EUROPE

PARIS BOOK FAIR

Paris Book Fair is a literary festival held at the Paris Porte de Versailles. Book-signing sessions are scheduled every day, which enable visitors to have a meet-and-greet session with authors and illustrators. Participants from more than 50 countries congregate here, generating a multi-cultural literary community during the fair, and exposing aspiring talent to opportunities. This year, there will be a delegation of 30 internationally renowned authors, and Russia is the country of honour.

LAS FALLAS

During Las Fallas or “The Fires”, the city comes together in a “burning” ceremony to light up monuments made from cardboard, wood and paper. It is a way for the locals to bid adieu to the cold winter nights — a tradition followed since decades when artists used to burn the scrap from their workshops to celebrate the equinox. At midnight, onlookers enjoy an elaborate display of fireworks in the sky. visitvalencia.com

BORDEAUX METROPOLE MARATHON

The Bordeaux Metropole Marathon takes place at night, against a scenic backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Participants get to see Bordeaux’s illuminated castles and monuments during their run that is cheered by onlookers. Sites include Pont de Pierre, Porte de Bourgogne, Pey Berland and Place de la Comédie. The marathon starts at 10pm opposite the Palais de la Bourse (Stock Exchange Palace). marathondebordeauxmetropole.com

THE BOAT RACE

The Boat Race is a contest between two rowing crews from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It takes place on the River Thames in southwest London. The men’s and women’s teams compete in eight rowing boats each. Fans cheer their teams from the Furnivall gardens and Bishops Park. Big screens are set up in these parks that are also crowded with food kiosks and portable bars, thus making them perfect picnic spot for families. theboatrace.org