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-Hi. I'm Rick Steves,
and it's party time in Europe.
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00:00:02,267 --> 00:00:06,367
In the next hour, you'll see
no museums and no art galleries,
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00:00:06,367 --> 00:00:09,300
just Europeans
having lots of fun.
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00:00:09,300 --> 00:00:11,367
Europe is expert at festivals,
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00:00:11,367 --> 00:00:13,767
and we're about to enjoy
my favorites.
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00:00:13,767 --> 00:00:15,934
Thanks for joining us!
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♪♪
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♪♪
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Europe, with so much history,
art, and high culture,
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also knows how to celebrate.
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00:00:52,167 --> 00:00:53,901
And with so many centuries
of practice,
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00:00:53,901 --> 00:00:56,000
they do it with amazing gusto.
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00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:58,434
If you know where to go
and when to go,
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00:00:58,434 --> 00:01:00,734
you can enjoy
festival extravaganzas
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00:01:00,734 --> 00:01:03,801
throughout the continent
and throughout the calendar.
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00:01:03,801 --> 00:01:05,934
We're dropping in
on what you could call
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00:01:05,934 --> 00:01:08,167
the continent's top 10 parties,
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00:01:08,167 --> 00:01:12,300
each rich in tradition and
a celebration of local culture
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00:01:12,300 --> 00:01:15,734
and all of them full of
opportunities to sing and dance,
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00:01:15,734 --> 00:01:20,334
feast on traditional food,
and party like a local.
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00:01:20,334 --> 00:01:23,100
We'll join
wild and crazy crowds...
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00:01:23,100 --> 00:01:25,901
don a mask for anonymity...
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00:01:25,901 --> 00:01:28,133
toss a caber
with Scottish strongmen....
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00:01:28,133 --> 00:01:29,734
-[ Grunts ]
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00:01:29,734 --> 00:01:32,067
-...join in festive feasts...
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00:01:32,067 --> 00:01:35,067
and run for our lives.
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00:01:35,067 --> 00:01:38,133
We'll browse holiday markets...
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00:01:38,133 --> 00:01:41,501
sled down Alps by torchlight...
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00:01:41,501 --> 00:01:44,200
dance with Spaniards...
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00:01:44,200 --> 00:01:46,734
drink lots of beer...
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00:01:46,734 --> 00:01:48,868
and light up the sky.
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00:01:48,868 --> 00:01:51,400
With the entire continent
as our playground,
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fun is our mission.
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00:01:53,667 --> 00:01:55,868
We'll careen all over Europe --
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00:01:55,868 --> 00:01:57,501
the Palio in Siena,
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00:01:57,501 --> 00:01:59,400
highland games in Scotland,
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00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:02,834
carnival in Venice,
Slovenia, and Luzern,
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00:02:02,834 --> 00:02:04,834
Holy Week in Andalucía,
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00:02:04,834 --> 00:02:06,834
and Easter in Greece,
40
00:02:06,834 --> 00:02:08,601
April Fair in Sevilla,
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00:02:08,601 --> 00:02:10,501
Bastille Day in Paris,
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00:02:10,501 --> 00:02:12,701
the Running of the Bulls
in Pamplona,
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00:02:12,701 --> 00:02:14,534
Oktoberfest in Munich,
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00:02:14,534 --> 00:02:18,067
and Christmas in Nuernberg,
Norway, and Switzerland.
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00:02:21,467 --> 00:02:24,734
Across Europe, festival
traditions go back centuries
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00:02:24,734 --> 00:02:28,200
and are filled with time-honored
pageantry and ritual.
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00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:31,000
Entire communities
hurl themselves with abandon
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00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:32,801
into the craziness.
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00:02:32,801 --> 00:02:35,100
There's no better example
than here in Italy --
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00:02:35,100 --> 00:02:38,801
Siena's Palio.
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00:02:38,801 --> 00:02:41,234
In this gorgeously preserved
Tuscan hill-town,
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00:02:41,234 --> 00:02:44,801
the Middle Ages seem to survive
in the architecture.
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00:02:44,801 --> 00:02:47,334
Its towering City Hall tower
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00:02:47,334 --> 00:02:51,133
fronts an elegant shell-shaped
main square, il Campo.
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00:02:51,133 --> 00:02:53,000
While its streets are peaceful,
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00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:57,200
they contain a lively legacy
of civic pride and independence.
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00:02:57,200 --> 00:02:59,400
And twice a year,
that spirit shows itself
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00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:01,000
in a crazy horse race,
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00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:03,968
as it has for five centuries.
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00:03:03,968 --> 00:03:06,934
The city is divided
into 17 neighborhoods,
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or "contrade."
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00:03:08,567 --> 00:03:10,801
These are autonomous,
competitive,
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00:03:10,801 --> 00:03:13,234
and filled with rivalries.
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00:03:13,234 --> 00:03:15,868
In this densely populated city,
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00:03:15,868 --> 00:03:19,267
most of the year, the contrade
are almost indistinguishable.
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00:03:19,267 --> 00:03:22,767
One small piazza or street
looks much like the next.
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00:03:22,767 --> 00:03:26,667
But as the Palio approaches,
the battle lines are drawn.
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00:03:26,667 --> 00:03:28,767
The distinctive flags and colors
of each contrada
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line the neighborhood,
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00:03:29,934 --> 00:03:32,067
showing their namesake mascot,
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like turtle...
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eagle...
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dragon...
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and a fierce-looking dolphin.
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All year long, citizens prepare.
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00:03:42,901 --> 00:03:46,734
Women lovingly stitch
vests and banners.
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00:03:46,734 --> 00:03:51,734
Neighborhood fathers coach kids
in drumming and flag throwing.
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00:03:51,734 --> 00:03:54,334
Any time of year,
if you hear drumming,
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00:03:54,334 --> 00:03:58,100
check it out for a taste
of the Palio to come.
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00:03:58,100 --> 00:04:01,300
And twice a year,
each July and August,
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the entire city readies itself
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as 10 of the 17 neighborhoods --
chosen by lottery --
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prepare for the big race.
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Its central square, il Campo,
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is transformed
into a medieval racetrack.
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00:04:13,968 --> 00:04:17,267
Tons of clay are packed
atop the cobbles.
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00:04:17,267 --> 00:04:20,267
Padding is added
to the treacherous corners.
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00:04:20,267 --> 00:04:22,467
And bleachers and railings
are set up
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00:04:22,467 --> 00:04:27,234
in anticipation of the big day.
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00:04:27,234 --> 00:04:30,934
While the horse race lasts
only a couple of minutes,
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00:04:30,934 --> 00:04:34,167
for the Sienese,
the Palio is a way of life.
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00:04:34,167 --> 00:04:36,701
For many, it's a philosophy.
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Locals joke that,
"In Siena, you're born,
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00:04:40,067 --> 00:04:42,267
there's the Palio,
and then you die."
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[ All singing in Italian ]
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00:04:44,567 --> 00:04:46,601
While the jockeys --
usually from out of town --
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are hired hands,
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the horses are the stars.
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Each neighborhood gets its horse
through a lottery.
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They're then adopted
and showered with love,
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00:04:57,033 --> 00:05:00,267
respected as if special
neighborhood citizens.
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They're groomed and washed
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00:05:02,667 --> 00:05:06,000
and housed in stables
right in the city center.
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In the days leading up
to the race,
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they're frequently paraded
through the streets
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for their admiring fans.
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As race day approaches,
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processions break out
across the city.
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00:05:19,167 --> 00:05:22,501
Locals belt out
passionate good-luck choruses.
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00:05:22,501 --> 00:05:27,200
[ All singing in Italian ]
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00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:31,100
With the waving flags
and pounding drums,
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00:05:31,100 --> 00:05:33,133
it all hearkens back
to the Middle Ages
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when rituals like these
boosted morale before battle.
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Each contrada marches
into Siena's ornate cathedral.
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[ Drums playing ]
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00:05:44,801 --> 00:05:48,167
The centerpiece of the parade
is the actual Palio.
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That's the famed
and treasured banner,
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lovingly painted
and featuring the Virgin Mary,
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to whom the race is dedicated.
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The church is thronged
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00:05:56,834 --> 00:06:00,501
as all the neighborhoods wave
their stirring flags in unison
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00:06:00,501 --> 00:06:04,234
to honor the Palio's
procession to the altar.
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00:06:04,234 --> 00:06:05,968
Here, it's blessed
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00:06:05,968 --> 00:06:07,834
as the crowd
looks upon it reverently.
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00:06:07,834 --> 00:06:13,267
Soon, it'll be awarded
to the victorious contrada.
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00:06:13,267 --> 00:06:15,567
With the horses
and jockeys chosen
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00:06:15,567 --> 00:06:17,701
and the Palio blessed
and waiting for the winner,
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00:06:17,701 --> 00:06:20,968
competing neighborhoods
gather for big community dinners
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00:06:20,968 --> 00:06:23,033
that last well into the night.
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00:06:23,033 --> 00:06:25,300
Each banquet
is beautifully situated
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00:06:25,300 --> 00:06:26,767
in the heart of the district.
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It's a multigenerational affair
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00:06:29,234 --> 00:06:34,334
with old timers, the young,
and the very young.
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00:06:34,334 --> 00:06:38,000
There are rousing choruses,
all cheering their contrade...
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00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:41,100
[ All singing in Italian ]
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00:06:41,100 --> 00:06:46,467
[ All chanting in Italian ]
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00:06:46,467 --> 00:06:50,300
...and little ones soaking up
the centuries-old traditions.
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Even if I don't fully understand
what's happening,
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the excitement is contagious,
and the wine is delightful.
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I feel privileged to participate
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00:06:59,067 --> 00:07:02,701
in a scene that's changed little
over the centuries.
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[ Indistinct conversations ]
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On the day of the race,
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00:07:09,367 --> 00:07:11,801
those honored to represent
their contrada
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00:07:11,801 --> 00:07:15,400
put on elaborate
medieval costumes and armor.
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00:07:15,400 --> 00:07:17,701
This requires many assistants
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00:07:17,701 --> 00:07:19,300
who not only
help fit the clothing
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00:07:19,300 --> 00:07:23,367
but make sure it looks
just as it did centuries ago.
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In full regalia,
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00:07:25,400 --> 00:07:28,133
the contrade then process
to the neighborhood church,
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where there's a colorful
flag ceremony...
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[ Drums playing ]
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00:07:39,067 --> 00:07:41,400
[ Applause ]
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00:07:41,400 --> 00:07:43,667
...followed
by a full-throated singing
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of the contrada's hymn...
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[ All singing heartily
in Italian ]
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...and, finally, the traditional
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blessing of the horse
by the priest.
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-[ Speaking Italian ]
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-"Go, and return victorious,"
says the priest.
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Then -- you guessed it --
there's another procession
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with more drums and flags
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00:08:06,868 --> 00:08:09,567
as each contrada marches
through Siena,
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eventually flowing together
at the cathedral,
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where, before the bishop,
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they showcase
their passion and talents.
