The system of cellars dating from the 13th century under the western part of the Buda Castle quarter is open to visitors since October. The cellars can be accessed at Szent György Square and groups of visitors are taken around by guides. The buildings that used to rise above the former wine cellars were demolished in 1900 and the cellars filled in. Today, the unique cellar system comprising of a labyrinth of many illuminated spaces also includes mediaeval routes, a 13th century ritual Jewish bath (mikvah) and many of the walls have recesses where candles used to give light. The original walls and arches have been successfully restored in several parts of the cellar system. The objects, fragments of sculptures and pots, and jewellery found during excavations are on display in the Budapest History Museum.
Carnival Sunday – 10 February 2008
This is the last opportunity for carefree amusement and celebration before Lent. It is also a perfect opportunity to visit this beautiful city. People wearing masks will parade through the streets of Budapest on this cheerful celebration. Drinking and dining are important elements of the carnival. Roadside food stands will offer an abundance of food and drinks. The carnival also features a competition for best costumes.
Prague
Alfons Mucha Museum – Permanent Exhibition
The first museum in the world dedicated to the great Czech master of Art Nouveau, Alfons Mucha (1860-1939) has been set up to present his entire career. Around 100 paintings, photographs, chalk drawings and personal objects are on display at Kaunický Palace. The exhibition places special emphasis on the artists’ Paris period and some of his sketchbooks, never before available to the public, are included in the museum’s collection. The works he made after his return to Czechoslovakia (1910-1939) are on display in a separate section. At the exit from the exhibition, Mucha’s original studio has been reconstructed using original furniture, family photographs and photographs taken in his former studio. A 30-minute documentary presents the painter’s life and work.
International Music Festival for Advent and Christmas – 2-23 December 2007
The festival starts every year since 1990 on the first Sunday of Advent (four weeks before Christmas). A number of amateur choirs perform and compete with each other during the festival. Male, female and children choirs can participate and they can decide to sing with or without musical accompaniment. The choirs have to sing works by Petr Eben, the greatest living Czech composer, who is also member of the jury.
London
Christmas Past Exhibition at the Geoffrey Museum – 27 November 2007 – 6 January 2008
To help people conjure up the true spirit of Christmas and understand old traditions, the museum’s 12 rooms are decorated every year in authentic festive style. The exhibition is equally appealing to young and old visitors because in addition to nostalgia, it presents the origins of many traditions, such as kissing under the mistletoe and the use of Christmas decorations. This charming and atmospheric, but at the same time very informative, exhibition is an excellent opportunity to get into the festive mood.
Chinese New Year – 7-9 February 2008
Oriental colours and motifs take over Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square on the celebration of Chinese New Year, and the Chinatown area in Soho also joins the festivities. This part of London thunders to the sound of drums, with dragon dancers weaving through and jumping through the crowds. It is a multi-faceted celebration, during which Trafalgar Square hosts a cartoon show, the Ballet of Beijing and the Opera of Beijing present performances and cyclists representing the animals of the Chinese calendar arrive from Beijing. People dressed in panda costumes ride bicycles and Chinese stands sell a wide range of authentic delicacies. The highlight of the festival is a Great Parade, starting out at Charing Cross and ending at Trafalgar Square.
