Tag: Celebrations

Christmas Celebrations during Rhodes Holidays

Posted by on Jun.13, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Christmas celebrations during Rhodes Holidays provide so much fun and excitement to make it a memorable experience for you and your family. The picturesque Island of Rhodes offers many attractions for your Rhodes Holidays plan. Also if we talk about spending Christmas holidays on Rhodes then the beautiful traditions and culture of this Island has many more to offer. You can enjoy many different colors of Christmas during your Rhodes Holidays.

Greek Food

Christmas is one of the most important Christian festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm all over. During your Christmas celebrations on Rhodes, you will enjoy delicious traditional Greek food. All the sweet shops and bakeries embellish their outer parts with piles of Kourabiedes and Melomakarona. Kourabiedes are the special Greek Holiday Butter Cookies, while Melomakarona are the Greek New Year Cookies.

Mouth-watering fragrance of delicious food in there in every home, where women use to cook Loukoumades, Kataifi, Baklava, Diples, Christopsomo, Gourounopoulo and the aromatic Turkey with the filling of chest nuts and pine nuts.

Special Decorations

Under the supervision of the Manager of the Municipality of Rhodes, the whole garden is decorated for the celebrations of Christmas. All the contestants presents different items – for example, candles, foodstuffs, calendars, traditional Greek candies, breads, Christmas ornaments, faux bijoux, and many other attractive Christmas items.

Kalikantzari

For the celebrations in Rhodes, Christmas elves are Kalikantzari. Kalikantzari are jet-black little creatures, playful such as hobgoblin or even pixie or fairy. And this Kalikantzari can appear from anywhere to play activities and tricks with people.

Rhodes Official Celebrations

The Rhodian manor use to wear special clothes during 9-17 December for Christmas. Schools and public organizations offer several traditional and educational activities. Official celebrations for Christmas in Rhodes provide really exciting and informative entertainment for all age groups.

Train of RODA for celebrating Christmas in Rhodes

The special train named as train of RODA carries out four directions on a daily basis, from Aktaion to Rhodian mansion. All through these four days you can get pleasure from the best ride by seeing different places of Rhodes which are specially decorated for the celebrations of Christmas.

Unlimited Entertainment

Cultural Organization of the Municipality of Rhodes is responsible for all the executive projects. Throughout the Christmas celebrations during your Rhodes holidays, you can enjoy various festivals like paint-on-various-materials workshops, choral groups, CPR exhibition, dance group performances, conventional and legendary songs and special Greek dances, Christmas songs from Greece and Europe etc.

Rhodes Island’s Mild Weather

The mild weather of Rhodes Island during winter season makes your Rhodes Holidays ideas of celebrating Christmas on Rhodes more perfect. This is the weather of Rhodes during winters that has made this Island top choice of tourists for celebrating their Christmas holidays. You can roam about easily in the streets of Rhodes and enjoy different colors of Christmas in Rhodes.


Orlando Vacation Rentals Proffers Fun Filled Disney Celebrations

Posted by on Jun.10, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Come to Disney for sprightly Disney vacations & choose Orlando vacation rental in the lieu of expensive to bestow you best vacationing experience with all the comfy amenities at affordable prices so that you can have maximum fun with your Clan. Orlando vacation rental proffers best vacation home range in central Florida .Vivid Orlando vacations are in dream of every vacationer because of enchanted Disney world. A family visit to Disney with your kids will render them an engrossed feeling in their adventure utopia and there is no need to fritter your holiday dollars on expensive hotels. As Orlando is renowned for shopping arcades so you can now woo your spouse by spending your bucks in shopping. The dream of perfect Orlando family vacation can be materialized now with Orlando vacation rentals.

The Celebration of Orlando vacations will even precipice with fun of holidaying staying at Orlando vacation rental homes. This nirvana feeling cannot be explained as one-liners. It is something that one has to experience to list it benefits and advantages. There are various aspects to be considered before choosing a hotel or going for the vacation rental. If one book a room in a hotel, his activity is confined within that room only and he is not left with any other option but if one go for the Orlando vacation rental he has got the facility of an individual homes which have multiple room option and also all the facilities, which one gets in his own house.

