Inteligence, rationality, logic and innovations these are the adjectives commonly used with Germany. But the biggest proud-maker in the country is the german well knowed
quality, which played big role for any citizen in country. Its really nice to see how it was signed below many successful inventions, projects made with insane attention
to details in every industry in this country and thats the main legacy for the world, to make it solid, how it should be.
bosna
croatia
albania
austria
hungary
czech
slovakia
portugal
netherland
belgium
romania
moldova
macedonia
ukraine
latvia
lithuana
switzerland
germany
finland
france
spain
slovenia
greece
ireland
denmark
sweden
estonia
norway
italy
montenegro
serbia
iceland
belarus
Inteligence, rationality, logic and innovations these are the adjectives commonly used with Germany. But the biggest proud-maker in the country is the german well knowed
quality, which played big role for any citizen in country. Its really nice to see how it was signed below many successful inventions, projects made with insane attention
to details in every industry in this country and thats the main legacy for the world, to make it solid, how it should be.
Poles are known for being friendly, welcoming and hospitable. Hospitality plays a crucial role in Polish culture. Over the centuries, Poles have made notable contributions to the science including the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun at the centre of the universe, another famous Pole is John Paul II. he was born in small town of Wadowice and became the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. The black Madonna is Poland’s most important religious icon. This is what made the people to believe that there is something more, that’s why outputs of Polis work are progressively improving from year to year.
Turkish influence on Bosnia and Herzegovina is evident as the country was occupied by the Ottomans for almost 400 years. There are three main group of citizens in the country, namely the Bosnians, the Serbs, and the Croats. There is a strong religious influence in the art and architecture of the country. Among its many attractions are medieval tombstones that can be traced back to the Bosnian Kingdom to 12th century. Family ties in the country are important and friendship and neighbourhood networks are well developed. Great value is placed on hospitality, spontaneity, and the gifts of storytelling and humour. Regional dances and folk costumes are popular and can be frequently seen during festivals. Dancers are often linked together either by holding hands, handkerchiefs or a piece of each other’s clothing as a sign of unity. These performances are accompanied by traditional instruments like flutes, drums, lyres, and violins.
Croatia is unique, not just for its crystal clear and blue sea, but for the treasure lying in the diversity of its rich cultural heritage. Culture is everything for the Balkans. Croatian culture gets drummed into young people from an early age. There is plenty to love in the culture, especially if you’re into red-and-white checkerboards. If there is one thing that is synonymous with Croatia, it is the distinct red-and-white checkerboard design that is present everywhere. Whether it is adorning the jerseys of national sports teams, the faces of supporters or practically every flag in the country, there is nothing more Croatian than what the local people call the šahovnica (chessboard). The šahovnica has been the symbol of Croatia since the 10th century and shows a strong sense of national pride. Symbolism plays a large part in modern day Croatia, with inspiration drawn from folk culture and history, medieval roots, rural traditions and Catholicism. Village customs, national costume, folk dances, music and songs have been powerful tools to help preserve the heritage of the land.
The Habsburgs, Austria’s most famous ruling house, ruled Europe for almost 800 years. They were the most powerful ruling dynasty and significantly shaped the world. Because the period of Habsburg rule was so long, it influenced the culture and arts in Austria. The era is still represented today by the many beautiful historic buildings, castles, and palaces. The Habsburg rulers were great patrons of the arts, which explains why Austria has such a rich heritage of music and art. Vienna has long been considered the music capital of Europe, and is home to world-class music schools. Famous composers such as Johann Strauss, Joseph Hayden, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart all learned, composed, taught, and played in Vienna. This means that Vienna is also home to some of the best venues on the planet, such as the Golden Hall, the Vienna State Opera, and the Musikverein, to name a few. Cultured, cultivated, hard working, disciplined and sophisticated, Austrians are among the world’s most modern people. Austria is also recognized in connection with Empress Sisi whose story is well known through many books and films. Most of the time they paint a romantic picture of this beautiful empress.
