ESSAY

My name is Karen Dennis Olivera Hernandez and this time I will talk about the customs and traditions
of London:

beliefs and rituals

Christianity Historically, London has been predominantly Christian. This is made clear by the large
number of churches around the area, particularly in the City of London, which only contains around
50 churches. Anglicanism is the main denomination, and the main residence of the Archbishop of
Canterbury is at Lambeth Palace.

Most of the parts of London north of the Thames and west of the River Lee are within the Diocese of
London under the Bishop of London at the famous St Paul's Cathedral in the city

The Islam

It is the second largest religion in London. Muslims make up just over 12% of London's population.
There were 1,012,823 reported Muslims in the 2011 census in the Greater London área. London's first
mosque was founded by Mohamad Dollie in 1895, now Camden. The mosque is the focus of an
upcoming documentary with Muslim History Tours. The East London Mosque is the largest Muslim
center in Europe.

Hinduism in London. More than half of the UK's Hindu population lives in London, where they make
up 5%. Each borough has a significant Hindu population and according to the 2011 census, the London
Borough of Harrow has the highest concentration of Hindus at 25%.

Judaism in London. More than two-thirds of British Jews live in London, which ranks 13th in the world
as the center of Jewish population. There are significant Jewish communities in parts of North London,
such as Stamford Hill and Golders Green.
Sikhism in London. London is home to a large Sikh population, who settled mainly in the west of the
city, in suburbs such as Southall, Hounslow and Hayes. In south east London there are some Sikhs in
bexleyheath, Erith, sidcup, plumstead and woolwich.

Parties and celebrations

It makes sense that a capital city with as long and diverse a history as London's should retain some
archaic traditions that may not make much sense to the unfamiliar observer.

Peter Pan Cup

Many people like to spend Christmas morning going to church for mass or opening presents left under
the tree by Santa. But not the hardy people at the Serpentine Swimming Club. No. Instead, they brave
the freezing temperatures and drink ice cold water in Hyde Park for the Peter Pan Cup. Inaugurated in
1864, the unusual 100-yard swim got its name in 1903 when children's writer JM Barrie presented the
winner's cup, a role he dutifully fulfilled until 1932.

Harvest Festival of Pearly Kings and Queens

London's pearly lore is positively quirky. Every September, pearly kings and queens descend on
Guildhall for the annual Harvest Festival, which involves Morris and Maypole dancing, marching
bands and a pearl parade. The tradition traces its origins to 19th century peddlers (market traders)
and during the Victorian era, a street cleaner and rat catcher named Henry Croft became the first
Pearly King. He may have had the idea for the flashy style of coster kings and queens, chosen to
represent the collective interests of the costermongers.

London New Years Day Parade

Over 10,000 dancers, musicians and acrobats from across London and the world welcome London in
the new year. The procession starts along Piccadilly and goes through Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar
Square and ends at Big Ben.
Chinese New Year (late January/early February)

The largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of China take place in London's own Chinatown, as
well as in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.

Pancake day

Shrove Tuesday celebrations in London mean lots of pancakes, both to eat and to compete with. Yes,
pancake races are common on this day throughout the city, including the races at Guildhall

London Marathon (mid to late April)

The London Marathon, one of the most popular marathons in the world, sees almost 40,000 people
(many of them for charity, and in some very silly costumes) run over 26 miles from Greenwich across
Tower Bridge and finally finish near Buckingham Palace.

Wireless Festival

With one of the most varied line-ups of London's large-scale outdoor music festivals, Wireless has seen
concerts by the likes of David Guetta and Jay-Z. It takes place over several days in the Olympic Park.

Greenwich Comedy Festival

London's premier comedy festival, Greenwich, sees the UK's top performers perform at the Old Royal
Naval College throughout the month.

