Colors of Atlanta - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

When it comes to describing the national peculiarities of the residents of Atlanta, we simply cannot fail to pay attention to their unusual craving for various celebrations and holidays, many of which are associated with ancient traditions. The annual «pow-wow» festival held in Stone Mountain Park on the first weekend of November is a truly interesting celebration. On this day anyone can become a true Indian – visitors are welcome to dress up in ancient costumes and try their skills in traditional crafts. Pow-wow can be literally translated as "spiritual leader". This is the way the North American Indians have called their meetings. Previously such meetings were aimed at solving the most important questions. Nowadays the Indians use them just to have fun and compete in the art of dance, drums and other skills. As a rule, the holiday lasts four days, during which are organized various activities and events.

Numerous festive activities take place in the city on Christmas Eve. At this time of a year Atlanta is always crowded with travellers. The city’s streets are decorated with sparkling garlands, balloons and beautiful figurines depicting Christmas characters. On the eve of the holiday you can become a witness of a grand parade, various concerts and firework shows. The holiday is especially liked by children as many fun games and performances are organized for little visitors.

Each year Inman Park becomes the location of a holiday, which is called «Inman park festival». The event attracts car enthusiasts and owners of different vehicles, from luxury cars to humble scooters. During the festival the territory of the park host a real parade, in which the participants show off their precious vehicles. As a rule, the holiday starts from a parade of cars and then the four-wheeled vehicles are followed by columns of motor scooters. Everyone tries to decorate their cars for the holiday. Owners of motorcycles try to look as bright as possible, so the event looks truly spectacular. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Art lovers should definitely visit the city during the Festival of Japanese Art. It is usually organized in the middle of September. As a rule, the festival is time for numerous interesting activities, from sushi tasting and watching anime to samurai performances and art exhibitions. The festival lasts just two days and is finished with a big fair. All participants have an opportunity to purchase national Japanese costumes – they will surely become interesting artefacts that are a kind of souvenir reminiscent of a trip to Atlanta.

The city of Atlanta attracts fans of art in January and February. During this time, all the city will be embraced by the ATLart festival, dedicated to fine arts. In early spring you will be able to witness amazing Southeastern Flower Show, held at the Cobb Galleria Center. In March, local people Atlanta celebrates the month of Irish heritage. Also, at this time the Downtown of the city hosts the annual Parade and later the festival in honor of St. Patrick's Day. In April passes the Dogwood Festival, which is a real holiday for both children and their parents. The event takes place at the Piedmont Park, where you can spend a nice day during fun entertainments and the art market.

If you are lucky enough to visit Atlanta in the middle of the spring, make sure to check out the Georgia Renaissance Festival, which gives chance to experience the entertainments of medieval England from the time of King Arthur. In May, in Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center every music lover will be able to enjoy the Atlanta Jazz Festival. During summer, tourists to Atlanta will have a chance to visit the Atlanta Film Festival in June. From June to October, the Shakespear Festival will gladden local people and visitants to Atlanta. As the part of this festival, you will be capable to enjoy the plays of the great playwright and author - William Shakespear, staged in the Conant Performing Arts Center. The Independence Day and the "next days" are full of many celebrations, but the most famous is the Peachtree Road Race, which attracts 55,000 runners and even more spectators.

The National Black Arts Festival is held on the 3rd week of July and is the largest cultural festival of African American art. During the Labor Day will be held the Dragon*Con - a large congress of admirers of science fiction and fantasy. Nevertheless, it has become multimedia and multi-genre, so everyone will find here for themselves an interesting topic. Famous actors and writers come from all over the world to give answers to questions. The festival takes 4 - 5 hotels in Downtown. The entry there is not cheap: from $ 40 for two days to $ 120 for entry at the weekend. Between the hotels the passage is free, so you just can not attend the conference or go to the shopping premises. Do not miss the Costume Parade to see the Klingons, Imperial stormtroopers or Hobbits. The Atlanta Pride Festival is the October three-day celebration of the self-esteem of the LGBT community in Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Celebrates Photography festival passes every October in the form of numerous photo exhibitions and events throughout the city.