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[Algeria] Sebiba (July 10-19)
In the vast Sahara oasis of Djanet, nestled within the Tassili n'Ajjer region in southern Algeria, the Tuareg people gather to celebrate Sebiba, a traditional festival and dance that holds great cultural significance. Taking place from July 10 to 19, Sebiba is a vibrant and enchanting celebration that reflects the rich heritage of the Tuareg community. The origins of Sebiba can be traced back to the descendants of black African slaves, who integrated their cultural traditions with the festivities of the Islamic Ashura Festival. The dance itself is performed by female drummers, creating a rhythmic and mesmerizing experience that captivates both participants and spectators alike. Sebiba was recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage, acknowledging its cultural and historical importance. This festival serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Tuareg people, preserving their unique traditions and passing them down through generations. During Sebiba, the city of Djanet comes alive with joyous celebrations. The festival showcases the distinctive cultural background of the Tuareg people, with a particular emphasis on the blacksmith class, known as Inaden, who played a vital role in crafting tools, weapons, and jewelry for their society. The festival represents a time of renewal and transition, marking the end of one year and the beginning of another. The Sebiba dance and drum music are accompanied by social dances, folk songs, and rituals, creating a holistic and immersive experience for all participants. The festival is not only a source of pride for the local Tuareg community but also an opportunity for visitors to witness and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Algerian culture. As Sebiba continues to be celebrated year after year, it reinforces the importance of safeguarding and promoting Tuareg heritage. The classification of Sebiba as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has further elevated its recognition on a global scale, highlighting the unique artistry and cultural expression embedded within the festival. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/sebiba-in-algerian-sahara-00979 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebiba
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[European countries] Kupala Night (June/July)
Kupala Night, also known as Ivan Kupala Day, is a traditional Slavic holiday celebrated in several countries. The holiday falls on the night of June 23rd to 24th (Czechia, Poland and Slovakia), and it is also celebrated on July 6th (Belarus, Ukraine and Russia). Kupala Night is a celebration of the summer solstice and is believed to have pagan roots. The holiday is associated with water, fire, and fertility, and many of its customs and rituals are centered around these themes. One of the most popular traditions is the lighting of bonfires. People gather around the fires, singing and dancing until dawn. They also jump over the flames, which is believed to bring good luck and protect against evil spirits. Another custom is the weaving of wreaths made from flowers and herbs. These wreaths are then thrown into rivers or lakes, and young women compete to see whose wreath will float the farthest. This is said to predict the future of their love lives. Kupala Night is a unique and colorful celebration of Slavic culture, and it attracts many visitors from all over the world. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kupala_Night Edit, Mapuo added more: What is the fern flower legend? It is said that whoever finds the fern flower on that day, will get the gift of eternal life, youth and wealth. It is said that the flower shines in the dark but can only be found on that particular night, and is usually well-hidden in a secluded location within the forest
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[Slovakia] Východná Folklore Festival (June/July)
If you're looking for a unique cultural experience, look no further than the Východná Folklore Festival in Slovakia. This festival, held annually in June or July, celebrates the rich folklore and traditions of the country's eastern region. During the festival, visitors can witness traditional folk dances, listen to authentic folk music, and see beautifully-crafted folk costumes. You can also try your hand at traditional crafts and taste local cuisine. This festival is a true celebration of Slovak culture, and it's not to be missed. One of the highlights of the festival is the "Pavol Dobšinský's Východná Folklore Competition", which brings together the best folklore groups from across Slovakia to compete in various categories. The competition is named after the famous Slovak folklorist Pavol Dobšinský, who is known for his extensive collection of Slovak folk tales and traditions. The festival takes place in the village of Východná, located in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. The village is famous for its beautiful wooden architecture and picturesque scenery, making it the perfect setting for this celebration of Slovak folklore. So if you're interested in experiencing the rich traditions and folklore of Slovakia's eastern region, be sure to plan a visit to the Východná Folklore Festival. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Slovak culture. https://slovakia.travel/en/the-vychodna-folklore-festival https://festivalvychodna.sk/2022/en/
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[Germany] The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Der Rattenfänger von Hameln) / Ratcatcher's Day/Pied Piper Day (June 26)
The beautiful medieval city of Hamelin (Germany) is visited by around 4 million tourists each year, many of whom go there to visit the place they heard about as little children: the city of the Pied Piper . The legend of the Pied Pier dates back to the Middle Ages. The earliest references describes a piper, dressed in multicolored ("pied") clothing, who was a rat catcher hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe. When the citizens refused to pay for this service as promised, he retaliated by using his instrument's magical power on their children, leading them away as he had the rats. This version of the story spread as folklore and has appeared in the writings of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the Brothers Grimm, and Robert Browning , among others. Source: Wikipedia Magic pipe aside, the meaning of the events in this story remains unclear to this day and there are many different theories about it. Some suggest the Pied Piper was a symbol of hope to the people of Hamelin, which had been attacked by plague; he drove the rats from Hamelin, saving the people from the epidemic. Here is an interesting BBC article about it, which also suggests the story is based on an actual historic incident. The Pied Piper is known to everyone in Germany as "der Rattenfänger von Hameln" and also to millions of people around the world. I believe this character would make a perfect premium stamp and a very much needed alternative to the ones with traditional food.
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