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[ Drums playing ]
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00:08:21,467 --> 00:08:24,501
[ Applause ]
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00:08:24,501 --> 00:08:26,434
After all have gathered
at the cathedral,
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there's one last grand parade
through the canyon-like streets.
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With drums thundering,
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the people crush
to join the scene.
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The town converges
on its main square.
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And then, with what seems like
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all of Siena
packed into the Campo,
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it's time for the race.
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Bleacher and balcony seats
are expensive,
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but standing room with the
masses in the square is free.
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A cart pulled by oxen carrying
the coveted Palio banner enters.
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This only increases
the crowd's anticipation.
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Then, 10 snorting horses
and their nervous riders
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00:09:03,901 --> 00:09:06,133
line up to await the start.
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00:09:06,133 --> 00:09:09,868
The jockeying includes a little
last-minute negotiating.
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00:09:09,868 --> 00:09:12,067
It's complicated.
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00:09:12,067 --> 00:09:13,801
Then, silence takes over.
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Once the rope drops,
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there's one basic rule --
there are no rules.
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[ Crowd cheering ]
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They race bareback like crazy
while spectators go wild.
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With nonstop spills and thrills,
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life in Siena stops for these
frantic three laps --
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just about 90 seconds.
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00:09:36,300 --> 00:09:39,200
[ Suspenseful music plays ]
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00:09:49,701 --> 00:09:51,601
[ Crowd cheering ]
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00:09:51,601 --> 00:09:54,601
And Lupa,
the she-wolf district, wins.
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When the winner crosses
the line,
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1/17th of Siena,
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the prevailing she-wolf
neighborhood, goes berserk.
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Tears of joy flow.
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00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:06,100
People embrace.
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00:10:06,100 --> 00:10:09,734
The jubilation is over the top
for both the winners
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00:10:09,734 --> 00:10:11,000
and for the many neighborhoods
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joyously celebrating their
rival contrada's defeat.
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00:10:15,467 --> 00:10:18,334
The happy horde thunders
through the streets
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00:10:18,334 --> 00:10:20,601
and up to the cathedral.
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00:10:20,601 --> 00:10:22,767
Once there,
they pack the church,
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00:10:22,767 --> 00:10:26,734
and the winning contrada
receives the coveted Palio --
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00:10:26,734 --> 00:10:29,567
champions until the next race.
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00:10:32,701 --> 00:10:34,767
Along with ritual and pageantry,
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some festivals originated with
a more practical purpose --
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00:10:38,167 --> 00:10:40,300
to train their men
to be fit for battle.
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00:10:40,300 --> 00:10:41,634
Warriors,
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00:10:41,634 --> 00:10:43,667
whether in ancient Greece
competing in the Olympics,
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00:10:43,667 --> 00:10:45,467
or clansmen gathering
here in Scotland,
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00:10:45,467 --> 00:10:47,534
would go at it on the field.
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00:10:47,534 --> 00:10:50,067
And today,
communities throughout Scotland
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00:10:50,067 --> 00:10:52,200
still host a highland games,
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00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:54,567
where kilted athletes from
the surrounding countryside
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00:10:54,567 --> 00:11:02,100
gather to show off their speed,
strength, and grace.
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00:11:02,100 --> 00:11:04,334
A highland games
is an all-day celebration
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00:11:04,334 --> 00:11:06,501
of local sport and culture,
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00:11:06,501 --> 00:11:09,767
like a track meet and
a county fair rolled into one.
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00:11:09,767 --> 00:11:12,701
It's a fine day out
for the family
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00:11:12,701 --> 00:11:15,234
with a soundtrack
of traditional Scottish music
225
00:11:15,234 --> 00:11:18,734
and clan pride showing itself
in the tartan patterns.
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00:11:18,734 --> 00:11:22,567
The community cheers on
the athletes and dancers.
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00:11:22,567 --> 00:11:25,133
[ Lively bagpipe music plays ]
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00:11:25,133 --> 00:11:27,000
The day's events
typically kick off
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00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:30,033
with the arrival
of a parading pipe band
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00:11:30,033 --> 00:11:31,901
led by the local clan chieftain.
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00:11:31,901 --> 00:11:35,667
After a lap around the field,
the competition begins.
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00:11:35,667 --> 00:11:37,567
In the heavy events,
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00:11:37,567 --> 00:11:40,601
billed as feats
of highland strength,
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00:11:40,601 --> 00:11:42,834
brawny, kilted athletes
push their limits.
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00:11:42,834 --> 00:11:43,934
-[ Grunts ]
236
00:11:43,934 --> 00:11:45,667
-In the weight throw,
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00:11:45,667 --> 00:11:48,300
competitors spin
like bulky ballerinas
238
00:11:48,300 --> 00:11:51,133
before releasing
a heavy ball on a chain.
239
00:11:51,133 --> 00:11:54,434
The hammer throw involves
a similar technique
240
00:11:54,434 --> 00:11:57,234
with an iron ball
on a long stick.
241
00:11:57,234 --> 00:11:58,968
And the stone put
242
00:11:58,968 --> 00:12:01,000
has been adopted
in international sports
243
00:12:01,000 --> 00:12:02,467
as the shot put.
244
00:12:02,467 --> 00:12:06,267
In this event, highlanders
swing a 56-pound weight
245
00:12:06,267 --> 00:12:08,133
over a horizontal bar
246
00:12:08,133 --> 00:12:10,200
that keeps getting
higher and higher.
247
00:12:11,667 --> 00:12:12,734
-[ Grunts ]
248
00:12:12,734 --> 00:12:15,133
-And, of course,
there's the caber toss.
249
00:12:15,133 --> 00:12:18,033
Pick up a giant log,
called a caber,
250
00:12:18,033 --> 00:12:19,634
get a running start,
251
00:12:19,634 --> 00:12:22,534
and release it end over end
with enough force
252
00:12:22,534 --> 00:12:25,000
to make the caber flip
all the way over
253
00:12:25,000 --> 00:12:27,300
and land at the 12:00 position.
254
00:12:29,467 --> 00:12:32,567
Or not.
255
00:12:32,567 --> 00:12:35,000
Meanwhile, the track events
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00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:38,868
run circles
around all that muscle.
257
00:12:38,868 --> 00:12:41,968
The races offer fun
for all those attending,
258
00:12:41,968 --> 00:12:45,367
including events for the kids.
259
00:12:45,367 --> 00:12:47,567
-Ready!
[ Gunshot ]
260
00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:51,934
And visitors from far-away lands
are welcome to join in, as well.
261
00:12:51,934 --> 00:12:53,868
♪♪
262
00:12:57,400 --> 00:13:00,868
Okay.
I think I found my sport.
263
00:13:00,868 --> 00:13:03,300
Lifting what's called
a "manhood stone"
264
00:13:03,300 --> 00:13:05,501
is a standard part
of these games.
265
00:13:05,501 --> 00:13:07,334
-Oho!
266
00:13:07,334 --> 00:13:11,033
-Brawny lads impress their girls
with a show of strength.
267
00:13:11,033 --> 00:13:13,033
Why not?
That's good. Thank you.
268
00:13:15,367 --> 00:13:17,033
With a wee glass of courage,
269
00:13:17,033 --> 00:13:20,934
competitors lift and carry
the 250-pound stone --
270
00:13:20,934 --> 00:13:23,334
or at least give it a good try.
271
00:13:23,334 --> 00:13:25,801
[ Laughter ]
272
00:13:25,801 --> 00:13:29,400
I taught this guy
everything he knows.
273
00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:31,467
[ Crowd cheering ]
274
00:13:31,467 --> 00:13:34,400
♪♪
275
00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:44,467
There's always a showoff.
276
00:13:44,467 --> 00:13:47,434
And it's not all brute strength.
277
00:13:47,434 --> 00:13:51,934
Highland dancing shows off
both athleticism and grace.
278
00:13:51,934 --> 00:13:54,501
With years of practice,
young girls dance
279
00:13:54,501 --> 00:13:57,367
with an impressive confidence
and fluidity.
280
00:13:57,367 --> 00:14:01,400
A lone piper accompanies
serious wee dancers
281
00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:04,934
who toe their routines
with intense concentration.
282
00:14:04,934 --> 00:14:07,434
Within a few years,
they'll likely be dancing
283
00:14:07,434 --> 00:14:12,567
with the same mastery
as the older girls.
284
00:14:12,567 --> 00:14:14,133
These highland games,
285
00:14:14,133 --> 00:14:16,868
like most European festivals,
go way back.
286
00:14:16,868 --> 00:14:20,067
And the time of year that
they happen is no accident.
287
00:14:20,067 --> 00:14:23,267
It's often tied
to the struggles of the season.
288
00:14:23,267 --> 00:14:25,701
In fact,
some of Europe's major festivals
289
00:14:25,701 --> 00:14:28,000
are scheduled
in the dead of winter.
290
00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:30,133
Many modern celebrations
are rooted
291
00:14:30,133 --> 00:14:32,701
deep in Europe's Dark Age past.
292
00:14:32,701 --> 00:14:35,901
In a time filled
with superstition and mystery,
293
00:14:35,901 --> 00:14:38,400
when winters were bleak
and hungry,
294
00:14:38,400 --> 00:14:41,767
people craved
an off-season pick-me-up.
295
00:14:41,767 --> 00:14:43,434
Throughout the Catholic world,
296
00:14:43,434 --> 00:14:46,634
carnival was the ultimate
midwinter festival.
297
00:14:46,634 --> 00:14:49,267
A memorable way to experience
carnival traditions
298
00:14:49,267 --> 00:14:51,567
is in the countryside
of Slovenia.
299
00:14:51,567 --> 00:14:53,968
Whether it's in the mountains
or the valleys,
300
00:14:53,968 --> 00:14:55,868
a common theme
is a visitation
301
00:14:55,868 --> 00:14:58,067
of masked, hairy creatures.
302
00:14:58,067 --> 00:14:59,968
Some are called Kurents,
303
00:14:59,968 --> 00:15:03,467
and others are called
simply "the ugly ones."
304
00:15:03,467 --> 00:15:06,133
These wooly monsters parade
through villages
305
00:15:06,133 --> 00:15:07,567
making a racket,
306
00:15:07,567 --> 00:15:10,601
rattling and clanging
their bells from door to door,
307
00:15:10,601 --> 00:15:12,534
chasing away evil spirits
308
00:15:12,534 --> 00:15:15,534
and trying
to frighten off winter.
309
00:15:15,534 --> 00:15:17,501
Homeowners eventually
come to the door
310
00:15:17,501 --> 00:15:19,868
and, to quell the clamoring mob,
311
00:15:19,868 --> 00:15:22,234
they give the leader
a sausage...
312
00:15:25,934 --> 00:15:29,367
and a few cups of wine
for the gang.
313
00:15:29,367 --> 00:15:33,734
The ugly ones swing their hips
wildly with satisfaction.