Choosing Orlando vacation rental will always make a family or a couple feel their homes with all the similar facility made available as home from kitchen utensils to entertainments appliances. To make you feel home the kitchens in Orlando vacation rentals are well arranged to assist you completely in cooking. Orlando vacation rentals will also provide outdoor garden, swimming pool, playing area etc.

One sapient decision will make your journey an unprecedented experience, because Orlando is place for family, group or couple vacations so you need comparatively larger space in your vacation abodes & staying in expensive hotels may provide you all the amenities but they are very expensive and may taint your dream vacation. To avoid any such possibility choose Orlando vacation rental where you have all the comforts of a deluxe hotel but at real affordable price.  It is located in the proximity of Disney, Universal & Sea World. You can choose diverse other features to suffice all your needs right from your Orlando vacation rental home itself.

So rush in & book online or call now at our toll free number 1-866-938-9724, and let us find the perfect vacation homes Orlando rental for you! We are now available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, or by e-mail at reservation@orlandovacationrental.org. We are looking forward to welcome you and your family on your next trip to Orlando, Florida!


Sacred Holidays – Discover December Celebrations Today – Christmas and Non-christian Celebrations!

Posted by on Jun.01, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

While Christmas is the most universally recognized holiday in the world. It has become a celebrated affair of magic, myth and religion. Most of the Christmas festivities that we know today actually sprang from pre-Christian festivals that had been celebrated for centuries. The birth of the sun celebrated on the 25th December was replaced with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on this day. For Christians “Christ” was the new “Sun” the “Son of God” the new “light of the world”.

While there are approximately 2.1 billion Christians in a total world population of 6.6 billion, making it the largest religion worldwide, there are many other cultures and religions holding sacred celebrations during December today. Here are some of the most celebrated festivals:

· Jewish people commemorate Hanukkah (the Hebrew word for “dedication”). This feast is also referred to as “Feast of Dedication” or “Feast of Lights”. It is an eight day festival which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews reclaimed and rededicated their temple in 165 B.C. after a victory which drove the Syrian army out of Jerusalem. A primary ritual during this time is to light a single light each night for eight nights and the number of lights lit is increased by one each night. The extra light lit each night is called a “shamash” meaning “guard” or “servant” and is given a distinct location, usually higher or lower than the others. Special blessings are recited over the lights each night. There are approximately 14 million Jews worldwide.

· Muslims are observing Ramadan when it falls during the Christmas season. It is noted that Ramadan moves all over in relation to our calendar. Considered the most venerated, blessed and spiritually beneficial month of the Islamic year. Believed to be the month in which the first verses of the Koran (the divine scripture) were revealed by Allah (God) to the prophet Muhammad. It is a month where fasting, inner reflection, devotion to God and self control is observed. In Saudi Arabia it is 100% Muslim and Islam is the only accepted religion and non-Muslim religious activities are banned in public thus no Christmas celebrations. Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Islam is responsible for protecting the faith’s holiest shrines at Mecca and Medina. There are approximately 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide.

· African Americans are celebrating Kwanzaa which means “first fruits” and is based on African festivals. It started in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga, an American academic. Celebrations over seven days from 26 December to January 1st that reflect on and reaffirm traditional African values, ancestors and culture. There are seven guiding principles reflected upon. One for each day of the festival: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa is observed by more than 18 million people. Kwanzaa is not celebrated in Africa, as it’s an African-American holiday.

· In Hong Kong the festival of a Ta Chiu is held (a Taoist festival of peace and renewal) held on 27 December each year. Participants summon all their gods and ghosts of their ancestors so that the collective power will renew their lives and fulfill wishes for the coming year. At the end of the festival, priests read aloud the names of every person living in their area. Then they attach the list of names to a paper horse and set it aflame, letting the smoke carry the names up into the heavens to reach the Gods so they will remember them.

· In Japan no official celebrations of Christmas as less than 1% of the population is Christian. The major religion in Japan is Buddhism and Shinto. December in Japan is a time for preparing for their most celebrated day of the year “New Year’s Day”. People prepare by thoroughly cleaning their houses on new year’s eve then adding special decorations. People dress in their finest clothes often being traditional Japanese kimonos. A tradition is for the father of the house to be followed by all the family as he marches throughout the house driving away evil spirits. Custom is for the father to throw dried beans into the corners of each room as he bids evil spirits to withdraw and good luck to enter. The family then attends the Shinto Shrine where they clap hands to get the attention of the “Gods” and request good fortune. People send new year’s day cards like people send Christmas cards in west. There are 376 million Buddhist world-wide and 4 million Shinto world-wide.

