Madness of Kings, Andradina, São Paulo, Brazil

Andradina is a municipality in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. It is located in the region of Araçatuba and Andradina. The Cultural Centre pioneers of Andradina: better known as the old station, is undoubtedly the Andradina postcard. The commune has a theatre (external), circumflex, where there has already been a scene of festivals, concerts, musicals, dances. The natural beauty can be seen in the woods and fields all around.
A tradition is maintained there. Of Portuguese origin, the sources say that the tradition came to Brazil in the 18th century. In the period from December 24th , Christmas Eve, until January 6th , the Epiphany, a group of singers and musicians roam the city singing verses about the visit of the magicians kings to the child Jesus. Ranging from door to door looking for offers, especially to collect food, animals, for the realization of the Saints Kings. The ‘Folia de Reis’ (madness of Kings), inherited from developed and Portuguese settlers in Brazil with its own characteristics; expressions preserved from generation to generation; it is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the three magicians kings. Homes visit, which lasts from the end of December until the day of the Kings, is made by organized groups, which many are motivated by social and philanthropic purposes. Properly dressed with costumes and instruments, approaches to magicians and other characters through music, dance and poetry, people who belong, enchant the population. In some cities, it is possible to admire a wonderful Nativity life-size. In addition to the musicians and singers, the group often also consists of dancers, clowns and other folk figures properly characterized according to local legends and traditions. All are organized under the direction of the master of the Kings and follow in the footsteps of the flag, performance of traditional rituals of beauty and cultural richness with veneration. In addition to this part, you could not miss the stalls of food, drinks and games, which sets the tone of the profane.

Tips

If you want to spend the holidays in the period of the ‘Folia de Reis’, it is better to make an appointment with any hotel or with owners of houses to rent for not you find without any place to stay.
This time of year is extremely hot; do not forget to take with you sunscreen and fresh clothes.

Butchart Gardens, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The Butchart Gardens are a group of floral display gardens in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island in Canada. Robert Pim Butchart (1856-1943), who worked in the industrialization of cement, stood with his wife on Vancouver Island. They had a quarry on Tod cove at the foot of the Saanich Peninsula on the island and in 1904, they added a saltwater pond, a bowling alley, tennis courts and an orgue. Jennie, his wife, two years later created a Japanese garden with the help of designer Isaburo Kishida. In 1909, the quarry was exhausted and Jennie decided to turn it into a sunken garden. They chose the name of their property ‘Benvenuto’ and they began to receive visitors arriving in boats. After a few years the tennis courts has been replaced by an Italian garden and the vegetable garden has been transformed into a roserie. There we find many varied flowers, shrubs, fountains, statues and a carousel. A high quality food and entertainment service are completed the sculpted gardens. There are five gardens:  the Sunken garden, the Rose garden, the Japanese garden, the Italian garden and the Mediterranean garden. They usually receive over a million visitors a year.

Tips

If you visit the gardens in July or August, you will find a lot of visitors so if you want to make beautiful pictures without so many people go early in the morning at the opening (9:00).
Note that if you are a smoker, you must comply with the restriction of no smoking and go only on both areas intended for it.