Summer is not the only time of year when the Canary Island of Tenerife celebrates fiesta. On February 7 islanders will head to the city of Santa Cruz to elect a Child King and three days later the Carnival Queen is chosen. By February 17 on Ash Wednesday visitors to Tenerife can witness a colorful funeral procession where a paper mache sardine packed with fireworks is set alight. Celebrations conclude on February 21 with a big festival procession. Go to www.webtenerife.com for more information.
Or take a trip to Italy and celebrate Caravaggio Year…
Rome has declared 2010 Caravaggio Year in honor of the Baroque artist. This year marks the 400th anniversary of his death which is being marked by several special exhibitions of his works. Thirty of his works of art are going on display in Rome at the Scuderie del Quirinale from February 17. In May, a Caravaggio exhibition is opening in Florence at the Palazzo Pitti while at the end of the year Rimini will host paintings by Caravaggio in Castel Sismondo. Right now some of the artist’s most important works are on display in Forli. More information can be found at www.scuderiequirinale.it.