It's the dead of winter in half the world, and the best way to get through it with with body and soul intact is to stay active. Fortunately, MSNBC.com points out a number of world-class winter festivals that'll get the toes tapping and blood flowing as we count the days until spring. In Venice, residents and visitors alike will celebrate Carnevale from February 9-20. Just like similar pre-lenten festivals in Rio (pictured) and New Orleans, expect to see colorful costumes and beautifully-designed masks as people celebrate in St. Mark's Square and elsewhere. (Starwood has five luxurious properties in Venice.) Guests at the Westin Valencia in Spain can enjoy Las Fallas in March, where hundreds of cardboard, wood, and paper puppets are paraded through the streets and then burned in a massive celebration on the last day. The Buenos Aires Tango Festival runs from late February to early March, and is a great opportunity to see some of the top tango dancers in Argentina (and thus, the world) do their intricate moves in a public setting. Tango classes are available for beginners so they can join in the fun too. Guests at the Park Tower (a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection) will have plenty of opportunities to warm up during this inspiring festival of dance.

[image via MSNBC.com]