Top 10 Events February 2009

That Samba feeling is in the air, the need to express oneself and overcome the rain of depression that surrounds most of our lives around the globe in January. Yes its Carnival time for a host of countries around the Planet and of course Rio De Janeiro still wears the crown.

The origins of Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro date a long way back to 1723. It was immigrants from the Portuguese islands of Açores, Madeira and Cabo Verde that introduced the Entrudo to Rio.

The concept was fundamentally to get everybody soaking wet! People of all walks of life (even Emperors) would literally go out in the streets armed with buckets of water and limes. Nobody could escape a potential water shower, as everybody or anybody was a potential victim. Then it was curiously reported that a woman was arrested in 1855 for throwing a lime at Dom Pedro I's escorts. Soon authorities frowned upon the lack of restraints concerning the Entrudo fun and eventually it was sadly outlawed.

Grandes Sociedades or Great Societies was a more organized parade that debuted in 1855, with the presence of the Emperor himself. A group of 80 aristocrats in masks paraded with luxury costumes, music, and flowers. It was a big success. Democráticos, Fenianos and Tenentes do Diabo were the three most well-known groups.

Cordão Carnavalesco is a concept that started in 1870. here there were characters like queens, kings, witches, peasants and dancers. They performed according to the costumes they were wearing. There were also the Cordões de Velhos, where participants would wear huge papier-mâché masks and walk in an old man's gait.

Today the Carnival Rio is the “Carnival capital of the world“ and features as our leading worldwide event for February 2009.

Rio Carnival - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 20th February – 24th February
No need of an introduction, Rio Carnival is celebrated by all from the most humble of villages to the most luxurious of Homes! Everyone joins in and celebrates in style! Simply put, it’s a 4 day celebration, 40 days before Easter. It officially starts on Saturday 20th February and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, with all that partying out of the way you would most definitely need to de–tox!

Further Information: www.rio-carnival.net


Dubai Desert Classic – Dubai UAE 26th January - 1st February
Special Golf clinics will be held from Thursday (Jan 29) to Sunday (Feb 1) in two sessions where all amateur golfers, irrespective of their handicaps, can register and learn the finer points of the game from Emirates Golf Club professionals -- David Adams and Stephen Deane. Prize money 2.5 million.

Further Information: www.dubaidesertclassic.com


Joaquín Cortés Unleashed - London 4th February - 5th February
Choreographer to the stars and Flamenco-favorite Joaquín Cortés began his dance career with the National Ballet of Spain. Cortés performs with his band of 13 singers and musicians playing contemporary Flamenco on flute, violin, drums and bass in addition to traditional Flamenco guitar. He formed his own Flamenco Ballet Company in 1992 and has since performed sell-out shows internationally. So if you are in London don’t miss out of this Flamenco Star!

Further Information: www.visitlondon.com


Harbin Ice and Snow World 5th January – 5th February 2009
Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province, in north-east China. The city of Harbin makes the most of its freezing winters by hosting an impressive ice festival in Zhaolin Park. Blocks of ice are carved into sculptures and buildings lit from within, to create a glittering “Ice and Snow World”. The best collections of ice artworks are exhibited in the following 5 main places:
Harbin Ice & Snow World – The Sun Island Scenic Area – Yabuli International Ski Resort – The Ice Lantern Garden party and Zhaolin Park.

Further Information www.travelchinaguide.com


Catania, Sicily, Italy: Festa di Sant Agata 3rd - 5th February
The Feast of St. Agatha is the most important religious festival in the city of Catania and is celebrated in honor of the cities patron saint. The event is held every year from the 3rd - 5th February and again on the 17th August. Around 40,000 people attend the festival from locals to Tourists, in addition to neighboring countries.

Further Information: www.sicilyweb.com


Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash – Nine Mile Jamaica 6th February
Bob Marley was born on Feb. 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, ST. Anns Jamaica; Nine mile is also the logical location for the reggae party of the year, which is held on his birthday annually. Thousands of Fans and Party goers turn out to celebrate the life, dreams, creativity and music of Bob Marley. A number of gigs are held throughout.

Further Information: www.rastaites.com


St Valentines – Worldwide 14th February
When a women says she doesn’t want anything, the man must be savvy and understand that actually she really does! A women likes to feel special and expectations are high on this romantic day, so the pressure is on guys! Wherever you are and whatever you may be doing make time to surprise your loved one, it’s not all about flowers and chocolates (clothing, a nice weekend away or a lovely bottle of perfume is also perfectly acceptable)

Further Information: Sharon.mckinley@progress-services.com


Daytona 500 - Daytona Beach, Florida, USA 15th February
Also known as "The Great American Race", The Daytona 500 is unquestionably the biggest, richest and most prestigious motor sports event in America. A 200-lap, 500 miles (800 km) long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.

Further Information: www.daytona500.com


Abu Simbel Festival - Egypt 22nd February
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival at Aswan, Egypt is observed twice every year on 22nd of February and on 22nd of October respectively. These dates mark the Emperor’s birthday and his ascension to the throne. Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt. The two temples built for the Pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. During the Abu Simbel Festival, crowds fill the temple at sunrise to watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the stone, illuminating the statues of Ramses, Ra and Amun and providing a spectacular sight.

Further Information: www.egypt.com


Dubrovnik Carnival – Dubrovnik February 2009
Dubrovnik Carnival dates back to the 14th century and maintains many of the original traditions to this day. People gather from surrounding areas to dress up in garish costumes, parading down the streets to the sound of trumpets and drums. Jousting competitions take place in the city centre, with men on horseback carrying lances aimed for a silver ring tied to a rope above the horse trail.

Further Information: www.dubrovnik-online.com