Probably, intensive heat is what defines Christmas season in Latin America best, nonetheless, winter decorations can be found all around these countries and even Santa, keeps his typical red costume. Latin American countries have inherited its Christmas traditions from the European colonial times and celebrate Christmas Eve on the 24th (which is called “Noche Buena”) with a big family dinner which ends with the “Misa del Gallo” (Cock Mass at midnight). Christmas Day takes place on the 25th, and commemorates the birth of Jesus; normally people receive gifts and family gets together again at a copious lunch.

You do not need to have visited beautiful India to know that cows are sacred animals for the Hindu community, who worship and decorate them at special events. Furthermore, in most states of India, cow slaughtering is illegal and the consumption of their meat is largely forbidden in the country. These laws, on the other hand, are criticised by Muslim Indians who argue beef is a lot cheaper than chicken or fish in the country.

Surprisingly there is a kind of hysteria in some parts of India where they think bovine animals are under threat even though the Government census shows that the cow population has grown 6.75% between 2007 and 2012 while at the same time India continues to be the largest exporter of beef in the world of which 80% is buffalo. In addition, India has 30% of the world´s cattle consisting of 26 breeds of cows, which wander through the country´s busiest cities unmindfully.

• Brasileiros: their charming and friendly character will stick to your flesh and bones and will live inside of you forever. For sure, the foremost attribute of the country.

• Brazil has almost 7.500 km of coastline which harbours never-ending white sand beaches lapped by The Atlantic Ocean and has created a beach culture.

• Its unique environmental heritage, makes Brazil one of the 17most bio -diverse countries in the world.

• Home to the 60% of the Amazon the largest and more diverse tropical rainforest in the world.

• Brazilian greetings will surely make you smile, especially when translated: beleza (beauty), tudo joia (all jewel), falou (what´s there, goodbye).

• Its most emblematic city, Rio de Janeiro, will host the 2016 Olympics.

• Its mild and tropical weather. Forget about the cold, the grey skies, and enjoy the sun and caipirinhas.

Diwali or the Festival of Lights is the most emblematic event of the year celebrated in India. It marks the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness. Indians represent the largest foreign-born population in UK and London, which amounts to around 263.000 people in the latter. The marriage of the UK and India, which originated after 3 centuries of colonization has made a tradition like Diwali to be celebrated all throughout the country.

Even though the 11th of November is the official Diwali, throughout the entire month celebrations will be held all around the country. Hindu communities, various cities, schools and universities join this amazing spectacle. Famous names of Bhangra and Bollywood attend these events, which makes outsiders of the Hindu community eager to join as well.

• Leicester

Believe it or not, Leicester hosts the biggest Diwali celebration outside India in the world. More than 30.000 people are expected to watch the lights at Belgrave Road and enjoy the live performances, music and dancing.

• Cardiff

Several Hindu associations host different events across Wales. A perfect chance to get the hang of Bollywood dancing!