Venetian Finds: With water everywhere and palaces galore, Venice captivates the imagination like no other city

The only city in the world constructed purely on waterways, Venice has a beguiling beauty. It has over the years provided an endless canvass for writers, painters and philosophers and the backdrop for haunting films. Packed with palazzi and other must-see cultural attractions, this most remarkable of Italian destinations oozes charm, with the lapping canal water leaving an indelible mark on bewitched visitors.

Perched upon more than 120 islands within a sheltered lagoon, the maritime melting pot was the centre of a formidable Venetian trading monopoly in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era; legendary 13th-century merchant-explorer Marco Polo called it home. Inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 1987, the city has seen its population dwindle by more than half since the end of the Second World War to less than 50,000 today. Talk of its demise is nothing new, and Unesco has twice considered declaring this wonder of the world endangered as it combats a multitude of existential threats, from tourist overcrowding to subsidence.

Grand tour

The six districts of Venice lie either side of the majestic watercourse known as the Grand Canal, the main artery of the city. There are an estimated 3,000 alleys to explore and 400 bridges to cross. Ponte de Chiodo is the one remaining bridge with no parapet (side wall or rail).

A voyage down the Grand Canal – Canalazzo to the locals – reveals more than 200 ornate palaces and grand houses lining the banks. The vaporetto (water bus) starts at Piazzale Roma and snakes through the city on waters full of colourful flotillas of gondolas, ferries, taxi launches, high- speed police boats and barges stacked high with fresh produce. Ferry line No. 1 takes in all stops and offers the best views. If possible, grab outside seats at the front or rear of the boat for the full journey to San Marco, Venice’s foremost district, then return in order to drink in the full scenic glory of the palazzi from the opposite direction. A night- time boat trip is perhaps even more magical.

Building bridges

The ride passes under some splendid bridges. Dating from 1588, the Ponte di Rialto is perhaps the most famous – an iconic eight-metre-high structure with a span of 28 metres positioned at the narrowest point of the Grand Canal. The bridge is the central focus of the city’s commercial hub, the Rialto. Here the wet market, full of luscious fruit, vegetables and fish, is a treat for the senses and has enlivened the quayside since medieval times.

San Giacomo di Rialto, the oldest church in Venice, is located nearby. To cross the Grand Canal here board a traghetto, a large gondola in which passengers traditionally remain standing. No visit to Venice would be complete, of course, without floating along some part of the canal network in a black-painted, flat-bottomed, banana-shaped boat guided by an expert gondolier – musical serenade optional.

Another notable bridge on the Grand Canal is the Ponte dell’ Accademia. This wooden structure erected temporarily in 1932 has become a much- loved permanent fixture and affords superb views of waterborne life.

Masters of art

Riva del Vin, one of the few banks of the canal with pavement access, hosts a clutch of open- air restaurants and hotels. The colossal Baroque palace of Ca’ Pesaro houses the city’s modern art collection and is beautifully floodlit at night. Works by 19th- and 20th-century masters such as Gustav Klimt and Marc Chagall and a strong Italian assemblage are highlights.

Also located on the Grand Canal is Italy’s leading museum for 20th-century European and American art, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which houses the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The American mining heiress, who began amassing magnificent paintings while living in Paris in the 1920s, relocated to the 18th-century Venetian palace after the war.

Around the square

Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) is adorned with monuments that bear testimony to Venice’s rich history. Here you will find the great Basilica di San Marco cathedral church, considered the perfect architectural fusion of East and West. Booking a guided visit beforehand is recommended to avoid the queues. The building has been replaced twice, with much of today’s church hailing from 1071, and it became the city’s cathedral in 1807.

Striking exterior details include the original mosaic over the leftmost door – depicting the transfer of St Mark’s body from Alexandria to Venice – and Romanesque carvings above the central door. The interior is embellished with resplendent historical works of art. The Basilica Museum houses the famed quarter of gilt-bronze horses looted from Constantinople by Venetian forces during the Crusades.

Adjoining the basilica is the Doge’s Palace, a superb combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1340 and it served as the powerhouse of the city’s rulers until 1797, when Napoleon’s occupation of Italy ended the Republic of Venice. The building became a museum in 1923 and contains terrific works from Venetian painters such as Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini.