· The indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines, being one the oldest cultures and people on earth, do not celebrate Christmas (even though Australia is largely a Christian country widely celebrating Christmas). The Aborigines have their own rich and honored culture in particular the “Dreamtime” storytelling which is an integral part of their life. It plays a vital role in educating children with stories of history, culture, the land and their people. Stories which have been handed down from one generation to the next over thousands of years. December celebrations include in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Yolngu Aboriginal people who observe the last season of their six-season cycle. Gudjewg, the wet season which begins in late December. There are less than 500,000 Aborigines in Australia today.


Holiday Christmas Invitations for Christmas Party Celebrations

Posted by on May.23, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Christmas Holiday Invitations for a Holiday Christmas Party

Throwing a fabulous party for friends, family members, and other associates is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. However, bringing all of those people together can only be accomplished through the use of Christmas Party Invitations, http://www.holiday-invitations.com/christmas-holiday-party-invitations-cards-21.htm But choosing the perfect cards for the Christmas holidays and their celebrations can be a difficult task. Holiday Invitations provides solutions to make that task easier for party hosts of all types and for special holiday events of all kinds.

Celebrating with a Christmas Holiday Invitations

Throwing a Christmas party involves many aspects of planning. The host has to choose an appropriate location for the event, for example, and has to decide on the focus of the celebrations. Some invites, for example, might be ideal for asking guests to attend a special Christmas dinner. Other invites might be a better choice for individuals throwing a business-related Christmas event. Each host needs to choose the perfect invitations for the event.

Personalizing Christmas Invitations, http://www.holiday-invitations.com/christmas-holiday-party-invitations-cards-21.htm

An important step when planning a Christmas holiday party is what kinds of invitations to send. Holiday Invitations is the perfect place to look for stylish invitations Christmas that will make anyone that receives a card thrilled. Another great reason to pick Holiday Invitations is the personalization features such as; font style, font color, and what message to put in the card. Also with the patented preview feature customers can view the cards before ordering to make sure any tweaks made were for the better. Once the order is placed a proof will be sent in less than 60 minutes for a final check.

There are more options to customize the cards by putting in company emblems or family photos the holiday Christmas invitations could be completely personal and beautiful.

Choosing the Perfect Christmas Holiday Invitations

Selecting the right Christmas invitations can be a challenge for some hosts, particularly upon seeing the large selection of stationery choices available at the web site. Customers need to think first about the message they want to send with their party invitations Christmas. They may also want to consider whether to choose religious symbolism or something non-denominational, a good choice for businesses that want their cards to appeal to a wide audience of people without offending those from different religious backgrounds.

The final part to selecting Christmas holiday invitations is how many to buy. The best plan is to make out a guest list, making sure to know exactly how many people to invite then the invitations can be ordered early. Holiday Invitations has fast shipping options for a slight cost or customers can have regular shipping for free on certain orders. So that customers know they are appreciated Holiday Invitations gives ten free cards with every purchase, which is perfect for a forgotten possible party guest or new friend.

Read more about Hottest New Styles Trends for Christmas Invitations, Christmas Invitation Latest Designs and Christmas Celebrations with Christmas Party Invitations.


Pagan Holidays and Celebrations

Posted by on Mar.30, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Pagans celebrate 8 major holidays a year, which we call “sabbats”. You will probably find by looking at the list of holidays below that some look familiar. That is because these holidays existed long before the Christian faith came along. When the Roman’s were trying to outlaw paganism thousands of years ago, many pagan holidays were changed into what we now celebrate as “Christian” holidays. But many of the actual reasons they were celebrated stayed the same. Here is a list of our Major Sabbats, and when they occur.

Samhain (October 31st) – This is the Pagan “new year”, and it marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. During this time we honor those who have passed away from us, and also recognize the changing of the seasons. We try to let go of bad habits at Samhain (pronounced SOW-en), and try to focus on things that need to be changed in our lives. This is also the time of the “death” of the Sun God, who will be reborn at Yule.

