Splash of fun and vibrant colors in Aberdeen

Also called the 'Silver City' due to the gray color of historical buildings made of granite that populate the historical center of city, Aberdeen surprises one with its vivacity and colorful living that one might not actually expect to find in an important economic center. One must know that Aberdeen also plays an important role in the economy, also being called the Energy Capital of Europe due to the reserves of oil found in the North Sea. However, cultural life is just as prosperous, if one could call it like that.

Aberdeen has an abundance of green, which might be slightly unusual for an economic center of such importance. There are plentiful of parks and gardens that turn the city into a both beautiful and healthy place to live in. Actually, there are no less than 45 parks and gardens that crown this Granite City, bringing color and conveying a certain charm to the historical gray of the granite walls. There is nothing more impressive than the contrast of green grass and blossoming flowers with the legendary silverish gray of Aberdeen's buildings. Victoria Park might be just the perfect example of the elegant contrast, being positioned right in the heart of Aberdeen and also hosting in the center a marvelous fountain made of fourteen different types of granite.

There are also some great festivals taking place in Aberdeen. You might have just missed the second edition of The Big Beach Ball, which starts on the 5^th of May. Or, who knows, you might be just right in time if you catch a last-minute flight. Even though the Big Beach Ball is new to the festival scene, it appears to be one of the most promising events taking place in Aberdeen. The festival gathers some of the most prolific names of the rock music scene of the moment. It takes place in the legendary Beach Ballroom, just by the beach of Aberdeen, famous as well for its golden sands. The Beach Ballroom is well known not only for its characteristic Art Deco beauty, but also for having hosted famous bands on its stage, such as The Beatles or Pink Floyd. In case you make it there in time, have fun!

If not, though, there are still some chances in store for you in Aberdeen this summer. Aberdeen hosts one of the largest youth festivals of arts in the world – The Aberdeen International Youth Festival. It takes place in Aberdeen every summer, uninterruptedly ever since the 1973 onwards, when the festival - meant to unite youth from all parts of the world through music - was moved from St Moritz in Switzerland to its new location. From open air performances and parades to ballet, contemporary dance, jazz or symphony orchestra, they all take place in Aberdeen during the festival, which manages to gather over 1000 young artists from all over the world every year. And they do bring a strong wave of creative vibration to the Granite City, for sure! You could check it out for yourself! This year, the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) takes place in between the 26^th of July and the 3^rd of August. Enjoy!