This is a period of glamorous events in a number of places. FALCON YACHTS latest extraordinary models have left the port of Viareggio for France to attend two very exciting events taking place on the Côte d’ Azur: Cannes Film Festival (14th- 25th May) and Montercarlo Formula 1 Grand Prix (23rd-25th May).
Cannes is the biggest and most famous film festival in the world.
Best known for starlets on the beach, stars on yachts and fractious bunfights at controversial screenings, the festival also has a proud history of upholding artistic standards within an industry increasingly dominated by the bottom line.
Everyone has his own favourite Cannes moment - Jean-Paul Sartre strolling the Croisette in a bathing suit in 1947; Brigitte Bardot doing the same, to rather different effect, in 1953; the 1975 bombing attempt by an appropriately Buñuel-esque terrorist group called "People's Struggle Against The Perversion of Humanity" - the list goes on.
Most of the action takes place at the famous Palais du Festivals, although screenings do take place all over the town. The beach is the place to see the starlets doing their thing, and although most Cannes Film Festival Events are strictly by invitation only, there are film screenings open to the public.
In addition to the main competition, the festival has a fiercely competitive short film competition and the Un Certain Regard competition which includes high-quality features deemed not suitable for the main competition, yet certainly worthy of recognition.
The Monaco Grand Prix is the glamour event of the Formula One calendar. The circuit winds round some of the most famous streets in motor racing, past the Mairie, the Casino, through the tunnel and round the swimming pool by the port.
Monaco is home from home for many of the Formula 1 drivers. When they are not competing on the racetracks of the world they are enjoying the luxury, and tax benefits, of the principality. It feels like Formula One belongs in Monaco and no other Grand Prix quite captures the glamour and jet-set image of the sport.
Those fortunate enough will be watching the event from their private yachts in the Monte Carlo harbour, but a seat in the grandstand is by no means the worst place to be. Although the races tend to be devoid of overtaking - the streets really are too narrow - just the thrill of being at one of the world's great sporting events makes the race an absolute must.

Carnival is the main event of the period all over the world: in Rio de Janeiro, New Orleans, Europe and mostly in Italy. Viareggio Carnival is one of the most renowned folklore festivals in the world thanks to its extraordinary paper-pulp floats. FALCON, which builds its great megayachts in Viareggio and is always present at the most glamorous events, chooses the elegant tradition of the Venice Carnival.
26 Jan - 5 Feb 2008
The Venice Carnival, with its masked balls and elaborate costumes, is the highlight of the city's year. St Mark's square, the theatres, and the famous “campi” burst into life with musical, theatrical, acrobatic and dance performances.
With a two-week series of processions, masquerades, traditional ceremonies, music and all-round festivities among the canals, squares and palaces of this ancient city, the carnival is one of the most celebrated and fascinating events in Europe. The whole city is filled with musicians, acrobats, theatre troupes and revellers from all over the world, and for those with a more aristocratic bent, there are dozens of masked balls, brunches in period costume and gala dinners to attend.

The carnival, with its attendant tradition of mask-wearing, has existed in some form or another since the 13th century. The masks themselves - along with the traditional bauto (hood and cape), tabarro (cloak) and tri-corn hat - were favoured because they conferred complete anonymity on their wearers.

Every year the event is inspired by a new theme. Last year's edition, Carnevale di Venezia: Leone e Dragone (Venetian Carnival: Lion and Dragon) celebrated China, from theatre to people, while this year's 6 Sensi x 6 Sestieri (Six senses per six wards).
Here are the Boat Shows taking place in these months (in this period):
London Boat Show from 11th to 20th January
Boote Düsseldorf from 19th to 27th January
Miami International Boat Show from 14th to 18th February