Major celebrations from Alsace, warm moments of a family walk, strolling in search of the original gift, discovering countless masterpieces of the exhibiting craftspeople… There are indeed a thousand and one good reasons to go for a walk on the Christmas markets.

Gently elated by the scent of mulled wine that exudes the fragrance of oranges and cinnamon, visitors will go explore the wonderful world of Christmas markets in Alsace. There are almost 150 markets throughout the region to the North and the South. They have delighted both children and adults for nearly 500 years. In Alsace, during the Christmas period, the region divides into 7 magic areas: the 7 areas of Christmas in Alsace.

The Land of Mystery

With fascinating traditions, the Land of Mystery hosts the villages of the fabulous potters of Alsace Betschdorf and Soufflenheim. This land enigmatic located north of the region was the birthplace for elves, fairies, giants and other fantasy characters such as Hans Trapp, a frightening cousin of the bogeyman.

The Land of Lights

Richly lighten up villages, the glow of the ironworks’ fire of Lalique cristal glass-making in Wingen sur Moder or the glow of the candles adorning the crown of Christkindel… Indeed, the Land of  Lights proudly bears its name. Crossed by the Natural Regional Park of the Vosges du Nord area, this mountainous region located northwest of Alsace is full of supernatural legends and myths.

The Land of Flavours

Since 1570, Strasbourg has settled its fabulous Christmas markets throughout Strasbourg, main city of Alsace. From the magnificent cathedral to the most beautiful squares of the city, markets dedicated to handicrafts and Christmas decorations have managed to preserve year after year the authenticity and soul of the Christmas period. Strolling through the Christmas markets of Strasbourg is the opportunity to enjoy an entertaining and delectable walk along dozens of miles of tinsels and decorations. There are no less than 300 wooden chalets over 12 areas or “markets”,that is as many opportunities to make the most enchanting discoveries.

The Land of Fir-Tree

With its prestigious conifers, the Land of Fir-Tree borders the Alsatian side of the Vosges mountains and stretches to the river Rhine, on the upper half of the region. Land of the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle and Sainte Odile Mount, the town of Sélestat is located there. It is the place where the first sales document for Christmas trees is religioulsy kept at the Humanist Library.

The Land of Stars

The Land of Stars is located on the famous wine route of Alsace and thus one of the most beautiful areas of the Alsatian vineyard. Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg and other gorgeous fortified villages can be found here. This area spreads through the very beautiful valley of Munster, through snow-covered mountains and local specialties.

The Land of Evenings

Secret garden of the Alsace region, the Land of Evenings is located at the Ecomusée d’Alsace. With fascinating tales and wonderful shows children and adults will be transported to the world of fantasy and dreams of Christmas.

The Land of Songs and Fabrics

With a particularly rich textile heritage, this land that spreads over the whole of southern Alsace revives the traditions of its past industrial period and presents all sorts of fabrics, including Mulhouse and its sumptuous museum of printing on fabrics as well as Thann valley or the Wesserling Park and its textile museum. Here is also the place where participative choirs, concerts and musical bands come to liven up the celebrations.

More information: Alsace Tourist Office – www.tourisme-alsace.com

Source : Press release Noël en Alsace 2010

Noëlies Christmas festival is a major event of Christmas in Alsace and it is the opportunity to revive the original aspect of Christmas. They are a necessary moment that everyone can take to feel the sacred part that makes Christmas a time of emotion and universal sharing.

The 2010 programme:

Liselotte Hamm, Jean-Marie Hummel and Léopoldine Hummel

Christmas would not be Christmas without the fascinating snow that covers the region of a thick blanket. The three artists use every tone, every intonation of voice to make the sound of the snow heard and directly challenge every visitor’s child at heart.

Schedrik Chor

This choir, with about thirty remarkable German young women, presents different Christmas songs.

The Young Vocal Academy of Aquitaine

The Young Vocal Academy of Aquitaine consists in vocal workshops with youngsters aged 11 to 18 years old. With a remarkable level of polyphonic music expression, they will present different songs from Pergolese to nowadays with a divine harmony.