Blessed with many architectural styles, Campo Santa Margherita (St Margaret’s Square) is another lovely square. Its cafes provide charming rest stops to sit and soak up the bustling life of thriving market stalls.

Food with a view

Turning to dining delights, Venetian restaurants range in style from cool 18th-century refinement to rustic gentility. Venice embraces a wide range of foreign communities and this influence has given rise to Italy’s most eclectic and subtle cooking, according to many culinary experts. The elegant terrace of Grand Canal Restaurant at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal in San Marco offers picture-postcard views over the lagoon. Venetian, Italian and international dishes are served including fish soup, vegetable risotto and scampi.

Next door is the legendary watering hole of Ernest Hemingway and many other writers, painters, artists and aristocrats. The success of Harry’s Bar has been attributed to personalised service and lack of imposition. The Bellini aperitivo is said to be invented here and the food is good, too, with an emphasis on classic Italian dishes.

Originally a 1720s coffee house, Antico Martini is another Venetian institution. Located in San Fantin Square beside La Fenice Opera House, it is a lovely place to sit and watch the sun go down. The warm historical ambience, excellent Italian menu and wonderful background music draw in the crowds.

Festia pizzazz

Venice is host to a multitude of fantastic festivals. The most famous, the Carnival, is a spectacular parade of masked, caped and gowned revellers staged during the 10 days prior to Lent. In 2024, the city’s internationally acclaimed film festival will take place from 28 August to 7 September, while music lovers can enjoy evening concerts at various venues – in palaces, churches and the open-air – throughout the year. The word regatta originated in Venice, and an amazing historical water pageant precedes a competitive race around the lagoon on 1 September.

American Dream: Exposed concrete and reclaimed wood bring a rustic modern warmth to a cool Californian home

San Francisco is known for its eclectic mix of residential architecture, from Victorian-era homes to modern high- rises. Among the city’s diverse array of living spaces, one home stands out, in terms of both distance and mood. Situated away from the urban noise, overlooking redwood trees with peaks beyond, its design pays homage to the beauty of the surrounding landscape while embracing a laid-back, cosy atmosphere.

Dubbed ‘Golden Villa’ by its interior designer, Yana Prydalna, the house perfectly encapsulates her signature rustic style. The colour palette is an artistic conception of autumn’s golden breath. Ukrainian-born, Sacramento-based Prydalna is inspired by nature and the depth and texture of natural materials, devising concepts that encompass wabi-sabi, modernism and minimalism.

Full of exposed concrete walls, wooden beams, and an abundance of natural light beaming through large windows, Golden Villa is actually a converted warehouse. The young couple who own it moved here to escape fast- paced city life, desiring a home that felt warm and inviting while reflecting their love for the great outdoors.

A large, airy living area greets visitors entering the home and serves as its focal point. A large white modular sofa reclines around a reclaimed wood coffee table, forming a comfy space that can be arranged in different sitting configurations depending on the occasion. At its centre, the irregular, round- edged low table is a talking point – it has a raw texture and is propped up by spheres.

The double-height living space is a wonderful blend of light colour and warm wood. The strong industrial vibe of the concrete walls is softened by the beams high overhead that instils charm and character. It is these triangulated timber trusses, in particular, which transform the whole space.

Everything about the décor here is impressively distinctive yet very simple. Huge pots placed on a ledge just below the rafters serve as unconventional artworks. Down low, another ledge holds ceramic objects of various sizes and is raised from the floor by an artistic arrangement of logs.

Straight, clean lines are softened by bohemian touches of wicker and jute in a wonderful combination of cool and warm materials. Pretty plates and woven table mats are displayed on the walls. Polished concrete, decorative plaster, natural textiles, wood and wicker harmonise with the earthy tones of the outside environment, creating an ambience that is both natural and contemporary.

An open-concept kitchen and dining area is located just off the living room, making it easy for the couple to entertain guests while preparing meals. The kitchen features custom- made shelves crafted from reclaimed wood, a farmhouse sink and a butcher-block island that also serves as a dining table with circular wooden- topped bar stools on one side. Huge wicker pendant lights add to the warm, natural vibe. A wide window along the back wall affords views of the forest.

