Latest news with #SaintJohntheBaptist
Observer
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Saint John the Baptist Cape Verde festivities attract thousands
Thousands of people attended horse racing events to mark the end of traditional celebrations on Cape Verdean island Santo Antao which annually lets its hair down for the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. The festivities not only commemorate the saint's feast day but also mark the summer solstice, which is widely celebrated in several Portuguese-speaking countries. At the foot of the mountains of the west African island, on a track running along the Atlantic Ocean shore, 18 jockeys competed in the "Sonjon" horse race, won by Phizer and his mount Keke. The horses competed for three hours to a noisy backdrop of drums and cheering crowds basking in an equestrian spectacle. Stivan Brito, a 29-year-old soldier, told AFP he enjoyed the "festive atmosphere" and emphasised "the importance of perpetuating old traditions" on the volcanic island. The festivities, which blend sacred and secular traditions and date back to the 17th century, attract thousands of Cape Verdeans every June to the city of Porto Novo. For three days, pilgrims pay homage to Saint John the Baptist, called "Sonjon" in the local Creole language, holding a procession and a range of celebrations. Elenise Santos, a 33-year-old teacher, explained she has attended the festival since she was a child. "When I was little, I had serious health problems, so my mother vowed always to take me to the procession if I recovered," she said, adding that she was proud to keep alive the "culture" and "tradition" of her island. The highlight of several days of festivities, the "Sonjon revoltiod" (Saint John in Revolt) parade, featured several dance groups on Saturday evening. Each neighbourhood displayed traditional costumes and deployed an array of local cultural tools including oil lamps and cooking and farming utensils. "We can't let our culture die," explained Antonio Manuel Pedro, a veteran member of one dance group. "I'm proud to be part of this festival." Participants swaying to the frenetic rhythm of the "Kola Sonjon" dance, symbolising fertility, wore necklaces of corn and peanuts, representing abundance. Located in the far northwest of the Cape Verde archipelago, off the coast of west Africa, Santo Antao was colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century. World heritage body UNESCO designated the Saint John the Baptist festivities part of Cape Verde's intangible national cultural heritage in 2013. —AFP
Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Saint John the Baptist Cape Verde festivities attract thousands
Thousands of people attended horse racing events to mark the end of traditional celebrations on Cape Verdean island Santo Antao which annually lets its hair down for the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. HT Image The festivities not only commemorate the saint's feast day but also mark the summer solstice, which is widely celebrated in several Portuguese-speaking countries. At the foot of the mountains of the west African island, on a track running along the Atlantic Ocean shore, 18 jockeys competed in the "Sonjon" horse race, won by Phizer and his mount Keke. The horses competed for three hours to a noisy backdrop of drums and cheering crowds basking in an equestrian spectacle. Stivan Brito, a 29-year-old soldier, told AFP he enjoyed the "festive atmosphere" and emphasised "the importance of perpetuating old traditions" on the volcanic island. The festivities, which blend sacred and secular traditions and date back to the 17th century, attract thousands of Cape Verdeans every June to the city of Porto Novo. For three days, pilgrims pay homage to Saint John the Baptist, called "Sonjon" in the local Creole language, holding a procession and a range of celebrations. Elenise Santos, a 33-year-old teacher, explained she has attended the festival since she was a child. "When I was little, I had serious health problems, so my mother vowed always to take me to the procession if I recovered," she said, adding that she was proud to keep alive the "culture" and "tradition" of her island. The highlight of several days of festivities, the "Sonjon revoltiod" (Saint John in Revolt) parade, featured several dance groups on Saturday evening. Each neighbourhood displayed traditional costumes and deployed an array of local cultural tools including oil lamps and cooking and farming utensils. "We can't let our culture die," explained Antonio Manuel Pedro, a veteran member of one dance group. "I'm proud to be part of this festival." Participants swaying to the frenetic rhythm of the "Kola Sonjon" dance, symbolising fertility, wore necklaces of corn and peanuts, representing abundance. Located in the far northwest of the Cape Verde archipelago, off the coast of west Africa, Santo Antao was colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century. World heritage body UNESCO designated the Saint John the Baptist festivities part of Cape Verde's intangible national cultural heritage in 2013. mln-str-els/cw/phz
Metro
25-06-2025
- Metro
Ten killed and several injured after shooting at religious festival in Mexico
