The British and tradition

The British attach great importance to tradition. My of them still feel strongly about the monarchy because it adds a great deal of colour to their life. The British like court ceremonies, jubilees, shoes and parades.
A great place to breathe in the British culture and tradition in London. Visitors to the capital of England can take part in many spectacular events and experience the unique British pageantry there.
Some ceremonies are performed every day. One of them is the colourful Changing of the Guard by the mounted guards of the Household Cavalry in Whitehall.
Another great spectacle is the formal ceremony of the changing the royal guard in the forecourt of Buckingham Place. The Queen?s Guard, traditionally dressed in their scarlet tunics and characteristic busbies, parade from St.James?s Palace to join the contingent at Buckingham Place, while the new guard, led by a military band, arrive from Chelsea.
A great tourist attraction is also the ritual Ceremony of the Keys which is held every night at the Tower of London. The Chief warder closes all the gates and after exchanging the passwords with a sentry hands him the keys of the Tower. The sentry, in tun, passes the keys to the Resident Governor for safe-keeping. The ceremony is very picturesque. The warders, known as ?Beefeaters?, wear the scarlet Tudor costumes, which emphasizes the unique atmosphere of the place.
Another stirring event is the annual Trooping of the Colour. The ceremony is very old ? it dates from the 18th century. It takes place in Whitehall behind the Horse Guards building and is held in the presence of the Queen on her Offical Birthday (the second Saturday in June). It incudes a spectacular parade of hundreds of soldies is also marked by a ceremonial salute fired on the riverside at the Tower of London.
A very interesting event on 29 September is the election of the Lord Mayor of London. On this day a colourful parade is staged in the city of London. The election is followed by the Lord Mayor?s Show in November. The Lord Mayor rides in a horse-drawn carriage which is accompanied by a procession of other vehicles. They reach the Royal Courts of Justice where the Lord Mayor is presented to the Lord Chief Justice.
Another great ceremony in November is the States Opening of Parliament. On that specific occasion the Queen is driven through the streets of London in a golden carriage.
In June the British have an opportunity to take part in the Garten Ceremony in Windsor castle nea London. The ceremony includes the installation of new Knights of the Gartenr by the Queen and a colorful procession of the dismounted cavalry and halberdiers.
Another remarkable event in June is the Royal Ascot ? one of the biggest horse-race meetings in Britain. It is attended by the Queen who comesto Ascot from Windsor Castle. Traditionally, all men and women wear their best hats on the occasion.
The British calendar is full of many other events which add merriment and pageantry to British life. In April Londoners have a parade of old cars known as the Easter Sunday Parade, and the London Harness and Horse Parad. In July they may participate in the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley, or the Royal Tournament ? a parade of the best bass bands in Earl?s Court. In October they celebrate Trafalgar Day, also marked by a parade. Other attractions are even hard to remember.
Although the British may not be willing to admit it, they love tradition and colourful displays.