Moving onto the bedroom, the designer wanted to create a serene, relaxing space that would help the owners unwind after a long day at work. Built- in wooden closets with ribbed-glass doors flank a desk, where a computer brings the modern world into a rural setting.

The bedroom walls are painted in an earth tone, picking out one of the colours of the throw pillows on the bed. Adorned with a plush duvet, the bed rests on a large, round jute rug. This rustic charm spreads to an oversized wicker lamp hanging down at one side of the bed and an artisanal blanket laid across a wicker chair. A sleek wooden ceiling fan and angle floor lamp have a more modern feel. This is a bright room during the day – a wall of windows doubles as a door out to the stone patio, where a pool allows for a dip amid a classic American pioneer scene of woodland and mountains.

The couple’s bathroom is the most unique space in the home, with concrete slabs serving as minimalist fixtures. Reflecting the view from the window opposite, two door-sized, wooden- framed mirrors behind a twin vanity give the illusion of opening the room to the outside world. In the absence of bathroom cabinets, a long wooden shelf gives a place for toiletries. The bathtub is hewn from concrete and pampas grass placed in one corner brings feathery greenery inside.

Golden Villa is not just carefully styled and curated as an isolated living space; it is the epitome of aesthetics resonating with the nature around it. The juxtaposition of natural and manmade materials, of wood and concrete, of warm and cool, creates a delightful blend of vernacular and modern design that transcends time.

Photos: Yana Prydalna

Yoo’s Cues: Teo Yoo shot to fame with his nuanced performance in Past Lives, but the extrovert within him awaits

In the realm of entertainment, success stories are often shaped by talent, perseverance and a touch of fate. Teo Yoo’s rise has captivated audiences worldwide, a Korean actor raised in Germany who defied the odds to break into the international film industry. From humble beginnings to global sensation, his journey is an inspiring tale of passion, determination and unwavering belief in one’s dreams.

Yoo’s touching performance as a man doubting his destiny in the critically acclaimed film, Past Lives, cast him into an unexpected spotlight. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January last year, won Best Feature at the Gotham Independent Film Awards, and was a Best Picture nominee at this year’s Oscars.

“It’s still a bit surreal as Love to Hate You was my first leading role in a Korean TV show and Past Lives was the first time I was the lead of an American feature film,” says the 42-year-old actor of 2023. “Being able to showcase the diversity of my work to the public has been exciting.”

Teo’s breakthrough came with a role that would define his career and eventually solidify his place among the finest actors of this generation. First casted in an independent film, his portrayal of a complex character captivated audiences and critics alike. The film’s success propelled Teo into the international spotlight, earning him accolades and paving the way for a myriad of opportunities.

Chosen path

This year, he promises audiences will see a different side of him. “I don’t even feel like I have scratched the surface of my potential. It is always hard to answer this question [of what challenge is coming next] because as an actor, we are not choosing what we want to do. We are getting chosen. So it is hard to tell what comes next. But I can tell you that I want to show a more colourful and extroverted variety of my character in the future.”

Born Kim Chi-hun in Cologne, Germany, in 1981, to South Korean immigrants, Teo Yoo was supposed to train as a physical therapist, but pursuing acting studies at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York and then the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London changed his mind.

His career began in the mid-2000s with a few small roles in Korean films. Having relocated to Seoul, he clocked up appearances in a couple of international productions – Seoul Searching (2015) and the Russian rock movie Leto (2018), both of which took him to the Cannes Film Festival.

Breaking free

As the son of a coal miner who moved to Germany as part of a labour scheme, Yoo doesn’t waste time dwelling on regret and has never been afraid to take chances. “Personally, I believe that an individual can adapt anywhere and still find a reason and a purpose to feel that they belong in said circumstance,” he says. “I also believe that it even heightens a sense of belonging due to the purposeful nature of becoming invested in the new environment.”

Heart felt

Past Lives, Yoo’s most significant career highlight to date, is an endless love story, even if it lacks the genre’s typical elements. Written and directed by Celine Song, it follows two childhood friends as they grow older, become adults and go in separate directions. It crosses boundaries, time, relationship, and even lifetimes, and arouses emotions so deeply that yearning looks are the greatest way for the two protagonists, Hae Sun (Yoo) and Nora (Russian Doll and The Morning Show star Greta Lee), to express themselves rather than words.