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A festival celebrating the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist ended in bloodshed as ten were gunned down and more were injured in a mass shooting. Among the injured is a 2-year-old boy, reportedly shot in the eye after 'armed individuals' opened fire on the community celebration in San Juan, Mexico. Around 11.20 pm, gunfire erupted on Bustamante Street, where locals were eating and dancing to mark the holiday. The violence was livestreamed on Facebook, with footage showing men, women and families screaming as they were shot at point-blank range. Belongings of the victims were seen scattered on the pavement, along with bullet casings and blood spatter. The reason for the shooting is still unknown. Police are searching for the gunmen, who fled the scene. The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated in Mexico on June 24 to mark the birth of the prophet. It's a significant holiday for Catholics, and in Mexico, picnics and cookouts are held in the community, along with some water-based events to reflect John's role in baptising Jesus Christ, to mark the holiday. Mexico's murder rates have been decreasing in recent years, but the country still remains dangerous, with a rate of 24.9 murders per 100,000 civilians. In comparison, the murder rate in Texas is 6.7 homicides per 100,000 people. In a statement from local authorities issued to Punto y Aparte Radio station, the municipal government said they regret and condemn the attack. 'As a result of these events, according to preliminary data, 10 people lost their lives and several more were injured by firearms. From the outset, with the participation of personnel from the Secretariat of Citizen Security, the Defence Ministry, the National Guard, and the FSPE (National Police Force), a joint operation was mounted to locate the alleged perpetrators,' it said. 'We are working in coordination with personnel from the Guanajuato State Attorney General's Office (FGE) to provide the necessary information to clarify this incident. At the scene, Municipal Police personnel, through the Comprehensive Victim Assistance Centre (CAIV), provided psychological care, legal advice, and support to the families in filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities to begin the investigation. 'We know that events like this generate uncertainty among the population, so we reiterate our commitment to the citizens of Irapuato. We will not back down in our mission to restore peace to our city.' Last year, violence in the country erupted after the Sinaloa Cartel descended into another bloody civil war. More Trending The conflict between the two factions began in July 2024, when 'legendary' trafficker and cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada was arrested in the United States. Zambada, who is now 74 years old, has claimed that another senior member of another cartel faction, Los Chapitos, kidnapped him and flew him to the States against his will. After his arrest, more than 100 were left dead or missing as local communities went into lockdown. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: British man shot dead in Mexico was 'in the wrong place at wrong time' MORE: First picture of girl, 15, killed in Austria school shooting after thousands gather for candle vigil MORE: Three gunmen on the loose in Philadelphia after two shot dead in mass shooting
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Inside beautiful city named Europe's hottest just 3 hours from UK
One city in Malta has earned the titled at the hottest place in Europe, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with museums and galleries where travellers can keep cool and soak in the culture Heatwave after heatwave, the title for Europe's hottest city changes hands, but there might finally be a clear frontrunner. 101 Holidays has just named the hottest places in Europe, with one city in Malta coming out on top. According to the travel inspiration site, Valletta is the hottest place in Europe with an average daily temperature of 22.3°C. Coming in at a close second and third are Athens and Rome with annual average temperatures of 22°C and 21.4°C respectively. Valletta is Malta's capital city easily recognisable by its Baroque architecture and fortified walls which rise up against a Mediterranean backdrop. Valletta's walls are jam-packed with history, fine restaurants and cultural spaces that can be explored in the sun all year round. In fact, Valletta enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year so travellers can pack T-shirts and shorts no matter when they visit. Given that the capital is only a three-hour flight from the UK, it makes for a convenient escape for rainy and harsh British winters. The city was built by the famous Knights of St. John - also known as the Knights Hospitaller - who arrived in the country around 1530. While there, the Knights developed numerous palaces and churches, considered some of the finest works of architecture in the region today. While the grid-plan of the city was built in defensive military style, it is also undeniably impressive and features an ornate baroque style. Today, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its most remarkable landmarks is the St. John's Co-Cathedral. The cathedral is adorned with beautiful frescoes and barrel-vaulted ceilings and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Built in the 1570s, it is perhaps one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe and the most visited church in all of Malta. Another must-visit landmark is MUZA - Maltese for 'inspiration' - which is the National Museum of Art. It forms part of Heritage Malta, the National Agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage. In 2025,the President of Malta informed Heritage Malta that she would be granting her patronage to the second edition of the Malta Biennale - to be held in 2026. The Biennale will run from March 11 to May 29, 2026. The Malta Biennale will once again take place in museums and historical sites managed by Heritage Malta, across Valletta, Birgu, Xagħra and Ċittadella in Gozo. Currently, there is an international open call for artist participation in the upcoming edition, with proposals pouring in from all over the world and already topping 100 in number. The Biennale is just one of the many Valletta events to look forward to. The Baroque Music Festival in January and the February carnival, are also big draws for the city. Additionally, there is an opera week in spring and on the banks of the Grand Harbour is a summer Jazz festival each year.
