There are more festivals in the world today than one can count, celebrating everything from beer and blossoms to music and motorcycles.

Many fetes are renowned the world over, like Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, Munich's Oktoberfest and New Orleans' Mardi Gras. Others are less known but just as joyous - or in some cases even riotous.

...most festivals are organized to create fun, not danger, even though what constitutes "fun" may vary widely.

In Daytona Beach, for instance, thousands of motorcyclists amuse themselves during March's huge Bike Week with such events as coleslaw wrestling and no-T-shirt contests. At Quebec City's annual Winter Carnival, men race canoes on a frozen river while women strip down to bikinis and roll in the snow.

Most of us, though, aren't into that kind of participation. Festival-going for us means attending special events, watching parades, listening to musical programs, downing food and beverages, and enjoying the company of others.

Here's a very short selection of festivals that may intrigue you.