Le Carnaval des Femmes, France

This cheerful and colourful event is also known as the Day of the Laundress. Everyone is invited to dress up and take part in the celebration, even men, but there is one condition – they have to dress up as women to join the party. In the old days this holiday was held by the washerwomen of Paris, who would elect a queen and go out and party in their uniforms. The tradition was revived a few years ago and now is held from 13:00 to 18:00 at the Place du Châtelet.