314
00:15:33,734 --> 00:15:37,000
This ritual is a remnant
from the distant past
315
00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:41,300
when families were persuaded
to share food during hard times.
316
00:15:41,300 --> 00:15:45,267
Another band of characters
also roves from house to house.
317
00:15:45,267 --> 00:15:46,968
A group of plowmen pull
318
00:15:46,968 --> 00:15:49,934
a colorful wagon decked out
in ribbons and flowers,
319
00:15:49,934 --> 00:15:53,868
representing fertility
and the coming of spring.
320
00:15:53,868 --> 00:15:55,968
The homeowner is asked
for permission
321
00:15:55,968 --> 00:15:58,200
to "plow for the big turnip."
322
00:15:58,200 --> 00:16:00,901
The plowmen then drag
the fanciful plow
323
00:16:00,901 --> 00:16:03,167
behind men dressed as horses.
324
00:16:03,167 --> 00:16:05,567
This wakes up the soil
in preparation
325
00:16:05,567 --> 00:16:08,234
for a season of bountiful crops.
326
00:16:08,234 --> 00:16:10,701
Cracking whips announce
the procession.
327
00:16:13,534 --> 00:16:15,701
After the symbolic plowing
and sowing,
328
00:16:15,701 --> 00:16:18,601
the homeowner offers
the merry band eggs and sausage
329
00:16:18,601 --> 00:16:21,868
and wishes them good health
and a good harvest.
330
00:16:21,868 --> 00:16:24,601
[ All chanting
in foreign language ]
331
00:16:24,601 --> 00:16:26,868
The best-known
carnival celebration in Europe
332
00:16:26,868 --> 00:16:30,100
is in Venice.
333
00:16:30,100 --> 00:16:32,000
Each winter,
carnival casts a spell
334
00:16:32,000 --> 00:16:36,567
on Venetians and visitors alike.
335
00:16:36,567 --> 00:16:40,267
Following a tradition that
originated in the 13th century,
336
00:16:40,267 --> 00:16:43,100
the city slips behind a mask
of anonymity
337
00:16:43,100 --> 00:16:45,667
as Venetians promenade...
338
00:16:45,667 --> 00:16:48,167
pose...
339
00:16:48,167 --> 00:16:51,300
and pretend
to be someone they're not.
340
00:16:51,300 --> 00:16:54,067
Authority is challenged.
Rules are broken.
341
00:16:54,067 --> 00:16:55,501
The goal?
342
00:16:55,501 --> 00:16:59,734
To indulge in all the pleasures
that will be forbidden in Lent.
343
00:16:59,734 --> 00:17:04,434
An elegant disguise is both
transformative and liberating,
344
00:17:04,434 --> 00:17:09,067
but it's the mask, so symbolic
of this enigmatic city,
345
00:17:09,067 --> 00:17:12,667
that functions
as a cloak of invisibility.
346
00:17:12,667 --> 00:17:14,567
The pleasurable appeal
of anonymity
347
00:17:14,567 --> 00:17:18,200
is as powerful today
as it was in the Middle Ages.
348
00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:20,000
As dusk falls,
349
00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:22,801
the back streets come alive
with strangers.
350
00:17:22,801 --> 00:17:28,868
Now, as then, in Venice,
decadence rules the night.
351
00:17:28,868 --> 00:17:32,701
In palazzos off the Grand Canal,
elaborately staged parties
352
00:17:32,701 --> 00:17:36,300
take the aura of mystery
a step further.
353
00:17:36,300 --> 00:17:37,534
Behind their masks,
354
00:17:37,534 --> 00:17:41,701
all people, from bankers
to bakers, are equal.
355
00:17:41,701 --> 00:17:44,234
Tonight, no one knows who's who,
356
00:17:44,234 --> 00:17:46,767
and reality seems
a distant dream.
357
00:17:46,767 --> 00:17:49,300
And as it was centuries ago,
358
00:17:49,300 --> 00:17:52,868
what happens in Venice
stays in Venice.
359
00:18:01,067 --> 00:18:02,601
Carnival is celebrated
360
00:18:02,601 --> 00:18:05,834
in a much less elegant fashion
in Switzerland
361
00:18:05,834 --> 00:18:07,868
where the locals,
often considered
362
00:18:07,868 --> 00:18:10,133
the most button-down people
in Europe,
363
00:18:10,133 --> 00:18:11,767
really let loose.
364
00:18:14,100 --> 00:18:18,033
And an epicenter of this
midwinter craziness before Lent
365
00:18:18,033 --> 00:18:20,868
are the celebrations
in the city of Luzern.
366
00:18:20,868 --> 00:18:24,334
[ Up-tempo march plays ]
367
00:18:24,334 --> 00:18:28,300
Before sunrise, the driving beat
of multiple parading bands
368
00:18:28,300 --> 00:18:31,100
wakes the city up
like a mobile alarm clock.
369
00:18:31,100 --> 00:18:34,767
Musicians, wearing weird masks
and playing loudly --
370
00:18:34,767 --> 00:18:38,601
often out of tune --
march through the waking town.
371
00:18:38,601 --> 00:18:42,000
[ Dissonant march plays ]
372
00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:45,767
Today is Mardi Gras,
French for "Fat Tuesday" --
373
00:18:45,767 --> 00:18:48,534
the same Mardi Gras celebrated
in New Orleans.
374
00:18:48,534 --> 00:18:51,133
After six days
of carnival celebration,
375
00:18:51,133 --> 00:18:52,767
this is the climax.
376
00:18:52,767 --> 00:18:55,367
Lent and fasting start tomorrow,
377
00:18:55,367 --> 00:18:59,300
but today is all about bringing
on what's fun and tasty --
378
00:18:59,300 --> 00:19:01,934
music of all kinds,
costumes of all kinds,
379
00:19:01,934 --> 00:19:04,100
and food of all kinds.
380
00:19:04,100 --> 00:19:07,167
What better time
for a little cheese fondue?
381
00:19:08,968 --> 00:19:11,033
After sunrise, the bands forget
382
00:19:11,033 --> 00:19:13,067
typical Swiss discipline
and order
383
00:19:13,067 --> 00:19:14,234
and break up,
384
00:19:14,234 --> 00:19:16,100
wandering randomly
throughout the town.
385
00:19:16,100 --> 00:19:20,167
[ Up-tempo music plays ]
386
00:19:20,167 --> 00:19:21,934
The bands play on.
387
00:19:21,934 --> 00:19:26,667
The streets are filled with
the vibe of relaxed goodwill.
388
00:19:26,667 --> 00:19:28,267
Restaurants are packed.
389
00:19:28,267 --> 00:19:30,534
Bands spontaneously
take the stage
390
00:19:30,534 --> 00:19:33,267
and play enthusiastically.
391
00:19:35,334 --> 00:19:37,567
A children's parade
is a sweet way
392
00:19:37,567 --> 00:19:42,400
to train kids to carry on
this tradition.
393
00:19:42,400 --> 00:19:45,133
Even five-star hotels
open their doors
394
00:19:45,133 --> 00:19:47,868
and let the partying public
celebrate inside.
395
00:19:47,868 --> 00:19:50,834
[ Up-tempo march plays ]
396
00:19:53,501 --> 00:19:55,267
Somehow, late in the afternoon,
397
00:19:55,267 --> 00:19:58,167
the groups reorganize
for a long parade.
398
00:19:58,167 --> 00:20:00,300
Band members,
with famous Swiss stamina,
399
00:20:00,300 --> 00:20:01,968
keep playing.
400
00:20:01,968 --> 00:20:05,400
Themes vary
from ancient pagan...
401
00:20:05,400 --> 00:20:07,868
to political satire...
402
00:20:07,868 --> 00:20:11,734
to every creative scene
in between.
403
00:20:11,734 --> 00:20:13,634
With the end
of Fat Tuesday parties,
404
00:20:13,634 --> 00:20:17,901
carnival celebrations in Luzern
and across Europe are finished.
405
00:20:17,901 --> 00:20:21,133
Festival-filled valleys
and towns are now quiet
406
00:20:21,133 --> 00:20:24,501
as after Fat Tuesday
comes Ash Wednesday,
407
00:20:24,501 --> 00:20:27,934
and the party
is officially over.
408
00:20:27,934 --> 00:20:32,067
The end of carnival coincided
with the leanest days of winter.
409
00:20:32,067 --> 00:20:34,167
Imagine 4,000 years ago
410
00:20:34,167 --> 00:20:36,501
when these stones
marked the seasons.
411
00:20:36,501 --> 00:20:39,667
Imagine in ancient times
the despair of winter.
412
00:20:39,667 --> 00:20:41,133
"Where did the sun go?
413
00:20:41,133 --> 00:20:42,367
Nothing's growing.
414
00:20:42,367 --> 00:20:43,734
Will we all starve?"
415
00:20:43,734 --> 00:20:45,234
But, gradually, every year,
416
00:20:45,234 --> 00:20:47,734
flowers bloomed,
crops grew again,
417
00:20:47,734 --> 00:20:50,767
and the green promise of spring
returned.
418
00:20:50,767 --> 00:20:52,934
Back in pagan times,
419
00:20:52,934 --> 00:20:55,267
communities built stone circles,
420
00:20:55,267 --> 00:20:58,367
which experts believe functioned
as celestial calendars
421
00:20:58,367 --> 00:21:01,133
to track the sun
and mark the seasons.
422
00:21:01,133 --> 00:21:03,901
With spring equinox,
Druids would gather
423
00:21:03,901 --> 00:21:07,534
to celebrate the end of winter
and the arrival of spring,
424
00:21:07,534 --> 00:21:10,601
a time of renewal, birth,
and fertility.
425
00:21:10,601 --> 00:21:13,000
Over the centuries,
426
00:21:13,000 --> 00:21:16,434
the church embraced the same
springtime theme of new life,
427
00:21:16,434 --> 00:21:19,100
and that's Easter.
428
00:21:19,100 --> 00:21:22,734
Easter is preceded by a week
filled with holy activities
429
00:21:22,734 --> 00:21:25,801
when Christians remember
Jesus Christ's final week,
430
00:21:25,801 --> 00:21:28,133
progressing from suffering...
431
00:21:28,133 --> 00:21:30,801
to death...
432
00:21:30,801 --> 00:21:32,501
to resurrection.
433
00:21:35,133 --> 00:21:38,100
[ Dramatic music plays ]
434
00:21:39,467 --> 00:21:42,467
In Spain, Holy Week
is called Semana Santa.
435
00:21:42,467 --> 00:21:45,801
It's celebrated with unrivaled
pageantry and emotion,
436
00:21:45,801 --> 00:21:49,000
most famously in Seville,
or Sevilla.
437
00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,200
Here, Semana Santa
is an epic event
438
00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:52,634
that stirs the soul
439
00:21:52,634 --> 00:21:56,734
and captivates
all who participate.
