View source for Carnival

{{Short description|Christian festival before Lent}}
{{About|the Christian festival before Lent||}}
{{very long|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
[[File:Lingelbach Karneval in Rom 001.jpg|thumb|260px|Carnival in [[Rome]], {{circa|1650}}]]
[[File:Desfile Portela 2014 (906185).jpg|thumb|260px|[[Rio Carnival|Rio's Carnival]] is the largest in the world according to [[Guinness World Records]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-Records/largest-carnival/ |title=Largest carnival |publisher=Guinness World Records |date=1 January 2004 |access-date=11 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415171300/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-carnival/ |archive-date=15 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

'''Carnival''' (known as [[Shrovetide]] in certain localities) is a [[festive]] [[season]] that occurs at the close of the Christian [[pre-Lenten period]],<ref>{{cite OED|carnival (n.)|8045197810|quote=The season immediately preceding Lent, devoted in Italy and other Roman Catholic countries to revelry and riotous amusement, Shrovetide; the festivity of this season. High Carnival: the revelry of the Carnival at its height.}}</ref> consisting of [[Quinquagesima]] or Shrove Sunday, [[Shrove Monday]], and [[Shrove Tuesday]] or [[Mardi Gras]].<ref>{{cite OED|Shrovetide (n.)|2819425396|quote=The period comprising Quinquagesima Sunday and the two following days, 'Shrove' Monday and Tuesday.}}</ref>

Carnival typically involves public [[party|celebrations]], including events such as [[parade]]s, public [[street party|street parties]] and other entertainments, combining some elements of a [[circus]]. Elaborate costumes and masks allow people to set aside their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity.<ref name=Bakhtin>Bakhtin, Mikhail. 1984. ''Rabelais and his world''. Translated by H. Iswolsky. Bloomington: [[Indiana University Press]]. Original edition, ''Tvorchestvo Fransua Rable i narodnaia kul'tura srednevekov'ia i Renessansa'', 1965.</ref> Participants often indulge in excessive consumption of alcohol,<ref name="BarrowsRoom1991">{{cite book |last1=Barrows |first1=Susanna |last2=Room |first2=Robin |title=Drinking: Behavior and Belief in Modern History| url={{google books| id=o-wmSdtGer0C| page=404| plainurl=y}} |access-date=17 February 2015 |year=1991 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520070851 |pages=404–}}</ref> meat, and other foods that will be forgone during upcoming Lent. Traditionally, butter, milk, and other animal products were not consumed "excessively", rather, their stock was fully consumed during Shrovetide as to reduce waste. This festival is known for being a time of great indulgence before Lent (which is a time stressing the opposite), with drinking, overeating, and various other activities of indulgence being performed. For example, [[pancake]]s, donuts, and other desserts are prepared and eaten for a final time. During Lent, dairy and animal products are eaten less, if at all, and individuals make a [[Lenten sacrifice]], thus giving up a certain object of desire (e.g. sweets), with the money that would go to purchase what was sacrificed being donated at the church as [[alms]] for the poor.<ref name="Vanspall2021">{{cite web |last1=Vanspall |first1=Julie |title=The benefits of discipline ... even giving up chocolate |work=The B.C. Catholic |url=https://bccatholic.ca/voices/julie-vanspall/the-benefits-of-discipline-even-giving-up-chocolate |access-date=2 March 2025 |language=en |date=25 February 2021|quote=As a Lenten sacrifice, it can "train" me with a reminder to pray for someone with less, to give the money I would have spent on chocolate to someone in need, and to strive to live in gratitude for Christ’s gift of salvation.}}</ref>

As such, during the season of Shrovetide, it is customary for Christians to ponder what Lenten sacrifices they will make for the coming Lent.<ref name="Kelvey2018">{{cite web |last1=Kelvey |first1=Jon |title=Strawbridge United Methodist keeps Shrove Tuesday pancake tradition |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-shrove-tuesday-pancakes-20180213-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=25 February 2020 |language=en |date=13 February 2018 |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316074513/https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-shrove-tuesday-pancakes-20180213-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The traditions of carrying Shrovetide rods and consuming Shrovetide buns after attending church are celebrated.<ref name="ELCD2021">{{cite web |title=Shrovetide |url=https://www.lutheranchurch.dk/liturgy-and-worship/festivals-and-traditions/shrovetide |publisher=[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark]] |access-date=8 February 2021 |language=English |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924153731/https://lutheranchurch.dk/liturgy-and-worship/festivals-and-traditions/shrovetide |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Beadle1994">{{cite book|last=Beadle|first=Richard|title=The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre|date=17 March 1994|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9780521459167|page=[https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69 69]|quote=One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and ''Mankind'' bears signs of being one of them (''335'').|url=https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69}}</ref> On the final day of the season, Shrove Tuesday, many traditional Christians, such as Lutherans, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics,<ref name="Walker2011">{{cite web|url=http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove|title=Shrove Tuesday inspires unique church traditions|last=Walker|first=Katie|date=7 March 2011|publisher=Daily American|access-date=4 January 2016|quote=Many local churches will celebrate Shrove Tuesday tomorrow, a day of feasting commonly known as "pancake day." Shrove Tuesday is typically observed by Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic denominations, but each church celebrates the day in its own, unique way. The Rev. Lenny Anderson of the St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Somerset said the primary focus of Shrove Tuesday is to prepare for Lent, the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter.|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214030411/http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove|url-status=dead}}</ref> "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with."<ref>{{cite book|title=Shrove Tuesday|last=Kiefer|first=James|publisher=Rowan University}}</ref> During Shrovetide, many churches place a basket in the [[narthex]] to collect the previous year's [[Holy Week]] palm branches that were blessed and distributed during the [[Palm Sunday]] liturgies. On Shrove Tuesday (the final day of Shrovetide), churches burn these [[Palm branch|palms]] to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday |url=https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20200218/good-day |publisher=[[The Times-Reporter]] |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en |date=18 February 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806074002/https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20200218/good-day |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The term "Carnival" is traditionally used in areas with a large [[Catholic]] presence, as well as in [[Greece]]. The celebration is known as [[Fastelavn]] in historically [[Lutheran|Evangelical Lutheran]] countries.<ref name="Ruprecht2010">{{cite book| last=Ruprecht| first=Tony| title=Toronto's Many Faces| date=14 December 2010| publisher=Dundurn| isbn=9781459718043| page=115| quote=Fastelavn, held the week before Lent, is the Danish Mardi Gras. This event takes place at the Danish Lutheran Church and at Sunset Villa. }}<!--|access-date=17 February 2015--></ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.danishchurchsocal.com/faq.html |title=Frequently Asked Questions |year=2014 |publisher=The Danish Lutheran Church & Cultural Center |access-date=17 February 2015 |quote=We celebrate Danish traditions during our church year such as Fastelavn at lent (a Carnival for the kids at the beginning of the Lenten season), a Harvest Service in Fall and preparing for Advent and Christmas with a Klippe-Klistre (Cut & Paste Decorations) in late November. Our Danish history and heritage is continuously incorporated into our services and events through the year and its seasons. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218024722/http://www.danishchurchsocal.com/faq.html |archive-date=18 February 2015 }}</ref> It is called Shrovetide in areas with a high concentration of [[Anglicans]] ([[Church of England]]/[[Episcopal Church (United States)|US Episcopal Church]]), [[Methodists]], and other [[Protestantism|Protestants]].<ref name="Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan 2008">{{cite book| url={{google books|plainurl=y|id=PPDIx6WWuOQC|page=354}}| title=Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl| author=Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan| publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]| year=2008| quote=In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as ''Shrove Tuesday'' – from ''shrive'' meaning 'confess' – or ''Pancake Day'' – after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, and sugar before the fast. On [[Ash Wednesday]], the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes.}}</ref> In Slavic [[Eastern Orthodox]] nations, [[Maslenitsa]] is celebrated during the last week before [[Great Lent]]. In [[German language|German]]-speaking [[Europe]] and the [[Netherlands]], the Carnival season traditionally opens on 11/11 (often at 11:11&nbsp;a.m.). This dates back to celebrations before the [[Advent]] season or with harvest celebrations of [[St. Martin's Day]]. <!--{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}-->

==Etymology==
[[File:NavigiumIsidis.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Feast of the {{lang|la|[[Navigium Isidis]]}}, celebrated in [[Ancient Rome]] in honor of the goddess [[Isis]]]]

The word ''carnival'' is said to come from the [[Late Latin]] expression {{lang|la|carne levare}}, which means "remove meat"; a [[folk etymology]] derives it from {{lang|la|carne vale}}, "farewell to meat". In either case, this signifies the approaching fast of [[Lent]].<ref name="Online Etymology Dictionary">{{cite web |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Carnival |title=Online Etymology Dictionary |publisher=Etymonline.com |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002123006/http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=carnival |archive-date=2 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The word {{lang|la|carne}} may also be translated as flesh, producing "a farewell to the flesh", a phrase embraced by certain Carnival celebrants to embolden the festival's carefree spirit.<ref name="Online Etymology Dictionary" />

Other scholars argue that the origin of the word is a common meat-based country feast (in Latin {{lang|la|carnualia}})<ref name="etimo">{{cite web|url=https://www.etimo.it/?term=carnevale|title=Carnevale|website=Etimo|language=it|access-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918160826/https://www.etimo.it/?term=carnevale|archive-date=18 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> or the festival of the {{lang|la|[[Navigium Isidis]]}} ("ship of Isis"), where the image of [[Isis]] was carried to the seashore to bless the start of sailing season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carnival.com/common/cclus/htmlfragments/error/error-404.htm?item=/isis/rising/&user=extranet\Anonymous&site=website/ |title=Isis Rising |publisher=Carnival.com |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426043847/https://www.carnival.com/common/cclus/htmlfragments/error/error-404.htm?item=/isis/rising/&user=extranet%5CAnonymous&site=website/ |archive-date=26 April 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The festival consisted of a parade of masks following an adorned wooden boat, called in Latin {{lang|la|carrus navalis}},<ref name="etimo"/> possibly the source of both the name and the [[float (parade)|parade floats]].

==History==

===Origins===
[[File:Armed owl Louvre CA2192.jpg|thumb|right|[[Oinochoe]] depicting the parade of an armed owl during the celebration of the [[Anthesteria]] ([[Greece]], 410–390 BC)]]

The characteristics of the celebration of Carnival take their origins from ancient European festivals, such as the Greek [[Athenian festivals|Dionysian]] (the [[Anthesteria]]) or the Roman [[Saturnalia]]. During these festivities, there was a temporary release from social obligations and hierarchies to make way for the overthrow of order, joking and even debauchery. From a historical and religious point of view, the Carnival therefore represented a period of celebration, but above all of symbolic renewal, during which chaos replaced the established order, which, however, once the festive period was over, re-emerged new or renewed and guaranteed for a cycle valid until the beginning of the following Carnival.<ref>''Universo'', De Agostini, Novara, 1966, Vol. III, p. 113</ref>

From an [[anthropological]] point of view, Carnival is a reversal ritual, in which social roles are reversed and norms about desired behavior are suspended.<ref name="meertens.knaw.nl">[http://www.meertens.knaw.nl/meertensnet/wdb.php?sel=79966 "Carnaval"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708204112/http://www.meertens.knaw.nl/meertensnet/wdb.php?sel=79966 |date=8 July 2017 }}. Meertens.knaw.nl. Retrieved on 13 May 2015.</ref><ref>Miller, John F. "Roman Festivals," in ''The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome'' (Oxford University Press, 2010), p. 172.</ref> During [[Ancient history|antiquity]], winter was thought of as the reign of the winter spirits; these needed to be driven out in order for summer to return. Carnival can thus be regarded as a rite of passage from darkness to light, from winter to summer: a fertility celebration, the first spring festival of the new year.<ref>[http://www.jansimons.nl/bronnenmagazijn/bestandenbronnenmagazijn/selectieartikelen/alaaf.htm "Vitaberna"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054002/http://www.jansimons.nl/bronnenmagazijn/bestandenbronnenmagazijn/selectieartikelen/alaaf.htm |date=4 March 2016 }}. Jansimons.nl. Retrieved on 13 May 2014.</ref>

Several [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] tribes celebrated the returning of the daylight. Winter would be driven out, to make sure that fertility could return in spring.<ref name="meertens.knaw.nl"/> A central figure of this ritual was possibly the fertility goddess [[Nerthus]]. Also, there are some indications that the effigy of Nerthus<ref>Tacitus, ''Germania'' 9.6: {{lang|la|Ceterum nec cohibere parietibus deos neque in ullam humani oris speciem adsimulare ex magnitudine caelestium arbitrantur}} – "The Germans, however, do not consider it consistent with the grandeur of celestial beings to confine the gods within walls, or to liken them to the form of any human countenance." ''Germania'' 40: {{lang|la|mox vehiculum et vestis et, si credere velis, numen ipsum secreto lacu abluitur}} – "Afterwards the car, the vestments, and, if you like to believe it, the divinity herself, are purified in a secret lake." Trans. Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb, ''The Agricola and Germany of Tacitus''. London: Macmillan, 1868, {{OCLC|776555615}}</ref> or [[Freyr]] was placed on a ship with wheels and accompanied by a procession of people in animal disguise and men in women's clothes.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be"/><ref>Davidson, Hilda Ellis (1990). ''Gods and Myths of Northern Europe''. [[Penguin Books]]. {{ISBN|0-14-013627-4}}.</ref><ref>Eduardo Fabbro, M.A., "Germanic Paganism among the Early Salian Franks". University of Brasilia, ''The Journal of Germanic Mythology and Folklore'', Volume 1, Issue 4, August 2006</ref> Aboard the ship a marriage would be consummated as a [[fertility ritual]].<ref name="ziggo1">{{cite web |url=http://members.ziggo.nl/leowethly/Carnaval/geschiedenis.htm |title=Geschiedenis van het carnavalsfeest |publisher=Members.ziggo.nl |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326040158/http://members.ziggo.nl/leowethly/Carnaval/geschiedenis.htm |archive-date=26 March 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.fen-nederland.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=4 Federatie Europese Narren Nederland – Federatie Europese Narren Nederland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233337/http://www.fen-nederland.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=4 |date=3 March 2016 }}. Fen-nederland.nl. Retrieved on 13 May 2015.</ref>

[[Tacitus]] wrote in his [[Germania (book)|''Germania'']]: ''Germania 9.6: Ceterum nec cohibere parietibus deos neque in ullam humani oris speciem adsimulare ex magnitudine caelestium arbitrator'' – "The Germans, however, do not consider it consistent with the grandeur of celestial beings to confine the gods within walls, or to liken them to the form of any human countenance." {{lang|la|Germania 40: mox vehiculum et vestis et, si credere velis, numen ipsum secreto lacu abluitur}} – "Afterwards the car, the vestments, and, if you like to believe it, the divinity herself, are purified in a secret lake."<ref>Trans. Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb, ''The Agricola and Germany of Tacitus''. London: Macmillan, 1868, {{OCLC|776555615}}</ref>

===Middle Ages===
[[File:Pieter Bruegel d. Ä. 066.jpg|thumb|250px|''[[The Fight Between Carnival and Lent]]'', [[Pieter Bruegel the Elder]], 1559]]

In the [[Middle Ages]], Carnival referred to a period following [[Epiphanytide|Epiphany season]] that reached its climax before midnight on [[Shrove Tuesday]].<ref name="Ruff2001">{{cite book|last=Ruff|first=Julius R.|title=Violence in Early Modern Europe 1500–1800|date=4 October 2001|publisher=Cambridge University Press|language=en|isbn=9780521598941|page=[https://archive.org/details/violenceinearlym0000ruff/page/164 164]|url=https://archive.org/details/violenceinearlym0000ruff/page/164}}</ref> British historian [[John Bossy]], in writing on the origin of the practices during Carnival, states that "These were, despite some appearances, Christian in character, and they were medieval in origin: although it has been widely supposed that they continued some kind of pre-Christian cult, there is in fact no evidence that they existed much before 1200."<ref name="Bossy1985">{{cite book |last1=Bossy |first1=John |title=Christianity in the West, 1400–1700 |date=1985 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-289162-4 |language=en}}</ref> Because [[Lent]] was a period of [[fasting]], "Carnival therefore represented a last period of feasting and celebration before the spiritual rigors of Lent."<ref name="Ruff2001"/> Meat was plentiful during this part of the [[liturgical year|Christian calendar]] and it was consumed during Carnival as people abstained from meat consumption during the following liturgical season, Lent.<ref name="Ruff2001"/> During Carnival, also known as Shrovetide, people confessed (shrived) their sins in preparation for Lent as well. Shakespeare's 1601 play, ''[[The Merchant of Venice]]'', Scene 5 of Act 2, mentions Christians who painted their faces to celebrate the season: 
{{poemquote|
What, are there masques? Hear you me, Jessica:
Lock up my doors, and when you hear the drum
And the vile squealing of the wry-neck'd fife,
Clamber not you up to the casements then,
Nor thrust your head into the public street
To gaze on Christian fools with varnish'd faces.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rolfe |first1=William James |title=Shakespeare's Comedy of The Merchant of Venice |date=1911 |location=New York, N.Y. |publisher=American Book Company |page=70 |access-date=24 September 2023 |url=https://archive.org/details/merchantofvenrol00shakuoft}}</ref>}}

Traditionally, a Carnival feast was the last opportunity for common people to eat well, as there was typically a food shortage at the end of the winter as stores ran out. Until spring produce was available, people were limited to the minimum necessary meals during this period. On what nowadays is called ''vastenavond'' (the days before [[fasting]]), all the remaining winter stores of lard, butter, and meat which were left would be eaten, for these would otherwise soon start to rot and decay. The selected livestock had already been slaughtered in November and the meat would no longer be preservable. All the food that had survived the winter had to be eaten to assure that everyone was fed enough to survive until the coming spring would provide new food sources.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be">[http://www.fenvlaanderen.be/carnaval/wat-carnaval "Wat is carnaval?" | Fen Vlaanderen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422135427/http://www.fenvlaanderen.be/carnaval/wat-carnaval |date=22 April 2016 }}. Fenvlaanderen.be. Retrieved on 13 May 2015.</ref>

Traditionally, the feast also was a time to indulge in [[sexual desire]]s, which were supposed to be suppressed during the following period fasting.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be"/><ref name="http">{{cite web |url=http://www.isgeschiedenis.nl/nieuws/oorsprong_van_het_carnaval/ |title=Oorsprong van het Carnaval in de geschiedenis van Nederland IsGeschiedenis |publisher=Isgeschiedenis.nl |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193054/http://www.isgeschiedenis.nl/nieuws/oorsprong_van_het_carnaval/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Before Lent began, all rich food and drink were consumed in what became a giant celebration that involved the whole community, and is thought to be the origin of Carnival.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=30 November 2001|title=Carnival|url=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX2507300021/GVRL?u=txshracd2597&sid=GVRL&xid=131fbf85|journal=Encyclopedia of Easter, Carnival, and Lent|language=en}}</ref>

In many Christian sermons and texts, the example of a vessel is used to explain Christian doctrine: "the nave of the church of baptism", "the ship of [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary]]", etc. The writings show that processions with ship-like carts were held and lavish feasts were celebrated on the eve of Lent or the greeting of spring in the early Middle Ages.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be"/><ref name="ziggo1"/>

The Lenten period of the [[liturgical calendar]], the six weeks directly before [[Easter]], was historically marked by fasting, study, and other pious or penitential practices. During Lent, no parties or celebrations were held, and people refrained from eating rich foods, such as meat, dairy, fat, and sugar. The first three classes were often totally unavailable during this period because of late winter shortages.<ref>Gaignebet, Claude. 1984. ''El Carnaval: Ensayos de mitologia popular''. Barcelona: Editorial Alta Fulla. Original edition: ''Le carnaval. Essais de mythologie populaire'', Editions Payot, Paris, 1974.</ref>

While Christian festivals such as [[Corpus Christi (feast)|Corpus Christi]] were Church-sanctioned celebrations, Carnival was also a manifestation of European [[folk culture]]. In the Christian tradition, fasting is to commemorate the [[temptation of Christ|40 days that Jesus fasted in the desert]], according to the [[New Testament]], and also to reflect on Christian values. It was a time for [[catechumen]]s (those [[conversion to Christianity|converting to Christianity]]) to prepare for [[baptism]] at Easter.
<ref>{{CathEncy |wstitle= Didache| author=John Chapman}}</ref>

