thousands of people, all eager to express the Dutch spirit. In similar spirit, Turkey hosts Anzac at Gallipoli. As every year, respect is paid to the memory of ancient ancestors.

Colourful and vibrant parties, sports, music and dances take place all around Europe – from Scotland (New Year’s day in Edinburgh) to Liverpool (Grand National at Aintree Racecourse). There are fashion and ladies’ hats at Royal Ascot in England, concerts, parades, dances and fireworks on St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland. And, of course, the running of bulls in Spain.

Spain has a long tradition of bull-fighting. The Plaza de Toros (bull ring) is always a hugh attraction as toreros (matadors) engage one-to-two thousand-pound bulls with only muletas (red capes) and lances.

At San Fermin the booze really flows for the running of the bulls in July. The animals are released from corrals to run for the bullring where they are killed by the toreros. High from sangria and champagne, a few thrill-seekers run ahead of the animals. Each year, people are gored by the bulls, often seriously injured, sometimes fatally.

In England, less dramatically, people have had fun over the years at both the Chelmsford and Reading festivals, where

musicians perform to around 100,000 attendees. In the past, musicians like Dido, Pink, Jamelia, The Darkness, Green Day, Morrisey, 50 Cent, Ash, Lost Prophet and others have entertained.

By far the biggest carnival in England is held at Notting Hill Gate in August. It’s the ‘mother’ of all festivals. First introduced in 1964, about a million people, including tourists, now experience the parade each year.

Festivals, carnivals, and similar events are all about the thrill. For us all, in Europe at least, they are about carne vale – ‘farewell to the flesh’, as we dwell on the true spirit of humankind.

Photos:

Above right: a matador engages bull in Pamplona

Below right: a dancer at Notting Hill