Monday-Greece

Every year, barefoot villagers of Ayia Eleni near Serres, and of Langada near Thessaloniki, dance themselves into a trance before walking over hot coals. The custom of Anastenaria honours Saints Helen and Constantine, although the practice began in pagan times.

Those celebrating the Anastenaria are known as Anastenarides who, on the eve of the feast of Saints Constantine and Helen, gather and work themselves into a trance-like state through hours of devotional dancing.

TUESDAY-France

The historic town of Vivonne invites musicians from across the globe to participate in this festival of world folk music. Around 6000 people enjoy the festivities, and 100 stands in the Village du Monde represent the sounds of other countries.

Wednesday - Lisbon

The 6th International Tango Festival takes place in Lisbon on 25-29 May 2011 and celebrates the link between the two sea-facing cities of Lisbon and Buenos Aires. Central to the event will be a world-class Tango Orchestra, and expert teachers will be on hand to give free milonga lessons each afternoon.

Thursday-Rome

Rome’s Stadio Olimpico hosts an evening of world-class athletics. The Golden Gala is part of the annual Diamond League series, a format created to ensure that the world’s leading athletes have the opportunity to meet on a regular basis.

The Diamond League series replaced the Golden League in 2010. The competition still brings the world’s leading athletes together to compete, but now visits countries outside Europe, including the USA, China and Qatar.

Results over the course of the 14 meetings in each of the 32 individual disciplines determine the winners of the ‘Diamond Race’. The most consistent performers receive a US$40,000 prize and a trophy created by jewellers, Beyer.

Friday-Thailand

Athletes compete for high prize money at Chiang Saen district’s Mekong River International Multi-Sport ITU Asian Cup. The standard triathlon is on the final day, a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run, starting and finishing at the Mekong River.

Saturday-Argentina

Argentina sports some of the highest and roughest terrain known to the World Rally Championship. Watch figure-of-eight courses, three-car super special stages and other events at the annual Rally Argentina, held in the countryside surrounding Villa Carlos Paz, in Córdoba.

Sunday-Italy

On the last Sunday in May, the town of Collodi celebrates Pinocchio’s birthday. Celebrations take place in the Parco di Pinocchio, an entertainment ground entirely devoted to the adventures of the little wooden humanoid and his array of strange friends.

A new theme every year raises awareness on various issues by welcoming scores of schoolchildren to submit their ideas on the subject.