Carnival in the Middle Ages took not just a few days, but almost the entire period between Christmas and the beginning of Lent. In those two months, Christian populations used their several holidays as an outlet for their daily frustrations.<ref name="Isgeschiedenis.nl">{{cite web |url=http://www.isgeschiedenis.nl/nieuws/sociale_functie_van_carnaval_in_de_middeleeuwen/ |title=Geschiedenis van carnaval in de middeleeuwen IsGeschiedenis |publisher=Isgeschiedenis.nl |access-date=29 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195532/http://www.isgeschiedenis.nl/nieuws/sociale_functie_van_carnaval_in_de_middeleeuwen/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Many synods and councils attempted to set things "right". [[Caesarius of Arles]] (470–542) protested around 500 [[common era|CE]] in his sermons against the pagan practices. Centuries later, his statements were adapted as the building blocks of the ''[[Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum]]'' ("small index of superstitious and pagan practices"), which was drafted by the Synod of Leptines in 742. It condemned the ''Spurcalibus en februario''.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be"/><ref name="ziggo1"/>

Pope [[Gregory the Great]] (590–604) decided that fasting would start on Ash Wednesday. The whole Carnival event was set before the fasting, to set a clear division between celebrations and penitence.<ref name="Halmo1989">{{cite book|last=Halmo|first=Joan|title=Celebrating the Church Year with Young Children|year=1989|publisher=Liturgical Press|language=en|isbn=9780814615805|page=[https://archive.org/details/celebratingchurc00halm/page/79 79]|quote=Carnival is a time of revelry and excess before the dying of Lent, a time of feasting before the fasting.|url=https://archive.org/details/celebratingchurc00halm/page/79}}</ref> He also dispatched missionaries to sanctify any excesses in popular Carnival customs.<ref name="Davidson2014">{{cite book|last=Davidson|first=Alan|title=The Oxford Companion to Food|date=21 August 2014|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|isbn=9780191040726|page=145}}</ref> It was also the custom during Carnival that the ruling class would be playfully mocked using [[mask]]s and [[disguise]]s.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be"/><ref name="ziggo1"/>
[[image:2005 - 'Gilles de Binche portant leur Masque de Cire' - Marie-Claire Lefébure.jpg|thumb|right|Gilles of Binche (Belgium)]]
In the year 743, the [[synod]] in Leptines (located near [[Binche]] in Belgium) spoke out furiously against the excesses in the month of February.<ref name="ziggo1"/> Also from the same period dates the phrase: "Whoever in February by a variety of less honorable acts tries to drive out winter is not a Christian, but a pagan." Confession books from around 800 contain more information about how people would dress as an animal or old woman during the festivities in January and February, even though this was a sin with no small penance.<ref name="fenvlaanderen.be"/><ref name="ziggo1"/><ref>[http://middencommiteit.be/mc/?page_id=800 Oorsprong Carnaval: Middencommiteit Lommel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225054839/http://middencommiteit.be/mc/?page_id=800 |date=25 February 2016 }}. Middencommiteit.be. Retrieved on 13 May 2015.</ref> Also in Spain in the seventh century, San Isidoro de Sevilla complained in his writings about people coming out into the streets disguised, in many cases, as the opposite sex.<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.carnavales.net/historia-del-carnaval/| title=Historia del Carnaval| date=6 November 2003| work=carnavales.net| language=es| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206031213/http://www.carnavales.net/historia-del-carnaval/| archive-date=6 February 2016| url-status=dead| access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref>

===Development===
[[File:Denys van Alsloot Skating Masquerade, or Carnival on Ice at the Kipdorppoort Moats in Antwerp.jpg|thumb|Carnival on Ice at the Kipdorppoort Moats in [[Antwerp]], c. 1620]]
[[File:Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo - Carnival Scene (The Minuet) - WGA22379.jpg|thumb|Carnival in [[Venice]], by [[Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo]], 1750]]
[[File:Carnavalsmaskers Venetië.JPG|thumb|upright|Typical [[mask]]s worn at the [[Carnival of Venice|Venice Carnival]], which portray the [[Satire|satirical]] and exaggerated appearances often used]]

Gradually, ecclesiastical authority began to realize that the desired result could not be achieved by banning Carnivals, which eventually led to a degree of [[Christianization]] of the traditions. They then became part of the liturgy and the liturgical year.<ref name="ziggo1" /> In the Middle Ages, "Carnival and Lent were both necessary, inevitable episodes in the eternal cycle of the Church year."<ref name="Bowen2004">{{cite book|last=Bowen|first=Barbara C.|title=Humour and Humanism in the Renaissance|year=2004|publisher=Ashgate|language=en|isbn=9780860789543|page=507|quote=To the Middle Ages Carnival and Lent were both necessary, inevitable episodes in the eternal cycle of the Church year.}}</ref> While forming an integral part of the Christian calendar, particularly in Catholic regions, many Carnival traditions resemble those antedating Christianity.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cantao.net/index_arquivos/Carnaval.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090129101601/http://cantao.net/index_arquivos/Carnaval.htm| url-status = dead| archive-date = 29 January 2009| title = O que é o Carnaval?| website = Cantao.net}}</ref>

While [[medieval pageant]]s and festivals such as [[Corpus Christi (feast)|Corpus Christi]] were church-sanctioned, Carnival was also a manifestation of medieval [[folk culture]]. Many local Carnival customs are claimed to derive from local pre-Christian rituals, such as elaborate rites involving masked figures in the [[Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht]]. However, evidence is insufficient to establish a direct origin from Saturnalia or other ancient festivals. No complete accounts of Saturnalia survive, and the shared features of feasting, role reversals, temporary social equality, masks, and permitted rule-breaking do not necessarily constitute a coherent festival or link these festivals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-03 |title=Carnival {{!}} Definition, Festival, Traditions, Countries, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Carnival-pre-Lent-festival |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> These similarities may represent a reservoir of cultural resources that can embody multiple meanings and functions. For example, Easter begins with the [[resurrection of Jesus]], followed by a liminal period, and ends with rebirth{{clarify|date=November 2024}}. Carnival reverses this as King Carnival comes to life, and a liminal period follows before his death. Both feasts are calculated by the [[lunar calendar]]. Both Jesus and King Carnival may be seen as expiatory figures who make a gift to the people with their deaths. In the case of Jesus, the gift is [[Eternal life (Christianity)|eternal life]] in [[heaven]], and in the case of King Carnival, the acknowledgement that death is a necessary part of the cycle of life.<ref>Erickson, Brad. 2008. ''Sensory Politics: Catalan Ritual and the New Immigration''. [[University of California at Berkeley]].</ref> Besides [[Anti-Judaism#Christian anti-Judaism|Christian anti-Judaism]], the commonalities between church and Carnival rituals and imagery suggest a common root. In [[Anti-Judaism in early Christianity|early Christianity]], Christ is figured as the victim of [[Sanhedrin trial of Jesus|summary judgment]], and is tortured and executed by Romans before a [[Jewish deicide|Jewish mob]] ("His blood is on us and on our children!" {{bibleverse|Matthew|27:24–25|NIV}}).

[[Holy Week]] processions in Spain include crowds who vociferously insult the figure of Jesus. Irreverence, parody, degradation, and laughter at a tragicomic [[effigy]] of God can be seen as intensifications of the sacred order.<ref>Delgado Ruiz, Manuel. 2001. "Luces iconoclastas: Anticlericalism, espacio, y ritual en la España contemporánia", ''Ariel Antropología''. Barcelona: Editorial Ariel.</ref> In 1466, in festivities sponsored by [[Pope Paul II]], Jews were forced to race naked through the streets of the city of Rome. Clement IX stopped these practices and in their place assessed a heavy tax on the Jews to help pay for the costs of the city's Carnival celebrations.<ref name="DIKertzer">{{cite book |last1=Kertzer |first1=David I. |url=https://archive.org/details/popesagainstjews0000kert/page/75/ |title=The Popes Against the Jews: The Vatican's Role in the Rise of Modern Anti-Semitism |date=2001 |publisher=Alfred A. Knopf |isbn=978-0375406232 |location=New York |pages=74–75}}</ref>

Some of the best-known traditions, including carnal [[parade]]s and [[masquerade ball]]s, were first recorded in [[medieval Italy]]. The [[Carnival of Venice]] was, for a long time, the most famous Carnival (although [[Napoleon]] abolished it in 1797 and only in 1979 was the tradition restored). From Italy, Carnival traditions spread to Spain, Portugal, and France, and from France to [[New France]] in North America. From Spain and Portugal, it spread with colonization to the [[Caribbean]] and [[Latin America]]. In the early 19th century in the German [[Rhineland]] and [[Southern Netherlands]], the weakened medieval tradition also revived. Continuously in the 18th and 19th centuries CE, as part of the annual  abuse of the Carnival in Rome, [[rabbi]]s of the [[Jewish quarter (diaspora)|ghetto]] were forced to march through the city streets wearing foolish guise, jeered upon and pelted by a variety of missiles from the crowd. A petition of the Jewish community of Rome sent in 1836 to [[Pope Gregory XVI]] to stop the annual abuse was denied: "It is not opportune to make any innovation."<ref name="DIKertzer"/>

In the Rhineland in 1823, the first modern Carnival parade took place in [[Cologne]].<ref name="Cologne1823">{{cite web| url=http://www.koelner-karneval.info/Dreigestirn/Dreigestirn.htm| title=Das Kölner Dreigestirn| work=koelner-karneval.info| access-date=31 May 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325173847/http://www.koelner-karneval.info/Dreigestirn/Dreigestirn.htm| archive-date=25 March 2016| url-status=live}}</ref> Carnaval (''Karneval'', ''[[Fasching]]'' or ''Fastnacht'' in Germany) mixed pagan traditions with Christian traditions. Pre-Lenten celebrations featured parades, costumes and masks to endure Lent's withdrawal from worldly pleasures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-01 |title=Fasching {{!}} History, Meaning, Traditions, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fasching-carnival |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Théodore Géricault - Riderless Racers at Rome - Walters 37189.jpg|thumb|''Riderless Racers at Rome'' by [[Théodore Géricault]]. From the mid-15th century until 1882, spring carnival in Rome closed with a [[horse race]]. Fifteen to 20 riderless horses, originally imported from the [[Barbary Coast]] of North Africa, ran the length of the [[Via del Corso]], a long, straight city street, in about 2{{frac|1|2}} minutes.]]

Other areas developed their own traditions. In the United Kingdom, [[West Indian]] immigrants brought with them the traditions of [[Caribbean Carnival]]; however, the Carnivals now celebrated at [[Notting Hill Carnival|Notting Hill]], [[Leeds West Indian Carnival|Leeds]], Yorkshire, and other places became divorced from their religious origin and became [[secular]] events that take place in the summer months.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

==Theories==
Interpretations of Carnival present it as a social institution that degrades or "uncrowns" the higher functions of thought, speech, and the soul by translating them into the [[grotesque body]], which serves to renew society and the world,<ref name=Bakhtin/> as a release for impulses that threaten the social order that ultimately reinforces social norms,<ref>[[Abner Cohen]], 1993. ''Masquerade politics''. Berkeley: [[University of California Press]].</ref> as a social transformation,<ref>Turner, Victor. 1982. ''From ritual to theater: The human seriousness of play''. New York: PAJ Publications.</ref> or as a tool for different groups to focus attention on conflicts and incongruities by embodying them in "senseless" acts.<ref>Abrahams, Roger. 1972. "Christmas and Carnival on Saint Vincent". ''Western Folklore'' 13 (4):275–289.</ref>

Furthermore, some cultures use Carnival as a method of empowering themselves in spite of social conflicts. For example, when the [[List of Caribbean carnivals around the world|Caribbean Carnival]] was established as a result of French settlers, even the slaves had their version of the [[Masquerade ball|masquerade]], where they would reverse roles to mock those of higher social status.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Marshall|first1=Emily Zobel|last2=Farrar|first2=Max|last3=Farrar|first3=Guy|date=2018-02-09|title=Popular political cultures and the Caribbean carnival: Carnival is a rich resource for cultural resistance as well as pleasure|url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/685597|journal=Soundings: A Journal of Politics and Culture|language=en|volume=67|issue=67|pages=34–49|issn=1741-0797|access-date=30 April 2020|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228025039/https://muse.jhu.edu/article/685597|url-status=live}}</ref> Along with empowering individuals for a period of time, despite their typical status, Carnival brings communities together. In a day where all are meant to perform a "mask" that differs from their typical identity, all members of a society are able to connect through their theatricality and satire.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carnival: A reversal of the roles|url=https://frankgbosman.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/carnival-a-reversal-of-the-roles/|date=2018-02-12|website=Frank G. Bosman|language=nl|access-date=2020-04-30|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921093109/https://frankgbosman.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/carnival-a-reversal-of-the-roles/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Mircea Eliade]], historian of religions, writes: "Any new year is a revival of time at its beginning, a repetition of the cosmogony. Ritual fights between two groups of extras, the presence of the dead, [[Saturnalia]] and orgies, are all elements which indicate that at the end of the year and in the expectation of the new year the mythical moments of the passage of chaos to the cosmogony are repeated".<ref>[[Mircea Eliade]], ''The myth of the eternal return''.</ref> Eliade also writes: "Then the dead will come back, because all barriers between the dead and the living are broken (is the primordial chaos not revived?), and will come back since – at this paradoxical moment – time will be interrupted, so that the dead may be again contemporaries of the living." Eliade speculates that people have "a deep need to regenerate themselves periodically by abolishing the elapsed time and making topical the cosmogony". As regards masks (monsters, animals, demons), he assigns them an [[apotropaic]] meaning.

==Geographic distribution==
===Africa===
For the Canary Islands, see [[#Canary Islands|its section]] under Europe.

====Cape Verde Islands====
Carnival was introduced by Portuguese settlers. It is celebrated on each of the archipelago's nine inhabited islands. In [[Mindelo]], [[São Vicente, Cape Verde|São Vicente]], groups challenge each other for a yearly prize. It has imported various Brazilian Carnival traditions. The celebration in [[São Nicolau, Cape Verde|São Nicolau]] is more traditional, where established groups parade through the [[Ribeira Brava, Cape Verde|Ribeira Brava]], gathering in the [[town square]], although it has adopted drums, floats and costumes from Brazil. In São Nicolau, three groups, Copa Cabana, Estrela Azul, and Brilho Da Zona, construct a painted float using fire, newspaper for the mold, and iron and steel for structure. Carnival São Nicolau is celebrated over three days: dawn Saturday, Sunday afternoon, and Tuesday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.caboverdeonline.com/news/68-the-carnival-of-sao-nicolau-a-procession-rich-in-history|title=CaboVerdeOnline.com – The Carnival of São Nicolau – a procession rich in history|website=caboverdeonline.com|access-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118181149/http://www.caboverdeonline.com/news/68-the-carnival-of-sao-nicolau-a-procession-rich-in-history|archive-date=18 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The celebrations are captured in the award-winning feature documentary [[Tchindas]], nominated at the [[12th Africa Movie Academy Awards]].

====Namibia====
Carnival was introduced by German settlers. The celebration is based on the "Rheinische" Carnival tradition.

====Seychelles====
The [[Seychelles]] carnival began in 2011. It is held in the capital city of [[Victoria, Seychelles|Victoria]] and takes place over three days. On Day 1, the grand opening is held in the city center near the clock tower. The second day is parade day. On Day 3, the closing ceremony is held, and a lottery winner is announced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indian-ocean.com/seychelles-carnival/|title=Seychelles Carnival &#124; Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion: Holidays & Travel|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115183510/https://www.indian-ocean.com/seychelles-carnival/|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://creolepay.com/blog/seychelles-carnival/|title=seychelles carnival – Creolepay Seychelles|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075839/https://creolepay.com/blog/seychelles-carnival/|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Zimbabwe====
[[File:Harare Carnival Dancer.jpg|thumb|upright|Harare Carnival dancer]]
The [[Harare]] Carnival is held late in May. Events include fashion and music shows. The climax is a street party featuring costumes and music.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201405230663.html| title=Zimbabwe: Biggest Street Party Comes to Harare| work=allAfrica.com| access-date=31 May 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218235237/http://allafrica.com/stories/201405230663.html| archive-date=18 December 2014| url-status=live}}</ref>

===Americas===
====Antigua====
{{Main|Antigua Carnival}}
The [[Antigua]]n Carnival is held from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August. The most important day is that of the ''j'ouvert'' (or ''juvé''), in which brass and [[steelpan]] bands perform. [[Barbuda]]'s Carnival, held in June, is known as "Caribana". The Antiguan and Barbudan Carnivals replaced the Old Time Christmas Festival in 1957, with hopes of inspiring tourism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://antiguacarnival.com/|title=The Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival|website=Antigua's Carnival 2020 {{!}} Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408183922/https://antiguacarnival.com/|archive-date=8 April 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Argentina====
[[File:Carnaval en colegiales niños.jpg|thumb|upright|Carnival in Argentina by school children]]
In [[Argentina]], the most representative Carnival performed is the so-called [[Murga]], although other famous Carnivals, more like Brazil's, are held in Argentine [[Mesopotamia, Argentina|Mesopotamia]] and the North-East. [[Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos|Gualeguaychú]] in the east of [[Entre Ríos Province]] is the most important Carnival city and has one of the largest parades. It adopts a musical background similar to Brazilian or Uruguayan Carnival. [[Corrientes]] is another city with a Carnival tradition. [[Chamamé]] is a popular musical style. In all major cities and many towns throughout the country, Carnival is celebrated.<ref name="Mohsin">{{Cite web |last=Mohsin |first=Haroon |date=2022-08-12 |title=Argentina Carnival |url=https://nationaltoday.com/argentina-carnival/ |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=National Today |language=en-US |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130140842/https://nationaltoday.com/argentina-carnival/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Humahuaca Carnival is a popular celebration, which takes place at the beginning of Lent (40 days before Holy Week), in the Quebrada de Humahuaca area, Jujuy province, Argentina.

As Carnival coincides with summer in the Southern Hemisphere, in many parts of Argentina children play with water. The 19th century tradition of filling empty egg shells with water has evolved into water games that include the throwing of [[water balloon]]s.<ref name="Mohsin"/>

====Aruba====
Carnival in [[Aruba]] means weeks of events that bring colourfully decorated floats, contagiously throbbing music, luxuriously costumed groups of celebrants of all ages, King and Queen elections, electrifying jump-ups and torchlight parades, the Jouvert morning: the Children's Parades, and finally the Grand Parade. Aruba's biggest celebration is a month-long affair consisting of festive "jump-ups" (street parades), spectacular parades, and creative contests. Music and flamboyant costumes play a central role, from the Queen elections to the Grand Parade. Street parades continue in various districts throughout the month, with brass band, [[steelpan]] and [[roadmarch]] tunes. On the evening before Lent, Carnival ends with the symbolic burning of King Momo.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-03-04|title=Grandi Yama: The Burning of King Momo|url=https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/04/grandi-yama-the-burning-of-king-momo/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=LargeUp|language=en-US|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707151302/https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/04/grandi-yama-the-burning-of-king-momo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Bahamas====
Junkanoo is the principal street parade in the Bahamas, it has been practiced in the Bahamas before and after the 1834 emancipation of slavery in the British Empire.

The [[Bahamas]] announced the first Bahamas [[Junkanoo]] Carnival to commence in May 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bahamas.co.uk/about/junkanoo/bahamas-junkanoo-carnival |title=Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421181151/http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2004/dichotomyb.html |archive-date=21 April 2009 }}</ref> Carnival in the Bahamas rivals various carnivals throughout the Caribbean in that it is a unique blend between the revered Junkanoo and traditional Carnival. This fairly new festival has been referred to as the ultimate celebration of everything Bahamian.