Yule (December 21) – This holiday is essentially our “Christmas” celebration. We celebrate by lighting the Yule log, and watching the sun rise (which symbolizes the Sun God’s rebirth on this day). Since this sabbat celebrates the winter solstice, we celebrate the beginning of light returning to the earth. We celebrate this holiday by exchanging gifts, decorating a tree, hanging wreaths and mistletoe, singing, feasting, and making merry!

Imbolc (February 2) – Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolk) is the time when pagans celebrate the renewing fertility of the earth. As winter slowly turns to spring, we are reminded that life is about to burst forth. We celebrate Imbolc by planting seeds, or begining new projects…anything that focuses on the “beginning” of things.

Ostara (March 21) – Ostara (pronounced oh-STAR-ah) is almost celebrated the same as Easter is. On this day we celebrate renewed life and fertility by boiling and decorating eggs, going on egg hunts, and blessing seeds for growth. Anything which celebrates fertility and growth!

Beltane (April 30) – This day is symbolic to us of the God and Goddess uniting in a handfasting (marriage). In this act, they help the Earth to burst forth with life and growth. We celebrate Beltane by dancing around the maypole, or wearing flowers or foliage in their hair, or by bringing flowers into the house.

Litha (June 21) – Litha (pronouced Lee-tha) is the summer solstice, and is generally not celebrated as much as the other sabbats are. This day marks where the God and Goddess are at their peak, but soon the days will grow shorter and shorter. In the past pagans would celebrate this night with a large bonfire, but recently it is only marked with love spells and rituals, and rituals involving nature.

Lammas (August 2) – Lammas is the first harvest festival for pagans. It is the day when tradionally the first grain was cut. It is traditional to celebrate this day by baking bread or other “grain” foods. We also celebrate by holding great feasts to celebrate the bountiful harvest, and decorating our houses with autumn decorations.

Mabon (September 21) – The second harvest festival for pagans. It is held on the Autumn equinox to celebrate the last fruits and harvest of the year. Feasts are also held in celebration, but to a more solemn extent. Cornucopias are a popular decoration, as are ears of corn, gourds, pumpkins, and other late season vegetables.

In addition to the above 8 major sabbats, most Pagans also celebrate “Esbats” which are held once a month to celebrate the moon. While the sabbats celebrate the “God” aspect, the Esbats celebrate the “Goddess” aspect. Esbats are generally held on the full moon.


Oralndo Vacation Rentals- Best Place for Summer Celebrations

Posted by on Mar.21, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Orlando vacations are the flavor of summer celebrations. An Orlando vacation has too much to proffer with Disney, Theme Parks and famous shopping centers and eateries. Orlando vacation rental are the best destination for the family vacations. Placed in the heart of the Kissimmee Old Town is a traditional area swarming with classic chic shops with a modern flair. Saturday night sees a collection of classic cars bask in their former glory, guaranteed to draw the crowds. Towering over 300ft the Skyscraper and Slingshot attractions can be seen for miles around. At a go these are a little pricy but are very much worth it. To be slung 365ft up in the air in nothing but a metal cage is one hell of a experience. All these whooping rides are definitely worth a worth a visit if you have real fad for adventure and.

If you are in  quest for haute couture  or rummaging for those cheap bargains, Orlando’s shopping malls will more than meet everyone’s needs. The Florida Mall boasts 260 stores whilst the modern Mall of the Millennia has stores such as JCPenney, Macy’s and even Build-a-Bear workshop all with friendly staff and affordable pricing. At the other end of the market is the Flea Market where bargains are readily available.

Orlando vacation endows you with some of the best eateries in the state. Outback Steakhouse has a mix of steaks and seafood, always served with a smile at cheapish prices. The all-you-can eat buffets dominate the market, Golden Corral serve a range of all food types all day long. It is definitely worth a visit. The Boston Lobster Feast offers unlimited Snow Crab Legs and Lobsters along with traditional food such as chicken and pasta.

Orlando vacations just wouldn’t be complete without choosing Orlando vacation rental for your cozy family stay. The best part of Orlando vacations are Disney and Universal Studios. Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom complete the four main parks, along with Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. All deserve a visit for their separate reasons.

The newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a great visiting place so drop in there and has a unique vacationing experience. Florida has so much to do and see so much happiness to give, it truly is the Sunshine State and to enjoy it at its best come to Orlando vacation rental and have a nirvana family vacationing experience.


