My name is Pat Spiller.
I was one of the three founder members of the "European Festivals and Traditions"
project, along with Brigitte Parry and Reinhard Forster. When we first
met in a training session in Brussels in May 1996 we never guessed how
that would change our lives !
From left to right: Brigitte (France), Reiner (Germany), and Pat
(Spain).
When we first established the idea of the Festivals project we thought
it was a subject that was inter-disciplinary, that could be worked by all
ages (several schools have included drawings by Infant and Primary school
children to illustrate celebrations).
We had to establish a general structure that would fit each of the
participating countries, but that would also allow freedom within the outline
structure. We came up with the following headings:
Life and Death
This area deals with everyday traditions concerned with birth, christenings,
birthdays, weddings, funerals, losing a tooth, etc. etc.
Seasonal
Here we find celebrations that take place because of some seasonal aspect,
carnival, halloween...
There are also aspects of Christmas and Easter festivities that are
non-religious
Regional
This area covers special celebrations that are only celebrated in certain
regions within a country (such as human towers in Catalonia, running of
the bulls in Pamplona)
Historic
These are celebrations of commemorative days, or celebrations that are
linked to some historic event (1st May, Constitution Day, etc.)
Religious
There are many celebrations that are of religious origin, Easter, Christmas,
Saint's days, and they are all grouped under this heading.
Most countries can contribute a small explanation of what happens
in each of these areas, or only in the areas that are most important in
their country.
Different schools can contribute to any of the Festivals in
their own country (each will be accredited with the pupil and the school's
name on the articles they send)
Individuals can also contribute any special articles or information
that will help to make our site a rich and informative one.
We are now four partner countries: Spain (Co-ordinaters this year),
France, Germany and Scotland.
If anyone has any questions relating to the contents and structure
of the site, our index of festivals and traditions, the choice of information
and texts, particular arrangements with particular countries which may
have special traditions, etc., please do not hesitate to contact me.
I will get back to you as soon as humanly possible (usually within 24
hours, that's why my nickname is "speedy").
Looking forward to hearing from you - even if it is just to comment
about this page ;-)
Your contents co-ordinator,
Pat Spiller