Hungary’s more than 2,000 years of violent history has unified its people and influenced its culture.Hungarians are due to their ancient nomadic past a nation of horsemen and visitors often receive an invitation to go riding from their new local friends. Heritage and tradition are important to Hungarians, and are displayed in the country’s national celebrations, folk music, dance and in the strong family ties reaching across generations.Hungary’s 10 million people are vibrant, friendly and value the family above all else with generations living in the same household under one roof and grandparents having a strong say in the rearing of their grandchildren. Hospitality is a major part of the culture here and personal questions about your life are all part of the getting-to-know-you process of Hungarians. The rich culture of Hungary is strong in folk traditions and has its own distinctive style, influenced by the various ethnic groups including the Roma people. Music of all kinds, from classical to folk, is an important part of everyday life. Hungarian folk costumes are richly embroidered with colourful threads. They are worn for festivals, parades, and holidays. Folk costumes from the regions of Hungary vary in style and patterns used. The heritage of this fascinating country is also reflected in its distinct traditional cuisine, strong fruit brandies, dance, popular spa treatments and craft such as ceramics and embroidery.
Country, which is very well known by making one the best beer in Europe, but it doesnt end all there. There is much to see and feel, from the finnest bohemia crystal to the Dancing house you could go and find its real treasures, which are hidden in the main city, Prague. One of the few big cities in Europe in which art is keeping
its well known own standarts. Attention to details are almost everywhere, but save your time, and visit just the finest masterpieces.
The development of Slovak culture is reflected in its rich folk tradition. Folk arts and crafts which include wood carving, fabric weaving and glass painting have a long and popular tradition in Slovakia, especially in rural areas. These deeply rooted folk traditions are a significant source of national pride and identity. Examples of folk architecture, such as wooden churches and brightly painted houses, are found throughout the country, particularly in the Eastern Slovakia. Slovakia is loaded with gothic churches, medieval towns, frightening torture inventions as well as majestic mountains and castles. Legend after legend arose in such surroundings, many of which were based on historical figures such as the ones about Elizabeth Bathory, and the White Lady of Levoča. The most beautiful Slovak mountain and of the national symbols is High Tatras. Due to the many possibilities for outdoor recreation in Slovakia, many people are also very active, spending weekends hiking, rock climbing or skiing. Another recognizable symbol of Slovakia is fujara. Fujara is a large folk shepherd’s flute from central Slovakia. It is typically played standing up and is especially popular during folk festivals and celebrations in Detva and Vychodna. The instrument is so unique that it was included in the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Portugal developed its own culture, although it was influenced by the various civilizations that crossed the Mediterranean and the European continent during the Age of Exploration. Portuguese culture is diverse and gives Portugal its unique personality; like the history, local traditions, cuisine and people’s love for performing art. During the summer there are many local festivals where the Portuguese celebrate their culture and enjoy activities such as traditional dance, music concerts and the theatre amongst many other things. Portuguese are easy-going, welcoming, they’re generally known to be willing to go out of their way to help. From early in the morning until late at night, the Portuguese can be found sipping coffee at their local café. They gather to talk, read the paper, watch the ever-present television and visit neighbours at all hours. To the Portuguese, their nation is a place they truly love. Those in Lisbon can’t believe there is a city more lovely than theirs. The city of Lisbon is rich in architecture; Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern constructions can be found all over the city.
Dutch cities are extremely compact and densely populated. Lot of attention is given to sense of community by creating public places, such as parks and squares with benches and playgrounds. Dutch people are known to be disciplined, conservative, practical and pay attention to the smallest details. The Netherlands has had many well-known painters. One of the most famous Dutch painter of the 20th century was Vincent van Gogh. In just over a decade he created about 2,100 artworks which are characterised by bold colours and impulsive brushwork that contributed to the foundations of modern art. One of his most successful paintings include Starry night and sunflower. Vincent Van Gogh is a recognizable face of Netherland, another recognizable symbols of Netherlands include windmills, tulips, wooden shoes, cheese and cabaret shows. Cabaret has a long-standing national tradition and is still popular. The Netherlands has its own unique form of cabaret that is aimed more at provoking thought on social and political themes, instead of laughter. Cabaret shows can be found in most cities and even on some television networks.
