Würzburg Africa FestivalOrganizers of next month’s Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany, suggest that non-local visitors order concert tickets early for this year’s evening performances.
The festival is scheduled for June 2-5, but tickets for the opening-night concert with Caribbean artists Calypso Rose and Julian Marley & the Uprising Band, and for the final night with South African Nkulee Dube and the German Gentleman are already sold out. Tickets are still available for the other two nights: June 3 with Congolese artists Lokua Kanza and his African Choir and Papa Wemba, and Jan. 4 with Latinos Ska Cubano and Raul Paz.
Season tickets, good for the entire lineup, are also sold out.
This year the focus is on the islands of the Caribbean, with special guests Trinidad and Tobago. Adding to the West Indies atmosphere will be daily expert-led rum tastings from 14 countries, and Caribbean food and cocktails at the Havana Club. The program also includes photo exhibitions, films, DJ shows, an African bazaar, crafts market, information tent and children’s program.
The festival is open 10 a.m. to midnight daily, with the Havana Club staying open until 3 a.m. Evening concert tickets, at 29.70 euros, include entrance to the festival grounds. A grounds-only ticket costs 6 euros for adults and is free for those younger than 12.
Get the full program at www.africafestival.org ; there is an English-language version.
Brussels OmmegangTickets are already on sale for this year’s Ommegang, a spectacular historical pageant held July 5 and 7 in Brussels’ Grand’ Place.
The event celebrates a procession staged by the city magistrate in 1549 in honor of Charles-Quint, his son, Don Felipe, Infant of Spain, and the Duke of Brabant and his sisters. The word ommegang means to walk around, and although the first procession was a religious one, it evolved into an opportunity for in the rich to parade their wealth. More than 1,400 actors will perform in the colorful event with live music and narratives in three languages.
Tickets often sell out so it’s best to get them in advance. Seats in front of the Town Hall cost 45 euros. Those in front of the Dukes of Brabant’s House are 35 euros, 45 euros and 75 euros.
From 2:30-8 p.m. July 5-7, free medieval events will be held in the city’s Sablon section. They include a medieval village, falconry demonstrations, tournaments, crossbow contests and battles between knights.
Find more information and instructions for buying tickets at www.ommegang.be; there is an English version.
