City Rooms

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2014 A bit of history... According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Years started with the fight against a mythical beast called the "Year". The "Year" looks like ox with lion head and it stays in the sea. At the night of New Year's Eve, the "Year" will come out to harm people, animals, and proprieties. Later people found that the "Year" is afraid of red color, fire, and loud sound. Therefore, for self protection, people form the habit of posting red Dui Lian in front of the house, launching fireworks, and handing lantern at year end. Traditions... Dinner The New Year's Eve dinner is the most important dinner for Chinese. Normally this is the family reunion dinner, especially for those with family member away from home. In the New Year's Eve dinner, normally fish will be served. Dumplings are the most important dish in northern china. These two dishes mean prosperous. Other dishes...

Bank holidays for most of us mean a lovely long weekend when we can spend time with friends and family, doing the things we really enjoy. Most of the people decide spend this period in other countries but after reading this options below, you'll wonder why you even contemplated leaving. 1. Notting Hill Carnival Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street festival in Europe. Every year the music bring the sounds of the Caribbean to the streets of the capital, while the food stalls are sensational and the floats in the parade dazzle the eyes. Bring a healthy appetite along to Carnival, as there are patties, curries, jerk chicken and fried plantain from the street stalls to sink your teeth into. Besides, different events are organized, from family events to late night after parties, there's something for everyone. It's taking place on Sunday and Monday this year, so if you fancy a two day celebration head on over, you won't be disappointed. 2. Camden Beach  ...

How Notting Hill Carnival Came About Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. Taking place every August Bank Holiday weekend in the streets of London. The Notting Hill Carnival is an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. The carnival dates back to the Abolition of Slavery Act in 1833 and the first Caribbean carnival which was held in Trinidad. The carnival was a celebration of freedom which was expressed through song, dance and flamboyant costumes. This tradition continued as each year people took to the streets and as large numbers of West Indian immigrants  traveled  to the UK in the 1950s, this spectacular event established itself in London. Evolution of the Notting Hill Carnival in London The first carnival in London took place in 1959 and was held in a town hall in St. Pancras and the tra...