Lights out for Earth Hour

Last year, millions of Sydney residents did it. This year, people all around the world will do it too. On March 29, Earth Hour participants will make a powerful statement about global warming by using as little power as possible.

From 8:00 – 9:00 pm (local time) residents and businesses all over the world will shut off their lights for one hour to draw attention to the need to act on climate change. In 2007, 2.2 million Sydney residents and 2100 businesses participated – leading to a 10.2% drop in energy consumption across the city. This year, cities and communities across the globe are joining in on the effort.

For more information or to sign up, visit the Earth Hour website or check out this video here:

The Other Holy Week Holidays

It’s Holy Week in many countries and regions that follow the Western Christian calendar. According to this calendar’s reckoning, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (which is based on a fixed date of March 21 and does not necessarily correspond to lunar cycles). In 2008, Easter falls earlier than usual.

So when are people celebrating and businesses closing down? It depends on the country. While many countries observe Good Friday and Easter Sunday as holidays, some also celebrate additional Easter holidays including Maundy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday.

But not everyone is celebrating just yet: Due to differences in how the holidays are calculated, the Orthodox and Coptic Christian churches don’t celebrate Easter for another month -- April 27. Jewish countries and communities will be celebrating Passover (Pessah) from April 20 – 26th.

Source: AST Events Calendar.

Attention runway runners!

Ever wanted to run on a runway? Usually any attempt would be considered a serious security breach, such as the man who was recently arrested after being caught on a runway at Heathrow Airport.

However, Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is opening up one of its runways to the general public this spring to raise money for a local hospital. The event, called “Runway Run”, will take place on June 21. Proceeds from the run will go to the William Osler Health Centre’s Emergency Department at Etobicoke General Hospital.

For more information, check out the Greater Toronto Airports Authority Community Relations website.

International Women's Day coming up

First observed in 1911, this holiday highlights women’s rights and is now celebrated around the world.

But did you know…?

• It’s an official holiday in many countries including Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
• In some countries, the day is a holiday for women only.
• Because the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, celebrations will still be held on March 8, but many countries will take a holiday in lieu on the following Monday.
• Hundreds of events are being held around the world – everything from small gatherings to large conferences.
• In many countries, it is customary for men and children to give gifts to the women in their lives.
• The 100th anniversary is coming up in 2011.

Want to know more? Check out the International Women’s Day website for more information and events happening in your area.

Nyepi: Important advice you'll want to know about this Indonesian holiday

A day of silence for Nyepi, also known as Balinese New Year, will be observed from starting at 6:00 am March 7 and lasting until 6:00 am March 8. Does this observance affect foreign visitors? Yes.

How will this affect your plans? Check out the latest advice from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

“All people in Bali must remain indoors and silent during this period. The use of electricity is not permitted. Foreigners on the island should remain in their hotel rooms and seek the advice of hotel management. Anyone who chooses not to comply with these regulations risks being stopped by local security personnel and forcibly returned to their homes or hotels.

“In Bali, all seaports and the airport will be closed for this 24-hour period. Only transit, overfly, technical landing and emergency landing flights are allowed, but these flights will not be allowed to take any passengers with last destination in Bali or departure from Bali. Canadians should be aware of this and plan accordingly. Travellers should also note that outside of resort hotels, all stores and restaurants will be closed and all activities postponed.”

For more advice, see AllSafeTravels' Indonesia Travel Advisory page.

Leap year's extra day: Are there any holidays on February 29?

Leap year: it only comes around once every four years. While many argue this special occasion should be a holiday, very few people actually get the day off work or school. According to data on Q++ Studio Holidays, there are no special holidays to celebrate this extra day of the year.

In fact, the only country taking a holiday on February 29 is the Marshall Islands. However, the day off from work and school has nothing to do with leap year. Because the country’s Memorial Day holiday falls on a Saturday this year, everyone will be taking a day off in lieu.

The rest of the world will simply have an extra day of school and work.

New Zealand plans a special honour for famed Everest adventurer Edmund Hillary

News of Sir Edmund Hillary’s death has prompted worldwide media attention and countless tributes – Even the Queen of England has sent a personal message to the family. Now the New Zealand government has a special plan to honour its famous adventurer: a State funeral.

According to a recent article on Radio New Zealand News, the details have not been officially set, the Hillary family has accepted the offer and the government plans to honour their wishes in the planning.

The funeral is set for January 22 at St Mary's. Hillary's body will lie in state at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Books of condolences are available for people to sign at the New Zealand Parliament.