Asian New Years Celebrations

Posted by on Mar.10, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Chris Devonshire-Ellis takes a look at how various Asian countries celebrate their New Year. The complete article can be read on <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/4156183']);” href=”http://www.2point6billion.com/news/2011/02/02/new-year-celebrations-across-asia-8511.html”>emerging markets</a> blog.

Bhutan – February 3rd/4th
Known as Losar, the Bhutanese New Year is based on the ancient Tibetan Bon religion calendar, which then subsequently influenced the Chinese New Year.  The term Losar is the Tibetan word for “new year.” Lo holds the semantic field “year, age”; sar holds the semantic field “new, fresh.” Losar is the most important holiday in Bhutan and Tibet. Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with main celebrations occurring on the first three days. On the first day of Losar, a beverage called changkol is made from chhaang (a Tibetan cousin of beer). The second day of Losar is known as King’s Losar (gyalpo losar). Losar is traditionally preceded by the five-day practice of Vajrakilaya, and often falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year (occasionally with one day or with one lunar month difference). Losar is also celebrated by the Yolmo and Sherpa tribes, although different regions in the country have their own respective new years.

Cambodia – April 13th/14th
Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey in Khmer) literally means “Enter the New Year,” and marks the holiday that celebrates the New Year. The holiday lasts for three days beginning on New Year’s Day, which usually falls on April 13th or 14th, and the end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins. The holiday takes the form of three days of festivities; “Maha Songkran,” derived from Sanskrit, is the name of the first day of the New Year celebration—and is the ending of a past year and the beginning of a new one. People dress up, light candles and burn incense sticks at shrines. The members of each family pay homage to offer thanks for the Buddha’s teachings by bowing, kneeling and prostrating themselves three times before his image. For good luck, people wash with holy water their face in the morning, their chests at noon, and their feet in the evening before bed. This day is followed by Virak Wanabat, the second day of the New Year celebration. People contribute charity to the less fortunate, help the poor, servants, homeless people, and low-income families. Families attend a dedication ceremony to their ancestors at the monastery.

Tngay Leang Saka is the name of the third day of the New Year celebration. Buddhists cleanse the Buddha statues and elders with perfumed water. The bathing of the Buddha images symbolizes that water will be needed for all kinds of plants and lives. It is also thought to be a kind deed that will bring longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity in life. By bathing their grandparents and parents, children can obtain from them best wishes and good advice for the future. 2011 is, incidentally, the Year 2555 in the Buddhist Era calendar.

India – (various dates)
Owing to the vast cultural and ethnic diversity of India, New Year’s Day is celebrated in different times of the year at different places. Generally, the lunar calendar (the Hindu calendar is also based on the movement of the Moon) has been the base of calculations from ancient times. Most of these celebrations are based on the months in the Hindu lunar calendar.

Bihu
Rongali Bihu (Also called Bohag Bihu) is celebrated in mid-March. March 15, its celebration marks the first day of Hindu Solar calendar. It is a time of festivities as spring arrives and happiness abounds. It also marks the advent of seeding time.

Ugadi
Ugadi is celebrated as New Year’s Day in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The name Ugadi is derived from the name “Yuga Adi,” translating to “the beginning of a new age.” It is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month Chaitra, which marks the onset of spring. It is believed that Lord Brahma began creation on this day. Houses are given a thorough cleaning, people don new clothes and special dishes are prepared well ahead of the festival.

Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa is celebrated as New Year’s Day in Maharashtra. It is celebrated on the same day as Ugadi (i.e., the first day of the month Chaitra). Courtyards of rural houses are cleaned and plastered with fresh cow dung. Designs called Rangolis are drawn on doorsteps. People wear new clothes and special dishes are prepared. Lord Brahma is worshipped on this day and the gudi, Brahma’s flag (also called Brahmadhvaj), is hoisted in every house as a symbolic representation of Rama’s victory over Ravana.


Majorca Holidays Majorcan Celebrations to Remember For Life

Posted by on Mar.07, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Planning to go on a Majorca holidays? Well, take care to look into the Majorcan festival calendar earlier than you book your tickets. There are several cool and spectacular Majorcan festivals taking place all over the year of which four of the greatest Majorcan festivals are listed below.

