Here are several not-to-be-missed events. Mark your calendar!
Flowers on the Mimosa Route
The Mimosa Route covers 130 km of wilderness and coastal towns in France, with stops and festivals in bloom to honour a flower that has become the symbol of the Cote d’Azur. This is the perfect opportunity to discover gardens with their feet in the water or the flower floats (花车) of the corsos.
* From 3 to 18 February
Nice Carnival
Mimosa, roses, lilies thrown to the public... The Battle of the Flowers is a highlight of the Nice Carnival and a nod to this France city’s gardening history. The biggest festival on the Cote d’Azur also includes a carnival-style parade, with floats competing in creativity, with dizzying figures up to twenty metres high. The theme of the 2024 edition is “Pop Culture”.
* From 17 February to 3 March
The Menton Lemon Festival
The programme of the Lemon Festival in Menton, France includes various floats. For 15days, the town celebrates its golden fruit with a touch of madness. With the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games just a few months away, the 90th edition of the Lemon Festival promises to be a great event with the theme “From Olympia to Menton”.
* From 17 February to 3 March
The Trail des Merveilles
The Roya Valley in France is the setting for the Trail des Merveilles, which starts in Breil-sur-Roya. Over a distance of around 30 kilometres, with a positive difference in altitude of 2,000 metres, the race takes competitors along wild paths with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour National Park and the Mediterranean Sea. A shorter, more accessible 17-kilometre route will delight lovers of running and beautiful scenery. Ready, set, go!
*5 March
1. What is the significance of the Battle of the Flowers?| A．To popularize the tradition culture. | B．To vote for the most creative float. |
| C．To prove people’s passion for flowers. | D．To show respect for the city’s gardening. |
| A．Nice Carnival. | B．The Trail des Merveilles. |
| C．Flowers on the Mimosa Route. | D．The Menton Lemon Festival. |
| A．They are around the theme of flowers. | B．They are of the same duration. |
| C．They take place in the same country. | D．They are to celebrate the end of winter. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Festivals and celebrations of all kinds have been held everywhere since ancient times. Most ancient festivals would celebrate the end of cold weather, planting in spring and harvest in autumn. Today’s festivals have many origins: some are seasonal, some for special people and some for special events.
Dragon Boat Festival celebrations take place in China on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. They are held in memory of Qu Yuan, a famous person who wrote poems in Ancient China. It was the first traditional Chinese festival added to UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Thanksgiving is celebrated mainly in North America, in October or November. Traditionally, it was a chance to give thanks for a good year. Now, it is also a time for families to get together for a big dinner.
May Day is a festival to celebrate the start of summer, with celebrations held across Europe and in parts of North America. People prepare decorations with flowers and dance around poles.
The Spring Festival that is also called Chinese New Year is one of the most important Festivals in China. It starts with a new moon and ends 15 day later on the full moon, marking the beginning of spring. During this festival, people eat dumplings, fish and meat and may give children lucky money in red paper. Nowadays, more and more countries around the world are holding celebrations for Chinese Spring Festival.
Festivals let us enjoy life, be proud of our customs and forget our work for a little while.
1. Which of the following is held to honor a special person?| A．May Day. | B．Thanksgiving. |
| C．The Spring Festival. | D．Dragon Boat Festival. |
| A．Pies and chicken. | B．Dumplings and fish. |
| C．Noodles and meat. | D．Sandwiches and turkey. |
| A．In China. | B．Across Europe |
| C．In North America. | D．In South Africa. |
| A．The introduction of some festivals. | B．The activities of some festivals |
| C．The origin of some festivals. | D．The history of some festivals. |
【推荐2】Russia is the largest country on Earth and has a rich cultural heritage and history. Let’s take a look at some interesting Russian customs.
Response to a sneeze
“A-CHOO!”
