Monday-Iceland

On Bolludagur (Buns Day) children aim to “beat” their “sleeping parents” out of bed using individually made Bolluvondur, or Bun Wands. The parents are then obliged to give their children one cream puff bun for every blow received.

Tuesday-Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is the definitive street party. Introduced by the French during their period of settlement in Trinidad in the late 18th Century, the carnival was taken over by ex-slaves after emancipation in 1838. They transformed the genteel dinners, costume balls and carriage rides into a frenzied street party, which is today replicated in many cities across the world.

Wednesday-England

Despite safety concerns, every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, Ashbourne town centre is boarded up and two teams prepare to do battle for the Royal Shrovetide Football. There are very few rules, no real boundaries and the goalposts, at Sturton Mill and Clifton Mill, are three miles apart. The two sides are those that live north of Henmore Brook - the Uppards and those who live south of it - the Down`ards.

Thursday-Atlanta

Gathering together local and national stand-up talent, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival brings cutting-edge comedy to venues around Atlanta. A panel of expert judges determines the best performer who then plays the final night at the Laughing Skull Lounge.

Friday-Italy

The Sellaronda Ski Marathon is a night event where competitors zip through the major ski resorts of the Dolomites in the Trentino region. To participate you’ll need a partner, physical stamina and the willingness to plunge down steep icy slopes. The 42-kilometre race, which has recently become an international championship,is a very different skiing experience. Marked with special reflectors, the course circles around four passes - Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella, and travels through the heart of four villages (Canazei, Selva Gardena, Corvara and Arabba), which take it in turn to host the start of the race.

Saturday-Mexico

Elaborate headdresses and celebratory dances spring up in Mexico City’s main square, el Zócalo, at the Indigenous Mexica. The Mexica calendar has a cycle of 52 years and each year is named with a number from 1-13 consecutively, succeeded by one of the four signs: Tochtli in Náhuatl or Conejo in Spanish (rabbit); Tecpatl or Pedernal (flint); Calli or Casa (house); Acatl or Carrizo (reed). Each year starts at a different time of the day, Tochtli begins at dawn, Tecpatl at dusk, Calli at midnight and Acatl at midday.

Sunday-Dubai

Attracting some of the best horses in the world, Dubai International Racing Carnival offers more than $1 million in prize money. Races are held at the Meydan Racecourse, where dining and games such as Tricast add to visitors’ entertainment.