Festa de Nostra Sanyora de la Victoria: The Festa de Nostra Sanyora de la Victoria is held on the second Sunday of May and is the most enjoyable one. This festival is held once a year to commemorate the attack of Turkish pirates; this is a tribute to all the local residents, together with the women who came together in a fight to crush and repel the aggressors. A dramatized mock fight between the local heroes and the Turkish Pirates are staged during the festival and is the most enjoyable.

Festival of Chinese Lanterns: The celebration of the Chinese Lanterns is held on 24th of August every year, and is mostly the kids that take part in the parade that pass through the streets of Majorca. Though, this celebration might not be the indicative of life in Majorca, even so your Majorca holidays will be etched to your mind as soon as your kid participates in this parade. Local kids sing old Mallorcan songs holding Chinese lanterns made from watermelons even if your kids might not be familiar with the words to the songs, they are allowed to join the parade and hold a lantern. Believe me this one celebration your kids will remember this for life.

Sa Rua: The Sa Rua festival is held on the last day before Lent begins and is one of the most extravagant celebrations held in Majorca, this festival comprises huge bonfires, fancy costumes, and parades of ornamented drifts. This is a genuine extravagance for all the family members, letting you to witness the island’s people at their most merry making.

Festa de Sant Sebastia: This festival is celebrated on 20th of January every year, to remember Saint Sebastian who was declared a saint in the early sixteenth century. The legend behind this festival is the finishing of a vicious epidemic of plague took place as soon as a bone from the arm of this saint was brought from Rhodes to the Majorca. During the festival, concerts are held across the island, with a delightfully music for you to have fun. The children will be spellbound by the parades of performers mounted on wooden horses and are identified as cavellats. An enjoyable carnival for everyone involved, this is certainly one to see when on you are on a Majorca holidays.

Even if these are four main celebrations held in Majorca there are in fact a number of celebrations held in Majorca all over the year, therefore the odds are that no matter what time of year you go on a Majorca holidays, you will be able to get a glimpse of Majorcan festivals definitely. Majorcan celebrations are held in very grand way, and you will definitely be awed by the eye-catching dresses, props and carnivals that are arranged for every event, one that you will remember for life.


60th Anniversary Celebrations for the Queen and Duke

Posted by on Feb.04, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth came to the British throne when she was only 25, and at her side has been Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who married the Queen in 1947.

In the modern world of celebrities, celebrity relationships, marriages and highly publicised breakdowns – including that of her son Prince Charles and Princess Diana – it is easy to forget that the Queen has acted with grace and seldom complains of press coverage when it is unfavourable – unless it is simply untruthful, when the British Press Complaints body intervenes.

And the Queen now celebrates over sixty years of marriage to Prince Philip, and in typical fashion chose a low key couple of days on the island of Malta to celebrate, before heading off to Uganda on official business as Head of the Commonwealth.

Five years older than the Queen, Prince Philip first met the then Princess Elizabeth when she was 13, but it was some seven years later before they started courting and became engaged, and married at Westminster Abbey in November 1947.

The time they spent together before Elizabeth acceeded to the throne is thought to be among their happiest memories. Prince Philip was still a Royal Navy Officer when they married and he was stationed in Malta. The island was quite different then from what it is now, with hotels in Malta now dotting the landscape.

The island of Malta allowed Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to live a life as near as possibly could be called normal as an heir to the British throne.

The Malta of today is unrecognisable from the Malta when the Queen lived there. The island had been involved in the Second World War and gallantly held out as the German and Italian air forces tried to bomb her into submission, and Malta was awarded the George Cross on April 15 1942 by the Queen’s father, King George VI.

Accommodation in Malta

In 1942 61 RAF Spitfires, famous for their role in the Battle of Britain, arrived on the island to fight off the German and Italian airforces and Malta survived to become today a member of the EU, and from January 1 this year even voluntarily surrendered part of her hard fought for independence and national identity to adopt the Euro as her official currency.

The modern Malta the Queen and Prince Philip visited as part of their 60th wedding anniversary celebrations has been transformed into a holiday island, with cheap flight to Malta deals bringing in tourists from the United Kingdom, and increasingly from Italy, although the UK remains Malta’s most important market.