Young  Chorists of Metz Cathedral

Founded in 1996 by Monseigneur Raffin, Metz bishop, and directed by Christophe Bergossi, head of choir, organist and master of Metz Cathedral’s chapel, this band with clear and pure voices will transport visitors as they will listen to their heavenly songs.

Alpes Horn Concert

Both majestic and enchanting, the deep melodies of these Alpes horn players from the town of Zug, Switzerland will arouse in every visitor a unique emotion.

Nationaal Jongenkoor – Young Men’s Choir from the Netherlands

The band was created in order to give a fresh impetus to male choral singing. These young singers have weekly rehearsals in nine different locations spread over the Dutch territory. Wilma ten Wolde, head of choir, regularly gives master classes and she is also internationally renowned for being an expert in the field of choral singing.

Major « Noëlies » Concerts

• Opening Concert – L’arrach’choeur et le Tuscan / Chamber Orchestra / November 26  at 8 pm, Haguenau Protestant Church

This vocal band conducted by Rémi Studer, from Alsace, brilliantly presents many well known a capella songs and go through the whole history of music. The band will open the Noëlies ball with an original creation.

• Four Chorus Concert / December 11 at 8 pm in Molsheim Jesuit Church

This special concert, created exclusively for Noëlies 2010, will be the opportunity to listen to the festival four main choral bands invited this year: Schedrik Chor, the Young Vocal Academy of Aquitaine,  the Young Chorists of Metz Cathedral and the Nationaal Jongenkoor, brought together and conducted by Daniel Leininger, famous head of choir and organist from Alsace.

• Christmas from Boston to Strasburg / décember 23  at 8 pm in the Protestant Church of  Saint Pierre Le Jeune, Strasburg

Organised in partnership with the Boston-Strasburg twinning association and the city of Strasburg, this concert will be the opportunity to discover a moving encounter between both famous Boston Camerata and Strasburg’s Music Parliament.

More information: Noëlies Christmas Festival – www.noelies.com

Source : Press release Noël en Alsace 2010

“Christmas in Alsace” is more than a period of festivities or a region that is celebrating, it is a way to get into a magical world that cannot be found anywhere else.

Festivities will start on November 25 with their high point on December 25. Then, full of the emotion of Advent and Christmas, excitement will continue gently until Epiphany on January 6. “Christmas in Alsace” divides into many events, each one more impressive than the next. Tremendous concerts, fascinating exhibitions or wonderful shows, the whole region livens up around a remarkable calendar:

Christmas paths in Osthouse

This amazing night show with a focus on lights and sounds showcases the magnificent castle castle of Osthouse through stunning scenery beautifully illustrating the traditions of Christmas in Alsace. Each visitor is transported in various extraordinary worlds, as and when the sketches are available …

Blue Christmas in Guebwiller

Blue Christmas in Guebwiller refers to the ceramiscist’s Deck blue and the Christmas Tree as his guiding thread. Visitors will go all the way starting at Notre Dame Church in front of which there will be a film projection,then they will go along the path illuminated with blue lights in order to reach Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and discover XMAS Tree, a futuristic Christmas tree made of steel and lights. Besides, along their way visitors will have the chance to enjoy electronic music by Vincent Villuis, an artist from Lyon showcasing for religious order Dominicains in Alsace region.

Christmas at the Garden in the Park of Wesserling

“Christmas at the Garden” is an enchanting path through the heart of the magnificent Wesserling gardens. At nightfall, a thousand lights are shining and sparkling in the park for visitors to enjoy an amazing night walk. Surprising encounters will be on the way behind flower beds : Christmas tales and fantasy characters will take them through a world of magic.

Christmas in the valley in Bassemberg

Each year, a village in the beautiful Val de Villé is being highlighted for a whole weekend. The town of Bassemberg will let us share the popular excitement of Christmas in Alsace, with harmonious decoration of houses and streets, shows, songs and legends …

More information: Alsace Tourist Office – www.tourisme-alsace.com

Source : Press release Noël en Alsace 2010

From November 5 to 19, 2010 in Strasbourg, come and celebrate Jazzdor festival’s 25th edition ! 

