Places to go when you're away
It’s Youth Day in Taiwan.
The Central African Republic commemorates its first Prime Minister Barthelemy Boganda with Boganda Day.
Happy Memorial Day, Madagascar!
10th U.S. President John Tyler was born on this day in 1790.
In Texas, Love the Children Day is celebrated to recognize children’s right and need to be loved.
This event delivers an incredible range of jazz artists from around the world. The 2012 Cheltenham Jazz Festival lineup includes Steve Winwood, Hanna Paulsberg, the Puppini Sisters, Zara MacFarlane, Marcus Miller, Jacqui Dankworth, Jeff Williams, Roberto Fonseca, Melody Gardot, Candi Staton, Paloma Faith (Artist in Residence), Jamie Callum (Guest Director), and many others. With a wealth of talent and a new setting featuring an interactive music lab, a free outdoor stage, Big Top, coffee lounge, and bar, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival is well worth a visit.
Dates: May 2 – 7, 2012
Location(s): London, England
Venue(s): Montpellier Gardens
More info: http://cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz
PHOTOS/IMAGES: All rights reserved by Cheltenham Festivals
It’s Teachers’ Day in the Czech Republic.
Libya marks British Evacuation Day.
What could be better than witnessing the sheer awesomeness of Comic Con, surrounded by Hollywood celebs and basking in the San Diego sunlight? Hmmm. Perhaps attending this super cool event in Paris, France? Works for me! A new feature is the availability of premium tickets that give you full access for all 4 days of the show, extra gifts and goodies, fast passes, entrance to Comic Con before the public opening, and more. All the usual attractions of Comic Con, enjoyed in the City of Lights.
Dates: July 5 – 8, 2012
Location(s): Paris, France
Venue(s): Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre
More info: www.comic-con-france.com
PHOTOS/IMAGES: All rights reserved by SEFA EVENT
Armed Forces Day is celebrated in Myanmar.
Angola marks Evacuation Day.
Kuwait commemorates Mount Arafat Day.
No one can keep a good birdman down. Well, except for adverse weather. As long as Mother Nature holds up, onlookers will be in for quite a treat. Costumes, and in maneuvers reminiscent of The Three Stooges, amateurs contestants launch their homemade flying contraptions off the end of Bognor pier to win money and to raise money for charity. He, or she, who flies the farthest and catches the most air, wins the grand prize.
Dates: August 4 – 5, 2012
Location(s): Bognor Regis, England
Venue(s): West Park
More info: www.birdman.org.uk/go/page?This%20Years%20Event%20-%202012
PHOTOS/IMAGES: All rights reserved by International Bognor Birdman Limited
Martyrs’ Day is commemorated in Mali, to honor those who died in the nation’s struggle for independence, especially during the clash between demonstrating students and military soldiers on this day in 1991.
Happy Independence Day, Bangladesh!
Born on this day: American poet Robert Frost (1874) and playwright Tennessee Williams (1911).
Hawaiians celebrate Prince Kuhio Day with festivals and parades, in memory of the life and contributions of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, a cousin of Queen Liliuokalani.
Aside from attending the Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival because ham and yams are 2 of your favorite things to eat, definitely check out the “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest, which involves yam-based artwork created by kids. (Where else will you see yam art?) Get your face painted, watch piglets race, eat all kinds of ham and yam, see Southern rock band Molly Hachett perform, and witness the coronation of this year’s Miss Ham and Yam Festival.
Dates: May 4 – 5, 2012
Location(s): Smithfield, North Carolina
Venue(s): Downtown
More info: www.hamandyam.com
PHOTOS/IMAGES: All rights reserved by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation
San Marino marks the Anniversary of the Arengo and the Feast of the Militias.
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is commemorated by the Christian world. This holiday is called “Lady Day” in the United Kingdom.
It’s Latvia’s Commemoration Day of Victims of the Communist Terror.
Happy Independence Day, Greece!
Today is National Waffle Day in Sweden.
Maryland Day is celebrated in memory of the day in 1634 when English settlers landed on St. Clement’s Island.
The United Nations’ International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Two things that can take away your sorrows or make you forget them altogether: blues and beer. The annual Wallingford Blues and Beer Festival delivers great live blues music and a variety of ales, beers, and bitters, all in support of local youth development projects. This year’s lineup of bands includes: The Mud Morganfield Band, Earl Green and the Right Time, and 24 Pesos. Visit the festival this year; it’ll definitely make you feel good.
Dates: June 1 – 2, 2012
Location(s): Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK
Venue(s): Regal Centre
More info: http://www.bluesandbeer.co.uk/
PHOTOS/IMAGES: All rights reserved by Wallingford Blues & Beer Festival
