Chinese New Year, Worldwide, 23 January
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at China Towns worldwide and enjoy dancing dragons, the buzz of firecrackers and the mouth-watering delicacies of the best dim sum.
Tết, Vietnam, 23 January
The most important and popular holiday in Vietnam, Tết is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which is celebrated on the same day as Chinese New Year and is a time to spend with family and friends. The Vietnamese often cook celebratory dinners and hand out lucky money to children and the elderly. If a Vietnamese celebration is of interest but this year’s Tết is too short notice a visit to Hoi An for its Full Moon Festival, which takes place each month and is celebrated with lanterns throughout the town, could be the perfect solution. A trip can include a stay at The Nam Hai, a luxury all villa resort just 10 minutes from Hoi An.
Gstaad Palace Music Festival, Switzerland, 27 January – 4 February
Founded in 2001 the Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad are now considered as one of the leading winter festivals in Europe. The classical music festival features three outstanding concert venues: The Church of Saanen, the 11th century romanesque Church of Rougemont and the Chapel of Gstaad, as well as some of the most highly regarded musicians from around the world. For the ultimate festival experience, dinner parties with the artists are held at the famous Gstaad Palace and tickets can be arranged through the hotel.
Venice Carnival, Venice, 11 – 21 February
An annual event that originates from as far back as the thirteenth century and sees the city colourfully filled with masked carnival-goers parading through the streets as well as a host of cultural events and exclusive masked balls.
VILA VITA Parc Spa Week, Portugal, 18 – 25 February
For a new year detox that is as kind on cost as it is on the body, a stay at VILA VITA Parc during Algarve Spa Week offers 50 per cent discounts on all treatments at the VILA VITA Vital Spa. The resort, which has a prime cliff top location with stunning ocean views is also offering the Carnival Special for guests wishing to stay at the resort, comprising a 50 per cent discount off room rates when staying a minimum of two nights in a Residence Suite Ocean view
Las Fallas, Valencia, 17 – 20 March
One of the most unique festivals in Spain, Las Fallas in Valencia takes place every year in March and celebrates the arrival of spring and the feast of Saint Joseph. Revellers are treated to a visual carnival of bonfires, fireworks and huge, 20 foot tall paper maché figures that satirise political figures and celebrities.
Watch out for future editions of the Rose Report for more information on forthcoming events from around the world.