====Barbados====
{{Main|Crop over}}
"Crop Over" (formerly called "Harvest Home") is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in [[Barbados]]. Its early beginnings were on the [[sugar cane]] [[plantation]]s during the colonial period. Crop Over began in 1688, and featured singing, dancing, and accompaniment by [[shak-shak]], [[banjo]], [[triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]], [[fiddle]], guitar, bottles filled with water, and bones. Other traditions included climbing a greased pole, feasting, and drinking competitions. Originally signaling the end of the yearly cane harvest, it evolved into a national festival. In the late 20th century, Crop Over began to closely mirror the Trinidad Carnival. Beginning in June, Crop Over runs until the first Monday in August when it culminates in the finale, the Grand Kadooment.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kinas |first=Roxan |date=1997-05-01 |title=Barbados Crop Over |url=https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-25/barbados-crop-over |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Caribbean Beat Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Crop Over time for many islanders is one big party. Craft markets, food tents/stalls, street parties, and cavalcades fill every week.<ref name=":4" />

A major feature is the [[calypso music|calypso]] competition. Calypso music, originating in Trinidad, uses syncopated rhythm and topical lyrics. It offers a medium in which to satirise local politics, amidst the general bacchanal. Calypso tents, also originating in Trinidad, feature cadres of musicians who perform biting social commentaries, political exposés or rousing exhortations to "wuk dah waistline" and "roll dat bumper". The groups compete for the Calypso Monarch Award, while the air is redolent with the smells of [[Barbadian cuisine|Bajan]] cooking during the [[Bridgetown]] Market Street Fair. The Cohobblopot Festival blends dance, drama, and music with the crowning of the King and Queen of costume bands. Every evening the "Pic-o-de-Crop" Show is performed after the King of Calypso is finally crowned. The climax of the festival is Kadooment Day, celebrated with a national holiday, when costume bands fill the streets with pulsating Barbadian rhythms and fireworks.<ref name=":4" />

====Belize====
{{Main|Carnival in Belize}}

[[San Pedro Town|San Pedro]] is one of [[Belize]]'s few cities to observe Carnaval before Lent. Elsewhere, Carnaval (sometimes referred to as Carnival) often occurs in September. The Fiesta de Carnaval is often the most popular celebration, usually held over three days prior to Ash Wednesday, but the festivities often extend to the full week.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://belizeanminds.blogspot.ca/2013/09/history-of-carnivals-in-belize-review.html| title=Belizean Minds| work=belizeanminds.blogspot.ca| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305165623/http://belizeanminds.blogspot.ca/2013/09/history-of-carnivals-in-belize-review.html| archive-date=5 March 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> This festival "always includes music, dancing, costumes and parades".<ref>Samuel Brown, J.; Vorhees, M. (2013). ''Belize''. [[Lonely Planet]] Publishing.</ref>

[[Comparsa]]s are held throughout the week, consisting of large groups "of dancers dancing and traveling on the streets, followed by a Carrosa (carriage) where the musicians play. The Comparsa is a development of African processions where groups of devotees follow a given saint or deity during a particular religious celebration." One of the most popular comparsas of Fiesta de Carnaval is the male group comparsa, usually composed of notable men from the community who dress up in outlandish costumes or cross-dress and dance to compete for money and prizes.<ref name="goambergriscaye.com">{{cite web| url=http://www.goambergriscaye.com/fest.html| title=Ambergris Caye, Belize, Festivals| work=goambergriscaye.com| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922232850/http://goambergriscaye.com/fest.html| archive-date=22 September 2013| url-status=live}}</ref> Other popular activities include body painting and flour fighting.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/the-northern-cayes/ambergris-caye-and-san-pedro/events/local-festivals-culture/fiesta-de-carnaval| title=Fiesta de Carnaval| work=Lonely Planet| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303041040/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/the-northern-cayes/ambergris-caye-and-san-pedro/events/local-festivals-culture/fiesta-de-carnaval| archive-date=3 March 2014| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="joseluiszapata.com">{{cite web| url=http://www.joseluiszapata.com/2012/02/carnaval-de-san-pedro-belize/ |title=Carnaval de San Pedro, Belize |work=joseluiszapata.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402145420/http://www.joseluiszapata.com/2012/02/carnaval-de-san-pedro-belize/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> "On the last day of Carnival painters flood the street to paint each other. This simply means that a mixture of water paint and water or raw eggs is used to paint people on the streets, the goal being to paint as many people as you can."<ref name="goambergriscaye.com"/>

Street fights often occur during the festivities – some locals treat this festival as an opportunity to exact revenge on their enemies. [[Vandalism]] is common and "businesses constantly have to prepare in covering or repainting their advertisements during Carnival season because of the mischief performed."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/teen-talk/2012/february/29/carnival-messy-situation?page=1| title=Teen Talk – Is Carnival A Messy Situation?| work=ambergristoday.com| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403140700/http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/teen-talk/2012/february/29/carnival-messy-situation?page=1| archive-date=3 April 2015| url-status=dead}}</ref> The tradition continues despite critics who advocate the termination of these festivities.<ref name="joseluiszapata.com"/>

====Bolivia====
{{Main|Carnaval de Oruro}}
[[File:Diablada oruro fraternidad.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Oruro Diablada|Diablada]], dance primeval, the typical and main dance of [[Carnaval de Oruro]], a [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] since 2001 in Bolivia (Image: ''Fraternidad Artística y Cultural "La Diablada"'')]]
''La Diablada'' Carnival takes place in [[Oruro, Bolivia|Oruro]] in central [[Bolivia]]. It is celebrated in honor of the miners' patron saint, ''Vírgen de Socavon'' (the Virgin of the Tunnels).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taub |first=Matthew |date=2022-02-28 |title=Bolivia's Dance of the Devils Is a Party and a Battle Between Good and Evil |url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/carnaval-de-oruro-bolivia |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Atlas Obscura |language=en}}</ref> Over 50 parade groups dance, sing, and play music over a five kilometre-long course. Participants dress up as demons, devils, angels, Incas, and Spanish [[conquistador]]s. Dances include [[caporales]] and [[tinku]]s. The parade runs from morning until late at night, 18 hours a day, for three days before Ash Wednesday. It was declared the 2001 "Masterpieces of Oral Heritage and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00003 |title=UNESCO Culture Sector – Intangible Heritage – 2003 Convention |author=UNESCO – Intangible Heritage Section |access-date=20 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205012411/http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00003 |archive-date=5 February 2015 }}</ref> Throughout the country, celebrations are held involving traditional rhythms and water parties. In [[Santa Cruz de la Sierra]], on the east side of the country, tropical weather allows a Brazilian-type Carnival, with [[Comparsa]]s dancing traditional songs in matching uniforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=The joy of eastern Bolivia in the Santa Cruz Carnival |url=https://www.livetheworld.com/post/the-joy-of-eastern-bolivia-in-the-santa-cruz-carnival-3pyw |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=livetheworld}}</ref>

====Brazil====
{{Main|Brazilian Carnival}}
[[File:Galo da Madrugada, Carnival 2014 - Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.jpg|thumb|Recife Carnival, in [[Recife]], [[Pernambuco]], Brazil]]
[[File:Bloco da camisinha circuito Campo Grande Salvador.jpg|thumb|Carnival circuit of [[Salvador, Bahia]], Brazil]]

The Carnival in [[Brazil]] (Portuguese: Carnaval) is a major part of Brazilian culture. The first expression of this festivity took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1641, with the ''préstitos'', very similar to musical processions that were held on public streets when [[John IV of Portugal]] was crowned King.

=====Rio de Janeiro=====
{{Main|Rio Carnival}}
The street carnival of [[Rio de Janeiro]] is designated by ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the largest carnival in the world, with approximately two million people each day.<ref name=guin>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-donaldson/5-reasons-trinidad-has-the-worlds-greatest-carnival_b_8705304.html 5 Reasons Trinidad Has the World’s Greatest Carnival] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222074527/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-donaldson/5-reasons-trinidad-has-the-worlds-greatest-carnival_b_8705304.html |date=22 February 2017 }}, HuffPost, 12 March 2015</ref>

[[Samba school]]s are large, social entities with thousands of members and a theme for their song and parade each year. In [[Rio Carnival]], samba schools parade in the [[Sambadrome]] (''sambódromo'' in Portuguese). Some of the most famous include [[GRES Estação Primeira de Mangueira]], [[GRES Portela]], [[GRES Acadêmicos do Salgueiro]], [[GRES Imperatriz Leopoldinense]], [[GRES Beija-Flor de Nilópolis]], [[GRES Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel]], and recently, [[Unidos da Tijuca]] and [[GRES União da Ilha do Governador]]. Local tourists pay $500–950, depending on the costume, to buy a samba costume and dance in the parade. ''Blocos'' are small informal groups with a definite theme in their samba, usually satirizing the political situation. About 30 schools in Rio gather hundreds of thousands of participants. More than 440 ''blocos'' operate in Rio. ''Bandas'' are samba musical bands, also called "street carnival bands", usually formed within a single neighborhood or musical background. The Carnival industry chain amassed in 2012 almost US$1&nbsp;billion in revenues.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rios-carnival-not-just-a-local-party-anymore-2012-02-13?pagenumber=1| title=Rio's Carnival: Not just a local party anymore| author=Sarah de Sainte Croix| work=MarketWatch| access-date=12 March 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629212855/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rios-carnival-not-just-a-local-party-anymore-2012-02-13?pagenumber=1| archive-date=29 June 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Recife, Pernambuco=====
[[Recife]] is marked by the parade of the largest carnival block in the world, the [[Galo da Madrugada]]. This parade happens on the first Saturday of Carnival (Zé Pereira's Saturday), passes through downtown Recife, and has as symbol a giant rooster that is positioned on the Duarte Coelho Bridge. In this block, there is a great variety of musical genres, but [[Frevo]] is the most common one; it is typical of both Recife and [[Olinda]], and is considered an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

=====Salvador, Bahia=====
{{Main|Bahian Carnival}}
[[Salvador, Bahia|Salvador]] has large Carnival celebrations, including the [[Axé]], a typical Bahia music. A truck with giant speakers and a platform, where musicians play songs of local genres such as Axé, [[samba-reggae]], and [[Arrocha]], drives through town with a crowd following while dancing and singing. It was originally staged by two Salvador musicians, Dodo & Osmar, in the 1950s. After the [[Salvador, Bahia#Carnival|Salvador Carnival]], [[Porto Seguro]] continues the celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micareta: Celebrations outside of carnival {{!}} Aventura do Brasil |url=https://www.aventuradobrasil.com/blog/what-is-micareta/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.aventuradobrasil.com}}</ref>

Three circuits make up the festival. Campo Grande is the longest and most traditional. Barra-Ondina is the most famous, on the seaside of Pelourinho and the beaches Barra and Ondina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br/2013/capa/pagina.php?id=61|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606070943/http://www.carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br/2013/capa/pagina.php?id=61|url-status=dead|title=Carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br|archive-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>

International singers like [[David Guetta]], [[will.i.am]], [[Psy]], and [[Bob Sinclar]] have performed in Salvador.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://g1.globo.com/bahia/carnaval/2013/noticia/2013/02/psy-claudia-leitte-e-sabrina-sato-dancam-no-fim-do-circuito-dodo.html| title=G1 – Psy, Claudia Leitte e Sabrina Sato dançam juntos em Salvador – notícias em Carnaval 2013 na Bahia| work=Carnaval 2013 na Bahia| access-date=13 February 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212015802/http://g1.globo.com/bahia/carnaval/2013/noticia/2013/02/psy-claudia-leitte-e-sabrina-sato-dancam-no-fim-do-circuito-dodo.html| archive-date=12 February 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Ivete Sangalo]], [[Claudia Leitte]], [[Daniela Mercury]], [[Margareth Menezes]], [[Chiclete com Banana]], and [[Banda Eva]] are some traditional attractions. The party officially lasts six days, but may go on for longer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bandahabeascopos.com.br/programacao.html |title=BANDA HABEAS COPOS – CARNAVAL 2014 |work=bandahabeascopos.com.br |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713045505/http://www.bandahabeascopos.com.br/programacao.html |archive-date=13 July 2012 }}</ref>

==== Canada ====
[[Toronto Caribbean Carnival]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribana.com/index.html |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160621153706/http://www.caribana.com/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 June 2016 |title=The Online Guide to Toronto's Summer Carnival |publisher=Caribana.Com |date=15 August 2010 |access-date=9 March 2011 }}</ref> held in [[Toronto]] on the first weekend of August to take advantage of more comfortable weather, has its origins in Caribbean Carnival traditions. Tourist attendance at the parade typically exceeds one million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Karamali |first1=Kamil |title=Caribbean Carnival's 51st annual Grande Parade brings out Toronto's movers and shakers |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4371723/caribbean-carnival-51st-grande-parade/ |access-date=21 September 2020 |publisher=[[Global News]] |date=2018-08-04 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030065806/https://globalnews.ca/news/4371723/caribbean-carnival-51st-grande-parade/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Quebec Winter Carnival]] is one of the biggest winter-themed Carnivals in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/quebec-winter-carnival|title=Quebec Winter Carnival {{!}} Events in Québec City|newspaper=Visit Québec City|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925095030/https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/quebec-winter-carnival|url-status=live}}</ref> It depends on snowfall and very cold weather, to keep snowy [[skiing|ski]] trails in good condition and [[ice sculpture]]s frozen. The carnival is held during the last days of January and first days of February.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A bit of history|url=https://carnaval.qc.ca/en/the-carnival/about-carnival|access-date=2020-12-28|website=carnaval.qc.ca|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126082845/https://carnaval.qc.ca/en/the-carnival/about-carnival|url-status=dead}}</ref><gallery widths="200" heights="127">
File:Posing at 2018 Toronto Caribbean Carnival (28969518847).jpg|Caribbean Carnival in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
File:Carnaval de Québec - bain de neige avec le mascotte Bonhomme Carnaval (13-02-2010).jpg|Winter Carnival, taken in [[Quebec City|Québec City]], [[Québec]], Canada
</gallery>

====Caribbean====
[[File:Carnaval Bonaire (1).jpg|thumb|Carnival in [[Rincon, Bonaire]]]]
{{Main|Carnival in the Caribbean}}
Most [[Caribbean]] islands celebrate Carnival. The largest and most well-known is in [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. [[Antigua]], [[Aruba]], [[Barbados]], [[Bonaire]], [[Cayman Islands]], [[Cuba]], [[Curaçao]], [[Dominica]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Grenada]], [[Guadeloupe]], [[Guyana]], [[Haiti]], [[Jamaica]], [[Martinique]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Saba (island)|Saba]], [[Sint Eustatius]] (Statia), [[Sint Maarten]], [[Saint Lucia]], [[Saint Kitts]], [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]], [[Saint Vincent (Antilles)|Saint Vincent]], and the [[Grenadines]] hold lengthy carnival seasons and large celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-04 |title=Things to do in Kingston - Find out why I love it so much |url=https://unique-universe.blog/things-to-do-kingston/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Carnival is an important cultural event in the [[Dutch Caribbean]]. Festivities include "jump-up" parades with beautifully colored costumes, floats, and live bands, as well as [[beauty contests]] and other competitions. Celebrations include a middle-of-the-night [[j'ouvert]] (''juvé'') parade that ends at sunrise with the burning of a straw [[King Momo]], cleansing sins and bad luck. On Statia, he is called Prince Stupid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Caribbean Journal |date=2023-07-13 |title=Statia Kicks Off the Dutch Caribbean's Hottest Summer Carnival |url=https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/07/13/statia-carnival-dutch-caribbean/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Caribbean Journal |language=en}}</ref>

Carnival has been celebrated in Cuba since the 18th century. Participants don costumes demonstrating the island's cultural and ethnic variety.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

====Colombia====
{{Main|Carnival in Colombia}}
[[File:Congos carnaval de Barranquilla2024-02-14.jpg|thumb|Congos troupe in [[Barranquilla Carnival|Barranquilla carnival]]]]
[[File:DIOSESANCESTRALES HUGOMONCAYO2007 4.jpg|thumb|The [[Blacks and Whites' Carnival]] in [[Pasto, Colombia]]]]
Carnival was introduced by the Spaniards and incorporated elements from [[European culture]]s. It has managed to reinterpret traditions that belonged to Colombia's African and [[Amerindian]] cultures. Documentary evidence shows that Carnival existed in Colombia in the 18th century and had already been a cause for concern for colonial authorities, who censored the celebrations, especially in the main political centres such as [[Cartagena, Colombia|Cartagena]], [[Bogotá]], and [[Popayán]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The Carnival continued its evolution in small/unimportant towns out of view of the rulers. The result was the uninterrupted celebration of Carnival festivals in [[Barranquilla]] (see [[Barranquilla's Carnival]]), now recognized as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Barranquilla Carnival includes several parades on Friday and Saturday nights beginning on 11 January and ending with a six-day non-stop festival, beginning the Wednesday prior to Ash Wednesday and ending Tuesday midnight. Other celebrations occur in villages along the lower [[Magdalena River]] in northern Colombia, and in [[Pasto, Colombia|Pasto]] and [[Nariño]] (see [[Blacks and Whites' Carnival]]) in the south of the country. In the early 20th century, attempts to introduce Carnival in Bogotá were rejected by the government. The [[Bogotá Carnival]] was renewed in the 21st century.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Dominica====
{{Main|Chanté mas}}
Carnival in [[Dominica]] is held in the capital city of [[Roseau]],<ref name="Dreisinger 2015 h711">{{cite web | last=Dreisinger | first=Baz | title=On Dominica, a Carnival Celebration as It Was Meant to Be | website=The New York Times | date=October 9, 2015 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/travel/dominica-carnival-caribbean-islands.html | access-date=February 16, 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216035949/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/travel/dominica-carnival-caribbean-islands.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and takes elements of Carnival that can be seen in the neighboring French islands of [[Martinique]] and [[Guadeloupe]], as well as [[Trinidad]]. Notable events leading up to Carnival include the Opening of Carnival celebrations, the Calypso Monarch music competition, the Queen of Carnival Beauty Pageant,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=8 of the best Caribbean carnivals |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-caribbean-carnivals |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Travel |language=en}}</ref> and [[bouyon music]] bands.<ref name="St Vincent Times 2023 u249">{{cite web | title=2023 Carnival in Dominica Entices with Fringe Events | website=St Vincent Times | date=January 30, 2023 | url=https://www.stvincenttimes.com/2023-carnival-in-dominica-entices-with-fringe-events/ | access-date=February 16, 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216035949/https://www.stvincenttimes.com/2023-carnival-in-dominica-entices-with-fringe-events/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Celebrations last for the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.<ref name="Scott 2023 b521">{{cite web | last=Scott | first=Chadd | title=Get Away To Dominica For Mas Dominik Carnival Festival | website=Forbes | date=January 30, 2023 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/chaddscott/2023/01/30/get-away-to-dominica-for-mas-dominik-carnival-festival/?sh=7058e438601c | access-date=February 16, 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216035210/https://www.forbes.com/sites/chaddscott/2023/01/30/get-away-to-dominica-for-mas-dominik-carnival-festival/?sh=7058e438601c | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Dominican Republic====
{{Main|Carnival in the Dominican Republic}}
[[File:Cojuelo03.JPG|thumb|upright|Traditional cojuelo mask of the Dominican carnival in [[La Vega, Dominican Republic|La Vega]], [[Dominican Republic]]]]
[[Dominican Republic|Dominican]] Carnival is celebrated in most cities and towns in the main streets during February. Among its main characteristics are its flashy costumes and loud music. The one held in [[La Vega, Dominican Republic|La Vega]], which is one of the biggest in the country, and the national parade in [[Santo Domingo]] were where the first Carnival of the Americas was held.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Girma |first=Lebawit Lily |date=2018-02-20 |title=Why You Should Experience Carnival in the Dominican Republic |url=https://medium.com/@TourismLens/why-you-should-experience-carnival-in-the-dominican-republic-e78f9d300248 |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>

Carnival masks are elaborate and colorful. The costumes used on the parades are satires of the Devil and are called "Diablos Cojuelos". They dance, and run to the rhythm of [[merengue music]] mixed with techno, hip-hop, and [[reggaeton]]. Additional [[allegorical]] characters represent Dominican traditions such as "Roba la Gallina" and "Califé".<ref name=":5" />

One of the most international parades is in [[San Pedro de Macorís]]. It exhibits the "Guloyas" parade of costumed groups dancing in the streets. Revelers flee from the "Diablos Cojuelos" who try to hit them with "Vejigas".<ref name=":5" />

The timing of the festivals has grown apart from its original religious synchronization with the period of Lent. With National Independence Day on 27 February and the birthday of [[Juan Pablo Duarte]], its founding father, on 26 January, the Carnival celebrations fill February regardless of the [[Lenten calendar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Independence Day in the Dominican Republic |url=https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1793 |website=AnydayGuide |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415075919/https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1793 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Ecuador====
[[File:Desfile de Carnaval en calles de Latacunga.jpg|thumb|Carnival parade in [[Latacunga]], Ecuador]]
[[File:Comparsa latacungueña desfilando.jpg|thumb|upright|Parade in Latacunga, Ecuador]]
In [[Ecuador]], the celebrations began before the arrival of Catholicism. The Huarangas Indians (from the Chimbos nation) used to celebrate the second moon of the year with a festival at which they threw flour, flowers, and perfumed water. This Indigenous tradition merged with the Catholic celebration of Carnival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohsin |first=Haroon |date=2022-08-25 |title=Ecuador Carnival |url=https://nationaltoday.com/ecuador-carnival/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=National Today |language=en-US |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928222158/https://nationaltoday.com/ecuador-carnival/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A common feature of Ecuadorian Carnival is the ''diablitos'' (little devils) who play with water. As with snowball fights, the practice of throwing or dumping water on unsuspecting victims is revered by children and teenagers although feared by some adults. Throwing water balloons, sometimes even eggs and flour both to friends and strangers is fun, but can also upset the uninformed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mota |first=Anabel |date=2012-11-23 |title=Water Fight! The Andean Roots of Carnival in Ecuador |url=https://www.latinamericaforless.com/blog/water-fight-the-andean-roots-of-carnival-in-ecuador/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Latin America For Less |language=en-US}}</ref>

Although the government as well as school authorities forbid such games, they are widely practiced. Historians tell of a bishop in 1867 who threatened [[excommunication]] for the [[sin]] of playing Carnival games.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Festivals differ across the country. Locals wear disguises with colorful masks and dance. Usually, the celebrations begin with the election of ''Taita Carnival'' (Father Carnival) who heads the festivities and leads the parades in each city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biegerl |first=Sabrina |date=2020-06-29 |title=Carnival in Ecuador: How and Where to Celebrate |url=https://www.peruforless.com/blog/carnival-in-ecuador/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Peru For Less |language=en-US}}</ref>