Hillary is perhaps best known for his conquest of Mount Everest, but he was also an author and activist among his numerous achievements.For more information, read the news item from Radio New Zealand.

February is first-ever Reggae Month

It’s official: Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced on January 11 that this February will be the first-ever “Reggae Month.” What’s behind the move? According to an article on Caribbean Net News, the goal is to “highlight the impact of the musical genre on the country’s social, cultural and economic development.”

How will they manage this goal? Activities are planned to suit all interests including concerts, music showcases, film screenings and academic conferences. The Bob Marley Birthday Dinner will kick-off events on February 6.

However, events are for more than just enjoyment: Through studying and examining the music and considering its social history, officials hope to provide a “framework for that will guide the future development of the music” to ensure its longevity. The negative effects of some of the music – such as undermining social values and degrading women – will also be addressed. Supporting new artists and promoting the genre will also be a focus.

This month's events will hopefully be a lead in for 2009 -- 50th anniversary of reggae music

New Year throughout the year

When do you celebrate the start of a new year? It may depend on your religion or what country you are in.

January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Australia and New Zealand -- who are among the closest countries to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations each year.

February 18 celebrations mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Mouse), while Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be a holy time and is celebrated in September. Many other countries celebrate the New Year in February, March or April, depending on which calendar they use to calculate dates.

Sometimes New Year can even happen twice a year. For example, in 2008 many Muslims will observe Al-Hijra twice: on or about January 10 and on or about December 29 (depending on local tradition). The reason? The Islamic Calendar is based on the moon, and is therefore only 354 days.

Source: BBC Religion & Ethics Multi-faith Calendar

Four Unusual Food Festivities

Experience food in a whole new way with these unusual events around the world:

42 Below Cocktail World Cup, Queenstown, New Zealand (September): Bar tenders from around the world convene for this popular event. The challenge: creating new drinks in unusual contests, such as Bungy shaking.

World Porridge Making Championships, Carrbridge, UK (October): Who makes the best traditional Scottish porridge? Find out at this annual festival. Events include a farmer’s market, live entertainment and the Carrbridge Challenge runs.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest, Guam (October): An unusual twist on the usual pumpkin carving contest -- This version, now in its 15th year, requires contestants to craft their creations on the ocean floor.

Festival of the Radishes, Oaxaca, Mexico (December): This event features live music and dance, but the real focus is on the sculptures carved from this featured vegetable.

For other interesting events around the world, see the World Event Guide.

City set in stone to be first new wonder

Following its election to the New Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan’s Petra was chosen as the first to be officially inaugurated, according to an article on People’s Daily Online. The city, carved into sandstone and dating back over 2000 years, was once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs who controlled trade routes spanning parts of the Middle East.

The title means more to Jordan than just a plaque. Officials are committed to the preservation and promotion of the site. The honour will boost awareness and help to combat negative perceptions of the country and area.

The official inauguration will take place during a ceremony this coming December.

Buy nothing vs. buy wisely

November 24 is International Buy Nothing Day – but are travellers up for the challenge?

Originating in Vancouver, Canada, International Buy Nothing Day was created to call attention to over-consumption – an issue that is especially pressing this year in light of the focus on climate change. The challenge seems simple: don’t buy anything for 24 hours.

But is this possible for travellers, who need often need to purchase items that often can’t be purchased ahead of time, such as food, transportation, souvenirs and accommodations? Not spending any money can be difficult, or even impossible.

If you’re on the road, you can still observe the spirit of Buy Nothing Day by using your tourist dollars to support local economies. Avoid typical tourist traps and flashy souvenirs. Instead, spend your money in local shops and restaurants where your cash will help support the local economy. Look for other ways to make your travel environmentally and socially responsible.

For more information, see the official website.

Feasts, festivities and death

Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos differs from its counterparts Halloween and All Souls’ Day.

Unlike the more sombre All Souls’ Day – a Christian holiday to commemorate the dead –Mexico’s La Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a joyous celebration of death and rebirth. Many people build altars to deceased loved ones, featuring flowers, bright coloured streamers and offerings of food, as well as tending to and decorating the graves. While many of the themes are the same as Halloween – featuring costumes, skulls, bones and sweets – this holiday is a combination of Christian and indigenous (rather than Pagan).

If you’re in Mexico for this holiday, look for special treats such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) – but remember the spirits get first choice of the feast.

For more information and photos, see Mary J. Andrade’s website Dave of the Dead in Mexico at www.dayofthedead.com.

