The carnival season is closely followed by another special celebration -- Chinese New Year! 2001 (well, it's really 4699) brings the Year of the Snake. One of the most widely publicized events in the U.S. is held in San Francisco's Chinatown. A quick visit to ChineseParade.com reveals a detailed history of this early spring festival along with information about the customs and artifacts associated with this holiday. Or go right to the source and see how it's really celebrated through the Hong Kong Tourist Association's Site.

You can find more Chinese New Year lore and recipes on Dim Sum, Anyone? Your fortune is just one click away thanks to the virtual fortune cookie! This site is part of Web Holidays, a site devoted to food and holidays.

As we come out of winter hibernation, we'll find many colorful celebrations around the world, each region having its own form of merry making. For a guide to riotous revelry from New York to San Francisco, from London to Rio de Janeiro, visit Carnaval.com.

Best wishes & happy surfing!

The Webicurean™
webby@webicurean.com