440
00:21:56,734 --> 00:21:59,501
On Palm Sunday,
the first day of Holy Week,
441
00:21:59,501 --> 00:22:01,968
families dressed up
for this important day
442
00:22:01,968 --> 00:22:05,300
head into their parish church
for Mass.
443
00:22:05,300 --> 00:22:09,467
Then, promenading with palm
and olive branches,
444
00:22:09,467 --> 00:22:11,300
they make a loop
through the neighborhood,
445
00:22:11,300 --> 00:22:14,167
eventually returning
to their home church.
446
00:22:14,167 --> 00:22:19,701
[ Solemn piano music plays ]
447
00:22:19,701 --> 00:22:22,734
Afterwards, they visit other
churches throughout the city,
448
00:22:22,734 --> 00:22:26,901
each displaying
elaborate floats.
449
00:22:26,901 --> 00:22:28,968
Sevilla has many
religious brotherhoods,
450
00:22:28,968 --> 00:22:30,300
or fraternities,
451
00:22:30,300 --> 00:22:32,934
that are entrusted with the care
of venerable floats
452
00:22:32,934 --> 00:22:35,400
that carry statues
of Christ and the Virgin Mary
453
00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:38,100
through the streets
during Semana Santa.
454
00:22:38,100 --> 00:22:42,667
Sevillanos hold a special place
in their hearts for Mary.
455
00:22:42,667 --> 00:22:45,000
Floats with Mary evoke
great emotions
456
00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:46,901
and remind them
of the grieving mother
457
00:22:46,901 --> 00:22:49,033
who has lost her only son.
458
00:22:50,601 --> 00:22:53,767
Every neighborhood church
has its own unique Mary.
459
00:22:53,767 --> 00:22:56,868
All are the grieving mothers
of the crucified Christ,
460
00:22:56,868 --> 00:22:58,334
but each one represents
461
00:22:58,334 --> 00:23:01,701
a different aspect
of her sorrow.
462
00:23:01,701 --> 00:23:04,033
And there are other floats.
463
00:23:04,033 --> 00:23:06,133
This one, nicknamed
"La Borriquita,"
464
00:23:06,133 --> 00:23:07,467
or "The Little Donkey,"
465
00:23:07,467 --> 00:23:11,100
depicts Jesus' grand entrance
into Jerusalem.
466
00:23:11,100 --> 00:23:13,934
[ Fanfare plays ]
467
00:23:13,934 --> 00:23:15,767
La Borriquita leaves its church
468
00:23:15,767 --> 00:23:18,501
and begins its procession
through the narrow streets.
469
00:23:18,501 --> 00:23:21,334
This marks the official start
of Holy Week.
470
00:23:21,334 --> 00:23:24,267
From now on, every day
until Easter Sunday,
471
00:23:24,267 --> 00:23:27,400
the city is enlivened
with dozens of such processions.
472
00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:29,400
These ritual parades
473
00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:32,701
first filled the streets
of Sevilla 400 years ago.
474
00:23:32,701 --> 00:23:35,834
They're designed to present
the story of the Passion,
475
00:23:35,834 --> 00:23:37,601
the death
and Resurrection of Jesus,
476
00:23:37,601 --> 00:23:41,000
in a way the average person
could understand.
477
00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:45,667
Today, some 60 fraternities
each make the journey on foot,
478
00:23:45,667 --> 00:23:48,067
carrying floats
in processions like these
479
00:23:48,067 --> 00:23:49,267
from their parishes
480
00:23:49,267 --> 00:23:52,267
to the city's cathedral
and back.
481
00:23:52,267 --> 00:23:55,133
The journey, through miles
of passionate crowds,
482
00:23:55,133 --> 00:23:58,434
can take up to 14 hours.
483
00:23:58,434 --> 00:24:02,767
Strongmen called "costaleros"
work in shifts.
484
00:24:02,767 --> 00:24:06,234
As a team, they bear two tons
of weight on their shoulders,
485
00:24:06,234 --> 00:24:08,868
an experience they consider
a great honor
486
00:24:08,868 --> 00:24:12,834
despite and indeed because
of the great pain involved.
487
00:24:15,400 --> 00:24:18,300
As the floats slowly make
their way to the cathedral,
488
00:24:18,300 --> 00:24:20,067
moments of great passion
489
00:24:20,067 --> 00:24:23,133
occasionally bring everything
to a standstill.
490
00:24:23,133 --> 00:24:26,434
-[ Singing in Spanish ]
491
00:24:29,467 --> 00:24:31,400
-Centuries of flamenco singers
492
00:24:31,400 --> 00:24:34,200
have serenaded Mary and Jesus
with love songs
493
00:24:34,200 --> 00:24:37,968
as they process
through the city.
494
00:24:37,968 --> 00:24:39,100
-[ Continues singing
in Spanish ]
495
00:24:39,100 --> 00:24:40,868
-Traditionally spontaneous,
496
00:24:40,868 --> 00:24:42,734
these passionate songs occur
497
00:24:42,734 --> 00:24:45,400
when a singer is so overcome
with emotion,
498
00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:47,367
he must break into song.
499
00:24:47,367 --> 00:24:50,300
-[ Singing emphatically
in Spanish ]
500
00:25:00,567 --> 00:25:03,567
[ Cheers and applause ]
501
00:25:09,834 --> 00:25:12,133
As dusk settles on Sevilla,
502
00:25:12,133 --> 00:25:15,200
a long line of silent,
black-clad penitents
503
00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:17,534
escort one of the city's
most moving floats
504
00:25:17,534 --> 00:25:18,667
toward the cathedral.
505
00:25:18,667 --> 00:25:20,067
The float portrays
506
00:25:20,067 --> 00:25:22,634
the dead Jesus
taken down from the cross
507
00:25:22,634 --> 00:25:25,501
and mourned by the people
who loved him most.
508
00:25:25,501 --> 00:25:28,067
Among the most dramatic
of the week's processions,
509
00:25:28,067 --> 00:25:30,467
the float is decorated simply
510
00:25:30,467 --> 00:25:33,434
with purple iris
and a single red rose,
511
00:25:33,434 --> 00:25:36,400
symbolizing
the blood Jesus shed.
512
00:25:36,400 --> 00:25:39,334
♪♪
513
00:25:42,934 --> 00:25:46,267
As night closes in,
penitents' candles sway
514
00:25:46,267 --> 00:25:48,901
like fireflies
dancing in the dark.
515
00:25:48,901 --> 00:25:52,801
The entire Holy Week in Spain
is a glorious spectacle.
516
00:25:52,801 --> 00:25:56,467
After a full day,
it's hard to imagine more.
517
00:25:56,467 --> 00:25:59,400
And then the Mary
known as "Estrella" appears,
518
00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:02,367
ethereal and radiant.
519
00:26:02,367 --> 00:26:05,067
A shower of petals
rains down upon her
520
00:26:05,067 --> 00:26:07,434
as if heaven itself
is thanking her
521
00:26:07,434 --> 00:26:11,200
for her immense
and loving sacrifice.
522
00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:14,133
♪♪
523
00:26:26,234 --> 00:26:28,567
In Greece,
we're in the city of Nafplio.
524
00:26:28,567 --> 00:26:31,801
Easter is celebrated as both
the welcoming of spring
525
00:26:31,801 --> 00:26:34,200
and as
a deeply religious festival
526
00:26:34,200 --> 00:26:38,467
with a distinctly
Orthodox Christian flavor.
527
00:26:38,467 --> 00:26:41,868
By late Saturday night
on the eve before Easter,
528
00:26:41,868 --> 00:26:43,501
the people spill
from their churches
529
00:26:43,501 --> 00:26:48,167
and fill the main square with
a palpable sense of expectation.
530
00:26:48,167 --> 00:26:51,434
When midnight strikes,
fireworks light up the sky,
531
00:26:51,434 --> 00:26:55,300
and, finally,
Easter Sunday is here.
532
00:26:55,300 --> 00:26:58,234
[ Fireworks screeching,
exploding ]
533
00:27:00,734 --> 00:27:02,501
The holy flame,
534
00:27:02,501 --> 00:27:05,167
which literally travels
from Jerusalem to Athens
535
00:27:05,167 --> 00:27:07,534
and then to towns
throughout Greece,
536
00:27:07,534 --> 00:27:11,868
is shared along with the ritual
Easter "kiss of love."
537
00:27:11,868 --> 00:27:14,434
And it's not over yet.
538
00:27:14,434 --> 00:27:16,300
Everyone then heads home
539
00:27:16,300 --> 00:27:18,534
for the biggest party
of the season.
540
00:27:18,534 --> 00:27:20,567
People carry
the Easter flame home
541
00:27:20,567 --> 00:27:22,033
as a burning candle.
542
00:27:22,033 --> 00:27:23,601
Raising it above their heads,
543
00:27:23,601 --> 00:27:25,200
they make a cross
above the doorway,
544
00:27:25,200 --> 00:27:27,634
symbolizing that the light
of the Resurrection
545
00:27:27,634 --> 00:27:29,767
has blessed their home
for another year.
546
00:27:29,767 --> 00:27:35,234
A long table awaits
as the extended family gathers.
547
00:27:35,234 --> 00:27:37,033
They have a competition
to find out
548
00:27:37,033 --> 00:27:38,868
whose Easter egg
will be the strongest.
549
00:27:40,334 --> 00:27:41,367
-[ Chuckles ]
550
00:27:41,367 --> 00:27:43,501
-Sighs of disappointment
from losers
551
00:27:43,501 --> 00:27:45,033
are mixed
with the laughter of winners
552
00:27:45,033 --> 00:27:46,767
until the proud victor,
553
00:27:46,767 --> 00:27:49,634
who'll enjoy a particularly
blessed upcoming year,
554
00:27:49,634 --> 00:27:51,234
is declared.
555
00:27:51,234 --> 00:27:54,367
It's a joyous family gathering.
556
00:27:54,367 --> 00:27:57,467
The feast continues into
the wee hours of Easter Sunday
557
00:27:57,467 --> 00:28:03,067
with lots of meat and eggs
and no shortage of Easter bread.
558
00:28:03,067 --> 00:28:06,434
And the feasting continues
after a little sleep.
559
00:28:06,434 --> 00:28:09,267
By the afternoon,
in villages all across Greece,
560
00:28:09,267 --> 00:28:14,467
families are grilling lamb,
eating, singing...
561
00:28:14,467 --> 00:28:16,400
-[ Singing in Greek ]
562
00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:17,934
-...and dancing.
563
00:28:17,934 --> 00:28:20,834
[ Upbeat music plays,
woman singing in Greek ]
564
00:28:22,934 --> 00:28:27,901
It seems there's a spring lamb
on a spit in every backyard.
565
00:28:27,901 --> 00:28:31,901
The roast takes hours,
but no one's in a hurry.
566
00:28:31,901 --> 00:28:35,968
It's an all-day affair.
