In recent years, other fiestas like Valencia's tomato-throwing bash, La Tomatina, have made the international tourist radar and now draw visitors from around the world.

There's nothing quite like visiting a place when it's in the middle of a party -- especially if it's the kind of celebration that doesn't happen every year. Here's a selection of some of the must-see festivals and events happening exclusively in 2013.

This weather is making me want to get out and enjoy the outdoors, so I've selected the top spring and summer events/festival sure to make your day is brighter than the sun.

Whether steeped in solemnity or sprung from pure silliness, festivals around the world never cease to intrigue, amaze or, at the very least, entertain...

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — The Gulf Coast has Mardi Gras. Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, the descendants of Swiss and German immigrants have ...

By tomorrow, we will have run out of things to do, and end up at a Roman-style bathhouse where I will receive what is hands-down -- literally -- the most unsatisfying massage of my life. Now, though, despite frozen nostrils and a sore throat, I want to take one last mental picture of a place I will almost surely never see again.

Why not skip the cooking and preparation part altogether? Why not skip town?

Summer, winter, spring or fall. It is always the right season to visit Door County Peninsula.

The world's largest hot-air balloon rally kicks off this weekend, as the 41st annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lifts off Saturday morni...

The loudest spot in Bear Mountain State Park on a fall weekend isn't in front of the polka band blasting out indecipherable German tunes or among the ...

For hops afficionados, there's more to Germany than Oktoberfest. This autumn, consider these alternative destinations to quench your thirst for good brew.

Known as one of the cultural capitals of Canada, the thriving city of Edmonton has this eclectic artsy vibe that makes it a fascinating yet still affordable place to visit.

It's not quite Halloween, but come every 7th month of the lunar calendar in Singapore, trick or treating gets mystifying and complex.

In Northern Portugal, the Serralves Em Festa keeps attendees busy with its 240 plus activities and events over the course of 40 hours. The backdrop of this contemporary arts festa, or festival in Portuguese, is Portugal's second largest city, Porto, already well known for its famous port wine.

The 13th Documenta Festival has taken over Kassel, Germany, filling the city's museums, abandoned buildings, parks and even a railroad station with documentary disguised as art. Held every four or five years, the 100-day festival embraces the idea that art is not limited to paintings on the wall.

Summers in Oaxaca are launched with the Guelaguetza festival, a two week long celebration of life and culture.

Peru's Christian faith is a spoil of war, but no less genuine for being coerced. Likewise, the Incan culture is mourned despite being obviously extant.

The first of several saints days celebrated in Portugal, it marks the beginning of the city's many summer festivals.

This Saturday, July 14, cities in France and around the world will set off fireworks, storm faux bastilles and honor all things France in celebrations that will have everyone shouting, "Vive la France!"