 The festival line-up will focus on very talented musicians who had a strong influence in the past years thanks to their creativity constantly renewed : Louis Sclavis, John Scofield, Heinz Sauer / Michael Wollny , Nils Petter Molvaer, Joachim Kühn, Lee Konitz, Eric Legnini, Enrico Rava, Chucho Valdès, but also Hélène Labarrière, Marc Ribot, Luciano Biondini / Michel Godard / Lucas Niggli, Sylvie Courvoisier / Mark Feldman, Jean-Louis Matinier / Michael Riessler…

Since the festival aims at exploring and discovering tomorrow’s  artists, wether French, European or American, many emerging bands will perform on stage for the festival, both in and around Strasbourg.

Franco-German shows, creations, “premiere” in France, everything will contribute to nourish the great river of this music, the art of sharing and breaking the rules, the invitation to discover…

More information: Jazzdor – www.jazzdor.com

Source: Press release Jazzdor 2010

Music Day, also known in other countries as World Music Day, is held every year in France. This year, for its 29th anniversary, the event will put the spotlight on women… So let’s meet on Monday 21st June !

Be they music composers , opera singers, conductors, street singers, songwriters or DJs, the focus will be put on their creativity, their struggles and the deep and true nature of their music.

Since ancient times, women have always been an endless source of inspiration that has inspired the greatest melodies. Muses, singers or musicians, they take a leading part in the practice of this art. In order to pay a tribute to them, the 29th edition of Music Day in France will be focused on “music and women”.

This unifying theme will provide an opportunity for all artists, whether they are amateurs or professionals, to celebrate Music Day and women by interpreting compositions made by or for women … A large selection in prospect !

For one day and one night, French cities and towns will be swept away by all kinds of music, with concerts, free events and also the possibility of discovering amateur music players or singers in pubs and cafés.

More information: 2010 Music Day – www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr

Source: presse release “Fête de la Musique 2010″

Spring will soon be here and so does the festival season ! Without necessarily giving you an comprehensive list, here is an overview to our selection of France’s coming festivals…

• In April:

Printemps de Bourges, from April 13 to 18, will start proudly the festival season by celebrating its 34th anniversary. More info: http://www.printemps-bourges.com/en/home/welcome.php

• In June:

Hellfest open air, from June 18 to 20 for its 5th edition in Clisson, Western France. This 2010 edition already promises to be THE  major metal event ever organised in France! More info: www.hellfest.fr

Solidays, from June 25  to 27, at the Longchamps-Paris racecourse, this festival will bring together many artists all commited to the fight against AIDS. More info: www.solidays.org

• In July:

Eurockéennes of Belfort, from July 2 to 4 : this rock festival will bring together 80 artists on 5 different stages. The must-see artists: Jay-Z, Mika, The Hives, Charlotte Gainsbourg. More info: www.festival.eurockeennes.fr

The Avignon Theatre Festival from July 7 to 27, is a major and must-attend event of the european art life. For 3 weeks, this the festival will please theatre lovers with its 64th edition.  More info: www.festival-avignon.com

Francofolies, from July 13 to 17 , in La Rochelle, western France. New places, new names, new artists on stage to give you more fun and emotions!  The must-see artists: Phœnix, Diam’s, Émilie Simon, Cœur de Pirate. More info: www.francofolies.fr

Vieilles Charues, from July 15 to 18, in Carhaix, Brittany. The must-see artists: Muse, Mika, Indochine, Alain Souchon. More info: www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr

Musilac, from July 16 to 18, in Aix-Les-Bains, Esplanade du Lac, southern France, will celebrate its 9th anniversary. The must-see artists: Pony Pony Run Run, M, ZZ Top, Peter Doherty, Luke, Indochine, Cœur de Pirate. More info: www.musilac.com

• In August:

Route du Rock, will take place from August 13 to 15, in Saint Malo – Le Fort Saint Père, Brittany, for its 20th edition. The must-see artists: Massive Attack, The Flamming Lips, Yann Tiersen. More info: www.laroutedurock.com

Rock en Seine, will be held in the Saint Cloud gardens from August 27 to 29 for its 8th edition. The must-see artists: Blink 182, Arcade Fire, Cypress Hill, Queens of the Stone Age, The Kooks, Foals and  Massive Attack. More info: www.rockenseine.com

Once again in March 2010, the city of  Strasbourg celebrates the 21st Giboulées de la Marionnette, a puppet festival. From March 19 to 27, come and get closer to puppets to listen to their secrets !