The story’s origins lie in the Korean idea of inyeon, which holds that two individuals are meant to cross paths because of their ties from past lifetimes. Even though the couple’s relationship is intense and powerful, first-time director Song manages to make it seem real and relatable. And Yoo and Lee persuade us that it’s true.

“The cultural belief system of inyeon helped to construct the emotional elements of the character in this particular movie,” he says, adding: “I don’t really reminisce too much about my life. But sometimes I do like to think about it as a form of an imaginative exercise, as the construct of ‘what if’ is such a Western idea. In contrast, the core concept of inyeon allows me to just be.”

A happy ending?

Warning: A bit of a spoiler. Past Lives is a romance, even if the majority of the people who have watched it don’t feel that way by the end. However, without giving too much away, Yoo insists: “Looking at it from my character’s perspective, it’s not an ending. It’s just maybe a beginning. So it’s definitely a romance.”

His Oscars 2024 red carpet moment was a touching one tinged with sadness. Yoo wore a turtle pin, and when asked by the press he revealed the layers of meaning behind his accessory choice – it symbolised his late tortoise, Momo.

“Okay, so my pet tortoise passed away last year and I had him for 10 years. I’m gonna grieve for a while,” he announced, while smiling but close to tearing up. Yoo’s vulnerability, in real life or reel life, is what makes him very likeable.

Yoo says he was “in tears for about three days” after his pet’s death. “I was so dramatic. You know, it’s like that moment you have with your pet where you’re like, ‘Oh my god. Life is over.’ And then you remove yourself at the same time as an actor and you look at the situation and you think, ‘Oh my god, this is so dramatic and comical.’”

Driven by talent, dedication and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, Yoo has proven that with hard work and determination dreams can indeed become reality. His success story continues to unfold, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating his next endeavour and celebrating the indomitable spirit of a true artist.

Crack of Bloom: Cong Tri Spring/Summer 2024 redefines avant garde clothing

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What’s on? Things to do this April in Hong Kong

Enjoy a fantastic range of events to have fun and soak up some culture, from the Hong Kong Sevens to the film festival, masterpieces on display and so much more.

Illuminate! Run Beyond

Following the successful hosting of this immersive installation in global cities such as Washington DC, Toronto, London and Amsterdam, Italian artist Angelo Bonello brings his much-acclaimed light show to the majestic backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Visitors to his shows often tell of a surreal experience in which visions of silhouetted figures appear to leap almost magically from the installation creating a dreamlike, mystical ambience. Expect to be enchanted as Illuminate! Run Beyond heralds the launch of the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space. Bonello’s Art Light display will then continue until 28 April.

When: Until 4 April

Where: Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space

How much: Free

For more information: wches.com.hk

Songkran

Running in conjunction with celebrations to mark the Thai New Year, the Songkran Festival is a riotous, fun- filled occasion in which a good time is always had by all. Certain streets of Hong Kong become a veritable battlefield as participants endeavour to soak each other with water and thereby cleanse their spirits of all misfortune amassed over the previous year. The festival also marks a way for Thais in the city to promote community integration. Events at Songkran HK 2024 include dance performances, a market, food stalls and the Nang Songkran Parade.

When: 4-8 April

Where: D2 Place and Cheung Yee Street

How much: Free

For more information: songkran.hk

Hong Kong Sevens

This fantastic festival of fun and sporting excellence makes its swansong at Hong Kong Stadium before moving to Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025. For three decades, the iconic venue has provided magical moments and thrilling rugby for fans who flock to Hong Kong for the party atmosphere. A streamlined competition sees 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams competing for the coveted trophy, while China, Japan and Hong Kong (men) and China, Thailand and Hong Kong (women) battle in the Melrose Claymores competition.

When: 5-7 April

Where: Hong Kong Stadium

How much: Three-day pass HK$1,950

For more information: hksevens.com

Zlatomir Fung

A precociously gifted musical talent, at age 24 cellist Zlatomir Fung has performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras and is a hot property in the classical music industry. In 2019, he was the youngest-ever cello gold-medal winner at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. The US-raised Chinese-Bulgarian prodigy makes his Hong Kong debut, ably accompanied by local star Rachel Cheung on piano.