The most famed Carnival festivities are in [[Guaranda]] (Bolivar province) and [[Ambato, Ecuador|Ambato]] (Tungurahua province). In Ambato, the festivities are called ''Fiesta de las Flores y las Frutas'' (Festival of the Flowers and Fruits). Other cities have revived Carnival traditions with colorful parades, such as in [[Azogues]] (Cañar Province). In Azogues and the Southern [[Andes]] in general, ''Taita Carnival'' is always an Indigenous [[Cañari]]. Recently, a celebration has gained prominence in the northern part of the Andes in the [[Chota Valley]] in [[Imbabura Province|Imbabura]] which is a zone of a strong [[Afro-Ecuadorian]] population and so the Carnival is celebrated with [[Bomba (Ecuador)|bomba del chota]] music.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lara |first1=Francisco |last2=Ruggiero |first2=Diana |date=2016 |title=Highland Afro-Ecuadorian Bomba and Identity along the Black Pacific at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44163003 |journal=Latin American Music Review / Revista de Música Latinoamericana |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=135–164 |doi=10.7560/LAMR37201 |jstor=44163003 |s2cid=191623539 |issn=0163-0350 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007211610/https://www.jstor.org/stable/44163003 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

[[Latacunga]] celebrates Carnival in three manners:<ref>{{cite web| title=Carnival Latacunga| url=http://www.lahora.com.ec/index.php/noticias/show/1101464647/-1/Celebraci%C3%B3n_y_fiesta__en_La_Laguna.html#.Vj0nsdIrLcc| access-date=6 November 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032136/http://www.lahora.com.ec/index.php/noticias/show/1101464647/-1/Celebraci%C3%B3n_y_fiesta__en_La_Laguna.html#.Vj0nsdIrLcc| archive-date=17 November 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> Carnival with water where people play with water, religious Carnival where people make religious festivity, and Carnival parade in the city in which people march on the Latacunga streets wearing masks while they dance with music bands.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====French Guiana====
{{Main|Carnival in French Guiana}}

The Carnival of [[French Guiana]] has roots in [[Creole peoples|Creole]] culture. Everyone participates – mainland French, Brazilians (Guiana has a frontier with Brazil), and Chinese as well as Creoles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=French Guiana - Colonialism, Multiculturalism, Autonomy {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/French-Guiana/Government-and-society |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

Its duration is variable, determined by movable religious festivals: Carnival begins at [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] and ends on Ash Wednesday, and so typically lasts through most of January and February. During this period, from Friday evening until Monday morning the entire country throbs to the rhythm of masked balls and street parades.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-03 |title=Carnival {{!}} Definition, Festival, Traditions, Countries, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Carnival-pre-Lent-festival |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

Friday afternoons are for eating ''galette des rois'' (the cake of kings) and drinking champagne. The cake may be flavoured with [[frangipani]], [[guava]], or [[coconut]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

On Sunday afternoons, major parades fill the streets of [[Cayenne]], [[Kourou]], and Saint-Laurent du Maroni. Competing groups prepare for months. Dressed to follow the year's agreed theme, they march with Carnival floats, drums, and brass bands.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Brazilian groups are appreciated for their elaborate feathered and sequined costumes. However, they are not eligible for competition since the costumes do not change over time.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Mythical characters appear regularly in the parades:{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
* ''Karolin'' − a small person dressed in a [[magpie]] tail and [[top hat]], riding on a [[shrew]];
* ''Les Nèg'marrons'' − groups of men dressed in red [[loincloth]]s, bearing ripe tomatoes in their mouths while their bodies are smeared with grease or [[molasses]]. They deliberately try to come in contact with spectators, soiling their clothes;
* ''Les makoumés'' − [[cross-dressing]] men (out of the Carnival context, ''makoumé'' is a pejorative term for a [[homosexual]]);
* ''Soussouris'' (the bat) − a character dressed in a winged [[leotard]] from head to foot, usually black in colour. Traditionally malevolent, this character is liable to chase spectators and "sting" them.

[[File:Toulou.jpg|thumb|right|Four touloulous]]
A uniquely Creole tradition are the ''touloulous''. These women wear decorative gowns, gloves, masks, and headdresses that cover them completely, making them unrecognisable, even to the colour of their skin. On Friday and Saturday nights of Carnival, touloulou balls are held in so-called "universities", large dance halls that open only at Carnival time. Touloulous get in free, and are even given [[condom]]s in the interest of the sexual health of the community. Men attend the balls, but they pay admittance and are not disguised. The touloulous pick their dance partners, who may not refuse. The setup is designed to make it easy for a woman to create a temporary liaison with a man in total anonymity. Undisguised women are not welcomed. By tradition, if such a woman gets up to dance, the orchestra stops playing. Alcohol is served at bars – the disguised women whisper to the men "touloulou thirsty", at which a round of drinks is expected, to be drunk through a straw protect their anonymity.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In more modern times, Guyanais men have attempted to turn the tables by staging ''soirées tololo'', in which it is the men who, in disguise, seek partners from undisguised women bystanders.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The final four days of Carnival follow a rigid schedule, and no work is done:{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
* Sunday − The Grand Parade, in which the groups compete.
* Monday − Marriage burlesque, with men dressed as brides and women as grooms.
* Tuesday − Red Devil Day in which everyone wears red or black.
* (Ash) Wednesday − Dress is black and white only, for the grand ceremony of burning the effigy of Vaval, King Carnival.

====Guatemala====
The [[Mazatenango]] carnival is a two- or three-day celebration that has been celebrated in this city for more than a century. Though secular in nature, it takes place immediately before Christian [[Lent]] begins. Early celebrations included bull fights, and modern celebrations include the wearing of masks and costumes, the selection of an Ugly King and the Queen of the Carnival, dances, and a variety of games.<ref name="Aldana 2023 j728">{{cite web | last=Aldana | first=por Marysabel | title=Carnaval 2023 en Guatemala: Cuándo se celebra, su historia y otros detalles | website=Prensa Libre | date=February 15, 2023 | url=https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/carnaval-2023-en-guatemala-cuando-se-celebra-su-historia-y-otros-detalles/ | language=es | access-date=January 5, 2024 | archive-date=5 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105172545/https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/carnaval-2023-en-guatemala-cuando-se-celebra-su-historia-y-otros-detalles/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PL 2018 v755">{{cite web | last=PL | first=por Hemeroteca | title=El carnaval de Mazatenango: tradición centenaria | website=Prensa Libre | date=February 10, 2018 | url=https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/historia-del-carnaval-de-mazatenango/ | language=es | access-date=January 5, 2024 | archive-date=5 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105172547/https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/historia-del-carnaval-de-mazatenango/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Haiti====
{{Main|Haitian Carnival}}
Carnival in [[Haiti]] started in 1804 in the capital [[Port-au-Prince]] after the [[Haitian Declaration of Independence|declaration of independence]]. The Port-au-Prince Carnival is one of the largest in North America. It is known as Kanaval in the [[Creole language]]. It starts in January, known as "Pre-Kanaval", while the main carnival activities begin in February. In July 2012, Haiti had another carnival called Kanaval de Fleur. Beautiful costumes, floats, [[Rara festival]] parades,<ref>{{cite web| title=Rara Festivals in Haiti and its Diaspora| url=http://rara.wesleyan.edu/| publisher=Wesleyan University| access-date=5 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117043630/http://rara.wesleyan.edu/| archive-date=17 January 2016| url-status=live}}</ref> masks, foods, and popular [[rasin]] music (such as [[Boukman Eksperyans]], Foula Vodoule, Tokay, Boukan Ginen, and Eritaj) and [[Compas|kompa]] bands (such as T-Vice, Djakout No. 1, [[Sweet Micky]], Kreyòl{{nbsp}}La, D.P. Express, Mizik Mizik, Ram, T-Micky, Carimi, Djakout Mizik, and Scorpio Fever) play for dancers in the streets of the plaza of Champ-de-Mars, Port-au-Prince. A song competition takes place.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Other places in Haiti celebrate carnival, including [[Jacmel]] and [[Aux Cayes]]. In 2013, Kanaval was celebrated in Okap ([[Cap-Haïtien]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Haiti Carnaval 2013 - Cap Haitien |url=http://www.haitianinternet.com/photos/haiti-carnaval-2013-cap-haitien.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Haitian Internet Newsletter |language=en}}</ref>

Carnival finishes on Ash Wednesday, followed by rara festival, another parading musical tradition known mainly in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. This festival emphasises religion. Songs are composed each year, and bands play bamboo tubes (''vaksin'') and homemade horns (''konèt''). Rara is also performed in [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect]] and [[Central Park]] in summertime New York.<ref>{{cite book| last=McAlister| first=Elizabeth| title=Rara! Vodou, Power, and Performance in Haiti and its Diaspora| year=2002| publisher=University of California Press| location=Berkeley| isbn=0-520-22823-5| url-access=registration| url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9790520228237}}</ref>

====Honduras====
In [[La Ceiba]] in [[Honduras]], Carnival is held on the third or fourth Saturday of every May to commemorate [[Isidore the Laborer|San Isidro]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.activecaribbean.com/carnivals-festivals/carnivals-events-honduras/|title=HONDURAS Carnival, ROATAN Events|website=Active Caribbean|language=en-GB|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075738/https://www.activecaribbean.com/carnivals-festivals/carnivals-events-honduras/|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/honduras/carnival.asp|title=Carnival in Honduras – CaribbeanChoice|website=caribbeanchoice.com|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115182036/http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/honduras/carnival.asp|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the largest Carnival celebration in [[Central America]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/honduras/la-ceiba-carnival|title=La Ceiba Carnival 2019 in Honduras – Dates & Map|website=rove.me|language=en|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075738/https://rove.me/to/honduras/la-ceiba-carnival|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hondurastravel.com/news/culture/la-ceiba-carnival-honduran-mardi-gras/|title=Is the La Ceiba Carnival the Honduran Mardi Gras?|last=Dupuis|first=John|date=1 May 2017|website=Honduras Travel|language=en-US|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075713/https://hondurastravel.com/news/culture/la-ceiba-carnival-honduran-mardi-gras/|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Mexico====
{{Main|Carnival in Mexico}}
In [[Mexico]], ''Carnaval'' is celebrated in about 225 cities and towns. The largest are in [[Mazatlán]] and the city of [[Veracruz (city)|Veracruz]], with others in [[Baja California]] and [[Yucatán]]. The larger city Carnavals employ costumes, elected queens, and parades with floats, but Carnaval celebrations in smaller and rural areas vary widely depending on the level of European influence during Mexico's colonial period. The largest of these is in [[Huejotzingo]], [[Puebla]], where most townspeople take part in mock combat with rifles shooting blanks, roughly based on the [[Battle of Puebla]]. Other important states with local traditions include [[Morelos]], [[Oaxaca]], [[Tlaxcala]], and [[Chiapas]].<ref>https://www.sinembargo.mx/12-02-2018/3384548 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101200829/https://www.sinembargo.mx/12-02-2018/3384548 |date=1 January 2019 }} accessed 1 January 2019</ref> Carnaval of [[Campeche]] goes back 400 years, to 1582.<ref>https://www.barcelo.com/pinandtravel/es/carnaval-campeche-2017-el-carnaval-con-mas-historia-de-mexico/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102010632/https://www.barcelo.com/pinandtravel/es/carnaval-campeche-2017-el-carnaval-con-mas-historia-de-mexico/ |date=2 January 2019 }} accessed 1 January 2019</ref>

====Nicaragua====
On the Caribbean coast of [[Bluefields]], [[Nicaragua]], Carnival is better known as "Palo de Mayo" (or Mayo Ya!) and is celebrated every day of May.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bDIwZ8BieWcC&q=Mayo+Ya!+celebration&pg=PA15|title=Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions|last=Herrera-Sobek|first=María|date=1 January 2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313343391|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217211636/https://books.google.com/books?id=bDIwZ8BieWcC&pg=PA15&lpg=PA15&dq=Mayo+Ya!+celebration&source=bl&ots=4nzWf1QpHa&sig=GPwrJhokWuRgzT3aUd-QM6LYf6s&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj2i6mS1pXSAhWF1SwKHWidBDgQ6AEIRzAJ#v=onepage&q=Mayo%20Ya!%20celebration&f=false|archive-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[Managua]], it is celebrated for two days. There it is named ''Alegria por la vida'' ("Joy for Life") and features a different theme each year. Another festival in Managua celebrates patron saint Domingo de Guzman and lasts ten days.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m0EXDQAAQBAJ&q=managua%20%22santo%20domingo%20de%20guzman%22&pg=PT114|title=Lonely Planet Nicaragua|last1=Gleeson|first1=Bridget|last2=Egerton|first2=Alex|date=1 September 2016|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=9781786573049}}</ref>

====Panama====
[[File:Calle Arriba versus Calle Abajo 05.jpg|thumb|Two Queens, representing Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, standing on a float]]
[[File:Carnaval20150215.jpeg|thumb|A culeco]]
Traditionally beginning on Friday and ending on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, "los Carnavales", as [[Panama]]nians refer to the days of Carnival, are celebrated across the country. Carnival Week is especially popular in the sleepy town of [[Las Tablas, Los Santos|Las Tablas]]. The population multiplies because of the opulent Carnival celebrations. Carnival celebrations in [[Panama City]] and almost all of the [[Azuero Peninsula]] are popular tourist attractions. Penonomé features a parade on the Rio Zarati as a unique Carnival event.

The Panamanian Carnival is also popular because of the concerts featuring popular artists in the most visited areas. Concerts are often carried out during the night, and continue until the next morning.

Carnival Week is a national holiday in Panama, with most businesses and government offices remaining closed during its duration, and with most Panamanians opting to go to the country's rural areas to participate on the Carnivals and visit their relatives.

Carnivals in Panama also feature large repurposed fuel trucks that are used for soaking attendees through the use of firehoses that are controlled and directed by one or more people that stand in a platform that is mounted on top of the truck. This is known as "culecos" or "los culecos". Trucks get their water from nearby, government-approved rivers, and the water is tested for cleanliness before use. Culecos are often performed from 10 am to 3 pm, when the sun is at its brightest. Children and pregnant women are banned from participating in the culecos, and the trucks are always sponsored by a well-known Panamanian company or brand. The culecos are also often accompanied by reggaeton concerts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ensegundos.com.pa/2018/02/08/prohiben-ingreso-de-embarazadas-y-ninos-a-culecos/ |title=Prohíben ingreso de embarazadas y niños a culecos – en Segundos Panamá |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220111303/https://ensegundos.com.pa/2018/02/08/prohiben-ingreso-de-embarazadas-y-ninos-a-culecos/ |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/170214/diez-seran-manana-culecos |title=Culecos serán de diez de la mañana hasta las tres de la tarde |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220111113/https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/170214/diez-seran-manana-culecos |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2018/02/05/minsa-verificacion-cisternas-participaran-carnavales/1190582.html |title=Minsa hará doble verificación de cisternas que participarán de culecos en carnavales &#124; Telemetro |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220105636/https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2018/02/05/minsa-verificacion-cisternas-participaran-carnavales/1190582.html |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ensegundos.com.pa/2017/02/25/miambiente-supervisa-carga-de-agua-a-carros-cisternas-para-los-culecos/ |title=MiAmbiente supervisa carga de agua a carros cisternas para los "culecos" – en Segundos Panamá |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220105638/https://ensegundos.com.pa/2017/02/25/miambiente-supervisa-carga-de-agua-a-carros-cisternas-para-los-culecos/ |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The open consumption of large amounts of cold, [[low-alcohol beer]] or [[Smirnoff]], stored in ice-filled coolers, is common among attendees. Just like in Rio de Janeiro, some carnivals also feature floats, but they may have young women with elaborate costumes that stand as the "Queens" of "Calle Arriba" and "Calle Abajo", representing rich and working-class people, respectively. The queens are chosen through a contest and announced on October of the previous year, and are replaced every year. The queens are introduced on the first carnival day, and are always accompanied by a music band, who are present whenever the queens are present. Fireworks are launched on the last carnival night, to signal the end of the carnival.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.amazing-holland.nl/assets/carnaval_english.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428054119/http://www.amazing-holland.nl/assets/carnaval_english.pdf |archive-date=28 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Peru====
[[File:Carnaval de juliaca.jpg|thumb|upright|Morenada dance, in the Carnival of [[Juliaca]], Peru]]

=====Cajamarca=====
The town of [[Cajamarca]] is considered the capital of Carnival in [[Peru]]. Local residents of all ages dance around the ''unsha'', or {{Lang|qu|yunsa}}, a tree adorned with ribbons, balloons, toys, fruits, bottles of liquor, and other prizes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Jose d |date=2018-02-23 |title=Cajamarca Carnival, a Party and Celebration for Everyone |url=https://bestperutours.com/cajamarca-carnival/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Best Peru Tours |language=en-US}}</ref>

At a certain point, the ''Mayordomo'' (governor of the feast) walks into the circle. The governor chooses a partner to go to the ''unsha'', which they attempt to cut down by striking it three times with a [[machete]]. The machete is passed from couple to couple as each strikes the tree three times. When the unsha finally falls, the crowd rushes to grab the prizes.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The person who successfully brings down the unsha becomes the following year's governor.<ref>{{Cite book |last=CRUMP |first=WILLIAM D. |title=ENCYCLOPEDIA OF EASTER CELEBRATIONS WORLDWIDE |date=2020 |publisher=MCFARLAND |isbn=978-1-4766-4196-6 |location=[S.l.] |pages=207 |oclc=1240280170}}</ref>

=====Crime=====
While generally peaceful, there have been issues with people using Carnival as a pretext for crime, particularly robbery or vandalism, especially in certain areas of Lima.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://peru21.pe/noticia/407870/Carnivales-cinco-mil-policias-reforzaran-seguridad-lima |title=Carnivales en Lima: unos cinco mil policías reforzarán la seguridad&#124; Perú21 |publisher=Peru21.pe |access-date=12 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518131624/http://peru21.pe/noticia/407870/Carnivales-cinco-mil-policias-reforzaran-seguridad-lima |archive-date=18 May 2012 }}</ref>

====Trinidad and Tobago====
[[File:Orange Carnival Masqueraders in Trinidad.jpg|thumb|right|Masqueraders chipping on Carnival Tuesday in [[Port of Spain]] during [[Trinidad and Tobago Carnival]]]]
{{Main|Trinidad and Tobago Carnival}}
In [[Trinidad and Tobago]], Carnival lasts months and culminates in large celebrations on the three days before Ash Wednesday with Dimanche Gras, [[J'ouvert]], and Mas (masquerade). Tobago's celebration culminates on Monday and Tuesday on a much smaller scale, however Tobago hosted its inaugural standalone carnival on October 28–30, 2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsday.co.tt/2023/01/07/festivals-ceo-tobago-can-support-two-carnivals/,%20https://newsday.co.tt/2023/01/07/festivals-ceo-tobago-can-support-two-carnivals/|title=Festivals CEO: Tobago can support two carnivals - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday|first=Corey|last=Connelly|date=7 January 2023|website=newsday.co.tt|accessdate=11 March 2023}}</ref> Carnival combines costumes, dance, music, competitions, rum, and partying (fete-ing). Music styles include soca, [[calypso music|calypso]], [[rapso]], and more recently [[Chutney music|chutney]] and [[chutney soca]].<ref>{{cite journal | last = Dudley | first = Shannon | title = Creativity and Control in Trinidad Carnival Competitions | journal = Small Axe | number = 12 | year = 2003 | pages = 109–125 }}</ref>

The annual Carnival [[steel pan]] competition known as the National Panorama competition holds the finals on the Saturday before the main event. Pan players compete in categories such as "Conventional Steel Band" or "Single Pan Band" by performing renditions of the year's calypsos.<ref>{{cite web |title=Panorama Steelband Competition |url=https://www.steelpan-steeldrums-information.com/panorama.html |accessdate=11 November 2021 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111120140/https://www.steelpan-steeldrums-information.com/panorama.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

"Dimanche Gras" takes place on the Sunday night before Ash Wednesday. Here the [[Calypso Monarch]] is chosen (after competition) and prize money and a vehicle awarded. The King and Queen of the bands are crowned, where each band parades costumes for two days and submits a king and queen, from which an overall winner is chosen. These usually involve huge, complex, beautiful well-crafted costumes, that includes 'wire-bending'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Costume Prototypes Shi'dor LLC |url=https://www.shidor.com/prototypes/ |website=Shi'dor |accessdate=22 February 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120063311/https://www.shidor.com/prototypes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

