Originally published 07 September 2011

Rio Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio Carnival, Brazil

Held before Lent every year, the Rio Carnival is considered one of the largest carnivals in the world. The main competition is between the different Samba schools who compete for the best themed float and most flamboyant costumed dancers. The main parade takes place in the Sambadrome, where the floats pass through but there are also balls held in Copacabana Palace and beach, as well as street festivals all over Rio which are popular with the locals.

To find out more about tailor made trips to Brazil, visit the Brazil section of our website, or speak to a Brazil specialist directly on 01993 838 610 to discuss your ideas further.

The celebration of Diwali in India

Diwali, India

Also known as the 'festival of lights', this one day festival usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November and is celebrated in many countries. Overall it is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, but for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains the festival has different religious meanings. Many houses, shops and public places are decorated with small earthenware lamps called diyas, fireworks are set off, religious rituals are practised and gifts are exchanged.

To find out more about tailor made trips to India, visit the India section of our website, or speak to an India specialist directly on 01993 838 330 to discuss your ideas further.

Semana Santa, Guatemala

Semana Santa, Guatemala

To honour the holy week towns throughout Guatemala host enormous celebrations featuring colourful parades, extravagant floats, burning incense and intricate costumes. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Good Friday, Antigua boasts the most extravagant festival with Catholic processions commemorating the life and death of Christ. Before the main procession streets are lined with intricately woven, colourful carpets made of flowers, coloured sawdust and intricately carved fruit and vegetables.

To find out more about tailor made trips to Guatemala, visit the Guatemala section of our website, or speak to a Guatemala specialist directly on 01993 838 695 to discuss your ideas further.

Dia de los Muertos, Mexico

Dia de los Muertos, Mexico

A Mexican holiday, 'Day of the Dead' focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes places on 1st and 2nd November (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day) and traditions connected with the holiday include building private alters honouring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, eating the favourite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with gifts.

To find out more about tailor made trips to Mexico, visit the Mexico section of our website, or speak to a Mexico specialist directly on 01993 838 670  to discuss your ideas further.

Holi, Rajasthan, India

Holi, India

Holi is a religious spring festival, mainly celebrated by Hindus. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of little Holi), in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of God Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. The celebrations can last up to 16 days, with Hindus throwing coloured powder and water at each other in the street.

To find out more about tailor made trips to India, visit the India section of our website, or speak to an India specialist directly on 01993 838 330 to discuss your ideas further.

Songkran Festival, Thailand

Songkran Festival, Thailand

Songkran is the welcoming of spring and the vernal equinox in Thailand as well as Cambodia, Burma and the Lao state. It begins on 13th April and ends on 15th April and is the traditional New Year when holiday is taken. The most famous celebrations last for six days in the northern city of Chang Mai and Thais celebrate by throwing water at each other and passers by in the street. It also marks the end of the dry season in Thailand and the hottest time of year.

To find out more about tailor made trips to Thailand, visit the Thailand section of our website, or speak to a Thailand specialist directly on 01993 838 115 to discuss your ideas further.

Festival of Lanterns, Obon, Japan

Obon Festival, Japan 

The Obon festival lasts for three days across Japan, usually in August. It is a Buddhist festival to commemorate one's ancestors and is celebrated through Bon Odori dances and a giant bonfire lit in the hills of Kyoto. The festival is also known as the "festival of lanterns", as one of the customs during this time is to send paper lanterns floating along the river to symbolise the souls of those departed returning to their graves in peace.

To find out more about tailor made trips to Japan, visit the Japan section of our website, or speak to a Japan specialist directly on 01993 838 210 to discuss your ideas further.

Naadam Festival, Mongolia

Naadam Festival, Mongolia

July in Mongolia sees the celebration of the Nadaam Festival. (Normally held between the 11th - 13th) This is the largest and most important festival of the year and sees nomadic families from all over the country gather in the largest towns and villages for two days of traditional sports (wrestling, horse racing and archery).

To find out more about tailor made trips to Mongolia, visit the Mongolia section of our website, or speak to a Mongolia specialist directly on 01993 838 225 to discuss your ideas further.

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