India.com
03-06-2025
- India.com
Discover The Enchanting Beauty Of Monsoon Season In Goa!
People usually think of Goa only as a western Indian coastal retreat which offers popular beaches and energetic nightlife. The tropical touristic destination of Goa has another magical side that becomes visible when the monsoon season arrives. Monsoon season turns Goa into an enchanting green paradise which brings special appeal to its inhabitants and its many visitors. The monsoon season in Goa presents seven magical experiences that captivate visitors in these seven points. 1. Lush Greenery and Vibrant Landscapes The monsoon season creates a fresh start for the natural environment of Goa. The rain water feeds the dry ground which transforms empty land into flourishing green landscapes. The heavy rain clouds move the palm trees and the rice paddies shine like green jewels during this period. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary along with Mollem National Park develops enchanting natural beauty during the monsoon period. At the dense forest where mist settles upon the hills-based scenery you can find a calm retreat ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from city activities. 2. Waterfalls at Their Peak During the Goan monsoon season the waterfalls reach their most stunning state. Dudhsagar Falls sitting on the border of Goa and Karnataka achieves its most magnificent state during this season. The additional water creates a sight of flowing silk threads that run down stone walls. The area features two notable water attractions which serve as peaceful places for enjoying picnics because they combine calming springs with soothing waterfall sounds. 3. Affordable Travel and Accommodation The monsoon months serve as an exceptional period for cost-effective Goa exploration because peak tourist rates from November to February no longer exist during this season. Tourists can find affordable luxury stays at hotels and guesthouses and homestays through significant price reductions which reach up to 50%. The local dining establishments along with tour operators provide special deals for visitors to sample genuine Goan dishes as well as traditional activities at discounted prices. 4. Cultural Festivals and Traditions Various traditional festivals occur during the monsoon season as Goa residents observe them throughout their territory. The traditional festival Sao Joao invites people to jump into natural waters during which they honor Saint John the Baptist to welcome the rainy season. Bonderam stands as a significant event which takes place on Divar Island where people participate in colorful parades followed by musical and dance performances. As a result travelers experience the cultural heritage of Goa through these local festivities which let them share traditions with friendly native residents. 5. Romantic Ambience A monsoon visit to Goa presents couples with an exclusive romantic environment which cannot be found during any other time of year. Memories become forever precious when you watch rain pour down on streets while enjoying chai from cozy cafés followed by dinners in candlelight by the window. Beach shacks stay closed during this period yet the peaceful environment enables romantic connection between couples while they listen to rain hitting ocean waves. 6. Adventure Activities Amidst Nature The monsoon brings various adventure activities to replace water sports which become unavailable during this time. Hiking on forest paths develops into an exhilarating journey since you need to walk through slippery terrain under the song of birds while ambient floral scents fill your senses. Boat cruises on Mandovi and Zuari rivers become ideal opportunities to observe birds in flight while you can witness dolphins performing their acrobatic dance through the glimmering water. People who seek thrilling activities will appreciate white-water rafting near Valpoi because it serves as a perfect choice. 7. A Culinary Delight The culinary side of Goa in monsoon season offers both aesthetically pleasing views and delectable flavors to taste. Nobody should miss the chance to savor traditional Goan comfort food which provides warmth during moist days of monsoon. Delight yourself with fish curries made hot and spicy together with steamed rice and tangy vindaloo and freshly made pão (bread). You can obtain both chorus pão (spicy pork sandwich with sausage) and bebinca (multilayered coconut dessert) from street vendors who provide them fresh and hot. An authentic Goan dining experience can be completed by drinking feni which represents both the local spirit and cashew apples or toddy palm sap as its base ingredients. Conclusion During the Goa monsoon visitors experience an authentic display of this universal favorite location because it offers natural authenticity and fresh raw features that forge deep links between people and nature. During monsoon in Goa every visitor walks through a dreamlike scenario composed of rain-filled attractions that include majestic waterfalls along with local cultural happenings. Vacationers from all types of groups will find special moments during the monsoon season because it appeals to solitary adventurers and romantic couples and adventurous individuals looking to discover wild natural environments. The rhythm of rainfall combined with your waterproof coat will create an unforgettable experience which Monsoon Goa will guide you through.
