Monday-Sweden

Sami people all over Scandinavia celebrate their life and culture, and educate others, in February each year. Expect exhibitions and various cultural events dotted throughout Sweden on Sami National Day.

The national day was celebrated for the first time in 1993, at the same time as the opening in Jokkmokk of the International Year Of Indigenous People, proclaimed by the United Nations.

Tuesday-New York

If the thought of a broken escalator fills you with dread, then stay away from this race! Fit and fearless competitors race up the 1575 stairs of the Empire State Building, from the lobby to the 86th floor.

Even if the famous skyscraper has now relinquished its title as “tallest building in the world”, the event remains a gruelling trial. In 2007 Suzy Walsham won the women’s race in a record time of 13:12. Paul Crake holds the current men’s record of 09:33.

Wednesday-Italy

Part of Milano Unica, Moda In is an international exhibition of textiles and accessories. Held twice a year at the Fieramilanocity, it ushers in the new fabrics and colours for the forthcoming season.

Top-level European producers of clothing textiles and accessories exhibit their fabrics to buyers, designers, the trade press and invited fashion schools, of which there are a fair few based in Milan.

February’s show presents the spring/summer collection of the following year.

Thursday-Argentina

Beauty queens from the length and breadth of Argentina travel to Mar del Plata every year, hoping to pocket the all-important crown at the National Festival of the Sea. Watch the girls sparkle and smile on the seaside Paseo Hermitage. Every year an outdoor musical comedy show is staged on Paseo Hermitage too, aiming to reinforce city pride in the local mardelplatenses.

Friday-Malta

Held every year in Valletta, the Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck remembers the saint’s miracles after he took refuge on the island. A procession carries his statue through the streets accompanied by marching bands and fireworks.

In 60 AD, St Paul, patron Saint of Malta, performed a number of miracles during his stay on the island, including the healing of Publius’ father, the Roman governor. Tradition has it that when Publius became the first bishop of Malta, St Paul converted the Maltese to Christianity.

Saturday-New Zealand

Every summer, the Brancott Estate in the Marlborough district of New Zealand’s South Island opens its doors to the public. Enjoy tutored tastings, gourmet cooking, great live music and hopefully good weather!

Sunday-US

More than 250 teams from all over the US gather at the Camden Snow Bowl in Maine for the Annual US National Toboggan Championships. They compete in two-, three- and four-man toboggan races down Ragged Mountain.

The Annual US National Toboggan Championships features awards in categories including the best team uniform, spirit award, oldest team, fastest family, fastest women’s team and fastest children’s team.