Belize Music Festival

Belize is found in Central America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea northwest of Mexico and southwest of Guatemala.HistoryBetween 1500 BC and 900 AD, the Maya civilization occupied Belize. The first European settlers arrived only during the 16th century. British settlements started pouring in by 1638.The name Belize is believed to be a derivation of the Spanish pronunciation of Wallace, who was the first pirate that established the first settlement in the land. Another possibility for the origin of the name may come from the Mayan word "belix" which means muddy water, pertaining to the Belize River.In January of 1964, what was then still known as British Honduras became the first self-governing colony of the United Kingdom. It was in June of 1973 that the land was renamed to Belize. At this time, it was the only colony of the United Kingdom on American soil. In September of 1981, George Price led Belize to full independence, but this was delayed until 1992, because of a territorial dispute with Guatemala.Up to this day, the territorial dispute between the two lands has not been resolved. Help for mediation has been sought from the United Kingdom. Record books have always stated that Guatemala tried ... [more..]

Dancing provided the primary source of recreation for village people before the electronic entertainment forms of the modern world penetrated filtered into the lives of the tiniest settlements.The captivating motions accompanied by music and/or singing is a spectacular visualization of the Hungarian people's rich emotional world which they strive to preserve in spite of the unstoppable spread of modern lifestyle.Singing folk songs and dancing enlivened not just country people's holidays but it brought some cheerfulness in their workdays, too. Dancing was also an integral part of a wide range of social occasions. It provided an effective forum for group and couple interaction including courtship.In order to get along in a village one had to have good dancing skills. A lad with skillful dancing ability tended to be more popular with lasses and vice versa. Parents and the elderly members of the village community prompted youngsters to acquire and preserve folk traditions as means of strengthening social integrity.Hungarian folk dances can be divided into two main categories: 1. Old style dances dating back to the Middle Ages Jumping dances (ugr?s): solo or couple dances accompanied by old style music, shepherd and other solo man's dances from Transylvania, and marching dances along with ... [more..]

Dublin is often referred to as the party capital of Europe; full of pubs, clubs and Irishmen extolling the virtues of 'the craic'. One thing you will find in abundance in the Irish capital is traditional folk music and you certainly won't have to travel very far around the streets of Dublin to find a place to have a jig and a swig!Whelan's in Camden Street, central Dublin is the place to visit for traditional and folk music. This exciting venue has had most of Ireland's folk talent perform on its stage at some point. Just a stone's throw away, also in Camden Street, is The Village - another vibrant music venue, that's well worth a visit.Vicar Street - despite its confusing name - is not a street but a fabulous traditional music venue and can be found in Thomas Street in the heart of Dublin. This prestigious venue opened in 1998 promising to give Dublin a mid-size venue that would 'punch above its weight'. It presents bands and solo artists that play all types and genres of music including traditional and folk, with big-name Irish bands such as the Dubliners appearing at this venue. Other artists that are slated ... [more..]