SA SA LADIES' PURSE DAY

SA SA LADIES' PURSE DAY

November 8, Hong Kong

Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day at Sha Tin Racecourse is a glamorous race meeting jointly presented by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Sa Sa International Holdings. First run in 1846, the race, formerly the Ladies’ Purse, is one of the oldest in Hong Kong. Every year thousands of ladies dressed in their finest attend the race. A century ago, a renowned lady would award gold sovereigns the jockey, owner and trainer of the winning horse. When Hong Kong racing turned professional in 1971, the custom of presenting gold sovereigns was dropped. It was reintroduced in 1990, using a Hong Kong Lunar New Year gold coin instead of a sovereign. Race-goers also receive a free themed brooch especially designed for the big day when they enter the racecourse.

 

DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

November 10, nationwide, Malaysia

Deepavali or the “Festival of Lights” is celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. Open houses are held where family and friends visit each other and enjoy delicious traditional goodies (except Labuan and Sarawak). 

 

SEOUL KIMCHI MAKING AND SHARING FESTIVAL

November 6 to 8, Seoul, South Korea

Gimjang is a traditional Korean event where kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable dish made with unique Korean seasonings, is made and shared. Listed as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is a unique part of Korean food culture. Seoul Kimchi Making and Sharing Festival held at Gwanghwamun Square has drawn attention from all over the world. The festival aiming to revitalise the culture of gimjang is packed with almost 20 programmes divided into five sections: sharing, exhibition, hands-on programmes, market place, food, and culture for visitors.

 

TASTE OF AUCKLAND 

November 5 to 8, Auckland, New Zealand

Premier food and drink festival Taste of Auckland welcomes the start of summer with a stellar line-up of local chefs and some exciting features. Try a selection of signature dishes from Auckland’s finest restaurants as you stroll through New Zealand’s most glamorous food festival. Learn from culinary superstars in a series of new master classes and live demonstrations. Soak up the festival atmosphere with a drink in your hand and sample delicious treats from New Zealand’s top producers. Check out www.TasteOfAuckland.co.nz.

 

COLOGNE CARNIVAL

November 11, Cologne, Germany

Enjoy one of the biggest street parties in Europe at the Cologne Carnival. The famous Altstadt (old town) is transformed into a colourful celebration, with what seems like the entire population of the city in fancy dress. Prepare for lots of dancing and partying in the streets, pubs and bars and plenty of Kölsch, the delicious local beer. At 11.11 am on November 11, Germany’s “fifth season”, Karneval, begins and the whole country goes barking mad.

 

ATHENS MARATHON

November 8, Athens, Greece

The Marathon has always had a prominent place in the hearts and minds of athletes. It represents the ultimate athletic effort where the human body, mind and soul are tested to their limits. When it comes to the classic marathon course, Athens will always be the most famous spot since it hosted the original. Commemorating the famous run of the soldier Pheidippides in 490BC, the 42-kilometre race begins in the town of Marathon itself and ends at the Panathenaic Stadium.