Christmas is in the air. Let’s get into the spirit of the season and see what else is happening all across Europe in December.
Clothesshow, Birmingham, England
5th December – 10th December
Calling all fashion addicts! This is the world’s largest fashion and beauty event. Expect world class fashion shows, designs, labels, hair stylists, models, celebrities and endless opportunities to shop. The highlight is the Fashion Theatre, a catwalk show featuring over 40 models and dancers from around the world. http://www.clothesshowlive.com
Fete de l’escalade, Geneva, Switzerland 12th December – 14th December
This is an annual festival held in Geneva every December celebrating the defeat of surprise attack troops sent by Charles Emanuel 1 during the night of 11-12 Decmber in the night of 1602! Celebrations include a large marmite (cauldron) made of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables and candies wrapped in the Geneva colours of red and gold. Other traditions include mulled wine, a large serving of soup, and children in Halloween-like costumes singing Escalade songs for money. http://www.compagniede1602.ch
Festival of Lights, Lyon, France 5th December – 8th December
Lyon's most famous event takes the form of a beautiful illumination throughout the city. Since 1852, locals have celebrated the anniversary of a spontaneous demonstration of faith and solidarity that followed the unveiling of a statue of the Virgin Mary on the Fourvière hillside. The event is remembered with a display of lights: each house and each window is illuminated, and a procession is held by lantern-light. It has now become a four day festival with a host of concerts and activities planned around the procession http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=21963 Imperial Ball, Vienna, Austria 31st December
Bring in the New Year in style. Visitors from all over the world come to Vienna to spend New Years' Eve in the former winter residence of the Austrian Emperor. This is the ultimate posh and luxurious experience. Expect glamorous dances, Viennese music, Deutschmeister Band marches and a gala dinner. http://www.valhol.com/viennaball.shtml
Winter Festival, Moscow
Last week of December, first week of Janaury
The Moscow Russian Winter Festival takes place in Izmailovo Park. Visitors can enjoy troika rides and listen to folk music performances. Winter Festivals take place in various spots across Moscow. Activities you can join in include ice sculpting on Red Square and snowman-building on Arbat Street. http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/russia/p/izmaylovomarket.htm
Christmas Markets, Germany Until 23rd December
There’s no better way to slip into the Christmas mood than by visiting one of the many charming Christmas markets that pop up in various parts of Germany towards the end of November. Forget about the usual mass produced gifts. You’ll find some quaint and handcrafted gifts like crib figurines, toys, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes sold in a traditional Christmas setting. And while you’re there, don’t forget to warm yourself up with some delicious glue wine. For more information on locations and timings of the markets, click the link below. http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk Christmas at Tivoli, Copenhagen, Denmark All December
Christmas at Tivoli has become a family tradition for those living in Copenhagen or visiting at the time. It’s easy to get into the Christmas mood with masses of Christmas trees, presents, elves, stalls and magic. Warm beverages, a cosy atmosphere and amazing lighting makes this a winter fairytale http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-4983.htm
Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.
Sidd Lobo
Freelance copywriter based out of Munich
In this week’s article, the spotlight is on the Confucius Institute. With the world’s attention on China and its increasing importance in trade, more and more foreigners are trying to learn and understand the Chinese language and culture. According to estimates of the Education Ministry of China, approximately 100 million non-Chinese worldwide will learn Chinese as a foreign language by 2010. This is where the Confucius Institute steps in. As the name suggests, this non-profit public institute aims at promoting the Chinese language and culture across the world.
History and growth
The Confucius Institute is headquartered in Beijing and comes under the control of the Office of Chinese Language Council International. The first pilot institute was established in June 2004 in Uzbekistan but has rapidly spread across the world and is now present in the United States, various countries across Europe, Australia and Asia. As of July 2008, there were 262 Confucius Institutes in 75 countries and plans are in place to set up another 500 Institutes worldwide.
Key Programs
Key programs offered by the Confucius Institute include:
Multimedia and web-based Chinese training
Professional training for university, secondary and elementary school Chinese teachers
HSK tests and examination for certificate of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language
Various Chinese language programs including corporate programs, preparation course for study in China, pre-examination training for HSK and other Chinese tests and Chinese for special purposes like translation, tourism, business, finance or Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese degree courses integrated with those in Chinese universities and institutes
Promoting Chinese teaching materials and recommending Chinese teachers
Co-developing practical Chinese teaching materials tailored for local regions
Academic activities and Chinese competition
The Institute also provides consulting services about study options in China and for the movie lovers, there is a regular screening of Chinese movies and TV programs.
Trends
In keeping with the times, the Michigan State University Confucius Institute has created an educational island for Chinese learners in Second Life. This adds a fun and dynamic approach to learning.
Criticism
Unlike most of the other cultural and language institutes, the Confucius Institute usually operates within universities and exercises certain influence over the courses taught at those institutions. This has come under much criticism as critics are worried that it may jeopardize the integrity of those institutions.
As part of our series on international institutions, today’s article focuses on the Società Dante Alighieri. You can probably guess by the name that this is the institution responsible for spreading and promoting Italian language and culture around the world.
History and growth
The Società Dante Alighieri was formed in Italy in 1889 and named after Dante Alighieri, a pre-Renaissance poet who is considered the father of the Italian language. In 1948, it was restructured so that all chapters of the society had more autonomy and followed their own methods to reach their common goal i.e. the spread of the Italian language and culture around the world. In 2005, along with the British Council, the Goethe Institute the Instituto Cervantes, the Instituto Camões and the Alliance Française, the Societe Dante Alighieri was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for outstanding achievements in communications and the humanities
The society spans across the world with chapters in the United States, Europe and Australia to name a few. The societies are non-profit organizations that offer language courses in addition to a number of cultural activities. Activities you can sign up for at the Dante Alighieri Society include music lessons, Italian melodies operas and Italian performances etc.
Language courses
Language courses are tailored to various groups. In general, there are courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. There are also special tourist courses for those intending to visit Italy on a holiday. Course timings are flexible and you can choose from a number of options from intensive to relaxed schedules. Prices depend on the course chosen and the country you’ll be studying in.
PLIDA
Successful students can obtain a PLIDA certificate from the Society. This is an official diploma that’s recognized by the Italian government and the universities. Foreign students with this certificate can apply for admissions to Italian universities. Two certificates are available:
PLIDA Juniores for young people between 13 and 18 years of age
and PLIDA Commerciale for those who intend to use Italian in the business and financial world.
In short, for anyone interested in anything Italian, get in touch with the Società Dante Alighieri nearest to you. For more information on this institution, click here: http://www.ladante.it/intro.asp
Festivals in Europe this December
26 November, 2008 16:13
