The places where it’s all happening

THE world’s top 10 winter festivals, according to Wanderlust magazine, are as diverse as they are spectacular.

1. Fiesta de Santo Tomas, Chichicastenango, Guatemala On 21 December, brave dancers twist rope around their bodies before leaping off a 30-metre pole that has been raised in the plaza, next to the Church of Santo Tomas. The fiesta runs from the 13-21 December 2011.

2. Mevlâna Festival, Konya, Turkey This week-long festival honours the 13th century mystic poet Celaleddin Rumi, or Mevlâna, whose writings are among some of the most beloved in Islam.

Rumi believed that union with Allah was achievable through dance. The festival runs from 10-17 December 2011.

3. Festival in the Desert, Essakane, Mali The origins of this festival lie in a long-standing tradition of annual meetings of tribes allowing them to reconnect, resolve conflicts, exchange ideas, and have fun through song, dance, poetry and games. It runs from 12-14 January 2012.

4. Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland Islands

5. The Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China Marvel at winter creations at the Snow Sculpture Expo or Ice Lantern Garden Party. The festival runs from 5 January to 31 February.

6. The Fiesta Grande, Andacollo, Chile The quiet mining town of Andacollo transforms into a thriving festival of colour as groups of traditional dancers commemorate the miracles of the patron saint of miners, Virgen del Rosario. It runs from the 24-26 December 2011.

7. Bikaner Camel Festival, Rajasthan, India The festival begins with a procession of magnificently decorated camels. It runs from 18-19 January 2012.

8. Ati-Atihan Festival, Panay Island, Philippines Rum fuels this Asian Mardi Gras, which culminates in a three-day, three-night delirium of festivities. It runs from 15-21 January 2012.

9. The La Tamborrada, San Sebastian, Spain Every January the streets come alive with drumbeats for 24 hours straight.

10. Bohdi Day, various countries Buddhists quietly celebrate Buddha’s awakening – 8 December, 2011.