Colors of York - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

York is famous for its magnificent festivals and national holidays. There are more than fifty of them during a year. Among these national celebrations tourists will find both quite young festivals and events that have been organized by the local people for centuries. Travelers who are fortunate enough to visit the city at the end of October will be able to attend beautiful Festival of Illumination. As a rule, it starts on October 27 and lasts during four days. This is one of the youngest but no less attractive holidays.

During the days of the festival all sights of the city are miraculously transformed. They are equipped with a sophisticated lighting system, so numerous people come to enjoy the view of the beautiful landmarks not only during the daytime but also at night. York Minster is certainly the main object of the holiday. The height of this majestic building is 40 meters. It order to create spectacular lighting of the building hundreds of colored lights and spotlights are used. In addition to visiting beautiful architecture sights, guests of the festival are invited to visit fascinating master classes, during which professionals will share the secrets of their skills with visitors.

Last week of October is the time for another interesting festival - The York Festival of Ghosts, which is held every year on the eve of the most mystical holiday - Halloween. During the festival you can meet people wearing most unusual costumes in the streets of the city. Numerous parades and solemn processions are an essential part of the holiday. The public is even invited to take part in spiritual séances and make an excursion to various mystical places that can be found in York. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Viking Festival is one of the oldest national holidays of the city. The festival is held in the middle of February. This holiday is associated with an important historic event. During the period from 866 to 952 AD the city was ruled by the Viking king named Jorvik. To commemorate this important period every year the residents of the city organize interesting competitions. Participants are traditionally invited to demonstrate their power and participate in various contests. During the festival visitors are welcome to attend street performances, which introduce viewers to the Viking culture, colorful fairs at which attendants are welcome to try traditional delicacies and buy interesting souvenirs. This is only a small part of the enchanting national holidays that are held in this hospitable city. Beautiful celebrations are one of aspects that attract travelers to York from other countries.

Food and Drink Festival is one of the most popular events with tourists. It is usually held between the end of September and the beginning of October. It is a fantastic opportunity to get acquainted with local culinary and beer brewing traditions. Numerous restaurants and cafes in York prepare a special festive menu for the event. It is virtually impossible to resist to visit them and try amazing food – imitable aroma of spices lures everyone, inviting to enter. In addition to sampling sessions, visitors are always welcome to participate in master classes and watch famous chefs at work.

Mid-November is the time for Aesthetica Film Festival in York. This festival is dedicated to short films. It is held not only in cinemas but also in cultural venues in York – museums, theater, and galleries. Every fashionista dreams of visiting York at the end of March because the city hosts York Fashion Week at this time of the year. The schedule of the popular festival features fashion shows and interesting seminars. The event is sponsored by famous fashion brands that even people not interested in fashion are aware of.

York Literature Festival is an event that is particularly popular with tourists. The festival, which takes place in mid-March, is usually held in different locations in the city (York Theatre Royal, York St John University, Waterstones bookstore, numerous pubs, and bars). The event is impossible to imagine without educative seminars, performances, various shows, and thematic excursions to different landmarks of York. Even better, it is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see popular writers in person and ask different questions to them. Early Music Festival is one more event that brings many visitors from different parts of the world to York. The event is held two times a year – on Christmas Eve and in the middle of July. Early Music Festival is dedicated to classical music of the XVIII century. The event’s locations are different. Usually, these are York Minster, University of York, and the National Centre for Early Music.

One of the most colorful events in York lasts four months. It starts at the beginning of May and ends only at the beginning of September. This is the time for a magnificent carnival, Fossgate Festival. One of the oldest streets in the city (Fossgate) becomes very crowded as numerous visitors want to purchase interesting and unique items, participate in master classes, play games, listen to live music, and simply dance. Tourists should follow their example and join the fun – satisfaction and warm memories for months to come are guaranteed. York is also a brilliant place to celebrate Christmas – the city has a special charm during this time of the year, taking visitors to the atmosphere of magic and fairytales. Surely, St Nicholas Fair is one of the reasons for that. The fair trade, which works during the holiday season, is a wonderful place to purchase unique and interesting items, drink mulled wine, dance, and simply have a good time.