Macau is set to kick up its heels and party with giant resort The Venetian to host a colourfully vibrant Carnival 2011.

From May 27-29, anybody remotely interested in samba, salsa, great food and drink will dress up to party at the Asian centre’s “biggest, glitziest and wildest” international carnival  – a fusion of world carnivals, from Venice to Rio, New Orleans to Spain, Trinidad and Tobago to Portugal.

Carnival 2011will start with a bang on the Friday evening at a poolside Brazilian Samba Party (The Venetian Lagoon), fuelled by cocktails and a spectacular fireworks display.

Dancers and musicians will generate “the heat and passion” of samba at this ticketed dance party, while a DJ and band “rock the block”.

On the following day, a Venetian-style Copacabana charity dinner, themed around Caribbean favourites such as coco crab cake, mango salsa, piña colada, avocado, sugarcane, tortilla wrap, home-smoked salmon, Madagascar vanilla, and shredded plum heart, will take centre stage.

“Think fabulous cuisine, sexy, glamorous Brazilian dancers and musicians, new friends and a wonderful evening – all in the cause of a deserving local charity,” say organisers.

On the Sunday, the party and parades will keep up the tempo to the incessant beat of drums and the undulating rhythms of the samba with more food and drink flowing.

The Venetian Carnival 2011 is one of a number of glittering events to be held in the Asian centre throughout the year.

From June 4-6 is the thrill-a-minute Macau International Dragon Boat Races while for the weekends between September 10 and early October Macau will host the 23^rd Macau International Fireworks Display involving countries from around the world, Australia included.

“When it comes to festivals Macau knows how to turn on a colourful and exciting event,” said Helen Wong, managing director of the Macau Government Tourist Office in Australia and New Zealand.

“2011 will be no exception, judging by the number and quality of events on the calendar,” she said. “From such events as the 11^th Macau Lotus Flower Festival (June) and the 25^th Macau International Music Festival (Oct 7 – Nov 6) to the 58^th Macau Grand Prix (Oct) and the 11^th annual Food Festival (Nov), there’s much to excite visitors as well as the locals.

“One of my favourites is the Macau City Fringe Festival which will be into its 11^th year when staged in November. The performances put on during this festival are worth taking the flight from Australia to see.”

Details: Macau Government Tourist Office