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From Archaeophilia To Philhellenism Until 31 May
Various items from the collection of the National Historical Museum of Greece illustrate changing attitudes toward Greece in Europe from the 15th to the 19th centuries. National Historical Museum, Old Parliament Building, 13 Stadiou St. Tel: +30 (0)210 3226370
Diane Arbus: Revelacions 15 February – 14 May
The first international retrospective of this former fashion photographer whose keen eye captured curious and unforgettable images of the post-war US. www.fundacio.lacaixa.es
QATAR German Open 2006 6-14 May
The world’s top tennis players compete at the Germany’s international women’s tennis championships at the famous LTTC “Rot-Weiß” in Berlin. The club celebrates its 109th birthday this year. Gottfried-von-Cramm Weg. www.german-open.org
Potsdamer Tanztage – International Contemporary Dance Festival 24 May – 4 June
For the 16th year running, Fabrik Potsdam is hosting a contemporary dance festival with choreographers from around the world. Daily workshops are followed by evening performances. Fabrik Potsdam, Schiffbauergasse 18, Potsdam. www.fabrikpotsdam.de
Kunsten Festival des Arts 4-27 May
An exciting array of contemporary and experimental theatre, music, dance and performance art at one of Brussels’ top arts festivals. www.kfda.be
Greek drama 11 May – 25 June
Enjoy the tragedies of Eurypides in the perfect setting of the 5th-century BC Greek Theatre of Syracuse. The best Italian companies will present “Trojan Women” and “Ecuba” on alternate evenings. www.indafondazione.org
Infiorata 20-21 May
One of the most photogenic streets in the lovely Baroque town of Noto is carpeted with fresh flower petals, arranged to a different design every year. www.infioratadinoto.it
Tony Oursler Until 7 May
New York-based multimedia artist Oursler is featured with a major installation on the canal-front Kunstforeningen Gammel Strand. Gl. Strand, Gammel Strand 48. Tel: +45 33 36 02 60
Grand Prix Formula 1 World Speedboat Championship 28 May
River Arade in Portimao becomes an arena for speed as a huge crowd gathers to watch daredevil pilots compete against each other at 200 kms per hour. www.f1boat.com
FICA 15-20 May
The Algarve’s international short film competition offers short films, from comedy animation to drama, there’s always something thought-provoking to see. Tel: +351 289 800 400
Clown Festival 19 May – 4 June
Clowning around at the Theatre Pitoeff in Carouge. www.cavale.ch
Insectissimo All month
This free and fascinating exhibition is devoted to the creepy crawly world of insects. Musée d’Histoire Naturelle. www.ville-ge.ch/mhng
Hamburg Harbour Birthday Festival 5-7 May
As the second largest harbour in Europe and a seafaring tradition dating back to the Hanseatic League and beyond, Hamburg has a special relationship with its industrial waterfront. This festival celebrates it with a three-day event culminating in fireworks. www.hamburg-tourism.de
Estoril Open 1-7 May
The 17th edition of this international tennis tournament will be held at the Jamor National Stadium, in Oeiras, just outside Lisbon. www.lagossports.com
Rock in Rio Lisboa 27-28 May & 2-4 June
Carlos Santana will be among the artists performing at the second Rock in Rio-Lisboa festival, to be held in Lisbon’s Bela Vista Park. The first edition, in 2004 drew almost 400,000 people. www.rockinrio-lisboa.sapo.pt
San Isidro 15-21 May
This annual festival celebrates the life of Madrid’s patron saint. Special events, include concerts, dance troupes and a gastronomy competition. On the 15th the traditional romeria (pilgrimage) takes place in the park surrounding the Ermita de San Isidro. Plaza Mayor, Los Austrias and all over Madrid. Tel: +34 915 88 16 36
The Fairy Queen 19 & 21 May
Purcell’s adaptation of Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Lindsay Kemp. Formerly a student of mime master Marcel Marceau, Kemp is known for his camp exuberant style. Teatro Cervantes, Calle Ramos Marín s/n. Tel: +34 952 22 41 09, www.teatrocervantes.com
Arte sul Naviglio Grande 13-14 May
An art exhibition featuring over 300 artists, who show their work along the banks of the Naviglio Grande canal. www.navigliogrande.mi.it
10th Munich Biennale 5-20 May
Munich comes alive with the sound of contemporary music. Events take place at locations across the city. www.muenchenerbiennale.de
Torrevieja May Fair 12-16 May* The spirit of Andalucía comes to the Costa Blanca with Flamenco dancing, concerts, traditional dress – and sherry. A free fun, raucous celebration in Torrevieja’s port. (*dates subject to revision.) Tel: +34 96 570 61 59
59th Cannes film festival 7-28 May
While it’s difficult to actually obtain some of the few tickets set aside for those not in the industry, Cannes itself will be overflowing with glitzy superstars and their entourages. Book accommodation as early as possible, as the city will be packed. www.festival-cannes.fr
Grand Prix de Monaco 25-28 May
Monaco closes its streets for the famous motor race. As difficult as it is to follow the action from one of the road-side seats, for die-hard Formula 1 fans, the gritty enthusiasm of being on the ground just can’t be beaten. www.formula1.com
Nice en Roller 28-29 May
Rollerbladers take over Nice’s seafront promenade for two days, with different activities staged, including giant rollerblading Disney animals and the world cup rollerblading race. www.niceenroller.com
Vanessa 12-14, 16-19 May
This modern opera by Samuel Barber, long-time American collaborator of Gian Carlo Menotti, is held at the Teatro Massimo. Tel: +39 091 605 3555, www.teatromassimo.it
Feria de Abril Date to be confirmed
Modelled on the world-famous fiestas in Seville, Palma’s own Feria de Abril celebrates all things Andalusian with traditional guitar music, Flamenco as well as traditional food and drink from the region, the fun goes on until the early hours. Tel: +34 971 724 090
21st International Boat Show 14-18 May
If those millions are burning a hole in your pocket, maybe you’ll find your perfect yacht at this show taking place in the Old Port of Palma. www.firesicongresos.com
Telecom Italia Masters 6-21 May
Formerly know as the Rome Open, this premier ATP and WTA tennis tournament has attracted the top players in the world since 1935. Held on clay, the tournament presents spectators with the opportunity to see the world’s best as they warm up for Roland Garros. Foro Italico, viale dei Gladiatori 31. www.ticketone.it
Les Voiles Latines 11-14 May
Over 70 traditional lateen sailing boats from all over the Mediterranean descend on St Tropez for Les Voiles Latines. www.snst.org
Bravades 16-18 May
History comes alive when the 448th edition of the “Bravades” (the villagers who commemorate the town’s Patron Saint, San Torpès) parade through the streets in traditional red military uniform. www.saint-tropez.tv
Catamaran National Cup 5-8 May
Organised by the Toulon Yacht Sailing Club it takes place at the Rade. Tel: +33 (0)4 94 46 63 18
The America’s Cup stage Acts 10 and 11 of the Louis Vuitton Regattas 11-21 May
Regattas leading up to the big event in summer 2007. www.americascup.com
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