What is your favorite festival?

Hmm, that’s a tough question because I’m definitely a holiday

person (a person who likes holidays), but I would have to say
New Years Eve. I’m always keen (want) for change and new
beginnings, so I love setting new goals at the start of each new
year, not to mention I really enjoy the parties.  Second to this would
be Valentine’s Day, since I’m a hopeless romantic (a very
romantic person).

How do you celebrate the festival?

In my culture, it’s more very family-oriented holiday. We usually

have a special family dinner at home followed by the countdown to
midnight. However, in my culture we add something special to it.
At the clock ticks down to midnight, we eat 12 grapes which
signify a different wish for each month. After this, we go out to the
city or town streets to drink with our friends and wish them a happy
new year.

What is the most popular festival in your country?

Definitely Christmas, since I’m from a Catholic country. Nearly

every town and city goes out of the way to deck (decorate) the
streets out with Christmas lights and decorations. However, unlike
other countries, we celebrate the epiphany, or day of the three wise
men,  on January 6 just as much at the 25th. This is the day in
which we exchange gifts and watch parades.
Do you like western festivals?
Of course! They are part of my culture. I especially love
Christmas, Easter, and New Years since they have always been
part of my upbringing (childhood).  However, I also find eastern
festivals interesting. I lived in Vietnam for 2 years, and I was in
awe (amazed) of the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn festival.

Where do people usually go during festivals?

Between homes and the streets. We hold meals in our homes for
the holidays, as we value home-cooked meals. However, we are
people who enjoy going out, so we often go out to celebrate at
bars or even in the streets. For example, the Christmas Eve
celebration entails going to a bar with friends until the wee
hours (early hours) of the morning, followed by a family lunch
the next day.

With whom do you like to celebrate festivals?

I love celebrating festivals with all my loved ones. I’d usually
hang out with my friends during the day, and night is family time,
with my significant other joining us.

Do you think western festivals like Christmas are replacing

traditional festivals in your country?
That is a really good question. I don’t really think so. There is this
common fear among the people that we’re forgetting our local
festivals in favour of foreign ones, but I still see us celebrating our
own festivals with great pomp and splendour.