Sapporo, Japan, has 1.9 million people and is the centerpiece on the northern island of Hokkaido, known in winter for its skiing and in summer offering golfing and hiking. Because of the long, harsh Hokkaido winters, the people of Sapporo have many spring, summer and autumn festivals to celebrate the great weather and relax, enjoying food and drink in famous Odori Park.
The Leipzig Christmas market, a tradition that goes back to 1458, is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany. The 2013 market will feature a fairy-tale forest, a model railway display, and holiday performances in the city’s many churches. The market will have about 250 stalls.
Forced by budget restraints, the town of Buñol, Spain, will charge an entry fee for tourists wishing to take part in the annual “La Tomatina” tomato-throwing contest, held the last Wednesday of August. The fee is €10 (near $13.50). Local residents still can participate for free.
16-day/15-night tour of JAPAN, May 1-16, 2014. Highlights: Osaka/visit Samurai house in Matsue/parade, music and food at Shogun Festival/Todaiji Temple at Nara/Japanese harp, fencing performances/mounted archery show at seaside shrine festival. Land, $6,860 (four or more people); add $320 each for three people, $410 each for only two. Asian Pacific Adventures (Tarzana, CA; 800/825-1680).
I spent a few days on my own in Bilbao, Spain, in August ’13 prior to joining a group tour. While researching the city, I came across the website for Bilbao Greeters, a volunteer organization and part of the Global Greeter Network.
In the port of Bluff, near Invercargill on New Zealand’s South Island, the Bluff Oyster & Food Festival (phone 03 212 8889) will be held May 24, 2014, to celebrate the Bluff oyster, a local delicacy. Tickets cost $25 each and can be purchased in advance through Ticket Direct New Zealand (phone 0800 484 2538).
For bird-watchers, the third International Hula Valley Bird Festival, organized by the Israel Ornithological Center, takes place Nov. 10-17, 2013. Visitors to the valley, which is a 2½-hour drive north of Jerusalem, have logged over 200 different bird species.
A festival package costs $2,165 per person (sharing) and includes seven nights at the Pastoral Hotel, breakfasts, dinners, guided birding tours, evening lectures and all transportation within Israel. Visit the website.
by Steve Emmet; Solana Beach, CA
This year in Italy’s province of Parma, the annual Verdi Festival will celebrate the 200th birthday of Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Sept. 30-Oct. 31. The program will include events and performances at the Regio Theatre of Parma and the Verdi Theatre in nearby Busseto.
Performances include the operas “Falstaff,” “I masnadieri” and “Simon Boccanegra.” The composer’s “Requiem Mass” and other compositions also will be performed.