Belgium is a relatively small country with three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Capital is Brussels which hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union and European Council, as well as a seat of the European Parliament. Belgium’s incredibly rich artistic tradition extends from its artworks to its architecture, music, literature, and traditionally authentic folkloric festivals which are nowadays all forming a strong part of the people’s cultural awareness. Museum and art gallery visits are very popular, and the many medieval old towns are a great source of pride. Even the famous Belgian craft beers have a cultural identity along with a Belgium chocolate which forms an important part of the nation´s economy.
Romania is the land of the wild mountains, cloisters and Dracula. Bran Castle, commonly known as ´Dracula’s Castle´, is a national monument and landmark in Romania. It is often referred to as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula who is associated with Vlad the Impaler, voivode of Wallachia. Less than half of the population of Romania lives in the country. In the villages, people devote themselves to traditional crafts and there is a friendly and hospitable atmosphere. In some places, centuries of folk customs and religious traditions are still being observed. These include, for example, Martisor, in which women wear red and white strings on their clothes which are announcing the beginning of spring.
The culture of Moldova is a combination of Romanian and Soviet culture. Country is located between Ukraine and Romania and emerged as an independent republic following the collapse of Soviet Union. Two-thirds of Moldovans are of Romanian descent. The languages are virtually identical and the two countries share a common cultural heritage. However, Moldova’s folk culture is extremely rich, and the ancient folk ballad, the “Miorita,” plays a central role in the traditional culture. Most traditional cultural events relate to agriculture, religion, folklore, or mythology, and are celebrated with joy and feasting. Folk traditions, including ceramics and weaving, continue to be practiced in rural areas even nowadays.
Bulgaria is an atmospheric country with a long and sometimes difficult history that has produced a modern, vibrant civilization that retains its most charming elements of the past, including ancient rituals and folklore. An essential element of Bulgarian folklore is fire, used to banish evil spirits and illnesses which are usually personified as witches. The influences of different cultures and the Eastern Orthodox Church have also shaped the nation, particularly in terms of festivals and food. Until World War II, Bulgaria’s economy was largely agricultural. State socialism brought rapid industrialization and the collectivization of agriculture, leading to a significant population shift to the towns and cities. After the end of Communism in 1989, Sofia, the largest and capital city, witnessed the construction of whole business districts and neighbourhoods, as well as modern skyscraper glass-fronted office buildings, but also top-class residential neighbourhoods.
Switzerland remains a place of tradition and respect for values of family, religion and homeland. This is particularly evident in more rural areas, where attitudes can seem old-fashioned to the foreigner. On the whole, there is a strong sense of community among residents and ties to Swiss history and culture are celebrated. Swiss history lacks all-powerful rulers who would set up suitable monuments for themselves. On the other hand, this country can look back on over 200 years of peace and a vast majority of cultural treasures that are still preserved. Entire towns and villages have retained much of their original settlement structure. The city of Berne, adopted by UNESCO as part of the “Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, is just one of many examples. The Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work, and material possessions. They are very proud of their environment and have a long tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings. From watches to chocolate, “Swiss-made” remains a mark of quality. Other nations are prepared to pay a premium for Swiss goods thanks to Switzerland’s reputation for high standards.
Macedonia describes both a powerful nation of ancient times as well as one of the newest formed countries in Europe. Its name and culture have survived and evolved through more than 2,500 years of conquering forces and control. The rich culture of Macedonia is evidenced in its well-preserved customs, epic poetry, legends, colourful costumes, wonderful folklore and memorable music which are considered the best in the Balkans. Folk music and folk dancing are still popular, and rock and pop music are ever-present. The arts are supported by the state through the Macedonian Academy of Arts and Sciences, institutions of higher learning, and public theatres. Despite its small size, Macedonia boasts thirteen active professional theatre groups that average over sixteen hundred total performances per year.
