Colors of Cleveland - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

A special attitude to all possible aspects of modern culture and creativity can be considered the main trait of Cleveland residents. For many years, the city has regularly hosted festivals dedicated to modern cinema, music, photo art, and painting. Cleveland is also famous for its gastronomic events. Such festivals are participated by residents of different states and many foreign guests.

The annual Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show is held in many cities throughout Ohio. It is dedicated to the craft and artistic traditions of the region. Usually, this festival takes place in November with the participation of talented artists, designers, and photographers. The main events of this festival are all sorts of exhibitions, which can be visited free of charge. Visitors can buy all the handicrafts and artworks presented at such exhibitions. For tourists, this is a great option for choosing some unique souvenirs.

The highest concentration of interesting entertainment and traditional activities falls on Christmas and New Year. In the last week of November, the traditional winter festival Cleveland Winterfest starts on the main city square. For a whole month, the square is decorated with splendid illumination, many cafes and numerous souvenir shops work here. Every evening, the square turns into the busiest and most crowded place in town. Locals come here to buy their favorite sweets, admire thousands of garland lights and pick some interesting gifts for loved ones. In the pre-holiday period, street artists and musicians often perform on the square. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most unusual festivals held in the pre-New Year period is the Ugly Sweater Run. According to established tradition, residents of Cleveland never throw away old worn-out sweaters, knowing that one day old clothes will come in handy for them to have a lot of fun. Everyone can participate in a race, which is traditionally held in the city on a chosen December day. The only prerequisite for participation is wearing an old ugly sweater. All participants who reach the finish line will be able to take part in an ugly sweater contest. This festival is also accompanied by festive treats, fireworks, and other interesting competitions.

Even in the age of modern technology, Cleveland residents don't lose interest in books. The Akron Family Reading Festival is held here every year. During the festival days, special places open in Downtown where anyone can bring unnecessary books from the home library. In such second-hand book points, you can also find new books for free, many locals spend the whole day searching for their favorite literature here. It is not by chance that the festival is called family, as children are always encouraged to participate.

In terms of the diversity of festivals and public entertainment, Cleveland is second to none. Interesting holidays are held in the city literally every month. Music and comedy festivals became traditional in the warm season. Open-air stages are set up for performance right in city parks and squares. Entrance to concerts is usually free of charge.

It must be said that such entertainment never stays indifferent to residents of the city. Even a concert of an unknown musical band will certainly gather several hundred spectators. Social life is very important for Cleveland residents, they like and know how to have fun. They are also known for their love for beautiful and delicious food. The Win Festival, the Beer Festival, annual confectioners' contests, Italian cuisine days and the festivals dedicated to classic American fast food - all of them make up a significant part of the cultural calendar.

In this city, it will be interesting to spend a few days for creative people and everyone who is not indifferent to modern art in all its diverse manifestations. Here such people will inevitably find mutual understanding and find interesting activities for themselves. Tattoo and body art festivals, art and photo exhibitions have long become quite regular events in Cleveland. It is surprising that these kinds of entertainment also attract older people who try to keep up with the times. Cleveland is distinguished among thousands of American cities for a good reason, this city really has a unique soul and cultural traditions.