Events

The Latin American community is a strong one in London – it is estimated that around 115,000 of the city’s residents have origins in countries like Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Peru. The beauty of London is that it’s a melting pot of different communities, each with its own flavours and traditions – and those from South America are particularly colourful and vibrant ones. Unsurprisingly, Latin Americans of London love celebrating their roots, be it with music, food or other cultural events. Lots of happenings are planned for the coming spring and summer weeks, and here is our pick of the best. Tropicalista Thames Boat Party – Saturday 10 June The London Latin summer begins in early June with the Tropicalista Thames Boat Party. Taking place aboard the legendary Dutch Master, the river Thames’s largest party vessel, with the incredible London skyline as a backdrop, this is a night with amazing DJs bringing a soundtrack of Latin bangers, Brazilian Bounce, Hot Salsa, and Cumbia killers. www.movimientos.org.uk La Clave Fest – Saturday 17 June La Clave is a celebration of Latin American and Spanish culture with music, dance, film, art, theatre, sport, food and drink, talks. The central venue is Hornsey Town Hall, plus many other events in local cafes, cinemas, art galleries and theatres. www.laclavefest.co.uk Brighton Latin Festival – Saturday 24 June This event takes place in Brighton, a vibrant coastal city only one hour away from London by train. The sunshine is almost guaranteed for this free, outdoor fest with the best of Latin foods, bands, dance performances, shows and workshops. www.facebook.com/brightonlatinfestival Comida Fest – 8+9 Jul (Greenwich) / 12+13 Aug (Tower Bridge) / 16+17 Sep (Putney) A free event of Latin American street food, drinks and culture. The 2017 Summer Season comprises of three sets of events happening

Getting back to one’s roots is nostalgic, and more so for those hailing from a region blessed by nature but shrouded in darkness due to foreign invaders. Although the world is now familiar with the historical struggles of the African nations, the people have seen more conflict and suppression than history can ever narrate. To confront the common socio-economic issues and to emerge as a stronger race, the African leaders put their trust and belief in the good old adage, ‘Unity is Strength’. Soon their intent was put on papers, at a convention held in Ethiopia, on 25 th May, which is celebrated as the Africa Day. It marks the day when several African nations joined hands to uphold the rights of Africans — not as Kenya, Ethiopia or any other nation — but collectively as Organization for African Unity (OAU) or the present African Union. The African Union Saga Soon after the Second World War, several African Nations began their struggle for freedom. However, it was only in the late 1940s that these nations experienced some success. In the following two decades, several African nations freed themselves from the clutches of Europeans, but despite that, the leaders of these nation felt the void. On the 25 th Day of May, 1963, around 32 African Nations joined hands to form the Organization for African Unity (OAU) or the present African Union. These Nations wished to become independent and attain freedom in the truest sense, by promoting political and economic co-operation between the African Nations. The OAU Leaders were of the opinion that this alone could help shake off the aftermaths of colonialism and neo-colonialism and unify the African Nations in the truest sense. Africa Day 2019 – Healthy Lifestyle Prolongs Life Every year, a theme is decided for this day,

August is one of the busiest months in the UK, with tourists flocking from all over the world to attend the Notting Hill Carnival and Edinburgh festivals. As these two most-awaited events take place in the same month, it makes August the best time to visit the UK. So if you’ve been yearning to visit your friends and relatives in the UK, then you know which month to pick. Here’s a quick guide about the two most-awaited events in the UK. The Edinburgh Festival ​The Edinburgh festival, better known as ‘The Edinburgh Fringe’ or ‘The Fringe’ is a combination of eleven festivals that take place in Edinburgh, Scotland. Since it was first organized in the year 1947, these events offer a unique platform for countless artists from all over the world to showcase their talent and skill. In fact, the Edinburgh Fringe is just one out of these eleven festivals and is a light-hearted event that includes comic stand-ups, plays and a host of other entertaining performances, which are mostly free. So, yes, you may not have to pay anything to watch these shows, but making a small donation towards the end of the show would be appreciated. What’s exciting about August is that five out of the eleven Edinburgh festivals take place during this month. During this period, the Edinburgh castle is all set to act as the quiet but enchanting backdrop to the mesmerizing Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, known for its lively, yet noisy drums and pipes. However, if you wish to get a taste of global diversity then you simply cannot miss the Edinburgh International Festival, which attracts participants from over 31 countries. Now, the Edinburgh festival isn’t all about having fun, and also has a serious side to it — the literary Edinburgh International Book Festival held at Charolette Square. Not

The UK is a land of diverse cultures and has a large population of people with Indian origin, and those drawn towards Indian culture and beliefs. So, Indians aren’t the only ones who eagerly await Janmashtami, which is celebrated on the 24 th  day of August 2019. Every year Janmashtami celebrations also attract a healthy number of locals. Ever since The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) established itself in the West, it has attracted people from all over. As a result, Krishna Consciousness has evolved as one of the most popular cults, across Europe. Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami is celebrated as Lord Krishna’s birthday when people gather at temples and celebrate this 2-day event by chanting the name of the Lord. Legend has it that the Lord himself descended on earth to protect the virtuous and to rid the world of evil. Like every other festival associated with Lord Krishna, even Janmashtami is celebrated amid fun and frolic, by Indians across the globe, especially in London. How Does London Celebrate Janmashtami? Janmashtami is celebrated at most Indian temples across London and the enthusiasm of the devotees to participate in these celebrations is commendable. Most of these celebrations include prayers, offerings of butter, clarified butter, food and sweets to the Lord, which is later distributed amongst the devotees. This is followed by the distribution of free food and a night vigil, which often lasts until midnight, which is precisely when the Lord was born. The hours before the birth of the Lord is celebrated by chanting hymns to welcome him, and on the next day, devotees celebrate his birth. The day after the birth of Lord Krishna is full of fun and frolic and is celebrated by playing several games that Lord Krishna played during his boyhood days.

Navratri literally means ‘the nine nights’ and is one of the most awaited Indian festivals, popular for the night-long vigil and the worship of Goddess Durga. This is usually followed by other cultural events such as singing hymns and performing folk dances to the tune of devotional songs. During this period, event organizers from across the globe bring in their best singers and entertainers, sparing no efforts to keep the crowd engrossed. During Navratri, the elderly usually choose to spend their time singing devotional hymns, while youngsters look forward to shaking their legs. After all, this is the time when devotees perform ‘Garba’ and ‘Dandiya’, the popular folk dances from Western India. Besides India, these celebrations are also quite popular in the UK, South Africa, US, Canada, and Australia. In fact, Indians across the globe celebrate it by organizing and participating in community-based or open-to-all ticketed events. Let us now get a quick glimpse of why this festival is celebrated. The Legend of Navratri ​ Legend has it that once a Bull-faced demon named ‘Mahishasura’, intoxicated by the power of a boon that he was granted, broke havoc in the three worlds. To put an end to him, Goddess Durga had to come down to earth and combat him, as the boon protected the demon against everyone else. So, a fierce battle ensued between the Goddess and the demon for nine nights, during which the Goddess destroyed the demon and all the other evil elements. While dying, the demon put forth his last plea to the Goddess, praying that his name be taken before hers, and so Goddess Durga is also called ‘Mahishasur-Mardini’, which literally means ‘the slayer of Mahishasur’. So these nine days are dedicated to celebrating the power of Goddess Durga, who emerged victorious in the fierce battle. On