567
00:28:35,968 --> 00:28:37,968
People move between households,
568
00:28:37,968 --> 00:28:41,000
checking on each other's lambs
and socializing.
569
00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:44,567
When the spit stops,
the feast begins --
570
00:28:44,567 --> 00:28:48,567
lamb off the bone,
lamb off the fingers,
571
00:28:48,567 --> 00:28:53,467
beer, wine, music...
572
00:28:53,467 --> 00:28:58,367
more food, more family fun,
more lamb.
573
00:28:58,367 --> 00:29:01,634
People party all day long.
574
00:29:01,634 --> 00:29:05,067
Eventually, the village
ends up back at the church,
575
00:29:05,067 --> 00:29:06,968
dancing and singing.
576
00:29:06,968 --> 00:29:09,167
Together, they celebrate
577
00:29:09,167 --> 00:29:11,434
as they have every year
for all their lives,
578
00:29:11,434 --> 00:29:14,067
celebrating the hope of renewal
579
00:29:14,067 --> 00:29:17,334
at yet another
joyous Easter Sunday.
580
00:29:17,334 --> 00:29:20,267
♪♪
581
00:29:24,434 --> 00:29:25,467
As if to continue
582
00:29:25,467 --> 00:29:27,934
this celebration
of the return of spring,
583
00:29:27,934 --> 00:29:31,434
some places let loose in
vibrant, secular festivals.
584
00:29:31,434 --> 00:29:34,334
One of the most exuberant
and colorful is in Spain --
585
00:29:34,334 --> 00:29:37,434
Sevilla's gigantic Spring Fair.
586
00:29:37,434 --> 00:29:38,701
Throughout Southern Spain,
587
00:29:38,701 --> 00:29:41,534
a region so expert
at fiestas and romance,
588
00:29:41,534 --> 00:29:43,701
cities like Sevilla
greet each spring
589
00:29:43,701 --> 00:29:45,968
with a festival for all ages,
590
00:29:45,968 --> 00:29:47,534
a festival where the horses
591
00:29:47,534 --> 00:29:49,701
are nearly as dressed up
as the people.
592
00:29:49,701 --> 00:29:52,567
A springtime flirtatiousness
fills the air,
593
00:29:52,567 --> 00:29:55,801
and travelers are more than
welcome to join in the fun.
594
00:29:55,801 --> 00:29:59,267
For seven days each April,
it seems much of Sevilla
595
00:29:59,267 --> 00:30:01,634
is packed
into its vast fairgrounds.
596
00:30:01,634 --> 00:30:05,968
The fair feels friendly,
spontaneous, very real.
597
00:30:05,968 --> 00:30:09,801
The Andalucían passion
for horses, flamenco...
598
00:30:09,801 --> 00:30:12,534
[ Women singing in Spanish ]
599
00:30:12,534 --> 00:30:14,634
...and sherry is clear.
600
00:30:14,634 --> 00:30:17,167
Riders are ramrod straight.
601
00:30:17,167 --> 00:30:20,033
Colorfully-clad señoritas
ride side-saddle,
602
00:30:20,033 --> 00:30:23,234
and everyone's drinking
sherry spritzers.
603
00:30:23,234 --> 00:30:25,767
Woman sport outlandish dresses
604
00:30:25,767 --> 00:30:27,367
that would look clownish
all alone
605
00:30:27,367 --> 00:30:30,367
but somehow brilliant
here en masse.
606
00:30:30,367 --> 00:30:35,067
Hundreds of private party tents,
or casetas, line the lanes.
607
00:30:35,067 --> 00:30:37,567
Each striped tent
is the party zone
608
00:30:37,567 --> 00:30:41,400
of a particular family, club,
or association.
609
00:30:41,400 --> 00:30:42,434
To get in,
610
00:30:42,434 --> 00:30:44,067
you need to know
someone in the group
611
00:30:44,067 --> 00:30:46,067
or make friends quickly.
612
00:30:46,067 --> 00:30:49,100
My local friend, Concepción,
is well-connected.
613
00:30:49,100 --> 00:30:50,901
-My caseta. Okay.
614
00:30:50,901 --> 00:30:53,200
-And as a friend of a friend,
we're in.
615
00:30:53,200 --> 00:30:55,033
This is your caseta?
-Esta la caseta.
616
00:30:55,033 --> 00:30:57,300
-Because of the exclusivity,
617
00:30:57,300 --> 00:30:59,934
it has a real
family-affair feeling.
618
00:30:59,934 --> 00:31:03,734
Throughout Andalucía,
at spring fairs like Sevilla's,
619
00:31:03,734 --> 00:31:06,167
it seems everyone knows everyone
620
00:31:06,167 --> 00:31:08,634
in what seems like
a thousand wedding parties
621
00:31:08,634 --> 00:31:11,634
being celebrated
all at the same time.
622
00:31:12,901 --> 00:31:16,167
Festivals help maintain
a culture's identity.
623
00:31:16,167 --> 00:31:20,300
Pageantry stokes local,
regional, or national pride.
624
00:31:20,300 --> 00:31:23,734
And while annual festivals
are the big events,
625
00:31:23,734 --> 00:31:25,467
this celebration of culture
626
00:31:25,467 --> 00:31:28,601
can be just as rich
on a smaller scale.
627
00:31:28,601 --> 00:31:31,067
Traveling through Europe,
any day of the year,
628
00:31:31,067 --> 00:31:34,367
you can experience a festive
spirit powered by music
629
00:31:34,367 --> 00:31:37,400
that simply makes daily life
more celebratory.
630
00:31:37,400 --> 00:31:39,167
Beloved musical traditions
631
00:31:39,167 --> 00:31:41,501
have long helped
embattled cultures
632
00:31:41,501 --> 00:31:43,000
to assert their identity,
633
00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:46,534
to sing and dance their way
through centuries of challenges,
634
00:31:46,534 --> 00:31:49,667
like the Roma people
here in the Czech Republic
635
00:31:49,667 --> 00:31:53,100
and throughout Europe.
636
00:31:53,100 --> 00:31:55,834
People everywhere grab
their folk instruments,
637
00:31:55,834 --> 00:31:58,267
pull on their national costumes,
638
00:31:58,267 --> 00:32:01,033
and gather together
to celebrate their culture.
639
00:32:01,033 --> 00:32:04,200
Here in Bulgaria, dance troupes
in colorful dress
640
00:32:04,200 --> 00:32:05,734
whoop it up Slavic style.
641
00:32:05,734 --> 00:32:09,167
-[ High-pitched chanting ]
642
00:32:09,167 --> 00:32:12,467
[ Up-tempo folk music plays ]
643
00:32:12,467 --> 00:32:13,934
-[ Shouts ]
644
00:32:13,934 --> 00:32:17,033
-And people celebrate what
makes them unique as a nation.
645
00:32:17,033 --> 00:32:18,901
In this small Bulgarian town,
646
00:32:18,901 --> 00:32:22,234
in a land that uses a different
alphabet than most of Europe,
647
00:32:22,234 --> 00:32:24,834
the entire population is out
on the street
648
00:32:24,834 --> 00:32:27,968
for the annual celebration
of their Cyrillic script.
649
00:32:27,968 --> 00:32:30,834
[ All chanting
in foreign language ]
650
00:32:33,100 --> 00:32:34,968
Patriotic hearts beat stronger
651
00:32:34,968 --> 00:32:38,300
with the sounds of each nation's
unique music,
652
00:32:38,300 --> 00:32:40,534
such as klapa music
in Croatia...
653
00:32:40,534 --> 00:32:45,067
[ Men singing wistfully
in foreign language ]
654
00:32:45,067 --> 00:32:46,934
-[ Singing in foreign language ]
655
00:32:46,934 --> 00:32:48,801
-...or rousing folk songs
in Romania.
656
00:32:48,801 --> 00:32:52,801
[ Singing continues ]
657
00:33:00,667 --> 00:33:01,667
-[ Shouts ]
658
00:33:01,667 --> 00:33:02,734
-In Austria,
659
00:33:02,734 --> 00:33:04,767
cradle of so much
classical music,
660
00:33:04,767 --> 00:33:07,167
waltzing is the national dance,
661
00:33:07,167 --> 00:33:09,667
and hearts beat in 3/4 time.
662
00:33:09,667 --> 00:33:13,200
[ Up-tempo waltz plays ]
663
00:33:15,067 --> 00:33:17,133
[ Flourish, song ends ]
664
00:33:19,734 --> 00:33:22,000
[ Applause ]
665
00:33:22,000 --> 00:33:23,334
[ Up-tempo folk music plays ]
666
00:33:23,334 --> 00:33:25,834
In the Czech Republic,
what could be more festive
667
00:33:25,834 --> 00:33:27,934
than listening
to lively folk music
668
00:33:27,934 --> 00:33:30,100
while enjoying some of
the best beer in the world
669
00:33:30,100 --> 00:33:32,200
with local friends?
670
00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:33,734
It's a great way to celebrate
671
00:33:33,734 --> 00:33:38,834
a good day of travel
wherever you are.
672
00:33:38,834 --> 00:33:41,767
[ Men singing in Spanish ]
673
00:33:46,267 --> 00:33:48,501
In university towns
throughout Spain,
674
00:33:48,501 --> 00:33:51,701
roving bands of musicians,
like medieval troubadours,
675
00:33:51,701 --> 00:33:54,200
are a festival
just waiting to happen.
676
00:33:57,133 --> 00:34:01,934
These bands are generally
students available for hire.
677
00:34:01,934 --> 00:34:04,767
Here in Salamanca,
a folk group serenades
678
00:34:04,767 --> 00:34:07,868
a woman preparing
for her wedding.
679
00:34:07,868 --> 00:34:11,033
[ Men singing in Spanish ]
680
00:34:11,033 --> 00:34:13,267
Colorful traditions
are often rooted
681
00:34:13,267 --> 00:34:15,634
in a desire to stoke patriotism.
682
00:34:15,634 --> 00:34:19,234
Many European countries,
like Norway, are democracies,
683
00:34:19,234 --> 00:34:21,868
but still have
constitutional monarchs.
684
00:34:21,868 --> 00:34:24,567
And they celebrate
their royal heritage
685
00:34:24,567 --> 00:34:26,834
with a stirring
Changing of the Guard ceremony
686
00:34:26,834 --> 00:34:30,601
like this one
at London's Buckingham Palace.
687
00:34:30,601 --> 00:34:33,934
These martial spectacles,
like here in Sweden,
688
00:34:33,934 --> 00:34:37,601
are holdovers from a time when
this coordinated show of force
689
00:34:37,601 --> 00:34:39,534
helped dispel
any thoughts of attack
690
00:34:39,534 --> 00:34:42,467
or revolution against the crown.
691
00:34:42,467 --> 00:34:45,000
And you'll see cute,
little ceremonies
692
00:34:45,000 --> 00:34:50,467
by cute, little countries,
like here in Monaco.
