Posts Tagged ‘holiday’

December 2, 2011

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Friday Fun Facts: Holiday Beast

Happy Friday! Every Friday, we will present you with a trivia question in our newest blog feature, Friday Fun Facts. To answer the question, post a comment below.

Friday Fun Fact: Holiday Beast

On the 5th of December in the Alpine/Germanic countries of Europe, people dress up in frightening costumes of this holiday beast and tear through the streets warning bad children that St. Nicholas will not reward them with presents. What is the name of this mythical monster? Read more »

  1. November 29, 2011

    Kit flying scenes from the Morro Bay, CA Parade and Kite Festiva

    Shogatsu: Japanese New Year

    For many of us, New Year’s Eve conjures up images of fireworks, late-night celebrations, champagne flutes and glittering confetti. Across the pond in Tokyo, the Japanese celebrate the new year in a much different way. New Years has been called the most important Japanese holiday of all, and festivities are always over the top on this night. Here are three things that will make New Year’s Eve in Japan one to remember. Read more »

  2. November 18, 2011

    Lit up canals in Amsterdam keep the season bright.

    ‘Tis the Season in Holland

    Bundle up, folks! Grab your coats, hats and scarves because it’s wintertime in Holland. Grab some chocolademelk (Dutch hot chocolate) and warm poffertjes and enjoy these postcard perfect photos of winter in Holland. ‘Tis the season! How will you be celebrating the holidays this year? Read more »

  3. November 16, 2011

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    Glühwein: A Holiday Favorite

    It’s that time of year in Portland. The temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling and the first glimmer of holiday lights are shining throughout Downtown Portland. Even though we haven’t hit Thanksgiving yet, there is no reason why you can’t bring the holiday cheer into your home early. In Europe, Christmas markets are in full swing as people begin Christmas shopping and enjoying delicious warm treats like steaming, stuffed baked potatoes, warm apricot Krapfens (doughnuts), and the star of the show, Glühwein. Read more »

  4. May 27, 2011

    To commemorate fallen heroes, Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park is decorated in American flags.

    Photo Diary: Memorials

    Memorial Day is a time to remember fallen heroes who defended their country — a tradition that is not unique to the United States. In Amsterdam, residents gather to remember those lost in World War II on May 4 for Dodenherdenking. Read more »

  5. December 23, 2010

    Magna Plaza is one of Amsterdam's largest shopping centers and boasts intricate holiday decorations.

    Photo Diary: Christmas

    Inspired by Christmas, we chose photos of each city decorated for the holiday. What are your seasonal decorating traditions? Read more »

  6. October 29, 2010

    Tokyo locals pull out a show at Halloween, dressing in their most terrifying costumes.

    Photo Diary: Happy Halloween!

    The ghouls are out for another year of spooks, frights and sugar rushes. How do Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo decorate for Halloween?

    Read more »

  7. July 2, 2010

    Fireworks deploy in Amsterdam for New Year's Eve 2010.

    Photo Friday: Fireworks

    No national holiday is complete without some festive fireworks, so for today’s post, we’re honoring Independence Day with a glimpse to the glowing skies in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam. Read more »

  8. April 1, 2010

    The canals fill with decorated boats starting Queen's Day Night and carry on through the following day.

    Go Orange for Queens Day

    April 30th marks Holland’s beloved holiday Koninginnedag or Queens Day, celebrating the Queen’s birthday. The tradition began on August 31, 1885 with Queen Wilhemina, but it was the current queen, Queen Beatrix’s mother, Queen Juliana who declared the national holiday to be celebrated on her birthday, April 30. Read more »

  9. December 2, 2009

    Fortunes placed outside of a Buddhist temple

    Celebrating the Holidays in Tokyo and Amsterdam

    The holiday season is a time to share with family, friends and community with an abundance of food and celebratory traditions. If you’re traveling to Amsterdam or Tokyo this holiday season, act like a local and join in on the festivities. Read more »