hand’s pregnant wife has a craving to eat the tongue of this prized ox. She convinces her husband to kill the ox for her, but when his actions are discovered he is brought to trial and sentenced to death. Before the husband’s execution date, the ox is magically resuscitated; the farmer is then pardoned for his crime and reunited with his love.

Taken by Flickr user Claudio Zeiger

Each year, during the first weekend of July, the North of France celebrates the Festival of the Giants.

Picture taken by chaton144, Flickr

Most of the Northern cities have a patron giant to protect them. Today, there are more than 300 giants representing the cities of the region. In 2005, UNESCO added the festival to the World Heritage List. These giants are not simple statues; they are moving giants! They are made of wood and people carry them around during the festival. The giants measure between six and eight and half meters in length (20 to 25 ft).They are really heavy and are carried by six men who hide under the giants’ clothes. However, there are also smaller giants which are about two and a half to three meters high (8 or 9 ft) and are carried by a single person. Single carriers bring their giants to life by moving and turning them as they parade through town.

Picture taken by chaton144, Flickr

Binbin, the giant of my hometown, had a special parade last year for his 200th “birthday.” You may think that 200 years is old for a giant. Prepare yourself to be surprised! Binbin is the youngest of the Gayant family, the most famous family of giants. These giants hail from the city of Douai and Mr Gayant is more than 500 years old! The members of the family are Gayant, his wife Marie Cagenon, and their children: Jacquot, Fillon and Binbin. According to legend, the young knight Gayant saved the city of Douai from invasion by the Normands in the 9th century. The inhabitants of Douai made a statue in his honor and created a festival to thank him; however, the church banned the festival claiming it was idolatry. Nevertheless, in1530 the festival was revived and the city of Douai continues to celebrate it to this day. Nearby cities created their own versions of this popular festival by later “adopting” Gayant’s children or creating their own giant from medieval fictional characters.

Picture taken by costata, Flickr

Now, each year, during the last weekend of June or the first weekend of July, cities across Northern France and parts of Belgium celebrate the Festival of the Giants. Each celebration features outdoor music, a parade with costumed dancers and lots of candy for the children.
The giants often journey from neighboring cities to take part in the celebration. Lucky festival-goers can sometimes spot weddings between ally giants! It is a great moment that I was always anxious for when I was younger. I advise everybody to go, particularly if you have children!

The Sun, the center of our Solar System, has been keeping us warm, giving us light and supporting life on Earth for millions of years. Its presence causes day and its absence, night. It’s no wonder that for many ancient cultures the sun represented a supernatural phenomenon, something that was there to be worshipped. The Inca, some might say, practiced one of ancient civilization’s most ornate sun worship rituals.

Picture taken by Fred Lam, Flickr.

Incan culture was based on a profound connection with nature. This relationship was celebrated through religious rituals and ceremonies demonstrating the Inca’s appreciation to the Sun God for providing them with sustenance. Thought to be the beginning of the Sun’s new year, The Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, takes place on Winter Solstice (June 24) and is one of the most important celebrations of the year.

Around this time of year, the cobblestone streets of Cusco fill with thousands of tourists and colorful scenery, as the city prepares for the ceremony. Folk dancers, street vendors and other exhibitions overtake the city’s ruins and public plazas in anticipation of the main attraction, the Inti Raymi ceremony.

Picture taken by ojjo, Flickr.

It’s been more than sixty years since the re-creation has taken place in Cusco’s central plaza, now known as Plaza de Armas. The main ceremony of Inti Raymi is now practiced on the Saqsaywaman fortress, a hilltop complex of ruins overlooking the city of Cusco. Personally, I think the location could not be more perfect. The huge stone ruins, carefully placed together over 500 years ago during the height of the empire, cause such an impression to the visitor that you could only expect that an ancient Inca ceremony was meant to be re-created there.

All in all, approximately 500 actors proudly take part in bringing the past alive. For the representation, El Inca (the Incan Emperor, originally claimed to be a direct descendant of the Sun God), his wife and followers dress in traditional costumes and give speeches in their native language, Quechua. The participants dance in the most vibrant clothes; perform a simulation of animal sacrifice (which originally served as an offering to the Sun God), and a group of princesses and soldiers lead the colorful procession of back to Cusco.

Picture taken by ojjo, Flickr.

Little is really known about the details of the Inti Raymi celebration, and most of what we see today is pieced together from archaeological findings, and of memories and practices that have been passed on from generation to generation to keep the local traditions alive. As Quechua is not a written language, there is no record of how the rituals were originally practiced. I think it’s important for future generations to understand the origins of their culture, respect its values, and be proud of who they are.