When is it? Just before Lent; the 2015 carnival takes place from 31 January to 17 February.

What's it all about? This three-week winter festival really bursts into life at the weekends - with a packed programme of banquets, balls, parades and shows to choose from. Top of your must-do list? Secure a ticket to a masquerade in one of the city's fairytale palaces. And if you don't happen to have brought a suitable mask in your suitcase, you can hire one for the evening - or take your pick from the many for sale at photogenic street stalls.

Find out more: www.carnevale.venezia.it

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When is it? Just before Lent; the 2015 carnival takes place from 13 to 18 February.

What's it all about? This five-day spectacular is traditionally seen as a farewell to excesses before the austerity of Lent kicks in. But what a send-off! There are colourful, noisy parties and parades on pretty much every street. The most famous of these is the Samba Parade, a review of the fierce competition between the city's various samba schools. The all-ticket event now takes place in and around the purpose-built Sambodromo. Plan well in advance and you can even book to join the parade yourself.

Find out more: www.rio-carnival.net

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When is it? On the Full Moon in March; in 2015, Holi takes place on 6 March in most areas, but will be celebrated a day earlier in some parts of eastern India.

What's it all about? The Hindu festival of Holi marks winter's end and celebrates the destruction of the demoness Holika. It's known as the Festival of Colours for reasons that soon become abundantly clear: everyone spends the day throwing coloured powder and water over each other, as well as dancing and singing. It's an unforgettable, joyous occasion. A word to the wise, though: it's probably best not to wear your favourite outfit.

Find out more: goindia.about.com

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When is it? From late January in the tropical islands of Okinawa to late May in the northernmost area of Hokkaido.

What's it all about? Hanami is simply the name given to cherry blossom viewing in Japan. The Japanese adore their national flower and herald its springtime arrival as a symbol of new hope and fresh beginnings. Friends and families head to top viewing spots for picnics and parties beneath the branches of pretty pink blooms. Favourite locations? The riverside Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, Ueno Park in Tokyo and the majestic castles of Kumamoto and Osaka.

Find out more: japantravelinfo.com

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When is it? 14 July

What's it all about? This national holiday commemorates the Storming of the Bastille - the event that marked the start of the French Revolution - in 1789. In Paris, you can join the flag-waving crowds to watch the traditional military parade along the Champs-Elysées - then witness the fabulous firework display lighting up the sky above the Eiffel Tower after dark. There are lots of other special events throughout the entire country - including formal balls, fairs and firework displays.

Find out more here www.france.fr

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When is it? The last Wednesday in August; in 2015, La Tomatina takes place on 26 August.

What's it all about? This quite-frankly-bonkers festival is basically a great big food fight - the food in question being tomatoes. The tradition was started by a group of local kids from the Valencian town in 1945, and has now escalated into a 20,000-strong spectacular. Due to fears of overcrowding - not to mention tomato shortages - you'll now need to buy a ticket to take part. Our advice? Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, and old clothes.

Find out more: www.latomatinatours.com

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When is it? 1 and 2 November

What's it all about? The Day of the Dead - or El Dia de Muertos, to use its correct Spanish name - is celebrated throughout Mexico to remember loved ones who have died, and remind the living of their own mortality. Many Mexicans visit cemeteries to leave offerings of food, drink and flowers on the graves of their significant others. The festival is particularly impressive in Mixquic, a small community in Mexico City: here, processions, poetry readings, plays and music recitals also form part of the spectacle.

Find out more here gomexico.about.com

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When is it? On the Full Moon of the second month of the Lanna calendar - normally mid to late November. In 2015. Yi Peng takes place on 25 November.

What's it all about? Yi Peng is a Buddhist ceremony, held to honour Buddha and win merits for his followers. It usually coincides with the festival of Loi Krathong, which is celebrated throughout Thailand. In Chiang Mai, beautiful illuminated lanterns are displayed and carried throughout the city, while many are launched into the sky. The theory? Bad luck will float away with them. One caveat, though: the sheer volume of floating lanterns has understandably raised safety concerns among aviation authorities.

Find out more: chiangmaibest.com

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When is it? The fourth Thursday in November; in 2015, Thanksgiving Day is on 26 November.

What's it all about? Department store Macy's hosted its first Thanksgiving Day parade through the streets of Manhattan in 1924 - and it's since become a much-loved tradition. This all-American procession features cheerleaders, marching bands, celebrities, decorated floats and humongous character balloons. If you're a particular fan of the balloons, you may like to know that you can see them being inflated on the afternoon and evening before Thanksgiving, close to the American Museum of Natural History.

Find out more: www.macys.com

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When is it? 31 December (obviously)

What's it all about? Our friends Down Under ensure every New Year starts with a bang - with two show-stopping firework displays, launched from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, harbour barges and seven city buildings. There's also the Harbour of Light Parade, featuring 52 illuminated boats. Around one billion people watch the fireworks on TV or online each year - but there's really no substitute for being there. Check the website below - or ask a local - to discover the best vantage points.

Find out more here www.sydneynewyearseve.com

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