Carnival of Venice:
- Official Site: Carnival of Venice
- What is it?: An annual festival held in Venice, Italy famed for its elaborate costumes & masks, parades, and parties. It ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday).
- Dates: January 27 - February 13, 2018
- Locations: Throughout Venice, Italy
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival:
- Official Site: Up Helly Aa
- What is it?: An annual tradition that originated in the 1880's marking the end of yule season. It features troupes of thousands of "guizers" (actors or mummers) depicting Vikings & Norse legends with songs, processions, a town hall civic reception, and a museum.
- Dates: January 30, 2018
- Location: Lerwick, Scotland (Shetland Islands)
Yi Peng Lantern Festival:
- Informational Site: Lantern Festival
- What is it?: This "Festival of Lights" is celebrated throughout Thailand with Loi Krathongs (lotus-shaped receptacles) released on water to bring luck & fulfill wishes. In Chiang Mai (Yi Peng Festival), people release thousands of lighted lanterns into the sky while making a wish. The spectacle is amazing.
- Dates: November 1 - 4, 2017
- Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand (and throughout Southwestern Thai cultures)