693
00:34:50,467 --> 00:34:53,968
In Greece, fierce,
if gayly clad, soldiers
694
00:34:53,968 --> 00:34:56,634
remind their citizens of their
hard-fought independence
695
00:34:56,634 --> 00:35:00,234
with rituals
at the national capital.
696
00:35:00,234 --> 00:35:02,501
[ Fireworks whistling,
exploding ]
697
00:35:02,501 --> 00:35:04,801
Even though Europe
may be unified as one,
698
00:35:04,801 --> 00:35:07,167
each country
has its own national pride
699
00:35:07,167 --> 00:35:09,067
and national holiday.
700
00:35:09,067 --> 00:35:10,567
The most famous of these
701
00:35:10,567 --> 00:35:13,000
celebrates the violent end
of a monarchy
702
00:35:13,000 --> 00:35:16,467
and the advent
of modern democracy in France.
703
00:35:16,467 --> 00:35:21,000
France's national holiday
is July 14th, Bastille Day,
704
00:35:21,000 --> 00:35:22,801
and that means a big party
705
00:35:22,801 --> 00:35:27,167
as all of France indulges
in a patriotic bash.
706
00:35:27,167 --> 00:35:30,767
In Paris,
that means lots of flags...
707
00:35:30,767 --> 00:35:32,834
and lots of parties.
708
00:35:32,834 --> 00:35:36,100
[ Woman singing in French ]
709
00:35:36,100 --> 00:35:39,400
Everyone's welcome to join in.
710
00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:42,334
♪♪
711
00:35:44,567 --> 00:35:47,901
Like towns and villages
all over the country,
712
00:35:47,901 --> 00:35:49,100
each neighborhood here
713
00:35:49,100 --> 00:35:53,434
hosts parties
until late into the night.
714
00:35:53,434 --> 00:35:55,834
-The local fire department's
putting on this party,
715
00:35:55,834 --> 00:35:59,534
so I guess it doesn't matter
if the fire marshal drops by.
716
00:35:59,534 --> 00:36:01,300
-♪ I got a feelin' ♪
717
00:36:01,300 --> 00:36:03,000
-♪ Tonight's the night ♪
718
00:36:03,000 --> 00:36:04,868
♪ Let's live it up ♪
719
00:36:04,868 --> 00:36:06,734
♪ I got my money ♪
720
00:36:06,734 --> 00:36:08,601
♪ Let's spend it up ♪
721
00:36:08,601 --> 00:36:10,400
♪ Go out and smash it ♪
722
00:36:10,400 --> 00:36:12,200
♪ Like, "Oh, my God" ♪
723
00:36:12,200 --> 00:36:14,133
♪ Jump off that sofa ♪
724
00:36:14,133 --> 00:36:16,000
♪ Let's kick it up ♪
725
00:36:16,000 --> 00:36:20,067
-Each year, crowds pack
the bridges and line the river
726
00:36:20,067 --> 00:36:22,267
as a grand fireworks display
727
00:36:22,267 --> 00:36:24,767
shares the sky
with the Eiffel Tower.
728
00:36:24,767 --> 00:36:27,701
♪♪
729
00:36:30,467 --> 00:36:36,167
[ Crowd cheering ]
730
00:36:36,167 --> 00:36:38,167
[ Cheers and applause ]
731
00:36:42,334 --> 00:36:45,434
Each country
has its iconic celebration.
732
00:36:45,434 --> 00:36:48,267
In France, it's fireworks
over the Eiffel Tower.
733
00:36:48,267 --> 00:36:50,267
In Italy,
it's a crazy horse race,
734
00:36:50,267 --> 00:36:52,467
and, in Spain,
it's bullfighting.
735
00:36:52,467 --> 00:36:54,200
Next on our party tour,
736
00:36:54,200 --> 00:36:56,200
the biggest bull festival
of all --
737
00:36:56,200 --> 00:36:58,801
Pamplona's Running of the Bulls.
738
00:36:58,801 --> 00:37:00,367
[ Flamenco music plays ]
739
00:37:00,367 --> 00:37:03,000
Officially known as
the Festival of San Fermín,
740
00:37:03,000 --> 00:37:04,701
the Running of the Bulls
741
00:37:04,701 --> 00:37:07,601
is perhaps Europe's greatest
adrenaline festival.
742
00:37:07,601 --> 00:37:10,734
For nine days each July,
throngs of visitors,
743
00:37:10,734 --> 00:37:13,033
most dressed
in the traditional white
744
00:37:13,033 --> 00:37:14,834
with red sashes and kerchiefs,
745
00:37:14,834 --> 00:37:20,234
come to run with the bulls
and a whole lot more.
746
00:37:20,234 --> 00:37:23,400
The festival, which packs
this city, has deep roots.
747
00:37:23,400 --> 00:37:25,300
For centuries,
the people of this region
748
00:37:25,300 --> 00:37:27,934
have honored Saint Fermín,
their patron saint,
749
00:37:27,934 --> 00:37:30,367
with processions and parties.
750
00:37:30,367 --> 00:37:33,534
He was decapitated in the second
century for his faith,
751
00:37:33,534 --> 00:37:35,300
and the red bandanas
you see everywhere
752
00:37:35,300 --> 00:37:37,601
are a distant reminder
of his martyrdom.
753
00:37:37,601 --> 00:37:39,934
And, you know, I don't think
anybody on this square
754
00:37:39,934 --> 00:37:42,133
knows or even cares.
755
00:37:42,133 --> 00:37:45,968
But at the Church of San Fermín,
it's a capacity crowd,
756
00:37:45,968 --> 00:37:49,501
and there's no question
what to wear for this Mass.
757
00:37:49,501 --> 00:37:50,767
To this day,
758
00:37:50,767 --> 00:37:53,434
locals look to Fermín,
their hometown saint,
759
00:37:53,434 --> 00:37:55,234
for protection.
760
00:37:55,234 --> 00:37:58,534
Back out on the streets,
it's a party for young and old.
761
00:37:58,534 --> 00:38:02,234
There's plenty of fun for kids,
and towering giants add
762
00:38:02,234 --> 00:38:07,100
a playful mystique
to the festivities.
763
00:38:07,100 --> 00:38:10,133
[ Applause ]
764
00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:13,801
The literary giant
Ernest Hemingway
765
00:38:13,801 --> 00:38:17,400
is celebrated by Pamplona
as if he were a native son.
766
00:38:19,834 --> 00:38:23,634
Hemingway first came here for
the 1923 Running of the Bulls.
767
00:38:23,634 --> 00:38:25,133
Inspired by the spectacle,
768
00:38:25,133 --> 00:38:27,100
he later wrote
his bullfighting classic,
769
00:38:27,100 --> 00:38:28,968
"The Sun Also Rises."
770
00:38:28,968 --> 00:38:31,901
He said he enjoyed seeing two
wild animals running together,
771
00:38:31,901 --> 00:38:34,834
one on two legs
and the other on four.
772
00:38:34,834 --> 00:38:37,868
Hemingway put Pamplona
on the world map.
773
00:38:37,868 --> 00:38:41,434
When he first visited,
it was a dusty town of 30,000
774
00:38:41,434 --> 00:38:44,033
with an obscure
bullfighting festival.
775
00:38:44,033 --> 00:38:46,501
Now, a million people a year
come here
776
00:38:46,501 --> 00:38:50,434
for one of the world's
great parties.
777
00:38:50,434 --> 00:38:53,601
After dark, the town erupts
into a rollicking party scene.
778
00:38:53,601 --> 00:38:56,534
♪♪
779
00:38:59,334 --> 00:39:01,367
While the craziness rages
day and night,
780
00:39:01,367 --> 00:39:02,701
the city's well-organized,
781
00:39:02,701 --> 00:39:04,567
and, even with all the alcohol,
782
00:39:04,567 --> 00:39:11,033
it feels in control,
and things go smoothly.
783
00:39:11,033 --> 00:39:13,434
Amazingly, in just a few hours,
784
00:39:13,434 --> 00:39:19,367
this same street will host
a very different spectacle.
785
00:39:19,367 --> 00:39:22,300
♪♪
786
00:39:28,267 --> 00:39:31,200
The Running of the Bulls
takes place early each morning.
787
00:39:31,200 --> 00:39:35,200
Spectators claim a vantage point
at the crack of dawn.
788
00:39:35,200 --> 00:39:37,234
Early in the morning?
Nope.
789
00:39:37,234 --> 00:39:41,000
For many of these revelers,
it's the end of a long night.
790
00:39:41,000 --> 00:39:44,067
The anticipation itself
is thrilling.
791
00:39:44,067 --> 00:39:47,467
Security crews sweep those
not running out of the way.
792
00:39:47,467 --> 00:39:49,834
Shop windows and doors
are boarded up.
793
00:39:49,834 --> 00:39:52,334
Fencing is set up to keep
the bulls on course
794
00:39:52,334 --> 00:39:54,534
and protect the crowd.
795
00:39:54,534 --> 00:39:57,133
The runners are called mozos.
796
00:39:57,133 --> 00:39:59,567
While many are just finishing up
a night of drinking,
797
00:39:59,567 --> 00:40:01,501
others train for the event.
798
00:40:01,501 --> 00:40:05,434
They take the ritual seriously
and run every year.
799
00:40:05,434 --> 00:40:06,801
[ Rocket fires ]
800
00:40:06,801 --> 00:40:10,801
At 8:00, a rocket is fired,
and the mozos take off.
801
00:40:10,801 --> 00:40:12,767
Moments later,
a second rocket means
802
00:40:12,767 --> 00:40:14,801
the bulls have been released.
803
00:40:14,801 --> 00:40:16,834
They stampede
half a mile through the town
804
00:40:16,834 --> 00:40:19,501
from their pens
to the bullfighting arena.
805
00:40:19,501 --> 00:40:22,334
At full gallop, it goes by fast.
806
00:40:22,334 --> 00:40:24,267
[ Crowd shouting ]
807
00:40:29,267 --> 00:40:30,968
Bulls thunder through
the entire route
808
00:40:30,968 --> 00:40:33,634
in just two and a half minutes.
809
00:40:33,634 --> 00:40:35,567
The mozos try to run
in front of the bulls
810
00:40:35,567 --> 00:40:38,334
for as long as possible,
usually just a few seconds,
811
00:40:38,334 --> 00:40:40,234
before diving out of the way.
812
00:40:43,033 --> 00:40:46,067
They say, on a good run,
you feel the breath of the bull
813
00:40:46,067 --> 00:40:48,067
on the back of your legs.
814
00:40:48,067 --> 00:40:50,400
[ Crowd screaming, shouting ]
815
00:40:50,400 --> 00:40:52,667
Cruel as this all seems
for the bulls,
816
00:40:52,667 --> 00:40:54,667
who scramble for footing
on the cobblestones
817
00:40:54,667 --> 00:40:57,400
as they rush toward their doom
in the bullring,
818
00:40:57,400 --> 00:41:00,734
the human participants
don't come out unscathed.
