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Beer fun in Iceland

Even though the mean temperature is still around zero, and even though it is "Iceland", the country's capital Reykjavk is getting warm with excitement.

The city will have its annual Beer Day on March 1 to celebrate the ending of 74-year alcohol prohibition in 1989, when you will surely encounter bustling parties in the clubs until 4 am the next day. Reykjavk has many more things to experience, too, including a spa experience in the Blue Lagoon with its mineral-rich hot water, and delicacies in restaurants of various styles. The city is also famous for its gay-friendly atmosphere. More information on www.visitreykjavik.is.

Hot-air highs

Malaysia will welcome its 4th annual Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta from March 15 to 18. Dozens of balloons in different styles and shapes from around the globe will gather in Putrajava, a city 40 kilometers away from the country's capital of Kuala Lumpur, giving visitors an extravaganza of color and creativity.

A fireworks display, aviation show and helicopter rides are all part of the fun. More information on www.myballoonfiesta.com.

Spain's fiery festival

How would you like to rendezvous with fire for a whole week? Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain will give you a chance to experience amazing displays of fire and fireworks in the week leading up to March 19. Groups of people prepare puppets or dolls on monuments that can be paraded through the city.

The winning display goes to the museum, while the rest are burned in a fiery display around midnight on the last day. The festival, which honors Saint Joseph the carpenter, will attract tens of thousands of people to cheer for this blazing fiesta. More information on www.fallasfromvalencia.com.

Get a feel of Tuscany

Want to experience the warm Tuscan flavor and enjoy the picturesque Tyrrhenian Sea to shake out the coldness in a whole winter? The Italian ancient town Viareggio is good choice. However, if you arrive there before March 3, there's a bonus: The city will give its platform to one of the most spectacular annual carnivals in Italy.

The carnival, which is steeped in Italian's imagination and emotion, is famous for its most amazing float parade and satire of public and political figures. If you like, you can brandish a rubber truncheon and begin a foam war. More information on www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com (website in Italian).

China Daily - Agencies