As we revel in the throes of Britain's festival season - which generally tends to revolve around the music of the moment, rainproof clothing and questionable toilet facilities - we decided to take a look at the rest of the world and their idea of a good old celebration.
As usual, we're left with an acute case of wanderlust, but at least we know what to plan next year's holidays around:
Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro
Quite possibly the world's best-known party, Carnaval is a samba-soaked, glitter- and feather-coated irresistible dose of chaos that has to be seen to be believed. A six-day party held annually on the run-up to Ash Wednesday, colourful street parties and parades mark the last hurrah before the abstinence of Lent. The festival attracts big name celebrities for crowd-stomping performances and tourists aplenty each year, dying for a sizzling slice of samba rhythm. Warning: best avoided by the shy and retiring.
Join the fiesta with one of our amazing tailor-made trips to Brazil.
Songkran, Thailand
April showers reach an entirely new level in this Thai annual festival, during which the traditional new year is celebrated in three days of street water fights and fun. The whole country joins in, but the best spot for a soaking is in the northern town of Chiang Mai where the revelry splashes on for six days or more - and during Thailand's hottest season, it's a welcome relief, trust us.
Grab your water gun and go on a luxury trip to Thailand.
National Grape Harvest Festival, Argentina
Argentina's biggest party, held in the Mendoza province, is a series of celebrations over December, January and February to celebrate the end of the harvest's hard work. Culminating in a dance, music and lights spectacle and the election of the sought-after title of National Grape Harvest Queen - whose crown is fittingly made of grape leaves and vines - the streets hold a carnival-like atmosphere with parades and live music, and the region's best grape juice flows freely from the local wineries.
Go for the grape and stay for the party, with one of our tailor-made holidays to Argentina.
Dia de los Muertos, Mexico
A slightly quirky choice, we admit, but fascinating nonetheless: Dia de los Muertos - literally 'Day of the dead' - is recognised around the world in various forms around the end of October, but by far the most elaborate and colourful example is in Mexico. A national holiday to celebrate, rather than mourn, the lives of those who have passed on, the streets are filled with parades, flowers and the iconic sugar skulls, while locals paint their faces in macabre skeleton imitations and places flower garlands on their heads - your photo album will thank you for this one.
See this unique celebration for yourself on an incredible bespoke trip to Mexico.
