You might think that, come January 1, it is safe to put the party hat well and truly away. Far from it. The truth is that the season of fairs, fiestas and fêtes is only just beginning. Every day of the year, it seems, someone somewhere

in the world is throwing a knees-up. From famous celebrations such as Mardi Gras or Rio’s Carnival to the more obscure — often involving melons and Frenchmen — a good time and a few drinks are to be had.

So, which to choose? Well, we can’t list them all, but here are 24 from across the world that will put you in the mood for packing your festive spirit and taking off. Just one word of warning: many of 2007’s dates are still provisional, so check before you book.

January
Rijeka carnival, Croatia

Rijeka’s carnival, a month-long party to celebrate the arrival of spring — bit early, isn’t it, chaps? — has been around for the past 100 years. Thanks to the area’s inaccessibility, it has remained a local affair, with street parties, concerts and contests for the best “ugly mask” leading up to the parade, when floats cram the streets of this attractive coastal town.

In 2007, it runs from January 17 to February 21. Croatian Affair (020 7385 7111, www.croatianaffair.com) has seven nights at the five-star Hotel Milenij, in Opatija, a short drive away, from £199pp, half-board. EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies to Rijeka.

Also consider: Winter Carnival, Quebec, Canada.

The Québécois celebrate their subzero winter with skating, winter fairs and torch parades. The fun begins on January 26 and lasts two weeks; visit www.carnaval.qc.ca. Premier Holidays (0870 889 0852, www.premierholidays.co.uk) has seven nights from £861pp, room-only, including flights.

February
Fatty Thursday, Sitges, Spain

The Spanish Tourist Office calls Sitges a “fishing village”, which is a bit like describing Sodom and Gomorrah as two sleepy commuter towns on the plains. This is a party paradise, predominantly but not exclusively gay, and, like Sydney during Mardi Gras, the place to head for dancing, drag queens, discos and delicious dishes on the epic Dijous Gras (“Fatty Thursday”). It runs from February 15 to 21; visit www.sitgestour.com.

Sitges is easily reached by train from Barcelona, served by EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) and British Airways (0870 850 9850, www.ba.com). Ryanair (0871 246 0000, www.ryanair.com) flies to Reus, 45 miles from Sitges. In Barcelona, the Grand Hotel Central (00 34-93 295 7900, www.grandhotelcentral.com) is a smart bet; from £160, room-only. In Sitges itself, Los Globos (93 894 9374, www.los-globos.com) has doubles from £53.

Also consider: the Battle of the Oranges, in Ivrea, Italy.

Here’s your chance to take part in the citrus version of Spain’s La Tomatina. The four-day orange fight is held in a small town outside Turin from February 17 to 20. You’ll know you’ve been Tango-ed. Visit www.carnevalediivrea.com. Fly to Turin with Ryanair (0871 246 0000, www.ryanair.com), EasyJet (www. easyjet.com) or BA (0870 850 9850, www.ba.com). A first-class train ticket to Ivrea (1hr 15min) costs £11 through www.italiarail.co.uk. In Ivrea, La Villa (00 39 0125 631697, www.ivrealavilla.com) has doubles from £54, B&B.

Times recommends

• A career break to Timbuktu - by motorbike
• Canoe man and Bond boost Panama tourism
• Flybe extras that broke the bank