819
00:41:00,734 --> 00:41:03,934
Each year, dozens of people
are gored or trampled.
820
00:41:03,934 --> 00:41:05,367
Over the last century,
821
00:41:05,367 --> 00:41:08,667
15 mozos have been killed
at the event.
822
00:41:08,667 --> 00:41:11,000
♪♪
823
00:41:15,367 --> 00:41:18,167
After it's done,
people gather for breakfast
824
00:41:18,167 --> 00:41:20,501
and review the highlights on TV.
825
00:41:20,501 --> 00:41:23,934
All day long, local channels
replay that morning's spectacle.
826
00:41:23,934 --> 00:41:25,934
[ People shouting in Spanish ]
827
00:41:25,934 --> 00:41:29,968
-Ohh!
-Ohh!
828
00:41:32,567 --> 00:41:35,267
-The festival's energy
courses through the city.
829
00:41:35,267 --> 00:41:37,133
Overlooking the main square,
830
00:41:37,133 --> 00:41:41,601
the venerable Café Iruña
pulses with music and dance.
831
00:41:41,601 --> 00:41:43,868
[ Upbeat music plays,
people singing in Spanish ]
832
00:41:43,868 --> 00:41:45,901
While the masses
fill the streets,
833
00:41:45,901 --> 00:41:48,234
VIPs fill the city's ballrooms.
834
00:41:48,234 --> 00:41:52,868
It seems everyone is caught up
in this festival of San Fermín.
835
00:41:54,901 --> 00:41:56,968
Of Europe's
many great festivals,
836
00:41:56,968 --> 00:42:00,901
one of the wildest
is Oktoberfest here in Munich.
837
00:42:00,901 --> 00:42:03,033
Germany's favorite
annual beer bash
838
00:42:03,033 --> 00:42:05,167
originated about 200 years ago
839
00:42:05,167 --> 00:42:08,267
with the wedding reception
of King Ludwig I.
840
00:42:08,267 --> 00:42:10,067
Ludwig's party was such a hit,
841
00:42:10,067 --> 00:42:12,767
they've been celebrating
every year since.
842
00:42:12,767 --> 00:42:15,434
Oktoberfest lasts for two weeks
843
00:42:15,434 --> 00:42:17,467
from late September
into October.
844
00:42:17,467 --> 00:42:19,367
Filling a huge fairground
845
00:42:19,367 --> 00:42:22,167
under a dramatic statue
representing Bavaria,
846
00:42:22,167 --> 00:42:24,567
locals set up
about 16 huge tents
847
00:42:24,567 --> 00:42:28,067
that can each seat
several thousand beer drinkers.
848
00:42:28,067 --> 00:42:31,133
The festivities kick off with
grand parades through Munich
849
00:42:31,133 --> 00:42:33,334
heading toward the fairgrounds.
850
00:42:33,334 --> 00:42:36,100
The queen of the parade
is the Muenchener Kindl,
851
00:42:36,100 --> 00:42:38,267
a young woman
wearing a monk's robe,
852
00:42:38,267 --> 00:42:41,868
riding the lead horse
with her beer stein raised.
853
00:42:41,868 --> 00:42:46,000
With thousands of participants,
the parade seems endless.
854
00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:47,868
You'll see traditional costumes
855
00:42:47,868 --> 00:42:52,734
from every corner
of Bavarian society.
856
00:42:52,734 --> 00:42:55,434
Elaborately decorated
horses and wagons
857
00:42:55,434 --> 00:42:57,033
along with keg-filled floats
858
00:42:57,033 --> 00:42:59,467
from each of the city's
main breweries
859
00:42:59,467 --> 00:43:01,434
entertain the crowds
860
00:43:01,434 --> 00:43:05,000
while making their way
to the festival grounds.
861
00:43:05,000 --> 00:43:09,300
Revelers fill massive tents,
awaiting the grand opening.
862
00:43:09,300 --> 00:43:11,501
After trotting through
much of Munich,
863
00:43:11,501 --> 00:43:15,000
the parade finally enters
the fairgrounds.
864
00:43:15,000 --> 00:43:17,000
Dignitaries
are formally greeted,
865
00:43:17,000 --> 00:43:21,167
and another Oktoberfest begins.
866
00:43:21,167 --> 00:43:24,634
[ Upbeat German folk music
plays ]
867
00:43:24,634 --> 00:43:26,834
From now on,
for the next two weeks,
868
00:43:26,834 --> 00:43:29,868
it's a beer-fueled frenzy
of dancing...
869
00:43:29,868 --> 00:43:32,300
music...
870
00:43:32,300 --> 00:43:33,734
food...
871
00:43:33,734 --> 00:43:35,834
and amusements.
872
00:43:35,834 --> 00:43:39,501
There is no better place
to see Germans at play.
873
00:43:39,501 --> 00:43:43,000
The tents are surrounded
by a fun forest of amusements.
874
00:43:43,000 --> 00:43:45,000
There's a huge Ferris wheel.
875
00:43:45,000 --> 00:43:50,267
The five-loops roller coaster
must be the wildest around.
876
00:43:50,267 --> 00:43:54,601
For locals and tourists alike,
the rides are unforgettable --
877
00:43:54,601 --> 00:44:00,534
and probably best done before
you start drinking your beer.
878
00:44:00,534 --> 00:44:04,501
Inside the tent,
the party rages day and night.
879
00:44:04,501 --> 00:44:06,934
Bavarian culture is strong here.
880
00:44:06,934 --> 00:44:08,934
Each of the tents
has a personality.
881
00:44:08,934 --> 00:44:10,701
Some are youthful.
882
00:44:10,701 --> 00:44:12,767
Some are more traditional.
883
00:44:12,767 --> 00:44:15,601
It's a festival
of German culture.
884
00:44:15,601 --> 00:44:17,534
While there are plenty
of tourists,
885
00:44:17,534 --> 00:44:19,567
it's really dominated by locals
886
00:44:19,567 --> 00:44:21,601
who look forward
to this annual chance
887
00:44:21,601 --> 00:44:25,234
to celebrate Bavaria
and its beer.
888
00:44:25,234 --> 00:44:27,501
[ Whistle blowing ]
-[ Shouts in German ]
889
00:44:27,501 --> 00:44:31,868
-Fast-moving waitresses hoist
armloads of massive glasses.
890
00:44:31,868 --> 00:44:34,834
The beers are served
in cherished glass mugs,
891
00:44:34,834 --> 00:44:38,400
each holding a liter
of their favorite local brew.
892
00:44:38,400 --> 00:44:41,367
The people-watching,
Germans letting their hair down,
893
00:44:41,367 --> 00:44:44,701
is itself entertaining.
894
00:44:44,701 --> 00:44:48,133
It's a slap-happy world
of lederhosen...
895
00:44:48,133 --> 00:44:50,267
dirndls...
896
00:44:50,267 --> 00:44:52,534
fancy hats...
897
00:44:52,534 --> 00:44:54,801
and maidens
with flowers in their hair.
898
00:44:54,801 --> 00:44:57,834
It's a multigenerational blowout
899
00:44:57,834 --> 00:45:04,334
complete with schmaltzy music
and lots of new friendships.
900
00:45:04,334 --> 00:45:08,267
Rivers of beer are drunk
and tons of food are eaten --
901
00:45:08,267 --> 00:45:09,734
radishes...
902
00:45:09,734 --> 00:45:10,934
pretzels..
903
00:45:10,934 --> 00:45:12,434
lots of sausage...
904
00:45:12,434 --> 00:45:15,634
all served by saucy maids.
905
00:45:15,634 --> 00:45:18,634
While I was too tipsy to count,
906
00:45:18,634 --> 00:45:21,634
locals claim there are
6 million visitors,
907
00:45:21,634 --> 00:45:23,767
7 million liters of beer drunk,
908
00:45:23,767 --> 00:45:25,801
half a million chicken cooked,
909
00:45:25,801 --> 00:45:28,234
and 100 oxen eaten.
910
00:45:28,234 --> 00:45:31,000
That's one
truly memorable festival.
911
00:45:33,934 --> 00:45:37,901
Just a few weeks after Munich
folds up its Oktoberfest tents,
912
00:45:37,901 --> 00:45:40,200
Germany celebrates
in a different way
913
00:45:40,200 --> 00:45:42,567
by rolling out
its Christmas markets.
914
00:45:42,567 --> 00:45:44,934
Perhaps the most beloved
Christmas market
915
00:45:44,934 --> 00:45:47,901
is about a hundred miles away,
in Nuernberg.
916
00:45:47,901 --> 00:45:50,467
[ "O Tannenbaum" plays ]
917
00:45:50,467 --> 00:45:51,734
Each Christmas,
918
00:45:51,734 --> 00:45:54,300
Nuernberg's main square
becomes a festive swirl
919
00:45:54,300 --> 00:45:56,300
of the heartwarming sights,
sounds,
920
00:45:56,300 --> 00:45:58,901
and smells
of the holiday season.
921
00:45:58,901 --> 00:46:01,601
Long a center of toy making
in Germany,
922
00:46:01,601 --> 00:46:03,834
a woody and traditional spirit
923
00:46:03,834 --> 00:46:08,067
that celebrates local artisans
prevails.
924
00:46:08,067 --> 00:46:10,267
Nutcrackers are characters
of authority --
925
00:46:10,267 --> 00:46:11,901
uniformed, strong-jawed,
926
00:46:11,901 --> 00:46:14,601
and able to crack
the tough nuts.
927
00:46:14,601 --> 00:46:18,000
Smokers, with their
fragrant incense wafting,
928
00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:21,601
feature common folk
like this village toy maker.
929
00:46:21,601 --> 00:46:23,234
Prune people
930
00:46:23,234 --> 00:46:26,200
with their fig body,
walnut head, and prune limbs
931
00:46:26,200 --> 00:46:29,968
are dolled up
in Bavarian folk costumes.
932
00:46:32,200 --> 00:46:34,501
Bakeries crank out
the old-fashioned gingerbread,
933
00:46:34,501 --> 00:46:36,300
the lebkuchen Nuernberg,
934
00:46:36,300 --> 00:46:40,534
still using the original
17th-century recipe.
935
00:46:40,534 --> 00:46:41,868
Back then,
936
00:46:41,868 --> 00:46:44,667
Nuernberg was the gingerbread
capital of the world,
937
00:46:44,667 --> 00:46:47,300
and its love affair
with gingerbread lives on.
938
00:46:47,300 --> 00:46:51,334
Shoppers can also munch
the famous Nuernberg bratwurst,
939
00:46:51,334 --> 00:46:53,868
skinny as your little finger,
940
00:46:53,868 --> 00:46:57,033
and sip hot spiced wine.
941
00:47:01,367 --> 00:47:03,367
Like Easter, Christmas is built
942
00:47:03,367 --> 00:47:06,534
upon a pagan
pre-Christian festival,
943
00:47:06,534 --> 00:47:10,601
and we celebrate it today with
plenty of pre-Christian rituals,
944
00:47:10,601 --> 00:47:12,367
often without even knowing it.
