Lent Festival 2024

Experience the breathtaking ancient Epidaurus Amphitheatre come to life with the dazzling Athens Festival 2024! Greece’s premier cultural event and one of the oldest continuously running festivals in Europe, the Athens Epidaurus Festival has been running for over 69 years. The festival has featured some of the world's most renowned music, dance, and theatre artists such as, collaborating with prestigious Greek and international organizations.  What to expect at the Athens Epidaurus Festival 2024? This historic festival, running from June 1 to October 6, will host 93 productions over 85 days, featuring approximately 2,500 performers from around the world.  Highlights: The stunning Line-Up of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Classical Music: This edition will be graced by world-renowned artists such as Sting, Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Leonidas Kavakos. The festival will open with performances including Puccini’s “Tosca” by the Greek National Opera.  Contemporary Music and Theater: The lineup includes a diverse range of shows from contemporary theater productions to live music performances that explore profound cultural and existential themes. Highlights include new theatrical interpretations of classical Greek tragedies like Hippolytus’s Phaedra at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Dance and Experimental Productions: Innovative dance performances and avant-garde pieces will also be featured, including a reimagined version of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" where the audience participates in the performance. Workshops: Little Trackers, the perfect creative hub to learn about the myths of the Ancient Greek World for your little ones opens in the events of early August. Other venues of the festival Initially, the festival took place exclusively at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. In 2006, it expanded to include new stages at the Peiraios 260 industrial venue, which has become a significant site for contemporary art. For more details, check out their official website below! The Epidaurus Theatre in Peloponnese, with its perfect acoustics and setting for art and culture About the area: The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in southern Greece, rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its mountainous landscapes, stunning coastlines, and fertile valleys, the region is home to many ancient sites, including Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Peloponnese also boasts picturesque towns like Nafplio and Monemvasia, and beautiful beaches along the Mani and Messinia coastlines. Its blend of archaeological treasures, medieval castles, and vibrant local culture makes the Peloponnese a captivating destination for travellers. Event Details Name of the event: Athens Epidaurus Festival  Location: Epidaurus: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus; Athens: 260 Peiraios Street, Odeon of Herodes Atticus   Date: From June 1 to September 23, 2024 Official Event Website: Athens Epidaurus Festival Discover the ancient history and the modern world of art and culture of Peloponnese with these super budget-friendly stays! 

If you love Venice, art and culture, then this event is for you!Known as the Biennale di Venezia, the Venice Biennale is one of the world's most prestigious and longest-running international art exhibitions. It was founded in 1895 and takes place every two years in Venice, Italy, showcasing contemporary art, architecture, cinema, dance, music, and theatre from around the world. The Venice Biennale is a major event in the art world and attracts a large international audience, including art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts. It is divided into several components: the International Art Exhibition, the International Architecture Exhibition, and the Venice Film Festival. The International Art Exhibition is the main component and features works by established and emerging artists from around the world. The event provides a platform for artists to showcase their work on a global stage and for art professionals to network and exchange ideas!About the area: Located on a group of small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges, Venice is known for its beautiful architecture, art, and culture, as well as its unique transportation system of water taxis and gondolas. Venice is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of tourists every year.The Veneto Adriatic Coast is a stretch of coastline in north-eastern Italy and is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich cultural heritage. The area offers a range of activities for visitors, including swimming, sunbathing, water sports, cycling, and hiking. It also has a rich culinary tradition, with fresh seafood, pasta, and wines being popular specialties. In addition to tourism, the Veneto Adriatic Coast is also known for its agriculture, including the production of wine, olive oil, and vegetables. Event Details Name of the event: Venice Biennale Location: Venice, Italy*Dates: 20.04.2024 - 24.11.2024Tickets: Venice Biennale Official Event Website: Venice Biennale (*Please refer to the official website for dates for each category of art event.)  Are you an art enthusiast or an artist? Then the Venice Biennale is unmissable! Get ready already and plan your trip!