J'ouvert, or "Dirty Mas", takes place before dawn on the Monday (known as Carnival Monday) before Ash Wednesday. It means "opening of the day". Revelers dress in costumes embodying puns on current affairs, especially political and social events. "Clean Mud" (clay mud), oil paint and body paint are familiar during J'ouvert. A common character is "Jab-jabs" (devils, blue, black, or red) complete with pitchfork, pointed horns and tails. A King and Queen of J'ouvert are chosen, based on their witty political/social messages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tobago |first=Discover Trinidad & |date=2013-10-22 |title=Trinidad Carnival: the birth & evolution |url=https://www.discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/The-Birth-Evolution-of-Trinidad-Carnival/109/3/32 |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=Discover Trinidad & Tobago |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620213110/https://www.discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/The-Birth-Evolution-of-Trinidad-Carnival/109/3/32 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Carnival Costume in Trinidad.jpg|thumb|The Carnival King costume for a particular band]]
Carnival Monday involves the parade of the mas bands. Revelers wear only parts of their costumes, more for fun than display or competition. Monday Night Mas is popular in most towns and especially the capital, where smaller bands compete. There is also the "Bomb Competition", a smaller-scaled judging of steel bands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad-and-tobago/carnival-in-trinidad.html|title=Carnival in Trinidad – Trinidad & Tobago – The true caribbean – Trinidad & Tobago – The true caribbean|website=gotrinidadandtobago.com|access-date=21 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207043929/http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad-and-tobago/carnival-in-trinidad.html|archive-date=7 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Carnival Tuesday hosts the main events. Full costume is worn, complete with make-up and body paint/adornment. Usually "Mas Boots" that complement the costumes are worn. Each band has their costume presentation based on a particular theme, and contains various sections (some consisting of thousands of revelers) that reflect these themes. The street parade and band costume competition take place. The mas bands eventually converge on the Queen's Park Savannah to pass on "The Stage" for judging. The singer of the most played song is crowned Road March King or Queen, earning prize money and usually a vehicle.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

This parading and revelry goes on until Tuesday midnight. Ash Wednesday itself, while not an official holiday, sends flocks to local beaches. The most popular are [[Maracas Beach]] and [[Manzanilla Beach, Trinidad and Tobago|Manzanilla Beach]], where huge beach parties take place on Ash Wednesday.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====United States====
{{Main|Mardi Gras in the United States|Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama|Mardi Gras in New Orleans|Carnaval de Ponce|Courir de Mardi Gras}}
[[File:StAnne06Marigny29.jpg|thumbnail|right|Revelers on [[Frenchmen Street]], in [[New Orleans]], USA]]

Carnival celebrations, usually referred to as [[Mardi Gras]] ("Fat Tuesday" in French), were first celebrated in the [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] area, but now occur in many states.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/01/06/the-obscure-origins-of-american-mardi-gras-which-begins-today/|title=The Obscure Origins of American Mardi Gras|last=Andrews|first=Travis|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=6 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419080129/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/01/06/the-obscure-origins-of-american-mardi-gras-which-begins-today/|archive-date=19 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Customs originated in the onetime [[Louisiana (New France)|French colonial]] capitals of [[Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]] (now in [[Alabama]]), [[New Orleans]] ([[Louisiana]]), and [[Biloxi, Mississippi|Biloxi]] ([[Mississippi]]), all of which have celebrated for many years with street parades and masquerade balls. Other major American cities with celebrations include [[Washington, D.C.]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mkofl.com/|title=Mystick Krewe of Louisianians - Washington Mardi Gras|website=mkofl.com|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124002057/https://mkofl.com/|archive-date=24 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[St. Louis]], Missouri;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stlmardigras.org/|title=Soulard Mardi Gras 2019 {{!}} St. Louis, MO|website=stlmardigras.org|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626221217/https://stlmardigras.org/|archive-date=26 June 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[San Francisco]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org/about|title=About - Carnaval San Francisco|website=www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004175227/http://www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org/about|archive-date=4 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[San Diego]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sdmardigras.com/about/|title=About {{!}} 2017 San Diego Mardi Gras Masquerade Parade & Celebration|website=Mardigras|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223023711/https://www.sdmardigras.com/about/|archive-date=23 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> California; [[Galveston, Texas]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/|title=Mardi Gras! Galveston 2019 {{!}} February 22nd - March 5th|website=Mardi Gras! Galveston|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429021322/https://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/|archive-date=29 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pensacolamardigras.com/|title=Pensacola Mardi Gras – Pensacola Mardi Gras|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223053431/http://pensacolamardigras.com/|archive-date=23 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wusf.usf.edu/mardi_gras_parade_festival|title=Mardi Gras Parade & Festival|last=CitySparkJB|date=2019-02-06|website=WUSF Public Media|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>[[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.universalorlando.com/webcontent/en/us/things-to-do/events/mardi-gras?v=a6|title=Universal Orlando|website=www.universalorlando.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref> and [[Miami, Florida|Miami]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/miami/miami-broward-carnival|title=Miami Broward Carnival 2023|website=rove.me|date=15 March 2023|language=en|access-date=2023-07-31|archive-date=1 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801000200/https://rove.me/to/miami/miami-broward-carnival|url-status=live}}</ref> in [[Florida]].

The most widely known, elaborate, and popular U.S. events are in [[Mardi Gras in New Orleans|New Orleans]], where [[krewe]]s organize parades, balls, and other activities starting with Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar parade on [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]] and ending with the closing of Bourbon Street at midnight on Fat Tuesday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/phunny-phorty-phellows|title=Phunny Phorty Phellows {{!}} Mardi Gras New Orleans|website=mardigrasneworleans.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712023255/https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/phunny-phorty-phellows|archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is often called "the greatest free party on earth".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/news/commentary/article_1afb8938-ff48-5618-bbd3-f380d2a746a5.html|title=Mardi Gras in New Orleans: The greatest free party on earth|website=The Advocate|date=24 February 2014|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307104930/https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/news/commentary/article_1afb8938-ff48-5618-bbd3-f380d2a746a5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Many other Louisiana cities such as [[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]], [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]], [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]], [[Mamou, Louisiana|Mamou]], [[Houma, Louisiana|Houma]], and [[Thibodaux, Louisiana|Thibodaux]], most of which were under French control at one time or another, also hold Carnival celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/pressroom/festivals-events/mardi-gras/index|title=Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Louisiana|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117025317/https://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/pressroom/festivals-events/mardi-gras/index|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the prairie country northwest of Lafayette, Louisiana, the [[Cajun]]s celebrate the traditional [[Courir de Mardi Gras]], which has its roots in celebrations from rural Medieval France.<ref>{{cite book|title=Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras|author=[[Barry Jean Ancelet]]|publisher=Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana|date=1989|isbn=0-940984-46-6|url=https://archive.org/details/capitainevoyaget00ance}}</ref>

In [[Puerto Rico]], the most popular festivals are the Carnaval de [[Loíza, Puerto Rico|Loíza]] and [[Carnaval de Ponce]]. The Carnaval de Ponce (officially "Carnaval Ponceño") is celebrated annually in [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Ponce]]. The celebration lasts one week and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is one of the oldest carnivals of the Western Hemisphere, dating to 1858.<ref>[http://www.letsgotoponce.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=155&Itemid=81 ''Ponce Carnival Goes International in Its 150th Anniversary Edition.'' Let's Go to Ponce.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311075721/http://letsgotoponce.com/index.php?id=155&itemid=81&option=com_content&task=view |date=11 March 2016 }} Ponce Carnival. Retrieved 12 April 2010.</ref> Some authorities trace the Ponce Carnaval to the eighteenth century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/puerto/carnival_dress.pdf|title=The Smithsonian Institution. "A Puerto Rican Carnival: How to Dress for the Ponce Carnival."|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125232634/http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/puerto/carnival_dress.pdf|archive-date=25 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/carnival-de-ponce Attendance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303204114/http://www.answers.com/topic/carnival-de-ponce |date=3 March 2016 }} Retrieved 12 April 2010.</ref>

In New York City, a Caribbean Carnival known as the [[West Indian Day Parade]] is held in [[Crown Heights, Brooklyn|Crown Heights]], [[Brooklyn]] on [[Labor Day]]. Founded by immigrants from Trinidad, the event was initially held at the beginning of Lent, but was later moved to Labor Day in order to allow an outdoor event in the summer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.6sqft.com/the-history-of-brooklyns-caribbean-carnival-the-most-colorful-event-in-new-york-city/|title=The history of Brooklyn's Caribbean Carnival, the most colorful event in New York City|website=6sqft|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727174813/https://www.6sqft.com/the-history-of-brooklyns-caribbean-carnival-the-most-colorful-event-in-new-york-city/|archive-date=27 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Starting in 2013, the Slovenian-American community located in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood of [[Cleveland]] began hosting a local version of [[Kurentovanje]], the Carnival event held in the city of [[Ptuj]], [[#Slovenia|Slovenia]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web| url=http://clevelandkurentovanje.com/| title=Cleveland Kurentovanje| access-date=18 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223000614/http://clevelandkurentovanje.com/| archive-date=23 February 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> The event is conducted on the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday.<ref name=":0" />

====Uruguay====
[[File:Candombe1870-Uruguay.jpg|thumb|right|Afro-Uruguayans gathering for a [[Candombe]] celebration, {{Circa|1870}}]]
The Carnival in Uruguay lasts more than 40 days, generally beginning towards the end of January and running through mid March. Celebrations in [[Montevideo]] are the largest. The festival is performed in the European parade style with elements from [[Bantu peoples|Bantu]] and [[Angola]]n [[Benguela]] cultures imported with slaves in colonial times. The main attractions of Uruguayan Carnival include two colorful parades called ''Desfile de Carnaval'' (Carnival Parade) and ''Desfile de Llamadas'' (Calls Parade, a [[candombe]]-summoning parade).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uruguay-now.com/montevideo-carnival.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117020043/http://www.uruguaynow.com/montevideo-carnival.php|url-status=dead|title=UruguayNow - Travel Guide to Uruguay - Carnival is coming|archive-date=17 January 2012|website=uruguay-now.com}}</ref>

During the celebration, theaters called ''tablados'' are built in many places throughout the cities, especially in Montevideo.<ref>* Fornaro Bordolli, Marita. "The Uruguayan Carnival Stages of the First Half of the Twentieth Century between Transgression and 'Measured Joy{{'"}}, ''Music in Art: International Journal for Music Iconography'' XLIII/1-2 (2018), 123–140 (includes 19 photographs of {{lang|es|tablados}} participating in Montevideo festivities between 1919 and 1951).</ref> Traditionally formed by men and now starting to be open to women, the different Carnival groups ([[Murga]]s, Lubolos, or Parodistas) perform a kind of popular opera at the ''tablados'', singing and dancing songs that generally relate to the social and political situation. The 'Calls' groups, basically formed by drummers playing the tamboril, perform candombe rhythmic figures. The carnival in Uruguay have [[escolas de samba]] too, and the biggest samba parades are in [[Artigas, Uruguay|Artigas]] and in [[Montevideo]]. Revelers wear their festival clothing. Each group has its own theme. Women wearing elegant, bright dresses are called [[Vedette (cabaret)|vedettes]] and provide a sensual touch to parades.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

European [[archetype]]s ([[Pierrot]], [[Harlequin]], and [[Columbina]]) merge with African ancestral elements (the [[Matriarchy|Old Mother]] or ''Mama Vieja'', the [[Medicine Man]] or ''Gramillero'' and the [[magician (paranormal)|Magician]] or ''Escobero'') in the festival.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gittens|first=William Anderson|title=Culture Demystify A Cultural Conversation First|publisher=Devgro Media Arts Services|year=2019|isbn=9789769635616|pages=374–375}}</ref>

====Venezuela====
Carnival in [[Venezuela]] covers two days, 40 days before Easter. It is a time when youth in many rural towns have water fights (including the use of water balloons and water guns). Any pedestrian risks getting soaked. Coastal towns and provinces celebrate Carnival more fervently than elsewhere in the country. Venezuelans regard Carnival about the same way they regard Christmas and Semana Santa ([[Holy Week]]; the week before Easter Sunday) when they take the opportunity to visit their families.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/venezuela/Carnival.asp |title=Carnival in Venezuela |publisher=CaribbeanChoice |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=9 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708120549/http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/venezuela/carnival.asp |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Asia===

====India====
[[File:Carnival Goa circa 1980s or 1990s.jpg|thumb|Panaji locals participating at the [[Carnival in Goa|Goan Carnival]], India, late 20th century]]
[[File:Goa Carnival.jpg|thumb|right|Foreign tourist revellers at the modern Goan Carnival, India, 2005]]
In India, Carnival is celebrated only in the state of [[Goa]] and was originally a local Roman Catholic tradition known as '''Intruz''' which means "swindler" in [[Konkani language|Konkani]] while ''Entrudo'' is the appropriate word in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] for "Carnival". The present commercial version of the Goan carnival ([[King Momo]], floats, etc.) was created based on the [[Rio Carnival]] only in the 1960s as a means of attracting tourism.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/The-dawn-of-Viva-Carnaval-in-Goa/143320.html
|title=The dawn of Viva Carnaval in Goa
|date=1 March 2019
|accessdate=2 June 2021
|newspaper=[[O Heraldo]]
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404155031/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/The-dawn-of-Viva-Carnaval-in-Goa/143320.html
|archive-date=4 April 2019
}}</ref> The largest celebration takes place in the capital [[Panaji]]. The commercial Carnival festivities occur during the three days and nights preceding Ash Wednesday. Sixtus Eric Dias from Candolim was the King Momo for the Carnival 2021. All-night parades occur throughout the state with bands, dances, and floats. Grand balls are held in the evenings.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.navhindtimes.in/ilive/official-festival-goa-Carnival |title=The official festival of Goa, Carnival |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307152611/http://www.navhindtimes.in/ilive/official-festival-goa-carnival |archive-date=7 March 2011 |date=5 March 2011 |work=[[The Navhind Times]]}}</ref>

====Indonesia====
In [[Indonesia]], the word "carnival" or ''karnaval'' is not related to pre-[[Lent]] festivities, but more to festivals in general, especially those with processions and extravagant costumes. One of the largest carnivals in Indonesia is the [[Solo Batik Carnival]], held in [[Surakarta|Solo]], [[Central Java]]. The Jember Fashion Carnaval is held in [[Jember]], [[East Java]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jember Fashion Carnival|url=http://www.jemberfashioncarnaval.com/main.php?com=contact|website=Jember Fashion Carnival|access-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812021225/http://www.jemberfashioncarnaval.com/main.php?com=contact|archive-date=12 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Roman Catholic community of [[Kupang]], [[East Nusa Tenggara]], held an Easter procession in form of an Easter Carnival called ''Pawai Paskah Kupang''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.antaranews.com/berita/489130/pemuda-lintas-agama-akan-ramaikan-pawai-paskah-di-kupang| title=Pemuda lintas agama akan ramaikan Pawai Paskah di Kupang| author=Kornelis Kaha| date=5 April 2015| access-date=20 April 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418030213/http://www.antaranews.com/berita/489130/pemuda-lintas-agama-akan-ramaikan-pawai-paskah-di-kupang| archive-date=18 April 2015| url-status=live}}</ref>

====Israel====
{{Main|Adloyada}}

====Philippines====
{{Main|Manila Carnival}}
{{See also|List of festivals in the Philippines}}
[[File:09288jfEscolta Museum Exhibit Hall Edificio Calvo Binondo, Manilafvf 03.jpg|thumb|Posters and flyers of the [[Manila Carnival]] as well as photos of crowned Carnival Queens ({{circa|1920s-1930s}}), from the [[calvo Building|Escolta Museum]]]]
In the [[Philippines]], the [[Manila Carnival]] ([[Philippine Spanish]]: {{lang|es|Carnaval de Manila}}) was formerly a major annual event in [[Manila]] during the early [[History of the Philippines (1898–1946)|American colonial period]] up to the time before the [[Second World War]]. It was organized by the American colonial administration to showcase the economic development of the [[Philippines]]. The highlight of the event is the crowning of the Carnival Queens, which is the precursor of later national pageants like [[Miss Philippines]].<ref name=mcbs>{{cite web | url=http://manilacarnivals.blogspot.com/2008/07/3-oh-meet-me-at-carnival.html | title=Oh, Meet Me at the Carnival | date=20 July 2008 | publisher=Manila Carnivals, Alex R. Castro | accessdate=20 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://carnivals93.rssing.com/chan-14212637/all_p1.html | title= Manila Carnivals 1908–1939 | publisher=Carnivals RSS | accessdate=12 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="Clutario">{{cite book |last1=Clutario |first1=Genevieve Alva |title=Beauty Regimes: A History of Power and Modern Empire in the Philippines, 1898–1941 |date=2023 |publisher=Duke University Press |isbn=9781478024279}}</ref> It is also notable for founding and hosting the first [[Far Eastern Championship Games]] (then known as the "First Oriental Olympic Games") which became the precursor of the modern [[Asian Games]].<ref>{{cite thesis|last=Keyes|first=Mary Eleanor|title=John Howard Crocker LL. D., 1870–1959|publisher=[[University of Western Ontario]]|date=October 1964|location=London, Ontario|oclc=61578234|page=52}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Disappearance of German Merchantmen a Sore Blow|last=Jones|first=Gordon R.|date=October 29, 1914|newspaper=[[Brantford Expositor]]|location=Brantford, Ontario|page=10|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brantford-weekly-expositor-crocker-1/123001318/|access-date=May 28, 2023|archive-date=April 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421164729/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-brantford-weekly-expositor-crocker-1/123001318/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Carnival at Manila postcard.jpg|thumb|Postcard from the [[Manila Carnival]] ({{circa|1920s}})]]
[[File:Masskara Festival Street Dance 22.jpg|thumb|Parade contingents in the 2024 [[Masskara Festival]] of [[Bacolod]], [[Philippines]]]]
[[File:Sinulog Festival (2023) contingents in street dance 10.jpg|thumb|Parade contingents in the 2023 [[Sinulog Festival]] of [[Cebu City|Cebu]], [[Philippines]]]]
The carnival lasted around two weeks in which a variety of shows were presented like [[circus]], [[vaudeville]], [[slapstick]] comedies, and [[theater]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://manilacarnivals.blogspot.com/2008/07/2-man-plan-carnival.html | title= A Man, A Plan, A Carnival | date= 16 July 2008 | publisher=Manila Carnivals, Alex R. Castro | accessdate=16 July 2008}}</ref> Five parades were also held, an opening parade, a military parade, a school parade, a business and industry parade (which included foreign participants), and the floral parade (which featured the Carnival Queen winner).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://manilacarnivals.blogspot.com/search/label/Carnival%20floats | title= 1908 Carnival in the Philippines | publisher=Manila Carnivals | accessdate=3 August 2011}}</ref>

The carnival was first held in February 1908 and was initially only a city celebration. It expanded to a national scope by 1912,<ref name=mcbs/> the year that it was held concurrently with the Philippine Exposition.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Governor|first=Philippines|url=http://name.umdl.umich.edu/ACX1716.1912.001|title=Report of the governor general of the Philippine Islands. [1912]|date=2005}}</ref> It was discontinued in 1939, due to the outbreak of the Second World War. It was also not held during the [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines]] (1941 to 1944). After [[Philippine independence]] in 1946, it was never renewed.<ref name=mcbs/><ref>{{cite book |title=Civil Affairs Handbook: Philippine Islands, Volumes 1–15 |author=United States Army Service Forces|date=25 April 1944 |publisher=Headquarters, Army Service Forces}}</ref>

In the modern Philippines, thousands of annual festivals and [[Patronal festival|fiestas]] throughout the islands feature public celebrations and street parade competitions with elaborate costumes similar to the carnival. However, they are not tied to the Lenten period and are instead celebrations of a [[Catholic]] [[patron saint]], of the local culture, or both.

===Europe===

====Albania====
Carnivals have begun to be celebrated in Korça before 1940, a period in which cultural life in this city has been varied. Although a pagan holiday, the Carnival was later celebrated on Feast Day in February. In addition to the many carnival-wearing individuals, there were bands with guitars, bows, and butaphoric{{typo help inline|date=August 2020}} masks such as animal heads and humans. The Korça Carnival took a big hit after the creation of cultural societies such as the "Korça Youth". During this period carnivals were accompanied by mandolins, guitars and humorous songs. Carnival celebrations were discontinued after 1960, to resume in other social conditions after 1990. Korça is one of the first cities to revive the Carnival tradition by establishing the Carnival Association in 1992 as part of the National Carnival Association of Albania. On 10 April 1994, the first International Carnival Festival in Albania was organized in Korça. The following year, the second International Carnival Festival is even larger. Since this year and until 2008, the Korca Carnival group has been represented at a number of international festivals organized in various European countries.

