the sun w


th


inter sun doesn’t have to mean lying on a beach –


from carnivals in the Caribbean to cherry blossoms in Japan, this season is packed with fun-filled festivals, offering unparalleled cultural insights and the chance to take part in some of the world’s most famous parties. Colourful costumes, street parties


and traditional foods are everywhere, and clients will come back from their trip with exciting stories to tell – so why not incorporate one of these events into their next sunshine escape?


CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL The Caribbean is famed for its anything- goes festivals, with Aruba, St Kitts and Saint Martin among the islands whose streets fill with parades and parties at various points during winter. Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is one of the biggest, running from March 1-4 this year – but for a more accessible alternative, Tobago’s first standalone carnival was launched in 2022 and takes place from October 24-26 this year. It features vibrant floats of feathered and sequinned costumes, stomping soca beats, calypso concerts and free-flowing rum punch, so clients can expect to see Tobagan musical icons and folk-inspired


travelweekly.co.uk


SUNNY SPAIN Valencia’s main square, Plaça de l’Adjuntament, becomes a show of fire, fizzing and popping from March 1-19. At 2pm each day, around 120kg of gunpowder is set off as part of a


synchronised firecracker display called mascletà – part of the city’s annual Las Fallas celebrations. Known as fallas, around 800 effigies


are displayed throughout the city from March 15, offering commentaries on everything from politics to pop culture. ²


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DESTINATIONS FESTIVALS | WINTER SUN


Parade of the Bands, Tobago Carnival


characters. If they want to dance along with other islanders in the parade, agents can purchase a masquerade package via a local ‘band’ (group of dancers) complete with costume and fun activities. But watching from the sidelines is just as exciting, with the chance to cheer on each band and admire their costumes as they pass by – plus clients can return to their resort to relax whenever


they need a break from partying. Book it: Caribtours sells a seven-night stay on a room-only basis at Castara Retreats Tobago from £1,499 per person, based on two sharing a Firefly One Bedroom Apartment. Includes luggage, transfers, UK


lounge access and flights on October 21. caribtours.co.uk


PICTURE: Tobago Tourism Authority


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