Despite the raucous and irreverent nature of many Carnival celebrations, the custom is firmly rooted in Christian tradition: it is a time of feasting and festivity that precedes 6 weeks of fasting known as…

The Carnival of Venice is world-renowned for its beautiful masks, elaborate period costumes and grand balls. Each year, the proceedings begin with the “Flight of the Angel”, which sees an elegantly costumed woman abseil from a bell tower onto what city landmark?

In scenic Galaxidi, Greece, Carnival festivities take place a bit later, according to the Greek Orthodox church calendar. Celebrations culminate in a peculiar 200-year-old tradition that sees revellers engage in a “war” using what kitchen staple as “ammunition”?

Battles involving foodstuffs are a popular Carnival theme. At Carnival time in Ivrea, Italy, you may want to wear a helmet and goggles to protect yourself from all the flying…

And in Vilanova, Spain, anyone who hates getting sticky should avoid the city during La Merengada, a food fight in which the locals’ weapon of choice is….

Parades featuring spirited dancers are a key component of many Carnival celebrations across South America. At which Carnival might you expect to see the diablada, a traditional dance in which performers dressed as colourful devils are symbolically led out of hell in order to face trial?

An offshoot of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, what European capital has hosted a Carnival-esque street festival every year since 1966 – albeit in August?

Looking for a family-friendly affair? Try this Canadian city, which puts on an annual Carnival extravaganza featuring ice sculptures, winter sporting events and a cute snowman mascot named Bonhomme Carnaval.