Category: Place

Illumi, Laval, Québec, Canada

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Illumi is a course of lights and sounds that comes to life as soon as night falls, in Laval, on the Cavalia site. You will be in a magical universe thanks to the millions of lights that make up the different figures. There are animals, vegetables, flowers, a Christmas tree and a lot more. The route can be done by car (about 1 hour) or on foot (between 1 and 2 hours); it’s a 3 km of safe diversion. There is one evening per month when you can do the course with your dog by car or on foot. For those aged 13 and over who walk the route, the vaccination passport is compulsory and for those 10 and over, a mask must be worn in closed or partially covered places. Tickets are only sold online and the quantity per day is limited. Several dining options are available on site.

Tips

If you prefer to use public transit, there are free shuttles from Montmorency metro station.

You can change the date if the weather does not allow the visit and if you buy a ‘flex’ option you can change the date at any time for any reason.

It’s open until January 30th , 2022.

 

Day of the Dead, Mexico

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If there is a typical holiday in Mexican culture, it is the Day of the Dead that extends south of the United States with the Mexican community. It’s a party that runs from October 31st to November 2nd, with traditions; known especially for the realization of private altars dedicated to the dead with offerings (flowers, food, candles, photos, items that belonged to the dead, etc.). From October 31st to November 1st, the day is dedicated to the dead children (angelitos = little angels), serving a sweet snack and the next day, the All Saints’ Day is dedicated to the breakfast for the ‘angelitos’ and then the rest of the day is dedicated to the deceased adults and they add other offerings in the altars. People visit the cemetery on November 2nd. Altars are erected in homes, workplaces, hotels, etc. There are also contests where they choose the most beautiful altar, the public can enter, vote and enjoy the traditional food they have prepared to share and depending on the region, you can also find native people with their own tradition. The altar has several levels that represent the different moments traversed by the soul of the dead, usually the photo of the deceased occupies the upper place of the altar. In decorations, we find small skulls made of sugar, chocolate or plastic with the name or initials of the deceased. All this decoration and offerings serve to show the deceased that he is loved and that he has not been forgotten. Usually, there is also a cross in the altar. There are garlands made with colorful paper or plastic, with cuts that show skulls, skeletons or simply geometric figures. Among the food, which must not be missed, is the dead bread that is made and eaten right in this very celebration as sweets or very sweet decorations to eat.


Tips

If you visit Mexico at this time of the year, enjoy this experience, you will not regret it. The hotels make their decorations, events and even all depending on the hotel (usually big chains), parties where you can even disguise yourself.

If you have the opportunity to see a real celebration in town, do not hesitate, it’s worth it. The Mexicans are very kind and will invite you to enjoy their specialties of the Day of the Dead even they will be delighted to join you in this event by telling you a little about the history of this tradition.

If you prefer to stay at the hotel, the various TV stations play the best-known horror films.

 

Golden Gate, San Francisco, California USA

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The Golden Gate is a California suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait which is the junction between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, linking the city of San Francisco (northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula) to the city of Sausalito (southern tip of County of Marin). Its construction took four years (1933-1937). Recognized worldwide for its orange color and the architecture of its two towers, is the most famous landmark of San Francisco. It was Joseph Strauss, German-born engineer, the director with a group of specialists. It was inaugurated on May 27th, 1937 with a ‘pedestrian day’ where thousands of people turned out for the occasion. It has 30 meters wide, six lanes open to traffic and two alleys for pedestrians on each side. They are currently working to put the bridge with safety standards in an earthquake because the area is known to be on two quite dangerous faults. The bridge is thus gradually renovated, so much so that the original steel will eventually disappear completely. The real challenge is that no one has to realize this work.

Tips

You can visit the Golden Gate Center open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 except on Christmas and Thanksgiving Action.
It is convenient to reach it by public transportation or by bike because it’s difficult to find parking.
You can cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle, but only during the day, access is completely closed at 18.30.
It is best to get information about how to pay the toll on their website before you go.