Our selected festivals & events around the world in February

Are you looking for trip inspiration during the month of February? Why not combine your visit with one of these events, as recommended by our specialists?

Rio Carnival, Brazil

Brazil Carnival is the annual 'Celebration of Life' that takes place throughout Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, floats parade in the purpose-built Sambadrome, surrounded by dancers, singers and drummers dressed in elaborate costumes. This famous celebration unites the nation, and is one of the greatest shows on Earth.

• Plan a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia

Held in the capital of Bolivia, the Carnival of Oruro occurs every year and is a 2,000 year old religious celebration with folklore dances. With over 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians participating in the procession, the celebrations can last for up to 20 hours.

• Plan a trip to Oruro, Bolivia

Art Deco Weekend in Napier, New Zealand

Napier was rebuilt in its now famous Art Deco style after a terrible earthquake in 1931. Now, each February the city becomes filled with classic cars and people dressed in Deco style, which provides the perfect backdrop to this unique festival. It attracts visitors from all over the world.

• Plan a trip to Napier, New Zealand

Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, Canada

The famous old 19th Century gold mining town of Whitehorse is the finishing point of the annual Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. Now in its 29th year the race begins in Fairbanks and follows the Yukon River.

• Plan a trip to Whitehorse, Canada

BMW Wine Marlborough Festival, New Zealand

The Marlborough Wine Festival is New Zealand's longest running and most successful wine festival. Over 200 wines from over 40 wineries are showcased and there is entertainment from some of New Zealand's leading performers.

• Plan a trip to Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa is one of the world's coldest cities during the winter which is a blessing in terms of one very enjoyable participation sport. The principal attraction during the three weeks in February is the Rideau Canal which freezes over in winter to form the world’s largest ice-skating rink.

• Plan a trip to Ottawa, Canada

Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

Each February Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo welcomes the world to the wonderful Sapporo Snow Festival, an ice-sculpting extravaganza on an epic scale. It began in 1950 and now each year sees hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures on display.

• Plan a trip to Sapporo, Japan

Tango Festival, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, pays homage each February to one of the most iconic dances in the world — the tango. During the event renowned artists display their dancing in venues across the city for the public.

• Plan a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina

International Rugby Sevens, New Zealand

Rugby in New Zealand borders on a religion for many so Wellington's Westpac Stadium in February becomes a sporting beacon as 16 of the world's top seven-a-side rugby teams compete in the International Rugby Sevens. If you love rugby you can combine it with a trip to one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

• Plan a trip to New Zealand

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, The USA

New Orleans' carnival season starts on Twelfth Night, January 6, and runs for the six weeks or so until Ash Wednesday. Although the name is used to define the entire season, Mardi Gras itself, French for 'Fat Tuesday', is simply the culmination of a whirl of parades, parties and masked balls

• Plan a trip to New Orleans, The USA

Christchurch Festival of Flowers, New Zealand

The most English of New Zealand’s cities, Christchurch is the provincial capital which has a wonderfully elegant feel about it. Each February the city hosts the Festival of Flowers and Romance, which celebrates Christchurch as the Garden City of Australasia.

• Plan a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand