WORLDBEAT
- ASIA & MIDDLE EAST
Hot Spots for the Jet Set - April 2012 Events
ASIA
CHINA
HONG KONG
Catch the celebration in honor of the Chinese goddess of the sea, Tin Hau, when the people of the ocean-side metropolis of Hong Kong honor her with the Birthday of Tin Hau Festival. On April 13, experience vibrant parades, traditional rites, and lion dances throughout the area. With celebrations at temples around the city as well as colorfully adorned boats and harbors, the maritime culture of Hong Kong really comes to life during this festival. Hundreds of decorated junks and sampans sail in Victoria Harbor. www.discoverhongkong.com
JAPAN
KYOTO
With four performances a day during the month of April, there is no reason to miss the live performance of the traditional Japanese art form during the Miyako Odori, the original spring dance festival. A series of dances known as the Dances of the Old Capital are performed in Kyoto that feature geishas trained in a variety of traditional Japanese arts. In its 140th year of performances, the festival is being held at the traditional historic entertainment district, Gion. In addition to these dances, Miyako Odori also showcases Japanese art such as watercolors, historic kimonos, flower arranging, and tea ceremonies. www.miyako-odori.jp
TURKEY
ISTANBUL
The Istanbul International Film Festival entertains the masses once a year during the first half of April. Films from all over the country are shown, and face-to-face meetings are held between the directors, actors, and their guests. Running March 31-April 15, the Istanbul International Film Festival is the oldest, largest, and most wide-ranging film festival in Turkey and includes debates, concerts, and parties. The festival aims to encourage the development of cinema in Turkey. www.iksv.org/film
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