The culture of Ukraine is unique and diverse, but over the years it has been influenced by its eastern and western neighbours, which is reflected in its architecture, music and art. Folk culture is fundamental for the Ukrainian national culture. Ukrainian embroidery, weaving and lace-making are used in traditional folk dresses and
in celebrations. The country of Ukraine isn’t the ritchiest but you wont find poorly minded people there, so are the outcomes of their work.
The culture in Latvia was strongly influenced by Latvian folklore and by the people of the country and how attached they are to their homeland. Latvians have a rich heritage of traditional folklore, especially folk songs. It is unusual to find a Latvian who has not sung in a choir at some point in his life, that is why the country is labelled as “the singing nation”. Folksongs are considered as national treasures, and are expressed through events such as the Latvian nationwide song and dance celebration that is held once every five years. In Riga you would be able to find a lot of professional theatres as well as amateur drama and theatre groups. The Latvia National Opera, Latvia Philharmonic Orchestra, concert halls and several art galleries that will give you a taste of the cultural life not only in Riga but the whole Latvia. You will also find more than 40 different museums, like the popular State Museum of Fine Arts.
Lithuania is incredibly rich in various historical and cultural attractions. There are two hundred parks, more than fifty reserves, and two and a half thousand lakes in the country. The capital of Lithuania has well-preserved religious complexes. In Vilnius, it’s worth to visit the church of St. Anne, which is the most valuable monument. The Gothic church is fascinating; its facade shows incredible patterns formed with several types of bricks. The interior features three altars and a survived antique organ. Vilnius also has a national museum founded in 1855. The exhibition halls feature unique collections of paintings, dishes, coins, and other historical artefacts. Lithuanians love to get out and enjoy themselves. The summer months are packed with amazing festivals which are often linked with folklore traditions. National culture and identity are extremely important to locals in Lithuania.
Finland – the curious country of 1000 lakes, steel, forests, Nokia and the homeland of Santa Claus. The culture in Finland is largely shaped by its history. For years, the Swedes and Russians battled over control of the land, and, in the process, influenced the language and customs. Many Finnish customs are closely associated with forests, which Finns have historically seen not as dark foreboding places but rather as offering refuge and shelter. Other customs associated with trees and wood are alive and well in Finland. Bonfires are lit at Midsummer, the doorways of houses are decorated with birches, and leafy birch whisks are still used in the traditional wooden sauna. Sauna is the most prevalent tradition in the country and one of Finland´s greatest contributions to the world. In Finland there is a proverb that says “Build first a sauna and then a house”. This place has not lost its significance for the Finns up until now. They were able to save and increase their bathing traditions, exporting them to different countries of the world. Today in Finland there are almost two million saunas. Private saunas are usually constructed from wood, while public saunas are made from stone and are called baths. Severe weather conditions as seen in Finland for more than a century have tempered with the national character of the Finns, making them persistent, thorough, calm and easygoing. Design is a major part of daily life in Finland. Finnish design is more than just a pretty object. It is a way of living. Design here is woven seamlessly into everyday life and surrounds you wherever you go. The aesthetic of Finnish design is often characterized by functionality, clean lines, and discipline. Functional design is timeless and often grows to become a classic.
In the 21st century , art is one of the major tourist attractions of France. People come from all over the world to admire Frances museums, art galleries, stunning medieval architecture and its cultural herritage in general. In the visual arts, it was in the nineteenth century that France reemerged as a world leader, and Paris came to be seen as world capital od art. Today along with London, Milan and New York City is considered one of the worlds fashion capitals and the city is home or headquarters to many of the premier fasion houses. The expression Haute couture is in France a legally protected name, guaranteeing certain quality standarts. If you ask someone to tell you which country is for him most advanced in fashion and design industries, he has just one country to choose from.
