If you've been to some annual offical or unofficial event anywhere in the world that should not be missed - email it to me.
If I use it I will quote you as my source.
curt@xs4all.nl

Hello Curt,

Here are some events which you can use for your calender.

I went to Dublin last year for the St Patrick's day celebrations. It is THE place to be on the March 17th, the parade through the city was spectacular. A real fusion of dance and colour, which is based on a specific theme; titled DREAMS. Even though the weather was bad, there was still a real party atmosphere!

Last Aug, I went to Madeira and attended a Festival in the town of Porto de la Cruz. This was a religious festival, which lasts the entire day. The villagers carry a statue of the Sacred Heart, covered in jewellery around the town. Mass is said afterwards, followed by a massive openair BBQ, with music, food and beer!I am sorry that I can't recall the name/date of the Festival, but I can find out in my Rough Guide Book if you want.

Last June, my Girlfriend and I attended the Portugese National Day celebrations in Stockwell Park, London (June 10th). A real opportunity for all Portugese from around the U.K to meet, enjoy some traditional food, listen to live bands and again sample a few beers!!! Towards the end of the event, fighting broke out between two men and suddenly it became a riot!!. This is also part of the traditions as well. I won't be attending this year!!!

I hope that the above will be of good use to you. Please give me any feedback soon, thanks :-)

Hello Curt,

I would like to bring to your attention that I made a error in some of the information which I have given you. The festival I went to in Madeira was The Feast of The Assumption (Aug 15th) celebrating the return of the Virgin Mary to heaven NOT the Sacred Heart. The statue was nevertheless dressed in gold jewellery.

Sorry if this has caused you any inconvience. I hope that fellow travellers are giving you relevant info on your topic.

I hope to hear from you soon. :-)

Correfoc in Barcelona, at the start of the Merce festival - 19th or 20th September every year, I think and a real thrill - but wear protective clothes and goggles if you want to join in.

Various dates in late August-September - A German wine festival on the Rhine or the Mosel - the one at Bingen was fun in 2002.

Any day with nothing to do ... El Arenal volcano, Costa Rica, seen at night from the matrimonial suite of the Arenal Lodge hotel.

Any late spring/early summer date - sunset from either Thira or Oia on the Greek island of Santorini.