The festival, which is organised by the Jeune Public Theatre of Strasbourg, will present this year several shows from France and abroad. Altogether, there will be 25 shows coming from 8 different countries: Itlay, Belgium, Switzerland, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Estonia.

This puppet festival has become an international festival that cannot be missed. Indeed, it helped open this visual art to other forms of art expression by mixing puppet theatre, objects and shadow puppets, together with a boundless liberty and imagination.

Useful information:

TJP Strasbourg / Centre Dramatique National d’Alsace – 1 rue du pont Saint-Martin – 67000 Strasbourg

Information and Booking: +33 3 88 35 70 10

Prices:
Passion Card for 4 shows: €40  (adult – extra ticket €8 ), €22 (under 15 – extra ticket €6,50)
Full price: €15 (adult) / Price for children (under 15) : €6,50
Single Cabaret price: €7

More information: Giboulées de la Marionnette Festival – www.theatre-jeune-public.com

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (March 8th) and the World Poetry Day (March 21st), this 12^th edition of the Poetry Festival « Le Printemps des Poètes » in France will focus on the theme of women.

The inauguration evening will take place on Monday, March 8 at the Opéra Comique, with Dominique Blanc, Brigitte Fontaine and Carolyn Carlson.

Celebrated throughout France, the event will especially highlight the work of Andrée Chedid with the 2^nd Andree Chedid’s sung poem contest with Matthieu Chedid as the  president of the jury. The actress Dominique Blanc will be the sponsor of the event.

An original exhibition, entitled “au fil des mots”, will present a selection of poems having a focus on the theme of hope, body and love. These poems have been reinterpreted by designers and artists who bring their own graphic layout of a short text. The set will be embroidered by women of Swaziland, sick of HIV. This work will give them an income. About thirty works will be exhibited throughout the year 2010.

More information:

2010 Poetry Festival: www.printempsdespoetes.com

For the Christmas season the « Noëlies » in Alsace region is the opportunity to enjoy Advent time before the most beautiful night of the year and it is also an invitation to travel at the heart of the local Christmas spirit. The « Noëlies » is a major event in the local cultural time and it offers a large range of activities, which will take place until January 6^th, 2010 throughout the wole region.

This year, the « Noëlies » offer a european music programme : from the Balkans to the Rhine, through the Baltic countries, Hungary, Germany, Flanders and last but not least the Alsace region.

An invitation to mystery… Music will be associated to painting with a important art exhibition dedicated to painter Arcabas, a person who strongly influenced sacred contemporary painting.

This year, the focus is on : « time of possibles ». With altar boys, talented young people, international renowned music bands as well as local ones, the « Noëlies » will guide you to the star so that you will be able to see the time of possibles be born again.

More information:

The « Noëlies »: www.noellies.com

To celebrate the Month of Documentary Film 10th edition, november is a must-attend event in France, French West Indies and abroad for documentary films.

The aim of this event is to show to an audience, that is getting larger, and make them appreciate the diversity and strength of creative documentary films by uniting many events organised by enthusiastic programmers in different locations.

Venues: libraries and media centres, cinemas, cultural and educational institutions, French cultural centres abroad…

Programme: viewings of heritage, rare or unreleased films, film previews, tributes, topics, debates and meetings with directors…

In France, 16 regions will also host this event (participating regions: Alsace, Aquitaine, Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne and Franche-Comté, Brittany, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Guadeloupe, Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Midi-Pyrenées, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, Rhône-Alpes)

More information:

www.moisdudoc.com

www.culture.fr

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