====Belgium====
Many parts of [[Belgium]] celebrate Carnival, typically with costume parades, partying and fireworks. These areas include the province of Limburg with its cities [[Maasmechelen]], [[Maaseik]] and Lanaken along the river Meuse, the cities of [[Aalst, Belgium|Aalst]], [[Ninove]], [[Binche]], [[Eupen]], [[Halle, Belgium|Halle]], [[Heist-aan-Zee|Heist]], [[Kelmis]], [[Malmedy]], and [[Stavelot]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delmarcelle |first=Camille |date=2016-01-30 |title=Why Is The Carnival of Binche Celebrated in Belgium? |url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/belgium/articles/why-do-we-celebrate-the-carnival-of-binche-in-belgium/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Culture Trip |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621235111/https://theculturetrip.com/europe/belgium/articles/why-do-we-celebrate-the-carnival-of-binche-in-belgium/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Binche - Les Gilles.jpg|thumb|The [[Gilles]] at the [[Carnival of Binche]], in [[Binche]], Belgium]]

The [[Carnival of Binche]] dates at least to the 14th century. Parades are held over the three days before Lent; the most important participants are the [[Gilles]], who wear traditional costumes on Shrove Tuesday and throw [[blood orange]]s to the crowd.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/22/travel/masked-revels-of-a-belgian-mardi-gras.html?sec=travel&pagewanted=2 |title=Masked Revels of a Belgian Mardi Gras |work=[[The New York Times]] |author=Anne Shapiro Devreux |date=22 January 1989 |access-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728003222/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/22/travel/masked-revels-of-a-belgian-mardi-gras.html?sec=travel&pagewanted=2 |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, the Carnival of Binche was recognised as one of the [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?cp=BE |title=UNESCO Culture Sector – Intangible Heritage – 2003 Convention: Belgium |access-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701010208/http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?cp=BE |archive-date=1 July 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Carnival of Aalst]], celebrated during the three days preceding Ash Wednesday, received the same recognition in 2010.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.kunstenenerfgoed.be/ake/view/nl/2626684-Aalst+Carnival+in+2010+voorgedragen+als+immaterieel+cultureel+erfgoed+van+de+mensheid+(UNESCO).html |title=Erfgoed Vlaamse gemeenschap |access-date=12 February 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Belgium's oldest parade is the [[Carnival Parade of Maaseik]], also held on Laetare Sunday, which originated in 1865.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsgd.com/specials/limburg/news/content/2018-03/15/content_181107769.htm|title=Carnival: Limburg's traditional popular festival_news_www.newsgd.com|last=Wong|first=Keane|website=newsgd.com|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119091944/http://www.newsgd.com/specials/limburg/news/content/2018-03/15/content_181107769.htm|archive-date=19 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Un petit groupe de "Longs Nés".jpg|thumb|''Long-Né'' and ''Longuès-Brèsses'' at the Carnival of Malmedy (''[[Cwarmê]]''), in [[Malmedy]], Belgium]]

The Carnival of [[Malmedy]] is locally called ''[[Cwarmê]]''. Even if Malmedy is located in the east Belgium, near the German-speaking area, the ''Cwarmê'' is a pure [[Walloons|Walloon]] and Latin carnival. The celebration takes place during the four days before Shrove Tuesday. The ''Cwarmê'' Sunday is the most important and interesting to see. All the old traditional costumes parade in the street. The ''Cwarmê'' is a "street carnival" and is not only a parade. People who are disguised pass through the crowd and perform a part of the traditional costume they wear. The famous traditional costumes at the ''Cwarmê'' of Malmedy are the ''Haguète'', the ''Longuès-Brèsses'', and the ''Long-Né.''<ref>{{Cite web| title = Historique| url = http://www.malmedy.be/en/Tourisme/folklore-et-carnaval/le-carnaval/| website = malmedy.be| access-date = 5 January 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202233620/http://www.malmedy.be/en/Tourisme/folklore-et-carnaval/le-carnaval/| archive-date = 2 February 2016| url-status = dead}}</ref>

Some Belgian cities hold Carnivals during Lent. One of the best-known is [[Stavelot]], where the ''Carnival de la Laetare'' takes place on [[Laetare Sunday]], the fourth Sunday of Lent. The participants include the ''Blancs-Moussis'', who dress in white, carry long red noses and parade through town attacking bystanders with [[confetti]] and dried [[pig bladder]]s. The city of [[Halle, Belgium#Events|Halle]] also celebrates on Laetare Sunday.

====Bosnia and Herzegovina====
In [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], the [[Croat]]-majority city of [[Ljubuški]] holds a traditional Carnival ({{langx|bs|Karneval}}). Ljubuški is a member of the [[Federation of European Carnival Cities]] (FECC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Evens calendar. |url=https://carnivalcities.net/calender-of-evens/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=FECC - Federation of European Carnival Cities |date=9 July 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213202321/https://carnivalcities.net/calender-of-evens/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Croatia====
The most famous [[Croatia]]n Carnival (Croatian: ''karneval'', also called ''maškare'' or ''fašnik'') is the [[Rijeka Carnival]], during which the mayor of [[Rijeka]] hands over the keys to the city to the Carnival master (''meštar od karnevala''). The festival includes several events, culminating on the final Sunday in a masked procession. (A similar procession for children takes place on the previous weekend.){{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

[[File:Rijecki karneval 140210 Halubajski zvoncari 9.jpg|thumb|left|[[Halubajski zvončari]] at [[Rijeka Carnival]], in [[Rijeka]], Croatia]]

Many towns in Croatia's [[Kvarner]] region (and in other parts of the country, e.g. in [[Međimurje County]] in [[Northern Croatia]]) observe the Carnival period, incorporating local traditions and celebrating local culture. Some of the towns and places are Grobnik, Permani, Kastav and many others places near Rijeka, then [[Čakovec]], [[Samobor]] etc. Just before the end of Carnival, every Kvarner town burns a [[effigy|man-like doll]] called a "Pust", who is blamed for all the strife of the previous year. The [[Zvončari]], or bell-ringers push away winter and all the bad things in the past year and calling spring, they wear bells and large head regalia representing their areas of origin (for example, those from Halubje wear regalia in the shape of animal heads). The traditional Carnival food is [[fritule]], a pastry. This festival can also be called Poklade.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

[[File:Međimurski fašnjak 2015. - Svetomartinski krampus.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A [[Krampus]] from [[Međimurje County]], northern Croatia]]

Masks are worn to many of the festivities, including concerts and parties. Children and teachers are commonly allowed to wear masks to school for a day, and also wear masks at school dances or while trick-or-treating. Carnivals also take place in summer. One of the most famous is the Senj Summer Carnival – first celebrated in 1968. The towns of [[Cres]], Pag, Novi Vinodolski, and Fužine also organise Summer Carnivals.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Cyprus====
Carnival has been celebrated in [[Cyprus]] for centuries. The tradition was likely established under [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]] rule around the 16th century. It may have been influenced by Greek traditions, such as festivities for deities such as [[Dionysus]]. The celebration originally involved dressing in costumes and holding masked balls or visiting friends. In the twentieth century, it became an organized event held during the 10 days preceding Lent (according to the [[Greek Orthodox]] calendar). The festival is celebrated almost exclusively in the city of [[Limassol]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Three main parades take place during Carnival. The first is held on the first day, during which the "Carnival King" (either a person in costume or an [[effigy]]) rides through the city on his carriage. The second is held on the first Sunday of the festival, and the participants are mainly children. The third and largest takes place on the last day of Carnival and involves hundreds of people walking in costume along the town's longest avenue. The latter two parades are open to anyone who wishes to participate.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Czech Republic====
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}
[[File:Masopust masks in Milevsku (2013) 63.JPG|thumb|Masopust masks in [[Milevsko]], Czech Republic]]

In the [[Czech Republic]], the Masopust Festival takes place from [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] (''Den tří králů'') through Ash Wednesday (''Popeleční středa''). The word ''masopust'' translates literally from old Czech to mean "meat fast", and the festival often includes a pork feast. The tradition is most common in [[Moravia]] but also occurs in [[Bohemia]]. While practices vary, masks and costumes are present everywhere.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.expats.cz/czech-culture/masopust-carnival-tradition-has-revived-in-recent-years/|title=The Masopust carnival tradition has revived in recent years – Prague, Czech Republic|date=11 January 2012|website=Expats.cz for Jobs in Prague – Prague Real Estate in the Czech Republic|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003202/https://news.expats.cz/czech-culture/masopust-carnival-tradition-has-revived-in-recent-years/|archive-date=5 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Denmark and Norway====
{{Main|Fastelavn}}

Carnival in [[Denmark]] is called ''Fastelavn'', and is held on the Sunday or Monday before Ash Wednesday. The holiday is sometimes described as a Nordic [[Halloween]], with children dressing in costume and gathering treats for the ''Fastelavn'' feast. One popular custom is the ''fastelavnsris'', a [[switch (corporal punishment)|switch]] that children use to [[flagellation|flog]] their parents to wake them up on Fastelavns Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HVorfor har man fastelavnsris? |url=https://natmus.dk/historisk-viden/temaer/fester-og-traditioner/fastelavn/fastelavnsris/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Nationalmuseet |language=da}}</ref>

In [[Norway]], students having seen [[Paris Carnival|celebrations in Paris]] introduced Carnival processions, masked balls, and Carnival balls to [[Oslo|Christiana]] in the 1840s and 1850s. From 1863, the artist federation ''Kunstnerforeningen'' held annual Carnival balls in the old [[Freemasons]] lodge, which inspired [[Johan Svendsen]]'s compositions ''Norsk Kunstnerkarneval'' and ''Karneval in Paris''. The following year, Svendsen's ''Festpolonaise'' was written for the opening procession. [[Edvard Grieg]] attended and wrote "Aus dem Karneval" (''Folkelivsbilleder'' Op. 19). Since 1988, the student organization {{ill|Tårnseilerne|no}} has produced annual masquerade balls in Oslo, with masks, costumes, and processions after attending an opera performance. The Carnival season also includes ''Fastelavens søndag'' (with cream buns) and ''fastelavensris'' with decorated branches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hvorfor har man fastelavnsris? |url=https://natmus.dk/historisk-viden/temaer/fester-og-traditioner/fastelavn/mad-til-fastelavn/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Nationalmuseet |language=da}}</ref>

====Finland====
[[File:Samba wagon from Império do Papagaio at Helsinki Samba Carnaval 2016.jpg|thumb|The 2016 [[Helsinki Samba Carnaval]] in [[Helsinki]], Finland]]

The [[Helsinki Samba Carnaval]], modelled after the samba carnivals in Brazil, takes place every year in middle June. The carnival lacks a proper historical tradition and has instead mostly grown from experimenting.

====France====
[[File:Carnaval de Paris 15 février 2015 7.JPG|thumb|[[Paris Carnival|Carnival in Paris]], France]]

Some major Carnivals of mainland [[France]] are the [[Nice Carnival]], the Dunkirk Carnival and the Limoux Carnival. The [[Nice]] Carnival was held as far back as 1294, and annually attracts over a million visitors during the two weeks preceding Lent.

Since 1604, a characteristic [[Carnival of Limoux|masked Carnival]] is celebrated in [[Limoux]].

The [[Dunkirk]] Carnival is among the greatest and most exuberant carnivals celebrated in Europe. Its traditions date back to the 17th century and are based on the ''vischerbende'' as fishermen went from one café to another accompanied by their relatives and friends just before departing to [[Iceland]]ic fishing grounds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-04 |title=Dunkirk Carnival {{!}} Carnivale de Dunkerque |url=https://thegoodlifefrance.com/le-carnaval-de-dunkerque-dunkirk-carnival/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=thegoodlifefrance.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[French West Indies]], it occurs between the Sunday of Epiphany and Ash Wednesday;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guadeloupe-guide.net/guadeloupe-evenements-us.php|title=Guadeloupe Guide – Events in Guadeloupe – French West Indies|access-date=20 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419201332/http://www.guadeloupe-guide.net/guadeloupe-evenements-us.php|archive-date=19 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> this dates back to the arrival of French colonists in the islands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-14 |title=History of Caribbean Carnival |url=https://www.cariviews.com/blog/history-of-caribbean-carnival |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=The Caribbean Views |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Germany, Switzerland, and Austria====
{{Main|Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria|l1=Karneval in Germany and Austria|Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht|l2=Fastnacht or Fasnacht in Germany, Switzerland, Alsace and Austria}}

=====Germany=====
The earliest written record of Carnival in [[Germany]] was in 1296 in [[History of Speyer|Speyer]].<ref>''Geschichte der Stadt Speyer''. Band 1, [[Kohlhammer Verlag]], Stuttgart 1982, {{ISBN|3-17-007522-5}}</ref> The first worldwide Carnival parade took place in [[Cologne]] in 1823.<ref name="Cologne1823" /> The most active Carnival week begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, with parades during the weekend, and finishes the night before Ash Wednesday, with the main festivities occurring around ''Rosenmontag'' (Rose Monday). This time is also called the "Fifth Season". Shrove Tuesday, called ''Fastnacht'' or ''Veilchendienstag'', is celebrated in some cities.

Parties feature self-made and more fanciful costumes and occasional masks. The parties become more exuberant as the weeks progress and peak after New Year, in January and February. The final Tuesday features all-night parties, dancing, hugging, and smooching. Some parties are for all, some for women only and some for children. ''Fasnachtsküchle'' (similar to ''Kreppel'' or donuts) are the traditional Fasching food and are baked or fried.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In Germany, ''Rheinischer Karnival'' and ''Schwäbische Fastnacht'' are distinct; first is less formal and more political, second is much more traditional.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clownin |title=Formen und Verbreitung |url=https://virtuelles-fastnachtsmuseum.de/themenbereiche/formen-und-verbreitung/ |access-date=2025-10-17 |website=Virtuelles Fastnachtsmuseum |language=de-DE}}</ref>

====="Rhenish Carnival" (Rheinischer Karneval, Fasnacht, Fasnet, Fastabend, Fastelovend, Fasteleer, Fasching)=====
The "Rheinische" Carnival is held in the west of Germany, mainly in the states of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] and [[Rhineland-Palatinate]], but also in [[Hesse]] (including [[Upper Hesse]]). Similar forms of the festival occur in [[Bavaria]], and other states. Some cities are more famous for celebrations such as parades and costume balls. The [[Cologne Carnival]], as well as those in [[Mainz]], [[Eschweiler]] and [[Düsseldorf]], are the largest and most famous. Other cities have their own, often less well-known celebrations, parades, and parties, such as [[Aachen]], [[Bonn]], [[Worms, Germany|Worms am Rhein]], [[Speyer]], [[Kaiserslautern]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Darmstadt]], [[Duisburg]], [[Dortmund]], [[Essen]], [[Mannheim]], [[Münster]], [[Krefeld]], [[Ludwigshafen]], [[Mönchengladbach]], [[Stuttgart]], [[Augsburg]], [[Munich]], and [[Nuremberg]]. The biggest German carnival club is located in the relatively small town of [[Dieburg]] in South Hesse. Festivities start as early as 11 November at 11:11am for some carnival organizations, but the main events usually take place after the Christmas season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fasching and Karneval |url=https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/fasching-and-karneval/ |website=The German Way & More |access-date=11 November 2021 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073302/https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/fasching-and-karneval/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On Carnival Thursday (called "Old Women Day" or "The Women's Day" in commemoration of an 1824 revolt by washer-women), women storm city halls, cut men's ties, and are allowed to kiss any passing man. Special acrobatic show dances in mock uniforms are a traditional contribution to most festive balls. They may or may not have been a source of inspiration to American cheerleading. The Fasching parades and floats make fun of individual politicians and other public figures. Many speeches do the same.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gespraechswert.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Karneval_Guide_English_201701.pdf|title=Cologne Carnival traditions explained in English.|accessdate=11 March 2023|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307104935/https://www.gespraechswert.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Karneval_Guide_English_201701.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Traditions often also include the "Faschingssitzung" – a sit-only party with dancing and singing presentations, and often many speeches given that humorously criticize politics.

====="Swabian-Alemannic" Carnival (''Schwäbische Fastnacht'')=====
[[File:VSAN TT 2014 Sa17.jpg|thumb|Reitenderle, der Grundholde, Hudelmale, Schnarragagges; popular Fasnet characters from [[Kisslegg]] im Allgäu, [[Swabia]], Germany]]

The [[Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht]], known as ''Schwäbische Fastnacht'', takes place in [[Baden]], [[Swabia]], the [[Allgäu]], [[Alsace]], and [[Vorarlberg]] (western [[Austria]]). During the pagan era, it represented the time of year when the reign of the grim winter spirits is over, and these spirits are hunted and expelled. It then adapted to Catholicism. The first official record of Karneval, Fasching or Fastnacht in Germany dates to 1296.<ref>{{Cite web|last=mdr.de|title=Warum wir Fasching, Fastnacht oder Karneval feiern {{!}} MDR.DE|url=https://www.mdr.de/religion/warum-wir-fastnacht-fasching-karneval-feiern100.html|access-date=2021-02-09|website=mdr.de|language=de|archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215011831/https://www.mdr.de/religion/warum-wir-fastnacht-fasching-karneval-feiern100.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tagespost|first=Die|date=2018-02-12|title=Die Tagespost|url=https://www.die-tagespost.de/kommentare/Eine-ganz-kurze-Geschichte-des-rheinischen-Karneval;art4872,185817|access-date=2021-02-09|website=die-tagespost.de|language=de-DE|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415080439/https://www.die-tagespost.de/kommentare/Eine-ganz-kurze-Geschichte-des-rheinischen-Karneval;art4872,185817|url-status=live}}</ref> Often the costumes and masks on parades strictly follow traditional designs and represent specific historical characters, public figures – or specific daemons.

=====Swiss Fasnacht=====
[[File:Monstercorso 2009.JPG|thumb|''Monstercorso'' on [[Fat Tuesday|''Güdisdienstag's'']] evening in [[Lucerne]], Switzerland]]

In [[Switzerland]], ''Fasnacht'' takes place in the Catholic [[cantons of Switzerland]], e.g. in [[Lucerne#events|Lucerne]] (''Lozärner Fasnacht''), but also in Protestant [[Carnival of Basel|Basel]]. However, the ''Basler Fasnacht'' begins on the Monday ''after'' Ash Wednesday. Both began in the [[Late Middle Ages]]. Smaller Fasnacht festivities take place across German Switzerland, e.g. in [[Carnival in Bern|Bern]] and [[Olten]], or in the eastern part ([[Zürich]], [[St. Gallen]], [[Appenzell]]).{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Greece====
In [[Greece]], Carnival is known as {{Lang|el-Latn|Apókries}} ({{Lang|el|Απόκριες}}, <small>lit.</small> '[goodbye] to meat'), and officially begins with the "Opening of the [[Triodion]]", the liturgical book used by the [[Greek Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]] from then until [[Holy Week]].<ref name="HR-MFA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/about-greece/history-and-culture/culture.html?page=8|title=Greek Customs|website=Hellenic Republic: [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]|access-date=2017-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828232026/http://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/about-greece/history-and-culture/culture.html?page=8|archive-date=28 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Apokries is made up of three themed weeks of celebration known as {{Lang|el-Latn|Prophoní}} ({{Lang|el|Προφωνή}}, 'preannouncement week'), {{Lang|el-Latn|Kreatiní}} ({{Lang|el|Κρεατινή}}, 'meat week'), and {{Lang|el-Latn|Tiriní}} ({{Lang|el|Τυρινή}}, 'cheese week'). One of the season's high points during Kreatini is {{Lang|el-Latn|[[Tsiknopempti|Tsiknopémpti]]}} (<small>lit.</small> 'Smoky-Thursday'), when celebrants throw large outdoor parties and roast huge amounts of meat; the ritual is repeated the following Sunday, after which point meat is forbidden until Easter. The following week, Tirini, is marked by similar festivities revolving around the consumption of cheese, eggs, and dairy and culminates with a "Cheese Sunday". [[Great Lent]], and its restrictive fasting rules, begins in earnest the next day on [[Clean Monday]]. Throughout the Carnival season, festivals, parades, and balls are held all over the country. Many people disguise themselves as {{Lang|el-Latn|maskarádes}} ("masqueraders") and engage in pranks and revelry throughout the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carnivaland.net/patras-carnival/|title=Your Ultimate Guide to Attending Patras Carnival Greece|date=2018-11-09|website=Carnivaland|language=en-US|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409191634/https://www.carnivaland.net/patras-carnival/|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>

[[File:Kingcarnival.jpg|thumb|left|The float of the King Carnival parading in [[Patras]], Greece]]

