The Spanish islands of Mallorca, Menorca and the Canaries are not the only places to hold their carnivals in the early part of the year. The town of Rethymno in Crete also stages a spectacular carnival programme that runs throughout the whole of February.

The origin of the carnival is closely linked with the Roman Catholic church and is traditionally a celebration taking people away from their normal daily lives in advance of lent. Some of the world's biggest carnivals have gained legendary status including the huge carnival held every year in Rio de Janeiro. That particular carnival dates back to the seventeenth century and attracts hundreds of thousands of people to watch the floats and costumes of the street procession that passes through the city.

Europe too has some pretty large carnivals including several German events, the carnival in Venice, Italy and the Spanish carnivals such as the one on Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

In Crete the main carnival is held in the city of Rethymno on the north coast of the island. The opening ceremony in 2010 is expected to be held on Friday 5th February in the Agnosto Stratioti square. Throughout the next few weeks various parties are held all over the town and special events for children are organised. Fancy dress balls seem to be a favourite element of the Rethymno carnival and from the middle of February onwards you'll find them in various clubs and restaurants all over the city.

The main carnival procession doesn't happen until Sunday 28th February with the Grand Parade starting during the afternoon in advance of the burning of the Carnival King (just a model) on Rethymno beach. Don't be surprised when you are joined by 100,000 others who are expected to attend and watch the procession of 10,000 people wind their way past. A special night parade is also held the evening before starting at 9pm in Kountourioti Ave.

Because the UK doesn't yet follow the true carnival tradition, these events are an exciting way to add interest to an early season holiday in the sun.