May bank holiday events in Europe

With the bank holiday season underway, and with two more holidays fast approaching, bmibaby showcases some of the best events taking place in Europe over the two bank holidays in May.

Malaga and Alicante

Visit Spain during May and become absorbed in Spanish Culture. From 1 – 3 May 2009 both Malaga and Alicante celebrate ‘Cruces de Mayo Fiesta’, the Festival of May Crosses. The cobbled streets, balconies and town squares are adorned with huge flower decorations in the shape of crosses. Many of the local town councils run competitions, so the flower crosses range from the weird to the wonderful.

Temporary bars are erected along the streets and both locals and tourists congregate around these for drinks, tapas and traditional Spanish dancing. Visit spanish-fiestas.com/spanish-festivals/cruces-de-mayo.htm for more details.

bmibaby fly from Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham International and Cardiff Airport to Malaga and Alicante, prices start from just £34.99 one way, including taxes and charges.

Belfast

For those wanting a giggle, head to Belfast for the Festival of Fools which takes place over the bank holiday weekend. From 30 April to 4 May 2009, international performers take to the streets of Belfast and show off their unique brands of comedy. This is Ireland’s biggest street festival and is now in its sixth year. The free festival is ideal for families and has everything from fire breathing mechanical horses to first class comedians. Visit foolsfestival.com for more details.

Also for the children, during the second May bank holiday, visit the city for the Belfast Children’s Festival. With arty activities for all ages at various venues around the city, this is a sure fire winner for the whole family. Visit belfastchildrensfestival.com for more details.

bmibaby fly from Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham International and Cardiff Airport to Belfast, prices start from just £5.99 one way, including taxes and charges.

Edinburgh

Closer to home, why not visit Edinburgh which is currently buzzing with activities. In 2009 Scotland celebrates the year of Homecoming, which honours all things traditionally Scottish. On the May Day bank holiday weekend, Edinburgh hosts the Scottish Mining Mayfest.

This three day event gives a deep insight into Scottish mining heritage, starting with a whisky ball on Friday 1 May 2009, leading to a folk concert, a cycle and ghost tour, and Gaither Midlothian May Day Celebrations on Monday 4 May 2009. Visit homecomingscotland2009.com for details.

Or why not see the American legend Bob Dylan play some of his greatest hits at the Edinburgh Playhouse theatre on 3 May 2009. Visit edinburghplayhouse.org.uk for details.

For those who yearn for the great outdoors why not visit some of Edinburgh’s more traditional tourist attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

bmibaby fly from East Midlands, Birmingham International and Cardiff Airport to Edinburgh prices start from just £18.99 one way, including taxes and charges.

Jersey

Visit Jersey for the May Bank holiday and have a flutter on the horses. On Monday 25 May 2009 head to St. Ouen and enjoy the spills and thrills of the horses on the UK’s most southerly racecourse. The races make a great day out for the whole family, with a grandstand for panoramic viewing, licensed bar, stalls and food. Visit angelfire.com/fl/stamford2/front.html for details.

Or why not head to the coast as Jersey offers 120 miles of golden sandy beaches. There is something for the whole family to enjoy from rock pooling to hiking, or from surfing to swimming.

bmibaby fly from Manchester, East Midlands, Birmingham International and Cardiff Airport to Jersey, prices start from just £24.99 one way, including taxes and charges.

Lisbon and Faro

For a sunny bank holiday why not head to Portugal, where temperatures reach the mid twenties during May. Fly to either Lisbon or Faro and enjoy a bank holiday with a difference.

For a traditional bank holiday visit Monsanto Castle on 3 May 2009 for ‘The Feast of our Lady of the Castle’. This free festival, held in the walls of the castle, commemorates the end of a historical prolonged siege. Women climb the castle walls to traditional music and throw pots of flowers and a calf made of roses over the edge.

For a more cultural break, visit the Algarve International Film Festival (FICA). This is Portugal’s oldest cinema event, dating back to 1972. Taking place from 2 May to 10 May 2009, it centres on short films, produced by local people and renowned film producers.

In addition to the main awards, the judges give out some alternative awards, including: Best Film by a Portuguese Director, Best Film about Nature and the Environment, Best Film about The Algarve, and Best Film with a Message of Love and Peace Among Men. Many towns in Portugal participate in this event and it is a great opportunity to see some of Portugal’s up and coming film producers. Visit algarvefilmfest.com for more details.

bmibaby fly from East Midlands, Birmingham International and Cardiff Airport to Faro, prices start from just £34.99 one way, including taxes and charges and from Manchester to Lisbon from £45.99.

For more information visit bmibaby.com.