[[Patras]] holds the largest annual Carnival in Greece, and one of the largest in the world. The famous [[Patras Carnival]] is a three-day spectacle replete with concerts, theatre performances, parading troupes, an elaborate [[Treasure hunt (game)|treasure hunt]] game, three major parades, parallel celebrations specifically for children, and many [[masquerade ball]]s including the famous Bourboúlia ({{Lang|el|Μπουρμπούλια}}) ball in which women wear special robe-like costumes called a {{Lang|el-Latn|dómino}} to hide their identy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/bourboulia/|title=BOURBOULIA|website=Patras Carnival|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325224619/http://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/bourboulia/|archive-date=25 March 2019|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> The festivities come to a crescendo on "Cheese Sunday" when The Grand Parade of troupes and floats leads celebrators to the harbor for the ceremonial burning of the effigy of King Carnival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/big-parade/|title=THE BIG PARADE|website=Patras Carnival|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409195706/https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/big-parade/|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>
[[File:Bourboulia the Ladies.JPG|thumb|Ladies on their way to the historic Bourboulia ball in Patras, Greece, wearing the ''dómino'' costumes unique to that ball]]

The Carnival in [[Corfu (city)|Corfu]] is much influenced by the Carnival of [[Venice]]. During this period, various theatrical sketches are presented on the island, called ''Petególia'' or ''Petegolétsa'' (Πετεγολέτσα) in the local dialect. In previous centuries, existed also the custom of "Giostra" ([[jousting]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apokries.ert.gr/petegoletsa-kerkyra/ |title=Πετεγολέτσα Κέρκυρας |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427034947/http://apokries.ert.gr/petegoletsa-kerkyra/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The second biggest Carnival in Greece takes place in [[Xanthi]] ([[Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]]) since 1966 and it is the major event of its kind in Northern Greece. The [[Xanthi Carnival]] manages to attract visitors from the nearby countries such as [[Bulgaria]], [[Turkey]], and [[Romania]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thestival.gr/xalllara/item/296134-epese-i-aulaia-tou-karnabaliou-stin-ksanthi-plithos-episkepton-apo-toyrkia-boylgaria-kai-roymania|title=Έπεσε η "αυλαία" του καρναβαλιού στην Ξάνθη - Πλήθος επισκεπτών από Τουρκία, Βουλγαρία και Ρουμανία|website=thestival.gr|date=27 February 2017|language=el-GR|access-date=2020-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301225314/http://www.thestival.gr/xalllara/item/296134-epese-i-aulaia-tou-karnabaliou-stin-ksanthi-plithos-episkepton-apo-toyrkia-boylgaria-kai-roymania|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Other regions host festivities of smaller extent, focused on the reenactment of traditional carnival customs, such as [[Tyrnavos]] ([[Thessaly]]), [[Kozani]] ([[Western Macedonia]]), [[Rethymno]] ([[Crete]]). Tyrnavos holds an annual Phallus festival, a traditional "phallkloric" event<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,553070,00.html "The Annual Phallus Festival in Greece"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122115504/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,553070,00.html |date=22 January 2009 }}, ''Der Spiegel'', English edition, 3 June 2008, Retrieved on 15 December 2008</ref> in which giant, gaudily painted effigies of [[phallus]]es made of [[papier-mâché]] are paraded, and which women are asked to touch or kiss. Their reward for so doing is a shot of the famous local [[tsipouro]] alcohol spirit.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mendonca|first1=Shawn|last2=Pan|first2=Jessica|last3=Brandes*|first3=Steven|title=Fr01-16 Festival of the "Steel Phallus" and the "Bourani" Carnival of Tynavos: Phallic Festivals of Contemporary Japan and Greece|date=April 2020|journal=The Journal of Urology|language=en|volume=203|pages=e289–e290| issue=Supplement 4 | doi=10.1097/JU.0000000000000850.016|issn=0022-5347|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Every year, from the 1st to the 8th of January, mostly in regions of [[Western Macedonia]], traditional Carnival festivals erupt. Best known of these is the {{Lang|el-Latn|Ragoutsária}} ({{Lang|el|Ραγκουτσάρια}})<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=28&ct=18&artid=4548248&enthDate=27112009 |title=TA NEA On-line – Τριήμερο γλεντιού στα Ραγκουτσάρια |publisher=Tanea.gr |date=29 April 2010 |access-date=9 March 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> festival in the city of [[Kastoria]] whose celebration may date back to antiquity and whose name derives from the Latin word {{Lang|la|rogatores}} 'beggars', in reference to the beggars who could mingle with the rich in their masks.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.kastoria.gov.gr/%cf%81%ce%b1%ce%b3%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%84%cf%83%ce%ac%cf%81%ce%b9%ce%b1/|title=Ραγκουτσάρια|website=Δήμος Καστοριάς|language=el-GR|trans-title=Ragoutsaria|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917151432/http://www.kastoria.gov.gr/%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%84%CF%83%CE%AC%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B1/|archive-date=17 September 2019|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> It takes place from 6–8 January with mass participation and is noted for its brass bands, flutes, and [[Macedonians (Greeks)|Macedonian]] [[drums]]. It is an ancient celebration of nature's rebirth akin to ancient festivals for [[Dionysus]] ([[Dionysia]]) and [[Cronus|Kronos]] ([[Saturnalia]]).<ref name=":1" />

====Hungary====
[[File:Busójárás (Mohács), 2009.jpg|thumb|The [[Busójárás]] in [[Mohács]], Hungary]]

Carnival season called "Farsang" in Hungarian happens between [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] (January 6) and [[Shrove Tuesday]] and is the time when costume parties traditionally take place, primarily for children (similar to [[Halloween]]).

In [[Mohács]], Hungary, the ''[[Busójárás]]'' is a celebration held at the end of the Carnival season. It involves locals dressing in woolly costumes, with scary masks and noise-makers. According to legend, the festival celebrates both the conclusion of the winter season and a victory by the local people over invading Ottomans in 1526.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ronan|first=Alex|date=16 March 2017|title=A Magical Festival to Scare Off Winter|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/t-magazine/busojaras-festival-hungary-lent-travel.html|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617221357/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/t-magazine/busojaras-festival-hungary-lent-travel.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Italy====
{{Main|Carnival in Italy}}
[[File:Venice Carnival - Masked Lovers (2010).jpg|thumb|Distinctive [[Venetian mask]]s at the [[Carnival of Venice]]]]
[[Image:Carnevale di viareggio 2008, uer iz de party.JPG|thumb|[[Carnival of Viareggio]] 2011, ''Uer iz de parti?'']]
[[File:Dettaglio della battaglia e della quantità di arance. (foto Baldo Simone).jpg|thumb|The [[Battle of the Oranges]] at the [[Carnival of Ivrea]], in [[Ivrea]], Italy]]

[[Carnival in Italy]] is a farewell party to eat, drink, and have fun before the limitations and solemnity of [[Lent]]. About a month before [[Ash Wednesday]], Italians celebrate over many weekends with parades, masks, and ''[[Confetti#Etymology and Italian confetti|confetti]]''. The origins of this event may be traced to [[ancient Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], when they worshipped [[Dionysus|Bacchus]] and [[Saturn]]. Some think they date back to archaic winter-to-spring ceremonies. Despite its pagan origins, the event was so extensively celebrated and the tradition so powerful that it was swiftly altered to fit into Catholic rituals. Carnival in Italy is traditionally celebrated on [[Mardi Gras|Fat Tuesday]], but the weekend prior features activities as well.

Carnival traditions vary across Italy. In the [[Ambrosian rite]] regions around Milan, Carnival ends on the first Sunday of [[Lent]]. The [[Carnival of Venice]] and [[Carnival of Viareggio]] are particularly renowned, featuring sophisticated masquerades and parades. In [[Sardinia]], a distinct carnival form survives, possibly rooted in pre-Christian winter rituals of awakening the earth. These Carnivals include masquerades and parades.

The [[Carnival of Venice|Carnival in Venice]] was first documented in 1296, with a proclamation by the [[Venetian Senate]] announcing a public festival the day before the start of [[Lent]]. Its subversive nature is reflected in Italy's many laws over the centuries attempting to restrict celebrations and the wearing of [[mask]]s. Carnival celebrations in Venice were halted after the city fell under [[Habsburg monarchy|Austrian]] control in 1798, but were revived in the late 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Magazine |first1=Smithsonian |last2=Djinis |first2=Elizabeth |title=A Brief History of How Carnival Is Celebrated Around the World |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-how-carnival-is-celebrated-around-the-world-180983771/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Carnival of Viareggio]] is the second-most popular in Italy. It lasts a month with night and day celebrations, floats, parades, district celebrations, masked dances, and other shows. The first masquerade took place in 1873, in response to the upper classes' dissatisfaction with having to pay hefty taxes. Thousands of travelers go to Italy for parades, Carnival masks and costumes, concerts, and music.In 2001, the town built a new "Carnival citadel" dedicated to Carnival preparations and entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-01-18|title=The History of the Viareggio Carnival|url=https://www.italiakids.com/the-history-of-the-viareggio-carnival/|access-date=2021-10-05|website=Italia Kids|language=en-US|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005133328/https://www.italiakids.com/the-history-of-the-viareggio-carnival/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Carnival of Ivrea]] is famous for its "[[Battle of the Oranges]]" fought with fruit between the people on foot and the troops of the tyrant on carts, to remember the wars of the Middle Ages,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Carnival of Ivrea - History |url=https://www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/the-carnival/storia/?lang=en |website=Storico Carenevale di Ivrea |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809144133/http://www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/the-carnival/storia/?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> allegory of struggle for freedom. It is considered one of the most ancient Carnivals in the world. The fight commemorates Ivrea's rebellion against tyrannical rule in the Middle Ages. The miller's daughter, "''la Mugnaia''", allegedly killed the city's dictator after he tried to kidnap her, sparking an uprising that gave the inhabitants more freedom. Ivrea's Carnival celebration now includes parades in medieval costumes, folkloric ensembles, and musical performances from Italy and Europe. A bean soup, ''fagiolata'', is associated with the festival.

The [[Ambrosian Rite]] ({{langx|it|rito ambrosiano}})<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-23 |title=Rito ambrosiano |website= Chiesa di Milano |url=https://www.chiesadimilano.it/vivere-la-chiesa/celebrare-la-fede/rito-ambrosiano-2 |access-date=2024-04-10 |language=it-IT}}</ref> is a [[Latin liturgical rites|Latin liturgical rite]] of the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] (specifically The Divine Liturgy of Saint Ambrose). The [[ritual family|rite]] is named after [[Ambrose|Saint Ambrose]], a [[bishop of Milan]] in the fourth century. It is used by around five million Catholics in the greater part of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan|Archdiocese of Milan]] (excluding [[Monza]], [[Treviglio]] and [[Trezzo sull'Adda]]), in some parishes of the [[Diocese of Como]], [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Bergamo|Bergamo]], [[Diocese of Novara|Novara]], [[Diocese of Lodi|Lodi]], in the [[Diocese of Lugano]], [[Canton of Ticino]], [[Switzerland]], less prominently in some [[Western Rite Orthodoxy|Western Rite]] orthodox parishes and on special occasions of other jurisdictions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metropolitan of Piraeus celebrates ancient Liturgy of St. Ambrose of Milan |url=https://orthochristian.com/157743.html |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=OrthoChristian.Com}}</ref> In the most part of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan|Archdiocese]] of [[Milan]], the Carnival lasts four more days, ending on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday, because of the Ambrosian Rite.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambrosian Carnival 2023: dates and programme |url=https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/milan/things-to-do/ambrosian-carnival-dates-programme |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Italia.it |language=en}}</ref>

In [[Sardinia]], the Carnival (in [[Sardinian language]] ''Carrasecare'' or ''Carrasegare''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ditzionariu.nor-web.eu/en/faeddu/carrasec%C3%A0re|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228092329/https://ditzionariu.nor-web.eu/en/faeddu/carrasec%C3%A0re|archive-date=28 February 2021|title=Ditzionàriu in Línia}}</ref>) varies greatly from the one in the mainland of Italy. the majority of the Sardinian celebrations features not only feasts and parades but also crude [[fertility rite]]s such as bloodsheds to fertilize the land,<ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e97JaWRkSU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2e97JaWRkSU| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Carnevale Luvulesu Su battileddu|date=2 March 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the death and the resurrection of the Carnival characters<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbXz0Te7IVk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/sbXz0Te7IVk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title="Sa Filonzana", personaggio femminile del carnevale in Sardegna|date=4 February 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and representations of violence and torture.<ref name="youtube.com"/> The typical characters of the Sardinian Carnival are [[Zoomorphism|zoomorphic]] and/or [[Androgyny|androgynous]], such as the ''Mamuthones and Issohadores''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prolocomamoiada.it/mamuthoneseissohadores/|title=MAMUTHONES E ISSOHADORES|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122303/https://prolocomamoiada.it/mamuthoneseissohadores/|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> from [[Mamoiada]], the ''Boes and Merdules''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.merdules.it/en/|title=Cultural Association "Boes and Merdules" Ottana - Italy -|website=Cultural Association "Boes and Merdules" Ottana - Italy|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208100659/http://www.merdules.it/en/|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> from [[Ottana]] and many more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mascheresarde.com/maschere-della-sardegna/|title=Maschere della Sardegna - Elenco delle maschere tipiche sarde &#124; Maschere Sarde|website=mascheresarde.com|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118233441/http://www.mascheresarde.com/maschere-della-sardegna/|archive-date=18 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Carnival is celebrated with street performances<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ynpSoMdXk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/g4ynpSoMdXk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Il Carnevale Tradizionale Sardo e le sue Maschere 2011|date=28 March 2012|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> that are typically accompanied by Sardinian [[dirge]]s called {{lang|sc|attittidus}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tuttologi-accademia-sardegna.blogspot.com/2008/05/attittidu.html|title=Tradizioni popolari della Sardegna: Attittidu|first=I.|last=Tuttologi|date=10 May 2008|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117070325/http://tuttologi-accademia-sardegna.blogspot.com/2008/05/attittidu.html|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> meaning literally "cry of a baby when the mother doesn't want nursed him/her anymore" (from the word ''titta'' meaning breasts<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vocabolariocasu.isresardegna.it/definizione.php?codice=t5329600|title=Vocabolario Sardo-Logudorese / Italiano di Pietro Casu - tìtta|website=vocabolariocasu.isresardegna.it|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122309/http://vocabolariocasu.isresardegna.it/definizione.php?codice=t5329600|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>). Other particular and important Carnival instances in Sardinia are the [[Oristano#Sa Sartiglia and other events|Sartiglia]] in [[Oristano]] and the [[Tempio Pausania]] Carnival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carnevaletempiese.it/home.htm|title=Carrasciali Timpiesu - Carnevale Tempiese&nbsp; - 2019|website=carnevaletempiese.it|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122337/http://www.carnevaletempiese.it/home.htm|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Lithuania====
{{Main|Užgavėnės}}

''Užgavėnės'' is a [[Lithuania]]n festival that takes place on Shrove Tuesday. Its name in English means "the time before Lent". The celebration corresponds to Carnival holiday traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Balbieriūtė |first=Vaida |date=20 February 2019 |title=Unmasking Užgavėnės. What is ancient Lithuanian cosplay? |url=https://www.vu.lt/naujienlaiskis/unmasking-uzgavenes-what-is-anciet-lithuanian-cosplay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251225233451/https://www.vu.lt/naujienlaiskis/unmasking-uzgavenes-what-is-anciet-lithuanian-cosplay |archive-date=25 December 2025 |access-date=25 December 2025 |website=Vilniaus universitetas}}</ref>

''Užgavėnės'' begins on the night before Ash Wednesday, when an [[effigy]] of winter (usually named Morė) is burnt. A major element symbolizes the defeat of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a staged battle between Lašininis ("porky") personifying winter and Kanapinis ("hempen man") personifying spring. Devils, witches, goats, the [[grim reaper]], and other joyful and frightening characters appear in costumes during the celebrations.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Užgavėnės: Lithuanian Pancake Day {{!}} Lithuania Travel |url=https://lithuania.travel/en/why-lithuania/country-of-4-seasons/winter-in-lithuania/uzgavenes-a-different-kind-of-pancake-day |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115045411/https://lithuania.travel/en/why-lithuania/country-of-4-seasons/winter-in-lithuania/uzgavenes-a-different-kind-of-pancake-day |archive-date=15 January 2025 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=lithuania.travel |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Eating pancakes is an important part of the celebration. Eating pancakes during ''Užgavėnės'' is a traditional practice symbolizing the sun's return and the anticipation of a bountiful harvest, aligning with the festival's theme of bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring.<ref name=":6" />

====Luxembourg====
In [[Luxembourg]], the pre-Lenten holiday season is known as ''Fuesend''. Throughout the Grand-Duchy, parades and parties are held.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Sarita |title=Carnival: burning men, fancy dress and nuns' farts |url=https://www.luxtimes.lu/en/luxembourg-guide/carnival-burning-men-fancy-dress-and-nuns-farts-602d5d85de135b92368f3668 |website=Luxembourg Times |date=6 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206044712/https://www.luxtimes.lu/en/luxembourg-guide/carnival-burning-men-fancy-dress-and-nuns-farts-602d5d85de135b92368f3668 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Pétange]] is the home of the Grand-Duchy's largest pre-Lenten Karneval celebration. Annually hosting a cavalcade with roughly 1,200 participants and thousand of celebrants, the official name is Karneval Gemeng Péiteng or "Kagepe" (the initials in [[Luxembourgish]] are pronounced "Ka", "Ge" and "Pe").{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The town of [[Remich]] holds a three-day-long celebration, notable for two special events in addition to its parades. The first is the ''Stréimännchen'', which is the burning of a male effigy from the Remich Bridge that crosses the [[Moselle River]] separating the Grand Duchy from [[Germany]]. The ''Stréimännchen'' symbolizes the burning away of winter. The other special event at the Remich Fuesend celebrations is the ''Buergbrennen'' or [[bonfire]] that closes the celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit RemichCarnival |url=http://visitremich.lu/lb/que-faire/cool-days/fuesend/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Visit Remich |language=en-US |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303193243/http://visitremich.lu/lb/que-faire/cool-days/fuesend/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Like Remich, the town of [[Esch-sur-Alzette]] holds a three-day celebration. Other major Fuesend parades in Luxembourg are held in the towns of [[Diekirch]] and [[Schifflange]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/festivals-and-traditions/carnival.html |title=Fuesent |date=8 February 2023 |website=luxembourg.public.lu |publisher=<!--Not stated--> |access-date=18 April 2023 |quote=The best-known cavalcades are those in Diekirch, Schifflange, Esch-sur-Alzette, Remich and Pétange. A cavalcade especially for children is organised in Kayl. |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418134309/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/festivals-and-traditions/carnival.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Malta====
{{Main|Maltese Carnival}}
[[File:Carnival in Valletta - Trucks in Street of Valletta.jpg|thumb|Carnival procession in [[Valletta]], Malta]]
[[File:Carnival in Valletta.jpg|thumb|left|Carnival in Valletta, Malta]]

Carnival in [[Malta]] (Maltese: ''il-Karnival ta' Malta'') was introduced to the islands by [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Piero de Ponte]] in 1535. It is held during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, and typically includes masked balls, fancy dresses, and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colourful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical [[float (parade)|floats]] presided over by King Carnival (Maltese: ''ir-Re tal-Karnival''), marching bands, and costumed revellers.<ref name=":3">Cremona, Vicki Ann. Carnival and Power: Play and Politics in a Crown Colony. Germany, Springer International Publishing, 2018. Page 89.</ref>

The largest celebration takes place in and around the capital city of [[Valletta]] and [[Floriana]]; several more "spontaneous" Carnivals take place in more remote areas. The [[Nadur Carnival]] is notable for its darker themes. In 2005, the Nadur Carnival hosted the largest-ever gathering of international Carnival organizers for the [[Federation of European Carnival Cities|FECC]]'s global summit.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Traditional dances include the ''parata'', a lighthearted re-enactment of the 1565 victory of the [[Knights Hospitaller]] over the [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]], and an 18th-century court dance known as ''il-Maltija''.<ref name=":3" /> Carnival food includes ''perlini'' (multi-coloured, sugar-coated almonds) and the ''prinjolata'', which is a towering assembly of [[sponge cake]], biscuits, almonds, and citrus fruits, topped with cream and pine nuts.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Netherlands====
{{Main|Carnival in the Netherlands}}

