Krakow's top Festivals

Krakow's top FestivalsaMany Polish cities are known for their majesty, yet the beauty of Krakow is unparalleled. As it was the royal capital of Poland until 1596, the city is skyline is beautified by magnificent historic buildings while its streetscapes are stunning. The gorgeous Wavel Castle is the city's trademark while the cathedral raises impressively above the town.

But unforgettable sights is not all the city has to offer. There are also a range of festivals and events that bring Krakow to life.

1) Krakow International Film Festival: The Krakow Film Festival takes place in May and June and focuses on short films, documentaries and animated features. The categories of the festival comprise Polish and international films. After the ceremonies, attendees can stick around for a chat with the filmmakers and even the actors.

2) Photomonth in Krakow: May is the month of Photography in Krakow. Dozens of exhibitions showcase great photographic works throughout the month in various bars and cafes, and unusual venues like the Old Okocim brewery or Sindler's Factory.

3) Jewish Culture Festival: It takes place between June and July in Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter. The history of the place is marked by the tragedy of the Second World War, but the festival is all about having a merry time. Visitors from far and wide meet in this extraordinary festival to listen to Klezmer bands (from classical to electronic), watch movies, attend book launches and lectures and enjoy the typical food of the place. The classic is the Szeroka Street block party which closes the festival.

4) International Festival of Street Theatre: It takes place in July and it brings together actors, circus artists, comedians and musicians plus a host of special effects to celebrate Street Theatre, which has been intrinsic to Cracovian life since time immemorial.

Siguisoara Medieval Festival

Dost thou knowest the time? Perchance dusk in the Middle Ages when orders of medieval knights roamed Europe on the way back from the Crusades. Verily, in July the beauteous Romanian city of Siguisoara will host open-air concerts, parades and ceremonies meant to glorify medieval Transylvania. By my troth, the town turns clocks back to its splendid origins a goodly length in times past... the 12th century! Let us go thither.

Fireworks, chivalry tournaments, archery and gigs bring Romania's largest medieval festival to life for 3 marvelous days. The archaic streets, the castle that raises above the citadel and its ancient walls complement the air of the olden days.

Endless picturesque events take place in evocatively titled squares: Knight's, Little Knight's, Troubadour's, Pilgrim's and Mercenaries', plus the Chronicler's House and Blacksmith's Tower. Each night ends with a torchlit parade, on Friday and Sunday at 11pm while fireworks fill the town with splendour and magic on Saturday night.

Visitors can buy medieval crafts of Romania, and indulge themselves in some traditional dishes such as Goulash. Cultural events include theatre, handicraft demonstrations and exhibitions, painting, sculpture, seminars, film projections, among others.

Located in the historic region of Transylvania, Central Siguisoara has preserved in an admirable way the features of a small medieval fortified city. For that reason, it has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is precisely its well preserved walled structure what attracts a considerable amount of tourists of Siguisoara. Namely, during the Medieval Festival, more than 30,000 tourists visit the citadel, doubling its population.

Wench, beakers all round! Mayhap I will fetch the ale.

Muse Tours Europe in 2013

Muse have announced their biggest ever stadium tour for 2013 when they will play in cities across Europe. The 2nd Law Tour is the band's eight concert tour which supports their latest album The 2nd Law. The record has topped the charts in more than 20 countries since it was released last October.

The 2nd Law Tour has quickly become know for its extravagant and unique stage show. Some effects used on the concerts include, mainly, a characteristic and enormous pyramid of LED screens that slowly descends and absorbs the band during the show. There is also a large use of strobe lighting as well as corrupted system text on a floor panoramic screen during The 2nd Law: Unsustainable. Also, balloons and confetti shower the crowd during Follow me. During Starlight, laser lights of different colours point in different directions. Carbon dioxide cannons blast off on the final beats of Survival.

The tour's setlist generally includes band's classic Bliss, Plug In Baby, Hysteria, Stockholm Syndrome, Time is Running Out, Knights of Cydonia, Supermassive Black Hole, Starlight, Undisclosed Desires, Uprising, plus The 2nd Law's first single Survival.

The band will start at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on 22 May, then London on 25 and 26 May, Manchester on June 1, Amsterdam on 4 June, Barcelona on 7 June, Porto on 10 June, Paris on 21 and 22 June, Turin on 28 and 29 June, Rome on 6 July, Berlin on 14 July, Oslo on 24 July and finally Helsinki on 27 July.

Top 5 April's Events in Europe

Europe's holiness and royalty enrich popular festivities in April. Spring has finally arrived and outdoor events are starting to brighten up the continent's streets. From the blooming fields in Holland to the gorgeous beaches of the Mediterranean region, merry hearts await the summertime.

1) Semana Santa (Spain): during the Easter week, thousands of hooded penitents carry holy icons through the streets of Spanish cities. The parades gather masses of people who fervently watch the beautiful thrones made out of gold.

2) Settimana Santa (Italy):The mediterranean country celebrates Holy Week with parades and passion plays. By Holy Thursday, Rome is packed with the faithful and even non-believers. Hundreds of thousands surround the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica, full of emotion and piety.

3) Greek Easter (Greece): this is the most important festival in the Greek Orthodox calendar. It is a celebratory event as the Resurrection is the main element of festivity. The festival reaches its peak at midnight on Easter Sunday, when candles are lit, and fireworks and candlelit procession illuminate the streets.

4) Feria de Abril (Spain): Seville hosts a week-long party full of flamenco, joy and arts. The city's ancient squares gather masses of people who dance, sing, talk and celebrate all day and throughout the night.

5) Koninginnedag -Queen's Day- (Netherlands): On 30 April, the whole nation is driven into a frenzy. Orange costumes and fake afros, beer, dope, leather boys, temporary roller coasters and clogs are seen all over Holland while general craziness takes over the country. Particularly, Amsterdam is the place to be on Queen's Day as it is the epicentre of the celebration. Raise your glass to the Queen!