The Russian response to a sneeze is, “Good health to you!” This goes back to more superstitious times when a sneeze was believed to separate the soul from the body. To prevent the devil from stealing the soul, the words “bless you” was said to free the soul from the devil and return it to its rightful owner, according to The Guardian. But things get a bit more interesting if you sneeze while someone else is talking. If that happens, the interrupted speaker will often say, “I’m telling the truth.”
Don’t whistle
Another widespread Russian saying goes, “Do not whistle — there will be no money.” One might think that whistling a song sounds cheerful. However, it’s not recommended for you to show your whistling talents under a roof in front of Russians, or they might express concerns over your bank account, according to The Moscow Times. In Russia, people believe whistling attracts evil spirits. Even more, sailors are careful not to whistle on a ship, for the fear of attracting violent storms.
Sauna
Russia’s winter is icy cold, with the lowest temperature even reaching -70℃. Visiting a sauna is a popular winter activity for Russians. The first step in a Russian sauna involves washing the body with ice water, followed by high-temperature steam. In order to prevent the hot steam from hurting the scalp (头皮) and ears, they may wear a thick hat. After that, Russians may take a cold bath or swim in icy pools. In a traditional Russian winter sauna, people will run out of the sauna room and roll in the snow to strengthen their bodies. For Russians, it is more than just a sauna. It’s a tradition for socializing and keeping friendships strong.
1. Why would the Russian say something good when you sneeze?| A．Because they think it is very interesting. |
| B．Because they think you are not telling the truth. |
| C．Because they think the words would separate your soul from the body. |
| D．Because they think the words would save your soul from the devil. |
| A．You’ll be cheerful by whistling. | B．You’ll draw devils and be badly off. |
| C．Your bank account will be the concern of others. | D．Your ship won’t be at the mercy of violent storms. |
| A．It is no more than a popular winter activity. | B．It is a chance to demonstrate their bravery. |
| C．It is an opportunity to do physical exercise. | D．It is a kind of get-together to remain relationship. |
【推荐3】Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions
It’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays available to explore. Below are a few books that help introduce children to different holiday cultures and traditions.
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez
While helping her mother with Christmas celebration, Maria is tempted to try on her mother’s diamond ring. After getting caught up in the joy of the holiday and playing with her cousins, Maria realizes the ring is missing! That’s when she and her cousins come up with a plan to eat all of the tamales, in hopes of finding the ring.
Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
This is a story about a little girl named Kayla who wants to see her older brother Khari come home so they can celebrate Kwanzaa together as a family. Khari is stuck at college when a snowstorm hits and his car breaks down. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa?
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
This book is a funny, nostalgic tale of Christmas Eve afternoon through Christmas night in Wales, and is full of unique imagery and poetic prose. It will arouse a sense of familiarity for some young readers while introducing them to different aspects of Christmas traditions.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Cherokee history and traditions are also woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way.
1. What makes it difficult for Khari to return home in time for Kwanzaa?| A．A car crash. | B．Delayed flights. | C．Extreme weather. | D．Academic pressure. |
| A．Traci Sorell. | B．Ed Martinez. | C．Dylan Thomas. | D．Trina Schart Hyman. |
| A．how to find hidden treasures at home | B．how to strengthen bonds with friends |
| C．the lifestyles of different ethnic groups | D．different holiday celebrations and customs |
【推荐1】Writing Contests
Vassar Miller Prize
A prize of $1500 and publication is given annually for a poetry collection. The famous poet Rosanna Warren will judge. Using the online submission (投稿) system, you submit a copy of 50 to 80 pages with a $25 entry fee.
Short Story Award
A prize of $2500 and publication in Glimmer Train Stories is given three times yearly for a short story by a new writer whose fiction hasn't appeared in a print publication with a circulation of more than 5000. Using the online submission system, submit a story of 1000 to 12000 words with an $18 entry fee between September 1 and October 31.
