Mark Your Calendar for Lunar New Year 2026
Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. and will usher in the Year of the Horse.
Christmas in Patzcuaro (Mexico): Where Traditions Blend
(Editor’s Note: The following description comes from the Visit Mexico website.)
The Monumental Nativity Scene of Pátzcuaro, a one of a kind work at the national level, is made up of more than 26 pieces, some of which reach up to five meters in height. It is located in the Vasco de Quiroga Square, in […]
Expression of Gratitude from Kaniv (Ukraine)
Kaeti Bailie, chair of the Sonoma-Kaniv Sister City Committee, has shared a letter of thanks from Mayor Renkas. Thanks to community donations, the Committee was able to wire $24,000 to our counterpart in Kaniv for much needed infrastructure repairs of schools and other buildings which have been damaged by Russian missile attacks. In addition to […]
Buon Natale! – Christmas in Greve (Italy)
by Maria Matson
Italian Christmas celebrations start on December 8 with the L’Immacolata Concezione, or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and last until January 6. One of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the presepe, Nativity scene, or crèche. It is put out on December 8, but baby Jesus isn’t put […]
Christmas in Chambolle Musigny (France)
By Annick Bouldt
While the French have many interesting cultural traditions around Christmas, I’ve chosen to focus on traditions centered around food.
Like most holidays in France Christmas translates into an elaborate and delicious meal. The French celebrate the holiday on Christmas Eve called Le Réveillon de Noël. If you are ever lucky enough to be invited […]
Christmas in Aswan (Egypt)
Editor’s note: This month, I’ll be examining various holiday foods cherished by our diverse group of sister cities. Because our Sonoma Aswan committee is currently on hiatus, I went looking for information about holiday celebrations in Aswan and found that Christmas is observed by the Coptic Christian population, which is estimated to comprise about 10 […]
Bay Area Produced Show Features The Cuisine of Tokaj, Hungary
While the episode was filmed in 2019, you may enjoy episode 2 of season 2 of the travel show “100 Days Drinks Dishes Destinations” which was produced and hosted by Leslie Sbrocco of “Bay Area Check Please” on KQED.
Click here to view the episode.
Have You Heard of The Chinese Legacy Project?
The Chinese Legacy Project was established by the Sonoma-Penglai Sister City Committee to honor the significant (but often overlooked) contributions of the immigrant Chinese laborers who came to California and Sonoma, beginning in the mid- 1800s. Learn more about this aspect of our local history and find out how you can support Ting Sonoma by […]
Tepari Recovered from Lake Patzcuaro
In 2024, the remains of a 14-meter wooden canoe used by the Purepecha people, was recovered from Lake Patzcuaro during a massive clean-up project.
Click here to read more.
Reminder – The Holiday Party Is Saturday/December 6th
Sonoma Sister Cities Presents “Jingle and Mingle Around the World,” on Sat. Dec. 6th from 4-6pm at the Burlingame Hall. Enjoy an afternoon mingle with our members and friends, along with great wine and our favorite holiday treats from Sonoma and its seven Sister Cities. This year, we’ll feature a silent auction with wonderful list of items […]