Everyone knows about Spain’s famous tomato-throwing festival, but have you heard about “La Batalla del Vino” – the Haro Wine Fight? Locals and tipsy travellers dressed in white start the day with a procession through the town of Haro in the Rioja region towards the Cliffs of Bilibio where a Bacchanalian free-for-all begins. It’s messy, merry and you’re sure to acquire some new wine-soaked friends to party with.

Sorry humans, this food festival isn’t for you, it’s for the prized Lopburi monkeys of Thailand. Every last Sunday of November, locals honour the monkeys that freely roam in their city with a bountiful buffet of fruit, jelly and sweet drinks, as well as traditional dancing and processions. In Buddhism, the monkey is a hero and a symbol of good luck, and in this festival thanks are given to these primate VIPs. They greedily indulge and make mischief leaping on the tourists who come to see them at this special time of year.

For a real opportunity to unleash you inner daredevil, head to the mountains of Sölden in Austria. This is where the professionals go to carve up the snow and plummet through fissures in the rock from dizzying heights, so you know you're in good company.

Secret Solstice brings a whole new meaning to the song ‘All Night Disco Party’. Imagine dancing to some of the coolest bands and DJs under the midnight sun with 72 hours of non-stop sunlight! This fun outdoor festival will definitely test your raving endurance, however a dip in one of Iceland’s many natural geothermal springs is guaranteed to make you feel brand new – they’re even known locally to help refresh after a long night partying.

Every August, the Massachusetts state celebrates its famed crustaceans. You can learn all about the sea with a blessing of the fleet, shanty singing, shucking battles and chef demonstrations. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without gorging on New England’s finest lobster rolls, clam chowder and fresh oysters offered by Boston’s top chefs.

Coachella is a unique festival where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to celebrate music and art. Each year, in April, over 99,000 people head over to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, to enjoy the beautiful mountain surroundings, mouth-watering food stands, large-scale art installations and spot the fashionable celebrities partying amongst the festivalgoers. Coachella is all about diversity: from the different types of music to the crowd, it offers the best of California.

Discover the best African and international music acts at the three-day Lake of Stars arts festival. Set on the picturesque shore of Lake Malawi, Lake of Stars has been named one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world. In between live sets, festivalgoers can experience theatre and dance performances, mixed martial arts and Zumba, all against a sunny beach backdrop.

Discover the beauty and spirit of French Polynesia at Heiva I Tahiti, a joyful festival that celebrates life on the island of Tahiti. Dancers wear traditional grass skirts and headdresses and perform to the sounds of a live orchestra playing typical instruments like the nasal flute and ukulele. Heiva I Tahiti is also associated with ancient athletic sports and competitions, so it’s the perfect festival for those who love the great outdoors.

Watch over 750 hot-air balloons fill the sky at this colourful nine-day festival in New Mexico. It began in 1972 with just 13 balloons and has since become the largest hot-air balloon event in the world. You can spot balloons with intricate patterns or a cute animal shape and some even glow during the evening display. With a floating technicolour scene and clear blue sky, the fiesta is full of great photo opportunities.