945
00:47:12,367 --> 00:47:13,567
-Ooh.
946
00:47:13,567 --> 00:47:16,567
-Oh. That's a --
-[ Laughs ]
947
00:47:16,567 --> 00:47:18,801
-In Salzburg,
they shoot big guns
948
00:47:18,801 --> 00:47:20,367
to scare away evil spirits.
949
00:47:24,667 --> 00:47:27,033
In the Tyrol,
fathers bless their house
950
00:47:27,033 --> 00:47:29,367
as their ancestors did.
951
00:47:29,367 --> 00:47:34,634
Families, friends, and food
are integral to the French Noel.
952
00:47:34,634 --> 00:47:36,033
[ Sleigh bells ringing ]
953
00:47:36,033 --> 00:47:38,200
Winter brings
a sense of magical wonder
954
00:47:38,200 --> 00:47:40,634
to Germany and Austria.
955
00:47:40,634 --> 00:47:44,667
Italy reveals
the sacred nature of the season
956
00:47:44,667 --> 00:47:48,501
from its countryside
to its grandest church.
957
00:47:48,501 --> 00:47:51,100
Nature, in all its wintry glory,
958
00:47:51,100 --> 00:47:54,834
seems to shout out the joy
of the season in Switzerland.
959
00:47:54,834 --> 00:47:59,300
And everywhere, Christmas
is celebrated with family
960
00:47:59,300 --> 00:48:02,467
as, together,
Europe remembers the quiet night
961
00:48:02,467 --> 00:48:06,434
that that holiest family
came to be.
962
00:48:06,434 --> 00:48:10,868
The European Christmas season
is long and festive.
963
00:48:10,868 --> 00:48:13,534
Rather than counting down
the shopping days left,
964
00:48:13,534 --> 00:48:17,367
it's all about traditions
and saints' days.
965
00:48:17,367 --> 00:48:20,767
For example,
December 13 is big in Norway.
966
00:48:20,767 --> 00:48:22,601
It's Santa Lucia Day,
967
00:48:22,601 --> 00:48:24,634
one of the darkest days
of winter,
968
00:48:24,634 --> 00:48:25,901
and an important part
969
00:48:25,901 --> 00:48:28,501
of the Scandinavian
Christmas season.
970
00:48:28,501 --> 00:48:30,634
All over Nordic Europe,
971
00:48:30,634 --> 00:48:32,934
little candle-bearing
Santa Lucias
972
00:48:32,934 --> 00:48:35,067
are bringing light
to the middle of winter
973
00:48:35,067 --> 00:48:38,400
and the promise
of the return of summer.
974
00:48:38,400 --> 00:48:41,601
These processions are led
by a young Lucia
975
00:48:41,601 --> 00:48:44,133
wearing a crown of lights.
976
00:48:44,133 --> 00:48:47,000
[ Children singing
in Norwegian ]
977
00:48:52,067 --> 00:48:55,434
-♪ Santa Lucia ♪
978
00:48:55,601 --> 00:49:01,234
♪ Santa Lucia ♪
979
00:49:01,234 --> 00:49:05,534
-This home has housed widows
and seniors for over 200 years,
980
00:49:05,534 --> 00:49:08,267
and today, the kindergartners
are bringing on the light
981
00:49:08,267 --> 00:49:10,033
in more ways than one.
982
00:49:10,033 --> 00:49:12,100
The children have baked
the traditional
983
00:49:12,100 --> 00:49:14,334
Santa Lucia saffron buns,
984
00:49:14,334 --> 00:49:16,300
the same ones
these seniors baked
985
00:49:16,300 --> 00:49:18,634
when they were kindergartners.
986
00:49:18,634 --> 00:49:20,801
Taking their cue
from Santa Lucia,
987
00:49:20,801 --> 00:49:23,501
Norwegians, cozy in their homes,
988
00:49:23,501 --> 00:49:25,968
brighten their long,
dark winters
989
00:49:25,968 --> 00:49:28,534
with lots of candles,
white lights --
990
00:49:28,534 --> 00:49:30,267
you'll never see
a colored one --
991
00:49:30,267 --> 00:49:34,067
and lots of greenery.
992
00:49:34,067 --> 00:49:37,667
And high in Switzerland
where the churches are small
993
00:49:37,667 --> 00:49:40,501
and the villages huddle
below towering peaks,
994
00:49:40,501 --> 00:49:44,100
the mighty Alps seem
to shout the glory of God.
995
00:49:44,100 --> 00:49:47,200
Up here, Christmas fills
a wintry wonderland
996
00:49:47,200 --> 00:49:48,834
with good cheer.
997
00:49:48,834 --> 00:49:52,267
[ Bells jingling ]
998
00:49:52,267 --> 00:49:58,834
In these villages,
traditions are strong.
999
00:49:58,834 --> 00:50:01,801
And warmth is a priority.
1000
00:50:01,801 --> 00:50:05,334
Stoves are small,
so firewood is, too.
1001
00:50:05,334 --> 00:50:08,267
♪♪
1002
00:50:12,100 --> 00:50:15,267
My family has arrived
for a Swiss Alps Christmas.
1003
00:50:15,267 --> 00:50:19,200
They've joined me here in
the tiny village of Gimmelwald.
1004
00:50:19,200 --> 00:50:22,300
Our friends Ollie and Maria
and their kids
1005
00:50:22,300 --> 00:50:24,567
are giving my kids,
Andy and Jackie,
1006
00:50:24,567 --> 00:50:28,567
a good lesson
in high-altitude Christmas fun.
1007
00:50:31,501 --> 00:50:34,434
♪♪
1008
00:50:38,200 --> 00:50:40,868
Ollie's taking us
high above his village
1009
00:50:40,868 --> 00:50:45,567
on a quest to find and cut
the perfect Christmas tree.
1010
00:50:45,567 --> 00:50:47,834
♪♪
1011
00:50:50,434 --> 00:50:52,534
-What do you think?
1012
00:50:52,534 --> 00:50:53,968
-I like it a lot, Ollie.
1013
00:50:53,968 --> 00:50:59,701
-Yeah, this is a good tree.
I think we should cut it.
1014
00:50:59,701 --> 00:51:02,834
[ Indistinct conversations ]
1015
00:51:02,834 --> 00:51:04,767
-All right!
-Wonderful!
1016
00:51:04,767 --> 00:51:06,701
[ Indistinct conversations ]
1017
00:51:10,501 --> 00:51:12,567
-Yeah.
-Ooh!
1018
00:51:12,567 --> 00:51:14,234
-Still high above Gimmelwald,
1019
00:51:14,234 --> 00:51:17,634
we're stopping in a hut
for a little fondue.
1020
00:51:17,634 --> 00:51:18,868
[ Laughter ]
1021
00:51:18,868 --> 00:51:20,234
-It goes too far.
1022
00:51:20,234 --> 00:51:21,901
-Fondue seems perfect in winter
1023
00:51:21,901 --> 00:51:24,200
if you've come in from the cold.
1024
00:51:24,200 --> 00:51:28,534
For them, it sets the tone
for a warm and convivial time.
1025
00:51:28,534 --> 00:51:30,267
Combined with good friends
and family
1026
00:51:30,267 --> 00:51:32,100
during the Christmas season,
1027
00:51:32,100 --> 00:51:34,033
we have all the ingredients
1028
00:51:34,033 --> 00:51:37,200
for a delightful,
little Alpine festival.
1029
00:51:37,200 --> 00:51:38,334
Ooh, wow.
1030
00:51:38,334 --> 00:51:39,734
Before we know it,
1031
00:51:39,734 --> 00:51:41,868
the light outside
begins to fade.
1032
00:51:41,868 --> 00:51:43,901
Here's to a happy Christmas.
1033
00:51:43,901 --> 00:51:45,000
Whoo!
1034
00:51:45,000 --> 00:51:46,634
-Cheers! [ Laughs ]
1035
00:51:46,634 --> 00:51:49,567
♪♪
1036
00:51:53,400 --> 00:51:57,133
-As the sun sets,
we've got our tree
1037
00:51:57,133 --> 00:52:02,334
and enjoy a fairy-tale ride home
to Gimmelwald.
1038
00:52:04,868 --> 00:52:07,133
-Yoo-hoo!
1039
00:52:07,133 --> 00:52:10,567
[ Laughter, shouting ]
1040
00:52:15,334 --> 00:52:18,267
♪♪
1041
00:52:35,234 --> 00:52:37,968
[ Laughter and whooping ]
1042
00:52:37,968 --> 00:52:41,434
-In every part of Europe
and in every season,
1043
00:52:41,434 --> 00:52:45,267
in big cities
and in remote farmsteads,
1044
00:52:45,267 --> 00:52:48,334
from timeless traditions...
1045
00:52:48,334 --> 00:52:51,934
to modern celebrations...
1046
00:52:51,934 --> 00:52:54,901
people embrace life
through festivals.
1047
00:52:54,901 --> 00:52:57,167
They celebrate
what the season brings
1048
00:52:57,167 --> 00:52:58,701
with great parties.
1049
00:52:58,701 --> 00:53:00,467
They bargain with God
1050
00:53:00,467 --> 00:53:03,300
and show their faith
with festival rituals.
1051
00:53:03,300 --> 00:53:05,234
They remember
the accomplishments
1052
00:53:05,234 --> 00:53:07,567
and lives of their forebearers.
1053
00:53:07,567 --> 00:53:09,901
They enjoy
fun-loving opportunities
1054
00:53:09,901 --> 00:53:14,501
to dress in traditional costumes
and wave their national flags,
1055
00:53:14,501 --> 00:53:17,934
all the while gorging themselves
with great feasts
1056
00:53:17,934 --> 00:53:21,200
and lubricating themselves
with the local drink.
1057
00:53:21,200 --> 00:53:24,234
And all of it may be
just an excuse
1058
00:53:24,234 --> 00:53:28,067
for the very human need
to celebrate family, friends,
1059
00:53:28,067 --> 00:53:30,167
and culture year after year.
1060
00:53:30,167 --> 00:53:32,000
[ Indistinct conversations ]
1061
00:53:32,000 --> 00:53:35,334
Festivals help keep
Europe's rich heritage alive.
1062
00:53:35,334 --> 00:53:36,667
As we've seen,
1063
00:53:36,667 --> 00:53:39,100
they bring families
and communities together,
1064
00:53:39,100 --> 00:53:41,200
and everybody's welcome.
1065
00:53:41,200 --> 00:53:44,601
They create lifelong memories,
and are flat-out lots of fun.
1066
00:53:44,601 --> 00:53:46,033
Thanks for joining us.
1067
00:53:46,033 --> 00:53:49,667
I'm Rick Steves, encouraging you
to enjoy festive journeys.
1068
00:53:49,667 --> 00:53:50,868
Keep on travelin'.
81906
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