1) Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. :Start Date: February Currency: Real (reis) -
Perhaps the most famous carnival
in the world is held in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. The carnival is known for it's outrageous festivity and music where partygoers dress in stunning costumes to celebrate the night away.This carnival attracts thousands of people from around the world which includes a huge local community who invest months of preparation in this yearly event. While at the carnival don't forget to try the most popular soft drink in Brazil, “Guarana” made from a plant which grows in the Amazon, “Caipirirnlia” is also a must try - made from lemon, sugar and rum just what you need to get you in the Carnival mood.
Other places of interest: Tijuca Forest - The largest urban forest in Rio for those of you who are interested is the natural beauty of Brazil - Corcovado – A statue of Christ blessing the city with open arms, this picture is on many postcards and worthy of a visit - Sugarloaf Mountain - A cable car ride that provides stunning views of Rio and it's beaches taking you a breathtaking 1299ft above sea level for some stunning views.
2) Location: Binche Belgium : Start Date: February/March – Currency - Euros - Back to top
This carnival celebrated in the town of Binche is over 400 years in age making it one of the oldest surviving street carnivals in Europe.
The main feature of the carnival is the fantastic march of the Giles, which consist of over 600 men dressed in strange Kostuum in the style of Napoleon III. Armed with blood red oranges, which are hurled passionately at whoever is within range (including the crowd, so beware!!) Belgium is also known for their huge selection of beers which are provided through an array of outdoor stalls and gigantic beer tents, these will have you drinking late into the night.The carnival is made up of a mixture of local residents, tourist and neighboring countrymen who arrive eagerly to enjoy the festivities and always leave in high spirits.
Other places of interest: City Hall and Church-This is over 600yrs old and is situated on a beautiful grounds which also contain the ruins of an old castle. Local Museum – A exciting mask and carnival museum that explains the history of carnival
3) Location: Munich Germany: Start Date: Sept /October – Currency: Euros - Back to top
Over five million people attend the Oktoberfest festival, it is after all, the world’s largest beer festival and runs for sixteen hangover inducing days.
The first oktoberfest was held in the 19th century and was to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese.The first weekend is the best time to visit Oktoberfest where you will see a huge variety of different parades and bear witness to some phenominal drinking displays - which of course is at the heart of the fesival. Many people come from far and wide to join in the festivities and to get a glimpse of horse drawn carriages, beautifully decorated floats and loud brass bands.
Other places of interest Deutsches Museum – One of the largest science and technology museums in the world: Barerstrasse – Art galleries, which boast famous paintings by Rembrandt and da Vinc
4) Location: Montego Bay Jamaica: Start Date: April/May – Currency:Jamaican Dollar (JD) - Back to top
The beautiful island of Jamaica is home to the famous Reggae Sumfest.This party extravaganza is said to be the best Reggae music festival in the world.
Top of the line of international reggae and R&B stars perform throughout the night. Expect deafening sound systems, live steel bands and sizzling beach parties, where you will be able to get merry on the famous red strip beer and other worldly Jamaican rum. People from all around the Caribbean and the rest of the world descend on this little piece of paradise to party hard and experience a carnival that is said to be amongst the best in the Caribbean. "Alllriiiggghttt Mon."
Other places of Interest : Nine Miles – The birth place and resting place of the late reggae superstar, Bob Marley Dunn’s River Falls – Beautiful waterfalls made famous by the movie the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail. Dolphin Cove – Leading maritime attraction in the Caribbean with a selection of Dolphins, and rare tropical fish.
5) Location: India: Start Date: Every 12 Years – Currency: Rupee (INR) - Back to top
India has more mass religious festivals than anywhere else on the planet, but Kumbh Mela is by far the biggest. 
It is estmated that around 70 million people turned up to to the last event in 2007 making this the largest gathering of humans ever recorded in one place.The belief is that this holy festival which takes place four times every twelve years at a different location each time is said to wash away the sins of 88 previous generations through plunging onesself in the river waters. This is also believed to open the doors for their journey to heaven. It is without a doubt one of the most spiritual and amazing gatherings on the face of the earth where everyone irregardless of social standing can share in this glorious holy festival.
Other places of interest: River Ganges – See this magnificent river which stretches over 1500mi Taj Mahal – One of the 7 wonders of the world - constructed between 1631 -1653. Wildlife Parks –There are a total of 93 wildlife parks for your to check out - each holding a huge selection of animals which include rare endangered species.