When: 17 April

Where: City Hall Concert Hall

How much: From HK$180

For more information: cityhall.gov.hk

Beyond the Singularity

The final exhibition of the Arts Development Council’s TECH 2.0 series, which has shone an interactive light on the connection between arts, technology and the community, focuses on the topic du jour – artificial intelligence. It asks participants to venture into the world of AI and explore the deeper meaning of its revolutionary impact on technology and the creative arts in general. This is the first major exhibition in Hong Kong where artists have used AI tools to create new works.

When: Until 7 April

Where: Showcase, Wong Chuk Hang

How much: Free

For more information: arts-tech.hk

Westk Funfest

Let your imagination run wild at this family-oriented arts extravaganza that allows visitors to explore and participate in a multitude of interactive experiences indoors and out. Try Ephemeral, the immersive public art installation created by award-winning Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu, which lands in Hong Kong for the first time and includes a ‘Colossal’ new element. Alternatively, 10-Minute Dance Parties is an unforgettable celebration of dance.

When: Until 7 April

Where: West Kowloon Cultural District venues

How much: Free or various prices

For more information: westkowloon.hk

Hong Kong International Film Festival

Now in its 48th edition, the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) has garnered an outstanding reputation for the breadth and quality of the movies it screens. A major cultural event in its own right, it has become the template for other Asian film festivals keen to replicate this success to their film- loving public. This year the Hong Kong programme spotlights the works of directors Fruit Chan, Martin McDonagh and Hamaguchi Ryusuke.

When: Until 8 April

Where: Various venues

How much: From HK$55

For more information: hkiff.org.hk

Masterpieces from the National

Take advantage while you can of this fantastic museum collaboration in which amazing works of art usually residing in London’s National Gallery have been loaned out to the Hong Kong Palace Museum. This is the first time paintings from the National Gallery have been made accessible for the public to view in Hong Kong. In total, 52 masterpieces by some of the art-world greats can be contemplated.

When: Until 11 April

Where: Hong Kong Palace Museum

How much: HK$150

For more information: hkpm.org.hk

Madame Song

Immerse yourself in the magnificent world of Song Huai-Kuei by spending some time at this major exhibition dedicated to the life and works of the Chinese cultural pioneer. The multitalented Madame Song touched and shaped Chinese art, film, music and fashion, and her influence spanned decades, from the 1950s to the early 2000s when China itself changed dramatically. The curators have gathered more than 320 objects for visitors to admire.

When: Until 14 April

Where: West Gallery, M+ Museum

How much: HK$140

For more information: mplus.org.hk

Glamour Quotient: Daywear practicality meets couture glamour in Elie Saab’s Pre-Fall 2024

The collection exhibits a well-considered balance that is reminiscent of Elie Saab’s own American style, deftly navigating between high fashion and fundamentals. Envisioning the essence of the 1970s, the assortment offers an abundance of choices for casual attire, showcasing asymmetrical shirts, fitted jumpsuits, peplum jackets, midi dresses, and a noteworthy item called the “Elie Saab pajama” — a set of pleated shirt and pants. Saab’s commitment to catering to the varied demands of its affluent customer base is seen in its focus on maintaining basic yet attractive forms.

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Awe Opera: Buccellati Opera – Icona Collections

The Buccellati Opera Icona Collections encompass a wide range of jewellery pieces including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches. These designs are inspired by various elements found in nature, such as flowers, leaves and animals, which are intricately translated into exquisite jewellery forms.

While we adore the four-point Opera Tulle motif, The Buccellati Opera collection is always incorporating fresh and fascinating twists – crafted in 18K gold and adorned with luminous diamond details to create breathtaking masterpieces that are admired around the world.

A testament to the brand’s commitment to timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression, each piece is a wearable work of art, meticulously created to be cherished for generations.

Sleep the best sleep ever: The Personae collection sending you into blissful sleep

Dorelan’s aim has always been to help people sleep well – all people. That’s why our research work and the products we create are increasingly unique, thanks to the expansion of our range of mattresses and accessories to meet as many needs as possible.

We made an in-depth study of these needs, and observed that consumers, their lifestyles and their consequent requirements fall into a series of archetypes.

“We’re committed to spreading the culture of sleep and unleashing it in every one of us, because it’s an innate power that’s essential for our wellbeing. The Personae collection is created to fully meet the needs of the consumer, who we at Dorelan call the persona.”