Experience the full flavour of Sardinia and its traditions at Autunno in Barbagia! Held annually in the heart of Sardinia, Autunno in Barbagia is a popular festival that takes place during the autumn season, which typically lasts from September till end of November. The event celebrates and showcase the local culture, art, cuisine, and traditions of the Barbagia region in a unique, all-embracing atmosphere, during which various towns and villages open their doors to visitors allowing them to freely explore the area's traditional architecture, customs, and local crafts without the crowds!  Enjoy exhibitions of traditional handicrafts like weaving, ceramics, and jewellery-making, as well as sample authentic Sardinian cuisine, including local specialties and traditional dishes. One of the highlights of Autunno in Barbagia is the opportunity to witness traditional performances, including folk music, dancing, and other cultural events that showcase the region's unique identity and folklore.   The festival's schedule and activities may vary from year to year, so it is recommended to check the event website below. Are you coming to the Autunno in Barbagia? About the area: Barbagia is a mountainous and rugged area located in the heart of Sardinia, known for its rich cultural traditions and heritage and festivals like "Autunno in Barbagia." It offers rich cultural heritage, crafts, and local cuisine, with warm hospitality and archaeological sites to explore. It is the perfect place to explore the carefree island life and the history of Sardinia, with the coast an hour’s drive away. Event Details Name of the event: Autunno in Barbagia Location: 32 villages in the Barbagia region, SardiniaDate: 7 September – 15 December 2024 Info: Paradisola.it Visiting Sardinia in Autumn to soak up the last rays of sunshine without the crowds!

Are you coming to the most iconic race with the most iconic views in Slovenia?The Julian Alps Trail Run is Slovenia's biggest trail running event, part of the elite UTMB® World Series, attracting over 3000 runners from around the world. It puts Slovenia on the trail running map and offers access to the UTMB® World Series Finals, making it a gateway to the iconic Mont-Blanc challenge. The Julian Alps and its surroundings offer an enticing experience for trail runners, presenting a mix of mountain paths, with a blend of easy and runnable terrains interspersed with occasional technical challenges that surprise the runners.For experienced trail runners, there are three exciting options to choose from: 120 km, 80 km, and 50 km distances. These challenging routes promise an unforgettable adventure. Participants will have the opportunity to run alongside the breathtaking emerald river Soča, witness the beauty of Bled, take in the awe-inspiring views of Slovenia's tallest mountain, Triglav, and immerse themselves in the stunning alpine landscapes of Kranjska Gora.Even those new to trail running will find something to enjoy with distances of 10 km, 15 km, or 25 km. While these routes may not be as difficult as the longer ones, they still offer a taste of what makes trail running so captivating. The picturesque surroundings and enjoyable terrains are sure to leave a lasting impression.Participants climbing up during one of the Julian Alps Trail RunAbout the area: The Julian Alps are a stunning mountain range in Slovenia and northeastern Italy, known for their majestic peaks, glacial lakes, and excellent outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and trail running. The region's beauty attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world, making it a popular destination for those seeking breathtaking scenery and adventure.Event Details Name of the event: Julian Alps Trail Run Location: Several starting places depending on the race Date: 20-22 September 2024 Official Event Website: Julian Alps Trail RunWhether a seasoned runner seeking a challenge or someone looking to explore the world of trail running, there's something for everyone in this beautiful corner of the Julian Alps! 

Dig into the tranquil sea backdrop and the scrumptious food lineup at the Pier of Tastes in Istria!  The "Pier of Tastes" in Izola, Slovenia is a popular culinary attraction and food festival on the town's waterfront. It is a long wooden pier that extends out into the Adriatic Sea and features a variety of seafood restaurants and cafes. What to expect in Pier of Tastes 2024? The pier offers you the chance to enjoy the fresh sea air and stunning views while sampling some local cuisines. Many restaurants specialise in seafood dishes, such as grilled fish and shellfish, as well as traditional Istrian and Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to dining options, the Pier of Tastes also hosts various cultural events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and wine tastings. Overall, the Pier of Tastes is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the unique culinary and cultural offerings of the Slovenian coast. The dates of the Pier of Tastes in 2024 March 30, 2024: Easter Saturday – we're welcoming spring!May 4, 2024: All warmed up after the May 1st holidays.June 8, 2024: Weekend of the International Film Festival Kino Otok - Isola Cinema.September 21, 2024: After a summer hiatus that felt waaaaay too longOctober 19, 2024: The final "hurrah"!  ENTRY IS FREE! About the area: Slovenian Istria is a small region located in the southwestern part of Slovenia, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the south and Italy to the west. The region is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, with many picturesque towns, villages, and stunning coastal landscapes. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenian Istria include the historic town of Piran, the seaside resort of Portorož, and the ancient Roman settlement of Koper. Slovenian Istria is also famous for its wine production, particularly the red Refošk variety, as well as its culinary specialities such as pršut (prosciutto) and olive oil. The region has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like swimming, sunbathing, cycling, and hiking. Due to the increased number of visitors to Izola this coming weekend, we recommend parking outside the city centre. All car parks can be found HERE.Event Details Name of the event: Pier of Tastes Location: Nord Pier, Izola, Slovenian Istria  Date: Look above Time: 11 am onwards Official website of the event: Pier of Tastes Explore the gorgeous Slovenian Istria and its soulful events!