Events for students in Europe

Sami people all over Scandinavia celebrate their life and culture, and educate others, in February each year. Expect exhibitions and various cultural events dotted throughout Sweden on Sami National Day.

With record prize money of over SFr400,000, the White Turf international horse races have established themselves among the most spectacular winter events in the whole of Europe. Thousands of spectators enjoy 18 captivating races on St Moritz's frozen lake.

Toulouse, the "pink city" and world capital of violets, invites visitors from around the globe to celebrate its favourite flower at the International Violet Meeting. The highlight of the weekend is a hotly contested violet competition.

Reggae Britannia at London's Barbican Centre celebrates reggae's impact on UK music and culture. Musical director Dennis Bovell brings together a band featuring some of the most important British reggae artists, backing an all-star cast of singers and toasters.

Held at Watford Palace Theatre, Scarecrow is the story of a lonely scarecrow and a bunch of noisy crows.

On the first Friday of every month, 1200 inline skaters gather at Toulon's Palais des Sports' car-park, then promenade through the city's streets. The 17km circuit explores the (conveniently flat) city centre, from the Old Town to the port.

The Up Helly Aa is a fire festival involving a torchlit procession, the burning of a Viking longship and a ceilidh which lasts late into the night. The festival heralds the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Every Friday New York's comedy scene comes to Le Pranzo in Paris. It's a real insider's event, where in-the-know locals and tourists have their funny bones tickled by expat comedians, and guest stand-up acts fresh off the plane.

The spine-tingling sound of massed Welsh rugby fans singing in support of their team is a cornerstone of Six Nations matches at the Millennium Stadium. In 2011, Wales welcome England and Ireland as they attempt to regain the championship crown.

One of the most anticipated mountain festivals, The Banff Mountain Film Festival sets off on a world tour, visiting 30 different countries. Catch it at the Komedia Club, Brighton for some jaw-dropping and thought-provoking features.

Brightly coloured gaiety takes place around Albert Square and Chinatown to usher in the Chinese New Year in Manchester.

The town of Almonacid de Marquesado celebrates Candelaría (Candlemas) and Saint Blaise's Day with a strange devil-themed dance called La Endiablada. Men prance about the Spanish town dressed up in floral pyjama-like suits, with huge cowbells hanging from their waist.

Join Marseille's Candlemass Day Procession, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century. The Black Virgin of Saint-Victor Abbey is taken out of the crypt for the celebration, and afterwards the archbishop blesses the city and the sea.

The Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair is the largest antiques fair in Belgium. Top dealers display an eclectic mix of wares from African art to carpets and books in the newly regenerated Tour & Taxis district of the capital.

Salzburg celebrates the birthday of its most famous son during Mozart Week. Well-known musicians, orchestras and conductors come to the Mozarteum, Haus für Mozart, Solitär and Grosses Festspielhaus to celebrate and perform music by the composer and his contemporaries.

Over 100 of Berlin's museums, special collections and cultural projects keep their doors open late and hold special events during the popular biannual Long Night of the Museums. Tickets include all entrance fees and unlimited shuttle bus transport between the venues.

Salisbury Winterfest is a small but perfectly formed festival held at the Castle Street Social Club and arranged by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Cannes' Palais des Festivals rocks to the sounds of its MIDEM Music Festival, a professional trade fair that also incorporates a series of concerts, alongside the glitzy NRJ Music Awards (by invitation only).

The Lerwick Up Helly Aa is a magnificent fire festival, incorporating the burning of a Viking galley and a torchlit parade. Nearly 1000 people dressed as Vikings or in other fancy dress take to the streets for this community-defining event.

Museums and cultural institutions open late for Basel Museum Night, a chance for culture vultures to do as much as possible.