Our promise

Sleep well, live better.

“It’s a promise from our hearts, a professional credo base don the care and wellbeing of people who choose a new and wholesome way of resting; the very people who agree with our approach to sleep”.

Mission to raise awareness

Improving the quality of people’s sleep today, tomorrow, always. We want to do this by spreading the culture of sleep, raising consumers’ awareness, being an authoritative source of information.

We do all this through ongoing scientific research geared to improving the technology associated with sleep and by determinedly pursuing our goal, day after day.

“Our work is a combination of needs, focus on the product and science; a real innovation in tradition. We uphold the values we have always held and confirm them with the power of ideas and technology.”

Vision

Sleep is a natural source of wellbeing.

The energy and alertness we bring to our days depend on its quality. For this reason it should be treated as a vital element of human health. Sleep and wellbeing exist in equilibrium. We believe firmly in both, and this inspires us to give our best every day.

“We want to design excellent products of the very highest quality, and we want to do it in Italy, using great local materials, carefully selected.”

Quality that exceeds expectations

Raw materials, technology and Italian design are the components which, when skilfully assembled, come together in the promise of better sleep. Over time, our broad and flexible vision has allowed us to go beyond mattress design and move into the construction of the entire bed system.

“People’s needs are at the centre of every decision and process. We want people to have a superior and comfortable sleep experience; to this we devote our day-to-day work”.

Innovation takes shape

Uniqueness and quality: the two concepts that are ever-present in our work.

It involves unique, high-quality materials, technologies, methods and processes.This across-the-board approach lends itself to comprehensive customisation of the product, from the steel wire of springs to chemical processes, design and tailoring.

“Everything is designed in-house, and this means that even the smallest details are outstanding. Every component is designed to be unique, and manufactured with scrupulous control of the process. We can guarantee what we promise, 100%”.

This combination allows us to make high-level products every time, in line with the ever-changing needs of consumers.

Made in Italy

“Made in Italy” is more than just a label: it is historically synonymous with quality, for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, we have worked in this sector for over 60 years, evaluating every aspect of product improvement and manufacturing techniques, allowing us to develop an artisan sensibility that means our production processes use materials selected personally by us, and guarantee high standards of quality and durability.

Second, and equally important, is the passion of our workers, who have been doing the job for years with dedication and attention to detail.

Festive Crackers: Festival fervour lights up streets and hearts each month somewhere in the world

Following last month’s joyous celebration of Chinese New Year, we pay homage to the start of a new cycle. There’s an abundance of festivals held around the world throughout the year that have deep cultural significance and bring people and communities closer. Here is a guide to the best and the brightest for globetrotters seeking to soak up local colour.

Colour of Water

March sees the Holi festival in India, a beloved tradition in the country’s north, where Hindus celebrate the arrival of Spring according to the lunar calendar by joyously throwing coloured water and powder dyes on anyone within range. No one or orifice is safe from the technicolour assault, which takes place on 25 March this year. Mathura, one of India’s holiest cities, attracts floods of pilgrims during this festival. Bonfires are held the night before to celebrate the demise of the demoness Holika.

Saint Patrick’s Day falls annually on 17 March – a day in honour of the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The best place to celebrate the biggest day in the country’s cultural calendar is in the capital, Dublin, which becomes awash with the colour green. It’s a festival of fun – the famous Irish craic – and copious quantities of Guinness.

The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand has gained a reputation as the largest water fight in the world. It is part of the wider Songkran celebration of the Thai New Year (13-15 April), which is rich in symbolism for the Buddhist and Hindu calendars.

Music & Movie Mania

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held this year from 25 April to 5 May, brings 10 days of marvellous music from a multitude of genres – jazz, funk, gospel, blues, folk, bluegrass and others. The celebration marks the city’s roots as the birthplace of jazz. The latest celluloid splendours are aired every May at Festival de Cannes, known internationally as the Cannes Film Festival. Dating from the 1940s, the famous red- carpet event sees the best actors and filmmakers from around the world congregate on the French Riviera in an orgy of cinematic heaven. This year’s dates, 14-25 May, are a must for anyone fascinated by the global influence of movies.

