THEY say life is there to be lived. Inspired by the idea of a hedonistic holiday, Breakaway takes a whirlwind tour of some of the world’s wildest parties.
Apres-beach parties – Hvar, Croatia
By day, the Croatian island of Hvar is the idyllic locale for people and boat watching, but by night, it morphs into one big outdoor dance club.
In recent years, this dazzling water wonderland has earned a reputation as a Euro party hub, rivalling its Spanish counterpart Ibiza.
The main clubs on the island play host to apres-beach parties, which see the scantily-clad, designer sunglass set come out to play after a day’s bathing in the Adriatic.
The parties are held every day during the summer tourist season from 5pm, with revellers dancing like there’s no tomorrow.
The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
An explosion of colour, music and creativity bursts into action when The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival swings in each year.
Celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the carnival is said to have been created in Trinidad and Tobago by Africans celebrating the end of slavery.
Touted as a sensual extravaganza of street dancing and revelry, it’s renowned as being one of the best carnivals in the world; an event that everyone should experience at least once.
Full Moon Party – Koh Phangan, Thailand
This all-night party takes place along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island of Koh Phangan and is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The event draws crowds from 10,000 to 30,000 on the night before or after every full moon, with the party continuing until the sun rises the next day.
This year, there are parties from June through to December.
As well as dance, trance, R&B and reggae, there are jugglers, fire-eaters and an impromptu fireworks display.
New Orleans Mardi Gras
New Orleans has had its fair share of tragedy over recent years, but all negativity is pushed aside when Mardi Gras comes to town.
One of the biggest free parties in the world sees streets fill with colourful floats and locals dress in beads and masks.
Dating back to the 1780s, Mardi Gras – also known as Shrove Tuesday or Carnival – is the last opportunity for revelry and indulgence in food and drink before the temperance of Lent.
The date varies from year to year, always falling between February 3 and March 9.