Keep an eye out for the start of Ramadan

Why is there confusion about the date when Ramadan starts? Ramadan, the holiest month of the year, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Since this calendar is based on the cycles on the moon, the actual start date has been a subject of debate. Some countries start the fast according to astrological predictions, other hold to the tradition of seeing the moon “with the naked eye”.

This year, Ramadan is estimated to start on September 13, though some countries may start fasting as early as the 12th or as late as the 14th.

If you’re travelling to an Islamic country during this month, you should respect local customs and refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or gossiping during daylight hours. Be patient: things move at a slower pace and people are hungry and tired.

While some travellers avoid Ramadan due to inconvenience, others take the opportunity to learn about the religion and culture. If you’re invited to an evening feast, accept the invitation. In addition, the end of Ramadan is marked with a holiday and feast. In some countries, these celebrations can last for a few days.

Is someone celebrating today?

Think today is a holiday somewhere in the world? The answer might surprise you.

With religious, national, regional and one-off public holidays it seems like everyday must be a holiday somewhere in the world. Despite the fact there are over 200 countries and territories – each with their own list of public holidays – there are actually ten days of the year where no one is observing a public holiday.

In 2007 these dates include: January 18 and 24, February 13, March 13, August 18 and 22, September 5 and 20, November 27 and December 14.

In contrast, there is not a single day where every country in the world celebrates a holiday. Some dates do come close: New Year’s Day and May Day/Labour Day are widely (but not universally) observed. Other major holidays include the end of Ramadan and Christmas Day.

Because holidays occur according to different rule calculations, these days will different from year to year. Check out the Q++ Studio website and our events calendar to find out what's happening around the world.

Beijing Olympics nothing to spit at

China aims to clean up its dirty habits ahead of the 2008 Olympics – but how?

Littering, cutting in lines and the infamous habit of spitting in public… These are all habits that China would like to see corrected before the world spotlight is on the country for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

According to an article on NEWS.com.au, new bans and procedures were already in place for the May Day week holiday. Officials handed out thousands of bags to tourists in an effort to prevent littering. Travel guides are now required to include a discussion on etiquette, and the eleventh day of every month is “voluntarily wait in line” day to get people in the habit of behaving in an orderly fashion rather than pushing and shoving.

Officials have also implemented campaigns whose goal is to “cultivate courtesy and civility”, the article reports.

The Summer Olympics begin August 8

By my watch or yours?

Time is measured a little differently in Ethiopia. Days start at dawn rather than at midnight, and the year has 13 months (twelve months with 30 days, and one month with 5-6 days). To add further confusion, Ethiopia goes by the old Julian calendar, which they are almost seven years behind the West.

According to an article from IOL Africa, this difference in time can cause travel confusion. Some companies close their books according to the Gregorian calendar, while others prefer to use the local calendar. Even meeting a friend for coffee can be confusing depending on how you measure the time of day.

One of the benefits of the local calendar is that the new millennium hasn’t happened yet. Ethiopia is now counting down to September 12, 2007 date. Major celebrations are being planned throughout the country.

Party like it’s 1999… again

Is Ethiopia behind the times? It may appear that way to some people when they hear that the country is still counting down the days to the 21st century. However, according to an article from IOL Africa the country uses a variation of the old Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the West. By their reckoning, the new millennium will start on September 12, 2007.

Ethiopia plans to mark the occasion, and improve its international image, with large celebrations and events, including the opening of an academy for impoverished students.

What is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC (short for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915.
This important anniversary is marked every year with ceremonies to commemorate the campaign and the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives.

The Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs website outlines the history of ANZAC Day and provides information about worldwide events on this day.

According to a recent article on NEWS.com.au, security measures will be even tighter for this year’s events in Turkey. For example, attendees with be required to wear a wrist-band to show that they have passed security screening, and alcohol and inappropriate entertainment will be banned.

Both the Australian and New Zealand governments have issued special travel bulletins.

Caution: Butterflies crossing!

How far will the “Kingdom of Butterflies” go to protect its migrating wonder?

After waiting out the winter in the valley, purple butterflies make their way to the north of Taiwan in March and April. This year, Taiwan is implementing new measures to prevent the protect their migration. According to a recent article in the Mail & Guardian, Taiwan will erect mess nets and ultra-violet lights to guide the butterflies over highways and under bridges, and will even close down part of one major highway to prevent the insects being killed by cars.

The article reports that people can see as many as 10 000 butterflies flying overhead during the peak of migration. Taiwan is home to over 400 species of butterflies, earning the country the name “Kingdom of Butterflies”.