The culture in Spain is very unique, the Spanish are welcoming and passionate, Traditionally, the family in Spain has been the basic of social structure. Almost every aspect of Spanish life is influenced by its Roman heritage, making Spain one of the major Latin countries of Europe. There is enormous pride and interest in the heritage of Spanish art and the Spanish government supports all forms of art and humanities which are reflected in their museums, universities and professional academies. Spanish art has known a great number of influences such as well-known impressionist painters as Pablo Picasso, Salvador DalŪ and many other. Country is known for its exotic beaches, lots of sunshine and bullifighting and thats what makes the Spain really temperamently.
Slovenia is an excitingly colourful country between the Alps and the Mediterranean.. Almost every Slovenian is by nature a writer, painter, cook, dancer, wine-maker, musician, director, actor or blogger. They know how to create art out of everything they love. Even though Slovenia is one of Europe’s smallest countries, it possesses outstanding traditions that can be comparable to the most developed European countries. Theatre and concerts are popular, Slovenians love to read and are proud of their culture. Another important aspect of Slovenian culture are diverse cultural events which are very well-attended. Slovenia annually hosts many cultural events that enjoy international recognition, among the most notable are the Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts. Slovenia has one of the most stunning underground caves, including the world-renowned Postojna Cave which is the most famous and visited attraction in Slovenia. The cave was discovered in 17th century and is more than 20 km long.
Greece is considered to be the cradle of Western civilisation, the birthplace of democracy, political science and the Olympic Games. The ancient Greeks also pioneered in many other fields including biology, geometry, history, philosophy, physics and mathematics. They introduced important literary forms such as tragedy, comedy, epic poetry and lyric poetry. The central works of ancient Greek literature are considered to be Iliad and Odyssey by legendary author Homer. Country is also recognized worldwide for many other influential people and their actions throughout centuries, especially philosophers Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle and many others. Greek Philosophy as an independent cultural genre began around 600 BCE, and its wisdom still persist to our times. In their pursuit of order and proportion, the Greeks created an ideal of beauty that strongly influenced Western art. The Pythagorean school saw a strong connection between mathematics and beauty. In particular, they noted that objects proportioned according to the golden ratio seemed more attractive. Another undeniable part of Greek history is Mythology which was a part of the religion in Ancient Greece. Greek Mythology was a set of stories about the gods, goddesses, heroes and rituals of Ancient Greeks. Most popular Greek Mythology figures included Gods like Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Goddesses like Aphrodite, Hera or Athena. Nowadays, the Ministry of Culture supports all the arts in terms of production, education, publicity and national centres. There are provincial and municipal theatres, folklore institutes, orchestras, conservatories, dance centres, art workshops, and literary groups.
The culture of Ireland includes its traditions, customs, as well as folklore, music, language, art and food. Throughout the history Irish culture has been influenced by Scottish, English, and Anglo-Norman cultures. Legends, folk tales and beliefs in supernatural beings such as Leprechauns are traditional as well as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow which originated in Irish mythology. The lucky three-leaf shamrock is a much-loved symbol and was used as a symbol of Christian Holy Trinity by Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron Saint. The nation´s Patron is celebrated on The Saint Patrick´s day which is held on 17 March.Irish dance, gypsy music, great literature and links to tragic, romantic, Arthurian legends such as Tristan and Isolde are all part of Ireland’s rich and colourful cultural heritage. Irish authors are some of the best in the world from James Joyce, author of Ulysses to the Oscar Wilde, one of the most popular playwrights. Modern-day culture in Ireland is divided between rural and urban populations, Catholics and Protestants, English-speakers and Gaelic. The Gaelic community has supplied Scotland with many of the country’s national icons, including the kilt, tartan, bagpipes, Highland games and whisky.
