Embracing winter with fun and a positive attitude. The festival’s events include a winter amusement park, with attractions such as skiing, snow rafting, ice sculptures, snow sled slides and outdoor shows. The origins of the winter celebration go back to the latter half of the 19th century, when the erstwhile French colony organised extravagant parties. The Quebec Winter Carnival takes place at various locations in Old Quebec. Kiosks and other outlets in the city sell the Bonnehomme effigy tag for $12 that gets you into most of the Winter Carnival events.

credit: Jamie in Bytown

The Carnival attracts over a million visitors to Rio every year. Rio Carnival 2013 begins 40 days before the religious holiday of Easter. The competition between 12 elite samba groups dazzles more than a billion spectators. Almost all of the music played during Rio Carnival is samba. The main attractions are the Samba queens who are chosen in a contest. They need to be beautiful, confident and infused with a carnival spirit. The first attempt to celebrate the Carnival in Rio occurred in 1641.

credit: Fotos_Gratis