Qi Xi, Hong Kong, China

Where? Hong Kong, China

When? 13th August 2013

Qi Xi is the Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Night. In a tradition that pre-dates Christ (not to mention speed dating), single girls carry out tasks to impress potential lovers. Also called Night of the Skills, the event sees girls showing off their talents at domestic duties such as embroidery and melon carving. They throw a sewing needle into a bowl of water and, if it floats, that indicates the girl is an accomplished knitter.

The festival honours seven fairy sisters who, while swimming, had their clothes stolen by a cheeky cowherd. Sent to ask for their clothes back, the youngest and most beautiful sister had to marry the mortal because he had seen her naked.

When her mother got wind of the unsuitable match, she angrily formed a river in the sky to divide them – the Milky Way. On this night, magpies fly into the heavens and create a bridge to unite the lovers.

Girls make offerings of flowers, food and face powder to the stars representing the couple. When the ceremony is over, in the hope of sharing the seventh sister’s celestial beauty, they throw half the powder on the roof and use the rest.

Further information:  www.discoverhongkong.com

By: Progress On 01:42

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Festival de Tango, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina

When?13th - 27th August 2013

Buenos Aires and tango are about as inseparable as, well, a pair of tango dancers. In celebration of its sultry and mysterious dance, the Argentine capital stages this annual festival, with events spread out across the city. Dancers and musicians perform at various intimate venues, and it offers a great way to see some of the best tanguistas from around the world do their thing. Once you’ve been inspired, there’s plenty of opportunity to discover tango for yourself. There are free classes for beginners throughout the 10 days of the festival, with thousands of wannabe Gardels stumbling through their first tango steps. To take part, simply turn up – you’ll find a schedule of classes on the festival website. There are also classes for more advanced tanguistas; for these you must register through the website. There’s a database of dancers seeking partners on the website if you need someone to swing.

Further Information: www.tangobuenosaires.gob.ar

By: Progress On 22:43

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August Moon Festival, Boston, United States

Where? Boston, United States

When? 11th August 2013

Also known as the 'Moon Festival', The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates a 14th-century uprising against the Mongols. Plans for the revolt were smuggled to like minded sympathizers inside small cakes. Today cakes made from ground lotus and sesame seed paste known as 'moon cakes' are typically eaten as part of the celebrations.

Many families travel to vantage points for moon-watching parties. Boston's Chinatown is the third largest Chinese neighborhood in the country so festivities are usually busy, and very lively.

Further Information: www.bostonusa.com

By: Progress On 22:41

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Elvis Week, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Where? Memphis, Tennessee, USA

When? 10th-17th August 2013

On the anniversary of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death, Elvis impersonators converge on Memphis, Tennessee, where Presley ate his last peanut butter ‘n’ jelly sandwich in 1977.

Events taking place at Graceland, the hip-shaker’s kitsch-filled mansion, include an Elvis trivia treasure hunt and music and film nights, featuring his gospel backing bands and screenings of classics such as Viva Las Vegas. There are also trips to Tupelo, Mississippi, where those famous lungs inhaled their first breath. However, Memphis alone hosts enough events to keep an obsessive occupied, not least the 100-booth merchandise and memorabilia fair in the Memphis Cook Convention Centre.

Associates of the great man flock to the city on the Mississippi to wow audiences with tribute concerts and anecdotes. In 2007, the 30th anniversary of the King’s demise, speakers included a former member of staff at Graceland, co-stars from films such as Fun in Acapulco, and an ex-girlfriend. If you feel inspired to produce a homage, there’s an Elvis scrapbooking class and an Elvis art contest.

Further Information: http://www.elvis.com/elvisweek/

By: Progress On 22:32

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Sailing in Greece is One of a Kind Experience

The sailing industry in Greece is very much matured with really well maintained Yacht chartering services available readily. There is no better action in Greece than sailing its beautiful waters. Sunny Sailing offers one of the best Yacht charter in Greece.

Every Yacht here is as good as new and its filled with all the luxury wanted to make your sailing trip enjoyable and most comfortable one ever. They also have interesting Flotilla sailing packages that is best opted by tourists who travel with family and kids.

The Ionian seas are a best location to start your sailing in Greece - Despite losing some of its freshness and most of the flowers, the Ionian and Northern Aegean islands will remain green and fertile throughout the whole sailing season.

You can really avail good and economic Yacht charters before May. From the last week of July to the first week of September the beaches of Greece attracts a lot of tourists and there may be a demand for Yachts. So its always advisable to pre plan your trip and book your Yachts before hand over the net.

Hiring a Yacht and setting sail in Greece can be one of the most relaxing moments you had in life. You could relax and read on the deck of the boat with no disturbance at all and enjoy the beauty of nature to the full.

Here is what a tourist had to say about Yacht charter in Greece, "One thing that surprised me is how affordable it was. It is about $230/night total per couple and when you consider that includes two meals, some tour guiding, lodging and transportation its probably cheaper than if you took a train, ate in restaurants, and stayed in hotels."

By: Progress On 05:33

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Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol, England

When? Bristol, England

Where? 8th - 11th August 2013

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is now in its 35th year and is Europe’s largest ballooning event. It’s a spectacular, free, four days of fun for the whole family from 8th – 11th August 2013. During the fiesta over 150 hot air balloons will take off from Ashton Court Estate at 6am and 6pm and light up the skies on Thursday and Saturday night with the famous nightglows. Fun activities on the ground will keep everyone entertained.

The event features four days of colourful hot-air balloon displays, attracting over half a million visitors to the scenic grounds of Ashton Court. Balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off over the City of Bristol as well as taking part in various ballooning competitions including who can reach the furthest point in a set time or landing challenges. There is entertainment for all the family with fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, face painting, arts and craft fair, dance stage, arena entertainment, the world famous Red Arrows and a local talent music bandstand.

Further Information: http://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

By: Progress On 23:39

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Buckingham Palace Summer Opening, London, England

Where? London, England

When? 3rd August - 29th September 2013

Every summer inquisitive visitors get the chance to look round Buckingham Palaceand admire the interiors of the principal royal residence. Visitors for the Summer Opening tour are permitted access to the nineteen State Rooms which are still used by the Royal Family to receive and entertain guests on state and ceremonial occasions. Decorated in lavish fashion, they include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, Sevres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. There are also some exquisite royal gifts, including Faberge Eggs, on display. Book tickets to see Buckingham Palace State Rooms this summer. This is a fascinating opportunity to admire the taste - often wonderful, sometimes comically bad - of Britain's monarchy.

Further information: www.londontown.com/

By: Progress On 23:37

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