Strange and interesting events around the world this weekend
Jorvik Viking Festival
Where: Coppergate, York, Yorkshire, England
Get some hands-on experience of what it was like to be a Viking. More than 10,000 visitors turn up to York's annual Jorvik Festival to watch Norse warriors fight to the (mock) death with their enemies, the Saxons.
This international celebration of York's heritage welcomes Vikings from all over the world, not only for ferocious and bloody battles, but also to enjoy dozens of specially organised arts, music, drama and action events throughout the city.
York, most often associated historically with the Romans, was in fact ruled by Viking kings as Jorvik between 866AD and 952AD. The area where the Jorvik Centre is situated was excavated in the 1970s and during the festival visitors can also take a tour of the homes, shops and streets found by the archaeologists.
Parade of Whales - Hawaii
Part of the Maui Whale Festival is the annual Parade of Whales which sees thousands of costumed revellers take to the streets with floats, music, marching bands and, of course, life-sized humpback balloons. An all-day festival at Kalama Park follows.
Every year floats, marching bands and the likes are decorated according to a chosen theme. Prizes are awarded in a range of categories including 'Most Eco-Friendly Entry'.
Basel Carnival - Switzerland
Basel Carnival kicks off at 4am when Basel's electricity is turned off and the streets are illuminated by torch lights. The Carnival Queen is crowned in a solemn ritual, marking the start of a three-day street party.
For the next three days the city abandons itself to wild revelry - accompanied by the sound of thousands of piccolos (high-tone flutes) and drums. In addition to the floats, boisterous brass bands also join the procession
After the processions, around 60 groups of satirists parade through the city restaurants. They present verses (in Basel-German dialect) about the events of the past 12 months, accompanied by songs and music.
