Traveller’s Diary: Events in Food, Sport, Music and Dance around the world

The Cricket Festival

When: May 9

Where: Florence, Italy

On Ascension Day (ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven) in Florence, crowds gather in the Cascine Park to celebrate Festa del Grillo, The chirping cricket traditionally marking the arrival of spring.

Escape Festival Of Art & Music

When: May 24-26

Where: Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

Get ready to experience summer fun amidst the artistic extravaganza — Escape Festival of Art & Music at the Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal in Uttarakhand. The Escape Festival will feature a variety of artists, photographers, bands, painters, tattoo artists, potters and graffiti artists from various places from all over the world. The three-day Escape Festival held in the pristine beauty of Naukuchiatal will include artists and bands like Menwhopause, Indigo Children, Hari Om Project, Rajneesh Kapoor (comedian), Shivani Kohli (painter), Shiv Ahuja (photographer), Aditya Mubayi (quizmaster), Samrat X (writer), Samita Chatterjee (graffiti artist) amongst others.

Spanish Grand Prix

When: May 10-12

Where: Barcelona, Spain

The Grand Prix 2013 race in Barcelona will be held at the Catalunya circuit. The actual date for the race is Sunday, May 12, however there will be racing events on May 10 and 11 as well. Book your tickets online and make your way to Spain where some of the world’s best racers and automobiles will compete for the top slots. www.formula1.com

The Borneo Jazz Festival

When: May 10, 11

Where: Miri, Borneo, Malaysia

Previously known as the Miri International Jazz Festival, the Borneo Festival 2013 is making a return! The jazz extravaganza will be offering a diverse range of jazz styles, as well as other musical genres for the fans. Highlights of the event include performances of local and international bands, Craft Bazaar, Borneo Jazz Store and Village Mart. The event is targeting to attract at least 9,000 local and foreign festival-goers this year. Borneo Jazz this year is a bit of a geographical mix. The 2013 edition will be a blend of eastern spice, western punch, smooth northern cream and southern sunshine. The jazz festival is now in its eighth year. jazzborneo.com

Czech Beer Festival In Prague

When: May 16 - June 01

Where: Exhibition Grounds, Holesovice (Výstaviste ), Prague 7

The Czech Beer Festival in Prague is the largest gastronomic event in the Czech Republic, with seating for up to 10,000 visitors on long benches inside marquees. Sample 70 brands of Czech beer, sourced from large breweries, regional breweries and micro-breweries . There is also traditional food to try and live bands to entertain.

San Isidro Festival

When: May 15

Where: Souk, Spain

San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid. In the world of bullfighting, San Isidro marks the start of the capital’s season and is the world’s largest event which attracts all the top bullfighters and bull breeders. If you’re planning on a visit you should try to get tickets well in advance as every night at the Las Ventas bullring sells out.

If bullfighting is not your cup of tea, a visit to the festival is still enjoyable as there are cultural performances held around the area.