Notting Hill Carnival

Every August bank holiday, the streets of Notting Hill are transformed into a massive party celebrating
the area's Caribbean heritage. Expect the loud sound systems, the delicious food stalls and the main
attraction: the fantastic floats and costumes of the Carnival parade.
London Film Festival

The world's best films come to London for a two-week film extravaganza at BFI Southbank and in
theaters across the city.

London Jazz Festival

The city's largest festival dedicated to jazz music, the London Jazz festival features the best and
brightest dedicated artists and musicians from the UK and around the world.

Christmas celebrations

There is so much to see and do in the run up to Christmas in London. Major shopping areas like
Oxford Street and Regent Street are lit up in brilliant Christmas lights, and various Christmas markets
appear throughout the city. Hyde Park is home to a grand winter wonderland, and ice rinks are
springing up all over London, including at the Natural History Museum, at the Tower of London, and
outside Somerset House.

New Year Eve

The whole city is awash with parties and celebrations for New Year's Eve, and you only need to choose
from the nightclubs, concert halls, restaurants, pubs, and comedy clubs that host their own festivities.
The main fireworks display takes place from the London Eye and on barges along the Thames. The best
place to look is from Victoria Embankment along the north side of the river.

London Customs

Meet and Greet: Although the British may appear on the surface to be reserved and perhaps even aloof,
they are actually a friendly and welcoming people to foreign visitors. Greeting etiquette is to shake
hands with everyone present, even children.
At social or business gatherings, it is also polite to shake hands on the way out. Handshakes should not
be too strong, just a light friendly touch. Last names should be used with the appropriate title unless
specifically invited to use the first name.

Gift donation

It is customary to bring a small gift for the host if he is invited to your home. This is usually a bottle of
wine, flowers or chocolates. Some people may send flowers before a dinner party, but it's just as
acceptable to bring them during the day. Gifts are opened upon receipt.

It is unusual for gifts to be exchanged in a business setting.

visit a house

Unlike many European cultures, the British enjoy entertaining people in their homes. Although the
British value is punctuality, you may be 10-15 minutes later than you are invited for dinner. It is not
always necessary to remove your shoes when entering a a British house, but it is recommended that you
ask when you enter if shoes are allowed or not.

taboos

Do not rest your elbows on the table.

Staring is prohibited.

Don't get too familiar with people you don't know well.

Don't ask personal questions like how much someone makes, who they voted for, etc.

Talking too loud is not allowed, nor do you interrupt a conversation.

Outfit

Women often wear a combination of high heels, flats, boots, jeans, dresses, skirts, cardigans, T-shirts,
blouses, sunglasses, handbags, scarves, and heavy winter coats.
Makeup should be to enhance your features and not to cover them up. Colorful patterns are popular
during the summer, while more neutral colors are popular in the winter. The color and style is up to
you, there is a wide variety of them in London. Don't be afraid to add a few different colors or patterns,
but don't overdo it. The idea, in London, is to have some modernity with a chic look but not over the top
of the sexual.

Men seem to be open to more style than their American counterparts, favoring leather boots, shoes, ties,
scarves, blazers, T-shirts, T-shirts, collared pants, jeans, and dress pants. The key word here is a
suitable appearance.

Make sure that the clothing you bring fits your body and is showing off the best assets. Accessories like
ties and scarves can pull an outfit together, so keep an eye on the colors, patterns, and textures you're
wearing. Vests, jackets and ties are popular all year round and will give you that extra stylish feeling.

London Traditions

London has risen to the top of the planet's great food capitals with its world-class restaurants,
multicultural food scene, bustling markets, street food, pop-ups and supper clubs.

Food has never been fresher, and it's not just trendy - British classics are being perfected in trendy
spots as well as places that have been around for 100 years or more. A British party awaits you.

Typical dishes

Fish and chips

pie and mash

sunday roast

cockles

Cornish Pasta

Sweets and Desserts

Olde-worlde british food

the Eton mess

sticky toffee pudding

strawberries and cream

Jaffa Cakes

Drinks

Tea

Beers.