June heralds two famous music festivals, Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Glastonbury in the UK. The former is marketed as the largest music festival in the US and is noted for its diverse range of musical styles; this year (weekends from 20 June to 6 July) features more than 1,000 performances by 800-plus acts spanning some of the industry’s hottest stars. The UK event (26-30 June) has moved to the mainstream and attracts mega stars as well as mega crowds to the muddy Somerset fields. Across the English Channel – or le Manche depending on your perspective – the huge biennial Paris Air Show takes place this month, too, with the next take-off on 16-22 June 2025.

Races in the Sun

The Basque Country goes bull crazy at the height of summer. In Pamplona, Spain, the world-famous Running of the Bulls (Festival de San Fermin) sees six bulls and steers released every morning from 7-14 July onto narrow, winding cobble-stoned streets thronged with brave (or mad) festival- goers – many donned in a traditional white shirt and red neckerchief – who attempt to dodge the stampede or run the entire five-minute course alongside them. The whole town is in a party mood for the week in honour of Saint Fermin, the co- patron saint of Navarre.

Over in Italy, the magnificent Palio di Siena horse race is staged twice in the summer, on 2 July and again on 16 August. The event has medieval origins and is preceded by a majestic pageant that attracts visitors from across the world.

Back in Spain, the world’s biggest tomato fight takes place in the Valencian town of Buñol, La Tomatina on the last Wednesday of August (28th this year). First held in 1945, following a quarrel that broke out near a handy market stall, it has grown into an annual entertainment. The medieval city centre fills with bands and parades, and participants are doused in water before the fun begins.

Autumn High Lights

The famous Oktoberfest is held in Munich every autumn. This more than 200-year-old tradition began as a celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Therese of Saxe- Hildburghausen in 1810. With people dressed in traditional lederhosen and drindl swaying to the music of the oompa bands, the city becomes one huge party with many raucous beer tents as well as a huge fair. This year’s epic beer-swilling lasts from 21 September to 6 October.

Diwali, or the ‘Festival of Lights’, falls on the first day of November in 2024, with festivities held on two days each side of the main holiday. Though celebrated by Hindus and other Indian religions across Asia, India knows how to put on a festival and the subcontinent is a good place to be during this nod to the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Stay on for the Pushkar Camel Fair in India, a must-see cultural event held in Rajasthan, which begins this year on 9 November.

Dancing the Year Away

In Konya, Turkey, the Mevlana Festival occurs in mid-December, with the famed Sufi whirling dervishes spinning their way to a closer connection with Allah. With roots from the 13th century, this quite dizzying performance dance is accompanied by drums, flutes and camera shutters.

New Year celebrations at the end of December and early January herald rejoicing the world over, none more so than Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland. The festival lasts about four days spanning New Year’s Eve and the beautiful Georgian city becomes a massive outdoor street party with concerts and fireworks.

Heading as far north as you can get in the UK, Shetland is home to Up Helly Aa, a series of fire
festivals that bid adieu to Yuletide; the largest, in the capital of Lerwick, blazes on the last Tuesday of January. Each festival ends with the burning of an imitation Viking galley that has been dragged through torch-lit streets in a magical ceremonial procession, followed by a night of partying.

Letting Rip Before Lent

The end of February sees the huge Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (28 February – 5 March), a signal for non-stop revelry with parties happening in every corner of town. Streets heave with partygoers dancing to the samba beat and drums pounding amid an array of amazing costumes of feathers, sequins and glitter and towering parade floats. Held every year before Lent, parties go on through the night in this celebration that has its roots in Catholicism and also salutes Brazilian culture. Samba schools train for many months in preparation for the four-day parade which winds its way through to the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí arena.

Mardi Gras is another famous Christian tradition, again celebrated before the Lenten sacrifices. The words mean ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French – a day of feasting before the fasting begins. Many countries celebrate Mardi Gras, rejoicing in a proliferation of exuberant costumes to celebrate the beauty of life. The Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of West Africa has gained a reputation for holding raunchy parties that mix Latin style and Brazilian sex appeal. The traditions behind the famous New Orleans Mardi Gras party, particularly known for its elaborate costumes, date back to the time of the French colonialists.

The Carnival of Venice with its distinctive masks was reinstated in 1979 after centuries of being banned. Celebrating the history and culture of Venice, it takes place over 10 days, ending on Shrove Tuesday (4 March in 2025).

