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The Carnival parade in Wiesbaden, one of Germany's biggest, sets off from the Elsaesser Platz at 1:11 p.m.

The Carnival parade in Wiesbaden, one of Germany's biggest, sets off from the Elsaesser Platz at 1:11 p.m. (Courtesy of wiesbaden.de)

Matejsa Pout/St. Mathews FairLocation: Holešovice Exhibition Grounds, Prague, Czech RepublicDates: daily through April 22 except on Mondays, when it’s closed. The fair opens at 2 p.m. weekdays and at 10 a.m. on weekends. Let’s face it, sometimes all you really want is a laid-back fun-fair atmosphere. Originally part of a pilgrimage mentioned in archives dating back to 1595, this fair is more apt to attract locals than international visitors, but makes for good fun nevertheless. The fair also has a decent offering of adrenaline-inducing rides. A farmers’ market takes place Fridays through Sundays.Admission: Free

The Village Whisk(e)y Messe NuernbergLocation: Halle 10, Nuernberg Messe, Messezentrum 1, 90471 Nuremberg, GermanyDates: March 3-4 (9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) It’s whisky in Scotland, whiskey in Ireland, and loved worldwide. One of Europe’s biggest meet-ups for fans of the strong spirit offers the chance to try or buy 2,500 different sorts from 18 countries. If it’s rum that hits your sweet spot, the Pueblo del Ron (Rum Pueblo) offers the chance to discover over 150 rums from over 20 countries, and its Caribbean-beach inspired atmosphere offers a mini-break of sorts. Try also cigars, beers and sweets, along with salmon, Irish stew and haggis for consumption on the spot. Live bands add to the party vibe.Admission: Entry is limited to those ages 18 and above. Visitors must have a ticket to the simultaneously running “Freizeit” tourism fair at a cost of 12 euros, plus a supplemental ticket at a cost of 5 euros. The price includes a tasting glass and a lanyard.

Carnival ParadeLocation: Downtown Wiesbaden, GermanyDates: March 3 (parade sets off from the Elsaesser Platz at 1:11 p.m.) Although not one of Germany’s biggest carnival celebrations, there’s no shortage of spirit here, as costumed marchers and floats slowly pass through town. The parade passes by the Town Hall around 3 p.m. Once the parade ends, the bars and restaurants fill with revelers reluctant to call it a day.Admission: Free

Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore/ Almond Blossom FestivalLocation: Agrigento, Sicily, ItalyDates: March 1-10 Spring comes early to Sicily, and when the area’s almond trees begin to blossom, it’s time to celebrate. Festivities include parades, concerts and folklore performances by international groups, including those made up of children.Admission: Entry to the folklore shows at the Palacongressi costs 5-15 euros. Entry to the Valley of the Temples costs about 10 euros adults; those under 18 enter free.

Reload Music FestivalLocation: Lingotto Fiere, Via Nizza 294, Turin, Italy Date: March 2 (doors open 4 p.m.; festival runs through 6 a.m. next day) This single-day festival celebrates electronic dance music with a lineup that stands and delivers until the morning light shines. Acts on stage include Afrojack, Drop, Danko, Junkie Kid, Max Pavilion and many others.Admission: Tickets from 35 euros; prices increase as date nears and availability drops.

Wee Dub FestivalLocation: La Belle Angele and other Old Town venues, Edinburgh, ScotlandDates: March 1-3 Trade the sounds of ceilidhs for beats more traditional to Jamaica at this ambitious reggae festival. Good vibes are guaranteed when world-class dub reggae and soundsystem culture rocks the heart of Edinburgh. Headline acts include Jah Shaka and Adrian Sherwood. Aside from the established names, upcoming talent from around the UK is highlighted over the course of the event’s four main sessions.Admission: Full weekend passes go for 46.20 pounds; single-day tickets are also available.

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