Award For Fiction
A prize of $15000 is given annually for a book of fiction published during the year. Four finalists will each receive $5000. The winner and finalists will also be invited to read at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. Andrea Barrett and Alex Espinoza will judge. Submit four copies of a story collection with 20000 words.
Scholarship For Essay
A nine-month fellowship, which includes a scholarship of $45000 for the Study of the American Experience at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, is given annually to a nonfiction writer working on a book that focuses on the history of the American Revolution and the nation's founding ideas. Submit an essay within 10 pages by November 1.
1. Which will you contribute to if you are interested in poems?| A．Vassar Miller Prize. | B．Short Story Award. |
| C．Award For Fiction. | D．Scholarship For Essay. |
| A．It is submitted offline. | B．Its prize is given once a year. |
| C．It intends to support new writers. | D．Its publication has the highest circulation. |
| A．$1500. | B．$45000. | C．$2500. | D．$15000. |
【推荐2】Welcome to take our French lessons. You will be taught by native French speakers who have a love for teaching and use excellent teaching methods. Lessons are interesting and you will speak French on the first day both inside and outside the classroom.
Learners
·Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced
·Over 18 years old
Class Schedule
·Classes start on Mondays and run throughout the summer.
·Please arrive at the school by 8:15 am on your first day for a short level test. It will help to place you in the right class.
·Classes run from Monday to Friday each week.
·Classes start at 8:45 am each day depending on your level.
·You will have 3 classes a day lasting 55 minutes each.
·You will have a short break between classes.
Free Time and Tours
·The school offers a lot of cultural activities throughout the week. These activities can include cooking lessons, wine and cheese tasting, visits to Paris, cycling, movies and much more.
·You will have plenty of free time to explore the local area and practice your newly found language skills or just relax on this learning holiday with a difference.
Other Information
·You should bring a small dictionary, pens and paper with you.
·Get more from your holiday, have fun, meet new people and take home a new language skill that will stay with you forever.
1. According to Class Schedule, what will students do on the first day?| A．Pay for their study. | B．Take a language test. |
| C．Arrive at the school at 8:45 am. | D．Introduce themselves to the class. |
| A．3. | B．12. | C．15. | D．21. |
| A．It is suitable for children. | B．It gives dictionaries to students. |
| C．It has a short game between classes. | D．It offers chances to practice French. |
【推荐3】Top Music Festivals
Summer festival season is just kicking off, and there is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Anyone who likes indie(独立的) music and up-and-coming artists will have an amazing time at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago’s Union Park. This is an indie rock haven that explores more underground and lesser-known bands than the other big Chicago summer festival, Lollapalooza.
Date: July 14-16
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Music Type: Indie rock
Price: $126—$2,700
Essence Music Festival
No matter what time of the year it is, New Orleans is an incredible place if you love live music. The Essence Music Festival is a celebration of legendary(大名鼎鼎的) artists like Diana Ross, Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige.
Date: June 29-July 2
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Music Type: R&B, soul, rock
Price: $75—$365
Sziget Festival
Budapest know show to hold a party, and Sziget is one of the biggest celebrations of music and culture in all of Europe. You can expect to find favorite artists like Bad Religion and Mac DeMarco taking the stages here during this three-day festival.
Date: August 9-11
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Music Type: Indie rock
Price: $70—$296
Flow Festival
The Flow Festival is a great excuse to explore the city of Helsinki. Artists including Lana Del Rey and The XX will be playing, among many others. Come to this festival to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with an earth-friendly belief.
Date: August 11-13
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Music Type: Rock, soul, jazz
Price: $106—$199
1. Which music festival has the longest duration?| A．Pitchfork Music Festival | B．Essence Music Festival |
| C．Sziget Festival | D．Flow Festival |
| A．Chicago, Illinois, USA. | B．New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. |
| C．Helsinki, Finland. | D．Budapest, Hungary. |
| A．They include rock music. | B．They are held in the USA |
| C．They are given in the openair. | D．They take place from July to August. |
