Category Archives: European festivals

Finding Santons in Metz

If you’re a fan of Peter Mayle and his wonderful stories about Provence life and culture then you may be familiar with santons. The word means “little saints” and refers to handmade clay figures dressed in old style traditional dress … Continue reading

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London Tube closures – 19-20 March 2016 and possible 1-day midweek strike

A late posting, so anyone who cares already knows about some of this… All closures are in place for both days – Circle Line – entire line; District Line – Tower Hill to West Ham; Hamm’smith/City – Kings X/St Pancras … Continue reading

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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Tattoo – a corruption of a Dutch phrase commanding a pub to close for the night so the soldiers can be sent back to barracks. The word also was used to allude to military music practice and now refers to elaborate … Continue reading

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Pilsen, Czech Republic – a European Capital of Culture 2015

From Prague Post. A roundup of events in 2015 to celebrate this European Capital of Culture. Early May will see a celebration of the liberation of Pilsen (Plzeň) 70 years ago. The city’s festival website shows what’s going on and … Continue reading

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Magpie update – August / September 2014

In many ways, summer is possibly my least favorite season. Sure, there is no snow to shovel and late sunsets mean more time to be out and about. But, especially in terms of travel, summer is when I’m most likely … Continue reading

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news from Prague – summer 2014

Here are a bunch of interesting tidbits with info on what’s going on in and around Prague – for those who don’t click on my Prague HOT LINK!! Some originally noted in Prague Post. Leave it to the Czechs to … Continue reading

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Azores festival in progress – summer 2014

From the NY Times – a newish festival in the Azores is gaining in popularity.

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Dancing at a Parisian firehouse on 14 Juillet

I came across a write-up on this Bastille Day tradition in and around Paris. I’ve frequently thought about visiting Paris again, perhaps even for Bastille Day; this is the best reason I can think of to put that city on … Continue reading

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travel and food news roundup for Prague – spring and beyond 2014

From London Independent – a new 48 hours for Prague. The rest of these come from Prague Post. Take an interesting tour and get to know local food. Or visit Martin’s bistro for lunch, in Prague 3. And now, reappearing at … Continue reading

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Celebrating Queen’s/King’s Day/Night in the Netherlands

In 2013, the annual celebration of Queen Beatrix’s birthday at the end of April became a joint Queen’s/King’s Day all over the Netherlands. It was to be the last Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) and the first of many King’s Days (Koningsdag), … Continue reading

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tidbits of UK travel news

From the London Independent.  A (very) modest hotel in Wales scores for customer service. Even thrifty old me could afford to stay here! I wonder how far in advance one needs to book? And here are a few ideas for … Continue reading

Posted in Archaeology in Europe, Edinburgh, England, Europe food & wine, European art, European festivals, European museums, General magpie travel, News from Britain, UK news | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tchin-tchin! – Paris Beer Week 2014 is coming

From the Paris info website – As we say in New England – “Getcha beeah heeah”! What is really great about the event billed Paris Beer Week is that it runs from 24 May thru 11 June. Plenty of time to … Continue reading

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A wine craze in Austria

From Prague Post – a humble Austrian wine has suddenly skyrocketed in popularity and producers are having difficulty meeting demand. Probably need to visit Austria to try it, but maybe not. Something to look out for.

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Art awaits in Paris for spring 2014

From France 24 – a photo exhibit of images of everyday Paris is on through late May 2014 at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (aka MEP). Received in a Eurostar email – La Nuit Aux Invalides, a nighttime video spectacle … Continue reading

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Keukenhof 2014 is open for business

The best spring garden show in the world, Keukenhof, has just opened in Lisse, Netherlands and runs through mid-May. If you’ve never been and you love flowers and gardens and springtime, you’ll love this annual event. Keukenhof is turning into my … Continue reading

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Dvořák Festival in Prague

From Prague Post. The program for September’s Dvořák  Festival in Prague is shaping up. Start making plans and get your tickets now!

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The Kelpies are coming to NYC

From the website I found when searching for info on this year’s Tartan Day parade in NYC. The parade will be held on Saturday, 5 April, 2014 along Sixth Ave, beginning at 2 pm. When I was in Edinburgh this … Continue reading

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More Shakespeare for Trevor Nunn

From London Independent. Trevor Nunn has staged 30 of Shakespeare’s 37 plays and wants to do the rest before retiring. Something to look forward to!!

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Souvenirs from King’s / Queen’s Day in Amsterdam 2013

King’s Day / Queen’s Day in Amsterdam in 2013 was a once-in-a-lifetime combination affair – the reigning queen stepped down and her son became king. Two for the price of one. Despite having no vested interest in the ceremonies, I … Continue reading

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Microtheatre, a new entertainment option in Madrid

From France 24. An interesting choice for theatrical entertainment in Madrid – Microtheatre. It’s only been around for four years but it is intimate, cutting edge and above all cheap, making it more affordable for out-of-work locals as well as … Continue reading

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2014 Tour de France route includes WWI sites

From France 24. The route for the 2014 Tour de France bike race has been announced. Since next year marks one hundred years since the start of WWI, the choice of route makes sense. I tried to chase down the … Continue reading

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Reenacting Napoleonic battles

From Deutsche Welle. The Napoleonic Battle of Leipzig, aka the Battle of Nations, was fought again 200 years after the first go-round. It was the bloodiest battle prior to WWI, with almost one-sixth of those fighting being killed. Although this battle … Continue reading

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Stuff to see (mostly) in London for autumn 2013 and gourmet getaways

From the London Independent. A serious list of fifty arts events and performances, live and recorded, mostly in and around London but there are a few for a day or a weekend away. Pick something and go! I’m a big … Continue reading

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The first keg is tapped for 2013 Oktoberfest in Munich

From Deutsche Welle. Oktoberfest 2013 has officially opened with the tapping of the first keg. Prost!

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Historic battle reenactment in Prague

From Prague Post. The Battle of White Mountain, a landmark battle in November, 1620, will be played out again this weekend in a Prague park. I guess the crowds and the weather make a November event less than ideal. Put … Continue reading

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London Tube closures (bank holiday) weekend of 24-26 August 2013

Here are the Tube closures for this weekend. Busy, busy, busy! Most are planned for Sun-Mon or Sat-Mon. Note the Ladbroke Grove closure for the Notting Hill Carnival. Be aware also that the RMT (Rail, Maritime, Transport Workers) has called … Continue reading

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Some autumn festivals and exhibitions in Europe 2013

From the London Independent. A new jewelry exhibition at the Museum of London opens in October for the now-named Cheapside Hoard. Dates from 11 Oct 2013 – 27 April 2014. Looks stunning. In Lisbon, the architecture triennale from mid-September thru mid-December. … Continue reading

Posted in Archaeology in Europe, Copenhagen travel, Czech Republic, Denmark travel, England, European art, European festivals, European museums, European music, General magpie travel, News from Britain, News from Europe, portugal travel, Prague travel | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Paris plage for summer 2013

From the Adrian Leeds Paris real estate newsletter. The sandy seaside along the Seine is open again. And here’s a map so you can pick your spot. Grab your blanket, shades and SPF gloop or IPS in France (indice de … Continue reading

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Firemen and more in Paris for 14 Juillet

From Adrian Leeds’ Paris real estate newsletter. Things to do in Paris on Bastille Day. Those cute firemen could be reason enough to visit the firehouses, sip some champagne and kiss the boys!!!

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Messing about in boats in Paris and more summer fun

From France 24. Take a boat out onto the lake in the Bois de Vincennes. And here’s a list of all sorts of summer activities throughout France indoors and out.

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