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (March 2024)

Four remarkable lots that impressed bidders in recent auctions are featured in this month’s Look Section, including an amazing floral painting, a classy corvette, a rare buddhist sculpture and one of Jordan’s sneakers.

Super Six: Jordan’s sneakers win the game

Six of the most important pairs of basketball shoes sported during the illustrious career of Michael Jordan went for a whopping US$8 million (about HK$62.5 million) at a Sotheby’s sale in New York last month. The astonishing figure represents the global auction record for game-worn sneakers and the second- highest amount raised for items linked to the Chicago Bulls superstar.

Jordan wore these six individual pairs of Air Jordans when he was playing some of the most important games of his career – namely, the finals of his six-career National Basketball Association (NBA) championships from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. Commenting on this remarkable six-piece lot – dubbed the Michael Jordan ‘Dynasty Collection’ by the auction house – Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter said: “A truly unparalleled moment and milestone in auction history, the sale of these six championship- clinching sneakers will likely never be replicated.”

The largest sum accumulated for an auction item from the basketball legend’s catalogue of used sportswear was US$10.1 million, which secured his No. 23 jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals of his ‘Last Dance’ season.

Tibetan King: Rare Buddhist sculpture wows followers

The last privately owned gilt copper alloy figure of Virupaksha, the Buddhist Guardian of the West, caused a stir at a recent auction held in Hong Kong by Bonhams. This early 15th-century figure from the Densatil Monastery in Tibet, measuring an impressive 73 centimetres high, eventually went for HK$37.9 million (about US$4.86 million).

This huge price attained for a figure of Virupaksha, regarded as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, partly reflected the fact that the other three similar sculptures are all now residing in world-class museums – the Capital Museum in Beijing, the Palace Museum in Taipei, and Paris’s Guimet Museum. It is thought the sculpture was crafted when the noble clan ruling central Tibet and officiating at Densatil were at the height of their regal powers.

Edward Wilkinson, Global Head of Himalayan, Indian and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams said: “As the only guardian from Densatil in private hands, as well as the largest and most engaging sculpture from Densatil, this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of the greatest icons of Tibetan art. We are therefore thrilled, but not surprised, that it fetched the top price it deserves.”

Floral Fantasy: Kusama’s bold Flower blooms at auction

A floral painting by Yayoi Kusama, who is renowned for her deep affection for flowers as well as pumpkins and polka dots, delighted the Christie’s salesroom in Hong Kong so much that it garnered the second-highest auction price for the much-loved Japanese artist. The final sum for the 2014 work, called simply A Flower, topped HK$78 million (about US$10 million), a figure that is also greater than the HK$58.5 million attained for another floral work by the same artist at Christie’s the previous season.

Interestingly, Kusama’s life-long fascination with flowers began following a terrifying experience in childhood. She had a sudden, disturbing vision that she was surrounded by hundreds of flowers in a garden and they appeared to be chatting among themselves as if they had taken on human personas. This early moment of distress mushroomed into an illusory fantasy based around flowers and influenced her canon of work over several decades.

A vivid and bold piece with polka-dot motifs created when the artist was in her mid-80s, A Flower displays depth and appreciation of the subtle influence of changes of colour akin to the division and reproduction of cells in nature.

First & Last: Classy Corvette pair grabs headlines

The very first and the very last production Corvette L88 were offered together under one lot by Mecum Auctions at its recent sale in Kissimmee, Florida, resulting in much excitement and a mightily impressive winning bid of US$2.58 million (about HK$20.18 million). Equipped with muscular engines, the two classic Chevrolet ‘dream cars’ were used to turning heads when they hit the US racetracks in the late 1960s and winning awards thereafter.

The oldest model, a 1967 Convertible, is widely known as the very first production Corvette L88 and also has the distinction of being the only L88 Convertible to be painted Tuxedo Black. Its noteworthy racing career included being driven by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson, and finishing second in the 1967 Daytona Beach SCCA runoffs. The accolades continued in later life, as it achieved Bloomington Gold certification, numerous NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Top Flight wins and the NCRS Heritage award in 2013.

The last documented model of the line was manufactured on 4 December 1969. The 1969 Coupe was finished in the famous Corvette factory colour of Fathom Green.