The British architecture is unique with its own styles and forms, their architectural structure depicts specific traits from different periods of history, from the 5th century of Roman conquering, throughout the Dark Ages and Renaissance whose impact is still present in the British architectural heritage. These are castles, monuments and other architectural buildings all across the country and many of them are nowadays transformed into touristic attractions. Traces of British are development take us back to the pre-historical periods. The Stonehenge, built around 2600 BC, is clearly the oldest British artwork we know until now. Art is an important part of the British history and culture. Many British artists created irreplaceable artwork which influenced many all around the globe such as Shakespeare who is widely regarded as the greatest dramatist of all time with his Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth.. The British are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. Country, famous for it’s politeness, self-discipline and especially for the sense of humor.
Denmark shares strong cultural and historic ties with its Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Norway. Denmark is considered to be one of the most economically and socially developed countries in the world. Danes enjoy a high standard of living and the country ranks highly in education, health care, protection of civil liberties, prosperity, human development and is among the countries with the lowest perceived levels of corruption in the world. When you arrive in Denmark you will probably notice the relaxed atmosphere, a lot of people on bikes, and that things generally run smoothly. A blend of stately old buildings and modern sustainable architecture speaks of city that treasures the old but loves experimenting with the new. Folklore in Denmark has been handed down from generation to generation through storytelling and plays a big part in Denmark’s culture and heritage. Danish folklore includes many references to elves, goblins, and other non-human characters. The elves, in traditional Danish folklore, were beautiful women living in hills and underneath rocks. Time and time again, international surveys celebrate Denmark as the “happiest’ country in the world”. Danes enjoy a very high level of satisfaction with life. They enjoy a balanced work life with a sense of financial security and the freedom and opportunity to pursue personal goals in life.
Denmark shares strong cultural and historic ties with its Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Norway. Denmark is considered to be one of the most economically and socially developed countries in the world. Danes enjoy a high standard of living and the country ranks highly in education, health care, protection of civil liberties, prosperity, human development and is among the countries with the lowest perceived levels of corruption in the world. When you arrive in Denmark you will probably notice the relaxed atmosphere, a lot of people on bikes, and that things generally run smoothly. A blend of stately old buildings and modern sustainable architecture speaks of city that treasures the old but loves experimenting with the new. Folklore in Denmark has been handed down from generation to generation through storytelling and plays a big part in Denmark’s culture and heritage. Danish folklore includes many references to elves, goblins, and other non-human characters. The elves, in traditional Danish folklore, were beautiful women living in hills and underneath rocks. Time and time again, international surveys celebrate Denmark as the “happiest’ country in the world”. Danes enjoy a very high level of satisfaction with life. They enjoy a balanced work life with a sense of financial security and the freedom and opportunity to pursue personal goals in life.
Estonia has a rich and dramatic history. It has only been a few decades of independence for Estonians but they are embracing their national identity, as well as the values of modern-day life. Estonians are very proud of what they have and love to boast their nature, architecture, art and food. Nowadays Estonia is free and independent. It is one of the fastest developing countries in Europe and also one to implement wonderful innovations. For instance, it has the second best public Wi-Fi in the world and they were first to implement online voting. Estonia has one of the largest known repertoires of folk songs in the world. They demonstrate the poetic and age-old beauty of the Estonian language and are often accompanied by dances. The Tallinn Song Festival is the ultimate place to hear Estonian folk choirs, but is held only once every five years. Tallin, the capital city, has not lost its traditional charm despite modernization.
