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Czech RepublicThe revelry of Carnival begins this weekend in Prague, a colorful event with medieval roots influenced by the Italian Renaissance and its love of masks and the Baroque era’s emphasis on the dramatic.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the Gathering of the Masks parade begins at the Clam-Gallas Palace and makes its way to the Old Town Square, where the Carnival opening ceremony takes place. The weekend program includes a feast in the palace yard; outdoor performances of masked characters, clowns and acrobats; and a Baroque soiree with music and dancing from the 17th- and 18th-century European courts.

Events continue daily until Feb. 21 with the lavish Crystal Ball set for Feb. 18. Organizers suggest buying or renting a mask to join the fun.

For the program, tickets and costume rental, go to www.carnevale.cz, which has an English option.

EnglandIn 1014 in Jorvik (York), the adventurer and heir to the Norwegian throne stood up to Danish forces who were enforcing their code of laws, the Danelaw, on the city’s English citizens.

The famous battle between Olaf Haraldsson and the Danes will be re-enacted Feb. 18 as one of the highlights of York’s annual Jorvik Viking Festival. The festival begins Saturday and continues through Feb. 19. More than 80 events will explore Viking life and history in York, built on the ruins of Jorvik. A musical, Viking wedding re-enactment and Viking banquet are among the events planned.

For the full program, check out www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/viking-festival.

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