The Port Douglas Village Carnivale

In many cultures around the world there are four distinct seasons signified by the changing of the climate. But the tourist village of Port Douglas lives by a different system where there are only two seasons: the tourist season, and the low season. Yes, anthropologists have studied these strange people for many years now, and it has been discovered that their love for entertaining visitors and providing a unique holiday destination is at the forefront of their lives.

To celebrate the coming of the tourist season, Port Douglas inhabitants engage in a week long 'Carnivale' of dancing, song, exhibitions, competitions and anything else that is fun. The participants pray for a good tourist season of harmony and excitement for all. Obviously their deity is kind, because they always receive their wish.

Since 1993, the annual Port Douglas Village Carnivale has attracted visitors to its celebration of tropical life.

In 2003, the carnivale is planned for the 18th to 25th of May.

Carnivale is unique due to its very strong local participation from all walks of life, including the local sugar industry and fishing fleet.

Activities at Carnivale include:

• Sailing trips aboard sailing yachts
  
• Golf tournaments
  
• Rugby tournament
  
• Iron man competition
  
• Street Theatre, music and dance
  
• Grand Float parade
  
• Sandcastle building competition
  
• Market stalls

A focus of the Port Douglas Village Carnivale is locally caught seafood. There are numerous opportunities to taste the fresh seafood plucked from the waters around Port Douglas. A few of the organised banquets are listed below:

• Huge buffet style lunch banquets on the boardwalk at Marina Mirage
  
• Evening Food & Wine Festival.
  
• Breakfast and Lunch Seafood Extravaganza