Much of the culture of Norway can be traced back to the Vikings, a group of Scandinavian seafaring pirates, traders, and pioneers that settled in Northern Europe in the eighth century. Many of the stories of Viking conquests are still alive today as a folklore. In fact, one Viking story about the curse of Andvari’s ring was actually the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Although Norway is in most ways very modern, it has maintained many of its traditions. Storytelling in which trolls play a prominent role are still common. On festive occasions folk costumes are worn and folk singing is performed. The national costume, the bunad, is characterized by wool skirts or dresses for women, colourful accessories, heavy embroidery and jewellery. Norwegians had two bunader, one for special occasions and one for everyday wear. Throughout their history, Norwegians have always identified with rural culture. They are passionate about the outdoors and even the major cities have easy access to the surrounding forests and fjords, making it easy to escape from the urban life to the wilderness. More modern expressions of Norwegian culture include Jante Law and Constitution Day. Jante Law is an essential part of modern Norwegian culture and emphasizes humility, equality, respect, and simplicity which are all considered to be features Norwegians are well known for. In Jante Law, wealth is not flaunted, people don’t criticize others and democracy is considered to be a key to peaceful living.
Italy has been crucial centre of discovery in art and culture. Rome itself, as Western civilizations political and religious capital, contains both the history of the Roman Empire and Christianity, earning the name “The Eternal City” by poets and writers. Its clear that we owe more to Italy than Vespas and pasta, as the country has some of the most stunning architecture ever built, from the Colosseum to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There is not one type of art which Italy is not famous for. Most of Italian people tend to be passionate and obey family values which helped to grow few of the world most famous brands. After that all you can find just one emotion which could made the sense and thats the passion.
Despite centuries of conflict with their neighbours, the Serbian people are warm and welcoming. Serbia now contains more than 30 art galleries, 140 museums, and a unique brand of black humour that has helped the country’s people get through the many ups and downs. Capital city Belgrade is home to the old royal palace of Yugoslavia, as well as current government buildings. Belgrade also boasts centuries-oldchurches, mosques, and several national museums. Due in part to its advantageous location at the junction of two rivers, the city has a history of possession by various foreign powers. Many of the city’s older structures were damaged during World War II. Some were later restored, but the recent civil war has again devastated the city. Orthodox Christianity is Serbia’s most dominant religion, and each Orthodox family sets aside one special day to celebrate their own patron saint.In Serbian society, family and mutual support among members is highly valued. It is common to find several generations living under the same roof. The Serbian proverb, “Far from the eyes, far from the heart” reflects the tendency among Serbians to stay in close contact to their family in order to maintain family ties.
Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts. A place where fire and ice co-exist. Where dark winters are offset by the summer’s midnight sun. A country with rich and vibrant culture.Considering that Iceland has only 320,000 people, the number of museums and art galleries in the country is astounding. Even in small towns and fishing villages, you will encounter some public place dedicated to preserving the national heritage or displaying the work of local artists.From avant-garde nightlife to sustainable geothermal energy systems, Iceland has never been short on innovation. Artists and designers find inspiration and innovation in Iceland’s outstanding surroundings which is evident in unique works of visual art from paintings to sculptures to jewellery and glass work. A trait typical of contemporary Icelandic design is its pioneering spirit using sustainable products with a playful unique style. Using the country’s few natural resources as materials for products results in a range of designs unique to Iceland. Pottery made from volcanic lava, lights from dried fish sit alongside aluminium stools and belts created from salmon skin leather. The best time to soak up Iceland’s emerging and established design talent is during the Design Festival in Reykjavik held in March.
Belarus enjoys a rich cultural and artistic heritage that dates back many centuries, taking in several significant schools of art and architecture and producing many unique musical and literary works. The achievement of Belarus culture is the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage – folklore, which perfectly conveys the nature of the Belarusian people. It contains songs, games, dances, fairy tales, legends, riddles, proverbs and sayings of the ancestors. They are guarded by population, passed from generation to generation, saved in books, movies, festivities. All surviving masterpieces are now officially protected by the state, and showcased for all to enjoy in museum collections and libraries. Belarusian national clothes is called Vyshyvanka and it is gaining popularity again nowadays. Now it has entered the international level and became well-known to public. Belarus ancestors didn’t wear beautiful embroidered clothes every day; it was only for special occasions. Such clothes were kept for weddings and other festive events as a special dressing-up. Red ornament were a talisman and were placed on the edge of the garments in the form of patterns. These patterns protected people from everything bad.
