We've been writing about the forthcoming carnival events in our various holiday destinations for quite a while now. The celebrations in the various resorts are spread over several weeks during February and March, with the majority of the larger events being held on the weekend of 13th and 14th of February.

That was the weekend when the world's biggest and best known carnival in Rio de Janeiro took place. The locals estimated that well over 700,000 people poured into the city to join in with the celebrations and looking at some of the images published the grandeur and complexity of the floats and costumes was truly remarkable.

Nearer to home and the larger of the carnivals in our key destinations included the Santa Cruz carnival in Tenerife , who's events are very impressive and even if they can't quite match the scale of Rio they are still a stunning spectacle. The island of Lanzarote has a large carnival in the capital Arrecife, this year the main parade took place on 15th February. The island also hosted smaller carnival events in Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.

In Mallorca the main event was held in Palma itself, although all across the island similar festivities were taking place in the run up to Ash Wednesday, including parties and processions in Pollenca, Alcudia. Playa de Muro and Soller.

Many of these islands now have a quieter period until things start gearing up for Easter and the beginning of their summer holiday season.