Meanwhile, the population of Malta has swollen from just over 300,000 in 1950 to over 400,000 now, with the Maltese people moving away from the rural areas to the capital Valletta and towns such as Sliema. Mellieha, a sleepy village on Malta’s north coast then, is becoming a popular holiday resort with hotel and villa holidays popular with British and German holiday makers.

Since the 1970′s Malta has been a holiday destination and a large part of her economy now relies on the Malta holidays industry. A few years of decline have been reversed by the acceptance of low cost airlines, not just from the UK but other parts of Europe too, and the island is able to offer both 5 star Malta holidays but also cheap Malta holidays too.

When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived on the island few if any people were taking a holiday in Malta, and the population was Maltese with British and some Commonwealth military and civilian workers. Until recently the vast majority of those taking a Malta holiday were British, but the cheap airlines are allowing diversification with tourists not just from the UK – although it remains Malta’s prime market, but from Italy, Germany, Spain and the Scandanavian countries.

It’s worth bearing in mind just how long Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have been married – sixteen years already before the Beatles had their first number 1 and they weren’t far off their silver wedding anniversary when Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon and the Beatles were splitting up and Paul McCartney was first thinking of his new group Wings.

Malta will be hoping the Royal couple visit the island again for their 70th wedding anniversary for a vacation.


Christmas Celebrations in Island Rhodes, Greece

Posted by on Feb.01, 2011, under Uncategorized Comments Off

Let’s make this Christmas a memorable event during Rhodes holidays. The island of Rhodes is an exclusive Mediterranean isle that gives you a warm welcome and invites you towards a great holiday experience. Rhodes offers lots of opportunities to make you enjoy the beauty and fascination of this place. The variety of beautiful places, hospitable atmosphere and fun opportunities attracts a large number of tourists every year. You can also make your trip memorable by enjoying the sun, sand and beaches of this land. There are many Christmas celebrations in Island Rhodes, Greece. Some of these include:

Official Ceremonies:

The Cultural Organization of Municipality arranges special Christmas festivals, exhibitions and decorates all major places. Celebrations continue day and night until the last day of Christmas is reached. Dancers, musicians and other artists show their extraordinary performances. Everyone can enjoy and become a part of these celebrations. In order to add the unique Greek flavor to Rhodes holidays, special traditional shows and events are being held by different organizations.

Public Celebrations:

Whether it’s Rhodes Municipality or Public organizations, all take part in celebrations and serves the tourists gracefully. People wear special dresses to welcome their valuable guests. Both young and old take part in contests and get special gifts. Children go from one house to another singing carols and enjoying. They are rewarded with Christmas sweets or small gifts by the homeowners.

RODA Train:

A special train known as RODA train is run especially during Christmas. Carrying out from Aktaion to the mansion of Rhodes, it is carried out on daily basis. People enjoy riding on this train whereby they get an opportunity to see different sites of Rhodes that are specially embellished for Christmas celebrations.

Traditional Greek Food:

In Rhodes Island, people fast for forty days before Christmas Eve. Therefore the grand Christmas feast is a very special treat for everyone. Traditional Greek food is strongly associated with the event of Christmas. Melomakarona and Kourabiedes are famous cookies found in almost all bakeries and shops. Turkey is cooked in most homes. Moreover, people love to eat Kataifi, Loukoumades, Diples, Baklava, Gourounopoulo and Christopsomo (Christ Bread) etc.

Sightseeing:

From picturesque beaches to ancient churches and monasteries, Rhodes has a variety of places where one can go and enjoy his Rhodes holidays during Christmas. During Christmas holidays, the medieval historic buildings look more fascinating due to unique lighting and decorations. This multi-cultural place is the ideal destination for those who want to spend their holidays in a calm and tranquil manner as well as for the fun and party freaks.

Rhodes is the perfect illustration of Greece where you can make your Christmas memorable. It’s up to you where you want to go during your Christmas Rhodes holidays. Whether it’s the most impressive ancient Greek buildings, or the colorful warm beaches, the choice is yours.
Ranging from the cultural food to charming performances, from sunny beaches to amazing sightseeing; Rhodes Island offers a lot to make your Christmas Rhodes holidays an unforgettable experience. No matter you are coming with your family, friends or loved one, you will certainly enjoy one of your best Christmas.