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[Cuba] Las Parrandas (December 16-26)
Las Parrandas, celebrated from December 16th to December 26th in Cuba, is a unique and lively festival that takes place in several towns and cities across the country, with the town of Remedios being particularly famous for its extravagant celebrations. This vibrant tradition combines elements of religion, culture, and community spirit, creating a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Key features of Las Parrandas include: Neighborhood Rivalry: Las Parrandas is known for the friendly rivalry between neighborhoods or districts within a town. Each neighborhood strives to outdo the others by creating elaborate and colorful decorations, illuminations, and displays. Fireworks and Pyrotechnics: The festival is characterized by spectacular fireworks displays that light up the night sky. The competition for the most impressive fireworks show is fierce, with each neighborhood aiming to impress. Processions and Parades: The festival includes colorful processions featuring costumed characters, bands, and floats. These parades showcase the creativity and artistic talent of the participants. Music and Dance: Live music, traditional Cuban bands, and dance performances are integral to Las Parrandas, providing a soundtrack of lively rhythms and melodies. Community Participation: Las Parrandas is a community-driven event where residents of all ages come together to contribute to the festivities. This sense of unity and collaboration is at the heart of the celebration. Tradition and Culture: The festival blends Catholic traditions with Afro-Cuban influences, creating a unique cultural experience that reflects Cuba's diverse heritage. Las Parrandas is a time for Cubans to come together, celebrate their communities, and express their creativity and enthusiasm. While Remedios is one of the most famous locations for Las Parrandas, many other towns and cities across Cuba also host their own unique celebrations during this festive season, making it a joyous and unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.
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[Kazakhstan] Orteke - performing art that combines theatre, music and puppetry
Orteke is an indigenous Kazakh performing art that combines theatre, music and puppetry. This folk art entails a music performance with a dombyra, a traditional two-stringed instrument, and a dance performed by a wooden puppet. Attached to the surface of a traditional drum with a metal rod, a wooden puppet in the shape of a mountain goat is connected to the fingers of a musician by one or several strings. As the musician strikes their fingers to play the dombyra, the puppet comes to life, hopping in sync with the music while tapping a rhythmic beat on the drum. Some experts can play with three or more puppets at a time. This performance, fascinating for its simplicity, is enjoyed by children and adults alike. It is primarily transmitted within communities and through apprenticeships, although the Kokil Musical College in Almaty has also established a team of researchers dedicated to the art. The biennial Orteke international festivals and regional puppet art competitions are other platforms for the learning and sharing of skills and experience between puppet artists from Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries. Since ancient times, the mountain goat has symbolized male strength, and its horns were understood as belonging to a leader or the strongest warriors. The goat is an important and popular character in Kazakh fairy tales, it is often depicted as smart and witty: it often helps and guides slow-witted rams. The orteke dance adds a unique flavor to the impressions of the fairy tale genre. Inscribed in 2022 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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