The big sporting events of the next 12 months.
You might think that, come January 1, it is safe to put the party hat well and truly away, far from it. The truth is that the season of fairs, fiestas and fêtes is only just beginning. Every day of the year, it seems, someone somewhere in the world is throwing a knees-up. From famous celebrations such as Mardi Gras or Rio’s Carnival to the more obscure — often involving melons and Frenchmen — a good time and a few drinks are to be had.
So, which to choose? There are 24 from across the world that will put you in the mood for packing your festive spirit and taking off. But warning: many of 2007’s dates are still provisional, so check before you book.
January
Rijeka carnival, Croatia
Rijeka’s carnival, a month-long party to celebrate the arrival of spring— has been around for the past 100 years. Thanks to the area’s inaccessibility, it has remained a local affair, with street parties, concerts and contests for the best “ugly mask” leading up to the parade, when floats cram the streets of this attractive coastal town.
Also consider: Winter Carnival, Quebec, Canada.
The Québécois celebrate their subzero winter with skating, winter fairs and torch parades. This fun begins on January 26 and lasts two weeks.
February Fatty Thursday, Sitges, Spain
The Spanish Tourist Office calls Sitges a “fishing village”, which is a bit like describing Sodom and Gomorrah as two sleepy commuter towns on the plains. It is a party paradise, predominantly but not exclusively gay, and, like Sydney during Mardi Gras, the place to head for dancing, drag queens, discos and delicious dishes on the epic Dijous Gras (“Fatty Thursday”). It runs from February 15 to 21.
Also consider: the Battle of the Oranges, in Ivrea, Italy.
Here’s your chance to take part in the citrus version of Spain’s La Tomatina. The four-day orange fight is held in a small town outside Turin from February 17 to 20. You’ll know you’ve been Tango-ed.
March Calle Ocho, Miami, USA
Miami’s Little Havana centres on 23 blocks of 8th Street, which close down for a street party celebrating all things Cuban (and other Hispanic cultures), from eating pinchos or tamales to salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz. Also barbecues line the streets and you can try hand-rolled (local) cigars and shots of rum, mojitos or cuba libres. This runs through March, but the last weekend is usually the highlight.
Also consider: Sakura, Japan.
The flowering of the cherry blossom in March and April is a countrywide celebration, and you can join in one of the hanami parties under the trees.
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