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Years Of Defiance: The Art Of The 70s In Greece Until May 7
Featuring 187 works by 54 artists, the exhibition explores the new formal and conceptual routes traced by Greek artists after the 60s. Athens Concert Hall, Vassilissis Sofias and Kokkali 115. Tel: +30 (0)210 728 2000
17 Festival De Guitarra De Barcelona 22 March – early June
Barcelona’s annual guitar festival opens with a concert starring Jackson Browne and David Lindley in a jam session with local musicians at the magnificent modernista Palau de la Música. www.the-project.net
Of Mice And Men: 4th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art Until May 28
More than 60 artists spanning four generations and working in a variety of media and techniques, display their work. At numerous venues along Augustrasse, Mitte. www.berlinbiennale.de
China – Between Past And Future: A Project On Contemporary Art In China Until 14 May
Chinese artistic and literary production shown through photography, opera, music, film, lectures and conferences. Haus der Kulturen der Welt, 10 John-Foster-Dulles Alle, Tiergarten. Tel: +49 30 397 870, www.hkw.de
Royal Greenhouses Of Laeken 22 April – 15 May
Once a year, Belgium’s royal family allows the public to visit its magnificent Royal Greenhouses, built for King Leopold II outside the Laeken Palace in the 19th century. Avenue du Parc Royal. Tel: +32 (0)2 551 2020, www.monarchie.be
Festival Of Short Films 29 April – 5 May
The 9th edition of this popular festival will attract up to 10,000 film aficionados to the Cinema Vendome, 18 chaussée de Wavre, and Le Petit Théatre Mercelis, 13 rue Mercelis. Tel: +32 (0)2 248 0872, www.courtmetrage.be
Pasqua 9-17 April
Sicilians jealously cling to their traditions and Easter is magical everywhere, especially Enna, where a week of eerie processions of hooded participants bearing the symbols of the Passion culminates in a parade on Good Friday. www.apt-enna.com
Natfilm Until 9 April
Film geeks and night owls unite for Copenhagen’s hugely popular annual twilight film festival featuring critically acclaimed international and cult films at every theatre in town. www.natfilm.dk
Nossa Senhora da Piedade 16-30 April
The colourful procession of Nossa Senhora da Piedade or Mãe Soberana to and from her chapel in Loule is held on Easter Sunday and two weeks weeks later, when she returns to her chapel amidst music and merriment. Tel: +351 289 800 400
The International Book And Press Fair 27 April – 1 May
Browse alongside the bibliophiles and bookworms at this wonderful exhibition at Palexpo. www.salondulivre.ch
The International Exhibition Of Inventions 5-9 April
Calling all Inspector Gadgets to this display of the clever and the wacky, it’s largest event of its kind. The Palexpo Centre. www.palexpo.ch
Grüner + Jahr Pressehaus 27 April – 28 May
The celebrated Dutch-based World Press Photo brings its exhibition of 200 award-wining news images from photojournalists all over the world to the heart of Hamburg’s publishing quarter for one month. www.worldpressphoto.nl
Exhibition Frida Kahlo 24 February – 21 May
Comprising 26 paintings, this is the largest exhibition devoted to Mexican painter Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), wife of the acclaimed muralist Diego Rivera. Centro Cultural de Belém. Tel: +351 213 612 400
Indie Lisboa 2006 20-30 April
Independently produced films will be shown in several Lisbon theatres for the third instalment of this festival. www.indielisboa.com
Strawberry Train Mid April
Take an old-fashioned steam train to Aranjuez, a 50 km trip with free strawberries on board served by traditionally dressed waitresses. Enjoy a visit to the palace and gardens of Aranjuez. Call ahead to check schedule and exact start date which depends on the weather. Tel: +34 902 22 88 22
Semana Santa 9-16 April
Spectacular processions, as every parish has its hooded penitents carrying giant floats of Christ and the Virgin. Take a day trip to Chinchón where an evocative medieval passion play is held in the village’s magnificent Plaza Mayor on Good Friday. Tel: +34 915 88 16 36
Passion Play 14 April
In Riogordo (10km east of Malaga) Good Friday is the biggest day of the year for soul-stirring celebration with the annual Passion Play. The entire village are involved in this massive street theatre. Malaga seconds only Seville for its extravagant Easter Week parades. www.spain.info
Fiori sul naviglio Grande 2 April
The canal district bursts into colour with the annual flower festival. In keeping with the bohemian spirit, artist’s studios and workshops will also be open to the public. www.navigliogrande.mi.it
Kunst & Antiquitäten 22 April – 1 May
Munich’s annual art and antiques fair attracts collectors from across the county. The Paulaner brewery, Hochstrasse 77. Tel: +49 89 28 14 47
Semana Santa 9-17 April
Easter Processions in the historic town of Orihuela have been declared of national tourist interest. The brotherhoods carry huge floats and religious effigies through the streets in a riot of colour. Tel: +34 965 30 27 47
15th Annual Nice International Semi-Marathon 23 April
A variety of different races take place over the weekend, ranging in distance from 3 to 20 km. www.nicesemimarathon.com
Festin des Cougourdons 3 April
One of Nice’s most unique festivals, dating back to the Middle Ages, celebrates the end of winter with the decoration of bizarrely shaped locally grown gourds. The gardens of Cimiez are filled with music, dancing and gourd-inspired food stalls. www.nicetourism.com
Good Friday Passion Play 14 April
This annual performance takes place in Erice, a hilltop town of ancient stone walls and medieval streets. Begins at 2pm. Tel: +39 0923 860 011
Princess Sofia Yachting Regatta 8-14 April
Sailors from around the world will compete in this prestigious regatta in the Bay of Palma. Now in its 37th year, it’s one of the most important events in the European yachting calendar. www.federacionbalearvela.org
Semana Santa Maundy Thursday
Easter is the biggest religious festival on the island, expect lots of events and an abundance of processions throughout Holy Week. www.infomallorca.com
The Foundation of Rome 21 April
Come and wish Rome happy birthday! In celebration of its foundation in 735 BC, events are held throughout the city. Piazza del Campidoglio and locations throughout the city www.comune.roma.it
Heritage Exhibition 1-24 April
Discover the humble beginnings of the unknown fishing village turned mega star magnet town at this exhibition in the Salle Jean Despas. www.patrimoine-tropezien.info
Food & wine 31 March – 2 April
Indulge in wine tasting and other gastronomic delights from local vineyards at the Chapiteaux place d’Armes. Entry free. Tel: +33 (0)4 94 36 30 12
Semana Santa Holy Week
See sombre processions of floats and people dressed in capes and pointed hoods of the penitents parade the streets – all very moving and atmospheric. The best procession takes place in the Cabanyal district of the city behind the Port. www.thisisvalencia.com
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