Carnaval—Beasts and ¡Brasil! @ Madrid Sat, 17-22 Feb.

Madrid’s annual Carnaval takes place from 17-22 Feb. This year’s theme for the design, characters, costumes and decoration of the floats will be natural or mythical beasts, ranging from monsters and insects to fauns and butterflies, with plenty of scope for fantasy, outrageous outfits and spectacle. The Carnaval parade will be held on Saturday 18th, starting from Retiro, going down Calle Alcalá to Plaza de Cibeles, then along Paseo de Recoletos, and finishing at Plaza de Colón. To continue celebrations, from midnight on Saturday night the Círculo de Bellas Artes party begins, with the theme here being ¡Brasil!—expect a wild night of colour, dress, dance and entertainment.

Madrid Carnaval 2012, 17-22 Feb. See www.esmadrid.com/es/carnaval. Círculo de Bellas Artes ¡Brasil! Party, Sat, 18 Feb. Tickets €40; students & groups, €35. See www.circulobellasartes.com