6) Location: Key west USA: Start Date: October – Currency: Dollars - Back to Top
Fantasy Fest is a 10 d
ay event that comprises of a drink fueled marathon, pumping live bands and climaxes in a huge themed costume extravaganza.This combined with the almost tropical conditions of the Florida Keys makes for a truly amazing carnival experience.
Other places of interest: Coral Reef Park – America’s first undersea park which includes snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours Indian Key Park – Paddle out to Indian state park and get a feel of how the Indians traveled to this island in their canoes. Diving Museum – A museum dedicated to the art of diving includes rare books, artifacts, and treasures from the deep seas.
7) Location:Valencia, Spain: Start Date: March – Currency: Euros -Back to Top
Las Fallas is one of Spain's biggest carnivals and has a ferocious reputation for being both wild and traditional. The festival dates back to 1497 making it one of the oldest still around. Best known for it’s huge figures made out of paper mache it is an event that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated.The festival flows through a maze of narrow streets, closed off to all traffic except buses and taxis making it easy to get around and enjoy the city.Their are a plethora of events to keep you entertained including live music, bonfires and complex firework displays which add to this spectacular event - enjoyed by over 2 million people from all around Europe.
Other places of interest: Museum of the Science – This unique interactive museum let’s you be a part of the experiments which are conducted almost daily. La Concha – This is said to be one of the best beaches in Europe never mind Spain - well worth a visit.
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8) Location:Glastonbury, England: Start Date: June – Currency: Pound - Back to Top
Glastonbury has been recognized as the best music festival in the world and a must for the serious music lover. If you appreciate the great outdoors, campfires and muddy fields all with a never ending soundtrack by the best in the business Glastonbury is the festival for you.This festival runs for three days from the Friday through to the Sunday.Getting there early is a must to secure a decent pitch for your tent - as leaving it too late will see you walking for hours to find a spare patch of grass.The basics you will need to take are a tent, ground matt and a sleeping bag, but more extensively you should have blankets, toilet roll, gas cylinders and food of course. Another great aspect of Glastonbury besides the live bands is the huge choice of additional entertainment from bungee jumping to theatre performances to even trying your hand at playing the bongos - is all part and parcel of Glastonbury experience.
Other places of interest :Glastonbury Abbey – This old ancient ruin is steeped in history and legend, and it’s believed to be the burial place of King Arthur. Cheddar Gorge– The gorge is the site of the Cheddar Caves, where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. Footpaths & Walks – Beautiful parklands and walkways provides stunning scenery which is ideal for a peaceful walks deep into the lush country side.
9) Location: Panay Island , Philippines: Start Date: January Currency: Piso - Back to Top
Ati Atihan is one of the biggest festivals in Asia, and has origins that can be traced back as far back as 1210.
You’ll find all the elements that make up a spectacular carnival including glorious decorated floats, lavishly made costumes and authentic native music. Even though this event is a 2 week long affair, it's the remaining 3 days which are deemed the most important, and a time when locals get dressed up in exotic looking costumes and hit the streets in a spontaneous burst of partying. expect music and street dancing. Don't think that you can watch safely from the side lines as the chances that you'll be hauled into this massive party festival are very high. Expect to be offered ludicrous quantities of rum and beer untill at least sunrise, a party not to be missed.
Other places of interest: Puerto Galera – Excellent for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and many other water sports.Boracay Island– Beautiful golden sand beaches make this some of the best beaches in the world
10) Location: Porto, Portugal: Start Date: June Currency: Euros - Back to Top
The Festa do Sao Joao
(Feast of St. John’s Eve) is a magnificent carnival and street party with colourful, loud fireworks displays, red hot bonfires and with every available outdoor space used for a full night of eating, drinking and dancing. No matter your financial standing, age, or race, the residents of Porto come out as equals to create an ambience that explodes in the city’s streets. The favourite food of the festival is sardines, grilled to perfection and washed down with a couple of glasses of wine.There is also a strange tradition of hitting each other on the head with plastic hammers, so be warned. Many free concerts and street dancing continues into the early hours in various parts of the city to create a vibrant, warm atmosphere that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Other places of interest: Lisbon – The Jerónimos Monastery founded in 1501 by King Manuel and said to be haunted. Porto – The original home of the famous port wine, where you can take a boat trip and see how the wine is produced. Coimbra Has the 2nd oldest university in the world which and has numerous historical landmarks and is rich in history.
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