Carnival

Carnival, season just before Lent, celebrated in some Roman Catholic countries by merrymaking, processions, dancing, and feasting. The word probably comes from the medieval Latin word carnelevarium, meaning “to take away [or to remove] meat.” In the past, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat during Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penitence before Easter. Carnival provided a last opportunity for indulgence and partying before the abstinence and privations of Lent. Today, the word carnival is also used to describe many kinds of public festivities and outdoor amusements.

Carnival is celebrated in most countries of Europe and the Americas, especially in predominantly Roman Catholic countries and communities. The first day of the Carnival season varies from country to country. In southern Germany and Austria, where it is known as Fasching, it begins on January 6, the Epiphany, and culminates in festivities two days before Lent. In Cologne and other parts of Rhineland Germany, the season commences at 11:11 on the morning of November 11, and the revelry leads up to the Tolle Tage (“crazy days”), the two days before Lent, which are celebrated with parades, singing, and dancing.

In parts of France and southern European countries, Carnival begins on Quinquagesima Sunday, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, and finishes on Shrove Tuesday, the day preceding Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday, which remains a day of fasting for Roman Catholics, marks the beginning of Lent. When fasting and penitence were more commonly observed during Lent, Shrove Tuesday became a time of feasting, dancing, and general merrymaking. In New Orleans, Louisiana, carnival festivities known as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday” in French) are celebrated on Shrove Tuesday. The name “Fat Tuesday” comes from the practice of using up any meat and fats in the house before the start of Lent.

Some of the most colorful Carnival celebrations take place in Latin America. The dazzling Carnival celebration held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, draws tourists from around the world. It begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and continues for four days and four nights of parades, balls, marching bands, and general revelry. The high point of Rio’s Carnival is a contest among various samba schools that compete for the best costumes, floats, music, and dancing.

Carnival dates back to pagan festivals in Roman times that celebrated the return of spring and rebirth of nature. Later on carnival became associated with preparations before the start of Lent. European settlers brought carnival to the Americas, where it was transformed by African and Native American traditions of music and dance.