[[Carnival in the Netherlands]] is called ''Carnaval'', ''Vastenavond'' ("Eve of Lent") or, in [[Limburgish language|Limburgish]], {{lang|li|Vastelaovend(j)}}, and is mostly celebrated in traditionally Catholic regions, particularly in the southern provinces of [[North Brabant]] and [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], but also in [[Overijssel]], especially in [[Twente]]. While Dutch Carnaval is officially celebrated on the Sunday through Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, since the 1970s the feast has gradually started earlier and generally includes now the preceding weekend. Although traditions vary from town to town, Dutch carnaval usually includes a parade, a "Prince Carnival" plus [[cortège]] ("Council of 11", sometimes with a [[Jester]] or Adjutant), sometimes also the handing over by the mayor of the symbolic keys of the town to Prince Carnival, the burning or burial of a symbolic figure, a [[Wedding#Peasant wedding|peasant wedding]] (''boerenbruiloft''), and eating [[herring]] (''haring happen'') on Ash Wednesday.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Two main variants can be distinguished: the ''[[Rhineland]] carnaval'', found in the province of Limburg, and the ''[[Burgundian Netherlands|Bourgondische]] carnaval'', found mainly in North Brabant. [[Maastricht]], Limburg's capital, holds a street carnaval that features elaborate costumes.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UsnqJ_puzxsC&q=origin+of+%22Dutch+Carnival%22&pg=PA23|title=Immigrant Dialects and Language Maintenance in Australia: The Case of the Limburg and Swabian Dialects|last=Pauwels|first=Anne|date=1 January 1986|publisher=Walter de Gruyter|isbn=9783110883497|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215093850/https://books.google.com/books?id=UsnqJ_puzxsC&pg=PA23&dq=origin+of+%22Dutch+Carnival%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjm3c7xu-LRAhUDQSYKHUFGCf0Q6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=origin%20of%20%22Dutch%20Carnival%22&f=false|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first known documentation dates from the late 8th century (''[[Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum]]''), but Carnaval was already mentioned during the [[First Council of Nicaea]] in 325 and by [[Caesarius of Arles]] (470–542) around 500 CE. In the Netherlands itself, the first documentation is found in 1383 in [['s-Hertogenbosch]]. The oldest-known images of Dutch Carnaval festivities date from 1485, also in 's-Hertogenbosch.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Normal daily life comes to a stop for about a week in the southern part of the Netherlands during the carnival, with roads temporary blocked and many local businesses closed for the week as a result of employees who are en masse taking the days off during and the day after the carnival.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.fenvlaanderen.be/carnaval/wat-carnaval| title=Wat is carnaval?| work=fenvlaanderen.be| access-date=31 May 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422135427/http://www.fenvlaanderen.be/carnaval/wat-carnaval| archive-date=22 April 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://members.ziggo.nl/leowethly/Carnaval/geschiedenis.htm| title=Geschiedenis van het carnavalsfeest| work=ziggo.nl| access-date=31 May 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235027/http://members.ziggo.nl/leowethly/Carnaval/geschiedenis.htm| archive-date=3 March 2016| url-status=live}}</ref>

====North Macedonia====
The most popular Carnivals in [[North Macedonia]] are in [[Vevčani]] and [[Strumica]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caucaso |first=Osservatorio Balcani e |title=Carnivals in Macedonia: Between Paganism and Modernity |url=https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/North-Macedonia/Carnivals-in-Macedonia-Between-Paganism-and-Modernity-32906 |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=OBC Transeuropa |language=it}}</ref>

The Vevčani Carnival ([[Macedonian language|Macedonian]]: Вевчански Kарневал, translated ''Vevchanski Karneval'') has been held for over 1,400 years, and takes place on 13 and 14 January (New Year's Eve and New Year's Day by the old calendar). The village becomes a live theatre where costumed actors improvise on the streets in roles such as the traditional "August the Stupid".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macedonia.co.uk/client/index1.aspx?page=403 |title=Vevcani Carnival |publisher=Macedonia.co.uk |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927163226/http://www.macedonia.co.uk/client/index1.aspx?page=403 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Strumica Carnival (Macedonian: Струмички Карневал, translated ''Strumichki Karneval'') has been held since at least 1670, when the Turkish author Evlija Chelebija wrote while staying there, "I came into a town located in the foothills of a high hillock and what I saw that night was masked people running house–to–house, with laughter, scream and song." The Carnival took an organized form in 1991; in 1994, Strumica became a member of [[Federation of European Carnival Cities|FECC]] and in 1998 hosted the XVIII International Congress of Carnival Cities. The Strumica Carnival opens on a Saturday night at a masked ball where the Prince and Princess are chosen; the main Carnival night is on Tuesday, when masked participants (including groups from abroad) compete in various subjects. As of 2000, the Festival of Caricatures and Aphorisms has been held as part of Strumica's Carnival celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore MK |url=http://www.explore.mk/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Explore Macedonia}}</ref>

====Poland====
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}

The [[Poland|Polish]] Carnival season includes [[Fat Thursday]] (Polish: ''Tłusty Czwartek''), when ''[[pączki]]'' (doughnuts) are eaten, and ''Śledzik'' ([[Shrove Tuesday]]) or Herring Day. The Tuesday before the start of Lent is also often called ''Ostatki'' (literally "leftovers"), meaning the last day to party before the Lenten season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page 3 |url=https://www.chicagohistory.org/page/3/?p=no-ordinary-agenda#:~:text=The%20Tuesday%20before%20Lent%20is,before%20the%20Lenten%20fast%20begins. |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Chicago History Museum |language=en-US}}</ref>

The traditional way to celebrate Carnival is the ''[[kulig]]'', a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside. In modern times, Carnival is increasingly seen as an excuse for intensive partying and has become more commercialized, with stores offering Carnival-season sales.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fat Thursday: Poland's Tastiest Tradition |url=https://culture.pl/en/article/fat-thursday-polands-tastiest-tradition |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Culture.pl |language=en}}</ref>

====Portugal====
[[File:Carnaval de Sesimbra 2007 24.JPG|thumb|right|Sesimbra Carnival, in [[Sesimbra]], Portugal]]

Carnival is Carnaval in [[Portugal]], celebrated throughout the country, most famously in [[Ovar]], [[Sesimbra]], [[Madeira]], [[Loulé]], [[Nazaré, Portugal|Nazaré]], [[Mealhada]], and [[Torres Vedras]]. Carnaval in [[Podence (Macedo de Cavaleiros)|Podence]] and [[Lazarim]] incorporates pagan traditions such as the [[careto]], while the Torres Vedras celebration is probably the most typical.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Portugal Carnival |url=https://www.portugalproperty.com/guide-to-portugal/portugal-destinations/the-portugal-carnival |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=www.portugalproperty.com |language=en |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530045205/https://www.portugalproperty.com/guide-to-portugal/portugal-destinations/the-portugal-carnival |url-status=live }}</ref>

=====Azores=====
On the islands of the [[Azores]], local clubs and Carnival groups create colorful and creative costumes that jab at politics or culture.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Carnaval in Portugal, and the Azores|url=https://www.azores-adventures.com/2015/02/carnaval-in-portugal-and-the-azores.html|website=Portugal Adventures|access-date=2020-05-23|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309062610/https://www.azores-adventures.com/2015/02/carnaval-in-portugal-and-the-azores.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On [[São Miguel Island]], Carnival features street vendors selling fried dough, called a [[malassada]]. The festival on the biggest island starts off with a [[black tie]] grand ball, followed by Latin music at Coliseu Micaelense. A children's parade fills the streets of Ponta Delgada with children from each school district in costume. A massive parade continues past midnight, ending in [[fireworks]].<ref name=":2" />

The event includes theatre performances and dances. In the "Danças de Entrudo", hundreds of people follow the dancers around the island. Throughout the show the dancers act out scenes from daily life. The "Dances de Carnival" are [[allegorical]] and comedic tales acted out in the streets. The largest is in [[Angra do Heroísmo]], with more than 30 groups performing. More Portuguese-language theatrical performances occur there than anywhere else.<ref name=":2" />

Festivities end on Ash Wednesday, when locals sit down for the "Batatada" or potato feast, in which the main dish is [[salted cod]] with potatoes, eggs, mint, bread and wine. Residents then return to the streets for the burning of the "Carnival clown", ending the season.<ref name=":2" />

=====Madeira=====
{{Main|Carnival of Madeira}}
[[File:Carnival in Funchal.JPG|thumb|A dancer in the [[Carnival of Madeira]], in [[Funchal]], Portugal]]

On the island of [[Madeira]], the island's capital, [[Funchal]], wakes up on the Friday before Ash Wednesday to the sound of brass bands and Carnival parades throughout downtown. Festivities continue with concerts and shows in the Praça do Município for five consecutive days. The main Carnival street parade takes place on Saturday evening, with thousands of [[samba]] dancers filling the streets. The traditional street event takes place on Tuesday, featuring daring caricatures.<ref>{{cite book|last=Biddle|first=Anthony|title=The Madeira Islands Vol.1|date=1900|publisher=Hurst & Blackett, limited|location=Philadelphia and New York|page=278}}</ref>

Arguably, Brazil's Carnival could be traced to the period of the [[Age of Discovery#Portuguese exploration|Portuguese Age of Discoveries]] when their [[caravel]]s passed regularly through Madeira, a territory that emphatically celebrated Carnival.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://diariodigital.sapo.pt/news.asp?id_news=759044| title=Carnaval da Madeira poderá ter influenciado festividades no Brasil| work=sapo.pt| access-date=29 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308095006/http://diariodigital.sapo.pt/news.asp?id_news=759044| archive-date=8 March 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/cultura/2015-02-08-Historiador-diz-que-Carnaval-da-Madeira-pode-ter-influenciado-festividades-no-Brasil-| title=SIC Notícias – Cultura| work=SIC Notícias| access-date=29 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035814/https://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/cultura/2015-02-08-Historiador-diz-que-Carnaval-da-Madeira-pode-ter-influenciado-festividades-no-Brasil-| archive-date=28 August 2018| url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Ovar=====
{{Main|Carnival of Ovar}}
[[File:Ovar Portugal Carnival.jpg|thumb|[[Carnival of Ovar]] in [[Ovar]], Portugal]]

Carnival in the town of [[Ovar]], in the [[Região de Aveiro|Aveiro Region]], began in 1952 and is the region's largest festivity, representing a large investment and the most important touristic event to the city. It is known for its creative designs, displayed in the Carnival Parade, which features troupes with themed costumes and music, ranging from the traditional to pop culture. Along with the Carnival Parade, there are five nights of partying, finishing with the famous 'Magical night' where people come from all over the country, mostly with their handmade costumes, only to have fun with the locals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.portugalvoyager.com/?q=content%2Fcarnival-portugal |title=Carnival in Portugal &#124; Portugal Voyager |access-date=16 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930113735/http://www.portugalvoyager.com/?q=content%2Fcarnival-portugal |archive-date=30 September 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===== Other regions =====
In [[Estarreja]], in the Central region of Portugal, the town's first references to Carnival were in the 14th century, with "Flower Battles", richly decorated floats that paraded through the streets. At the beginning of the twentieth century, these festivities ended with the deaths of its main promoters, only to reappear again in the 1960s to become one of many important Carnival festivals in Portugal.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In the Northern region of [[Podence e Santa Combinha|Podence]], children appear from Sunday to Tuesday with tin masks and colorful multilayered costumes made from red, green and yellow wool. In the Central Portugal towns of [[Nelas]] and [[Canas de Senhorim]], Carnival is an important tourist event. Nelas and Canas de Senhorim host four festive parades that offer colorful and creative costumes: Bairro da Igreja and Cimo do Povo in Nelas and do Paço and do Rossio in Canas de Senhorim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-19 |title=Discovering pagan parades and pyrotechnics as part of Portugal's ancient mountain carnival |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/discovering-pagan-parades-pyrotechnics-portugals-ancient-mountain-carnival |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Travel |language=en}}</ref>

In [[Lisbon]], Carnival offers parades, dances and festivities featuring stars from Portugal and Brazil. The [[Loures]] Carnival celebrates the country's folk traditions, including the ''enterro do bacalhau'' or burial of the [[cod]], which marks the end of Carnival and the festivities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Events |url=https://www.cm-loures.pt/artigo.aspx?displayid=8430 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=www.cm-loures.pt |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705205041/https://www.cm-loures.pt/artigo.aspx?displayid=8430 |url-status=live }}</ref>

North of Lisbon is the famous [[Torres Vedras]] Carnival, described as the "most Portuguese in Portugal". The celebration highlight is a parade of creatively decorated streetcars that satirize society and politics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-31 |title=▷ Torres Vedras Carnival, Portugal ▷ BEST Guide with Dates and info |url=https://bestcarnivals.org/europa/torres-vedras-carnival-portugal/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=▷ Discover the Best CARNIVALS of 2021 from around the world |language=en-GB }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Other Central Portugal towns, such as [[Fátima, Portugal|Fátima]] and [[Leiria]], offer colorful, family-friendly celebrations. In these towns, everyone dresses up as if it were [[Halloween]]. Children and adults wear masks.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In the [[Algarve]] region, several resort towns offer Carnival parades. Besides the themed floats and cars, the festivities include "samba" groups, bands, dances, and music.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bloggers4you.com/carnival/#more-639 |title=Carnival-gmtlight |access-date=11 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233403/https://bloggers4you.com/carnival/#more-639 |archive-date=11 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In [[Lazarim]], a civil parish in the municipality of [[Lamego]], celebrations follow the pagan tradition of Roman [[Saturnalia]]s. It celebrates by burning colorful effigies and dressing in home-made costumes. Locally-made wooden masks are worn. The masks are effigies of men and women with horns, but both roles are performed by men. They are distinguished by their clothes, with caricature attributes of both men and women.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The Lazarim Carnaval cycle encompasses two periods, the first starting on the fifth Sunday before Quinquagesima Sunday. Masked figures and people wearing large sculpted heads walk through the town. The locals feast on meats, above all [[pork]]. The second cycle, held on Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday, incorporates the tradition of the Compadres and Comadres, with men and women displaying light-hearted authority over the other.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Over the five weeks, men prepare large masked heads and women raise funds to pay for two [[mannequin]]s that will be sacrificed in a public bonfire. This is a key event and is unique to Portugal. During the bonfire, a girl reads the Compadre's will and a boy reads the Comadre's will. The executors of the will are named, a [[donkey]] is symbolically distributed to both female and male "heirs", and then there is the final reckoning in which the Entrudo, or Carnival doll, is burned.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The "Mascarados" (masked figures) in Lazarim {{!}} www.visitportugal.com |url=https://www.visitportugal.com/en/NR/exeres/52F135A9-DC01-49C6-9C78-2C423FA04CFD |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=www.visitportugal.com}}</ref>

====Russia====
{{Main|Maslenitsa}}
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}
[[File:Shrovetide. Kustodiev.jpg|thumb|[[Boris Kustodiev]]'s painting of [[Maslenitsa]], Russia]]

[[Maslenitsa]] ({{lang|ru|Масленица}}, also called "Pancake Week" or "Cheese Week") is a Russian folk holiday that incorporates some pagan traditions. It is celebrated during the last week before Lent. The essential element is [[bliny]], Russian pancakes, popularly taken to symbolize the sun. Round and golden, they are made from the rich foods allowed that week by the Orthodox traditions: butter, eggs, and milk. (In the tradition of Orthodox Lent, the consumption of meat ceases one week before that of milk and eggs.)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Origin of Russian Maslenitsa – Taste of Russia |url=https://blogs.uoregon.edu/tasteofrussia/sample-page/blinchiki-2/origin-of-russian-maslenitsa/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=blogs.uoregon.edu}}</ref>

Maslenitsa also includes [[Masquerade ball|masquerades]], snowball fights, sledding, swinging on swings, and sleigh rides. The mascot is a brightly dressed straw effigy of Lady Maslenitsa, formerly known as [[Kostroma (deity)|Kostroma]]. The celebration culminates on Sunday evening, when Lady Maslenitsa is stripped of her finery and put to the flames of a [[bonfire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gmtlight.com/travel/678b87f7e05311e5bcd502004c4f4f50.html|title=Carnival-gmtlight|website=gmtlight.com|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233403/http://www.gmtlight.com/travel/678b87f7e05311e5bcd502004c4f4f50.html|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Slovakia====
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}
In [[Slovakia]], the [[Fašiangy]] (''fašiang'', ''fašangy'') takes place from [[Three Kings Day]] (''Traja králi'') until the midnight before Ash Wednesday (''Škaredá streda'' or ''Popolcová streda''). At the midnight marking the end of ''fašiangy'', a symbolic burial ceremony for the [[contrabass]] is performed, because music ceases for [[Lent]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=a.s |first=Petit Press |title=Carnival, or Fašiangy, symbolises time of merriment and feasts |url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20092675/carnival-or-fasiangy-symbolises-time-of-merriment-and-feasts.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=spectator.sme.sk |language=en}}</ref>

====Slovenia====
The Slovenian name for carnival is ''pust''. The [[Slovenia]]n countryside displays a variety of disguised groups and individual characters, among which the most popular and characteristic is the Kurent (plural: ''Kurenti''), a monstrous and demon-like, but fluffy figure. The most significant festival is held in [[Ptuj]] (see: [[Kurentovanje]]). Its special feature are the Kurents themselves, magical creatures from another world, who visit major events throughout the country, trying to banish the winter and announce spring's arrival, fertility, and new life with noise and dancing. The origin of the Kurent is a mystery, and not much is known of the times, beliefs, or purposes connected with its first appearance. The origin of the name itself is obscure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kurent |url=https://kurentovanje.net/eng/etnografski-liki/kurent/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Kurentovanje |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Aleš Kravos Kurentovanje Ptuj 2019.jpg|thumb|[[Kurentovanje]] in [[Ptuj]], Slovenia]]

The [[Cerknica]] Carnival is heralded by a figure called "Poganjič" carrying a whip. In the procession, organised by the "Pust society", a monstrous witch named Uršula is driven from the mountain [[Slivnica (mountain)|Slivnica]], to be burned at the stake on Ash Wednesday. Unique to this region is a group of [[dormice]], driven by the Devil and a huge fire-breathing dragon. [[Cerkno]] and its surrounding area are known for the ''Laufarji'', Carnival figures with artistically carved wooden masks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Parade of Fools in Cerknica, Slovenia |url=https://www.johnbills.com/52-places-slovenia/cerknica-carnival |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=John W Bills |language=en-US}}</ref>

The ''Maškare'' from [[Dobrepolje]] used to represent a triple character: the beautiful, the ugly (among which the most important represented by an old man, an old woman, a hunchback, and a ''Kurent''), and the noble (imitating the urban elite).{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The major part of the population, especially the young and children, dress up in ordinary non-ethnic costumes, going to school, work, and organized events, where prizes are given for the best and most original costumes. Costumed children sometimes go from house to house asking for treats.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Spain====
[[File:GOYA - Entierro de la Sardina (Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, 1812-14).jpg|thumb|upright|''[[The Burial of the Sardine]]'', Francisco Goya, c. 1812]]

Arguably the most famous Carnivals in Spain are [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife|Santa Cruz]], [[Las Palmas]], [[Sitges]], [[Vilanova i la Geltrú]], [[Tarragona]], [[Águilas]], [[Solsona, Lleida|Solsona]], [[Cádiz]], [[Badajoz]], [[Bielsa]] (an ancestral Carnival celebration), [[Plan, Aragon|Plan]], [[San Juan de Plan]], [[Laza, Spain|Laza]], [[Verín]], Viana, and [[Xinzo de Limia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unmissable Carnivals in Spain |url=https://www.spain.info/en/top/carnivals-spain/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Spain.info |language=en}}</ref>

One of the oldest pre-Indo-European carnival in Europe takes place in [[Ituren]] and [[Zubieta]] in [[Navarre]] in late January/early February. The carnival symbolises the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, winter and spring.

=====Andalusia=====
{{Main|Carnival of Cádiz}}
[[File:Carnavaldecadiz.jpg|thumb|right|A choir singing in the [[Carnival of Cádiz]], in [[Cádiz]], [[Andalusia]], Spain]]

In [[Cádiz]], the costumes worn are often related to recent news, such as the [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|bird flu]] epidemic in 2006, during which many people were disguised as chickens. The feeling of this Carnival is the sharp criticism, the funny play on words and the imagination in the costumes, more than the glamorous dressings. It is traditional to paint the face with [[lipstick]] as a humble substitute of a mask.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://magazine.6tour.com/en/2016/01/carnevale-2016-mete-ed-eventi-in-italia/|title=Carnival 2016, celebrations around the world|date=2016-01-19|website=6tour MAGAZINE|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725045451/http://magazine.6tour.com/en/2016/01/carnevale-2016-mete-ed-eventi-in-italia/|archive-date=25 July 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The most famous groups are the [[chirigota]]s, choirs, and [[comparsa]]s. The chirigotas are well known witty, satiric popular groups who sing about politics, new times, and household topics, wearing the same costume, which they prepare for the whole year. The Choirs (''coros'') are wider groups that go on open carts through the streets singing with an orchestra of guitars and lutes. Their signature piece is the "Carnival Tango", alternating comical and serious repertory. The comparsas are the serious counterpart of the chirigota in Cádiz, and the poetic lyrics and the criticism are their main ingredients. They have a more elaborated [[polyphony]] that is easily recognizable by the typical [[countertenor]] voice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Javier |date=2012-02-21 |title=The Carnival of Cádiz {{!}} choirs, chirigotas, spain, couplet, pasodoble |url=https://www.inmsol.com/blog/carnival-cadiz/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=iNMSOL |language=en-US}}</ref>

=====Canary Islands=====
{{See also|Carnival of Las Palmas|Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife}}

The Santa Cruz Carnival is, with the Carnival of Cadiz, the most important festival for Spanish tourism and Spain's largest Carnival.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jorge |url=http://fiestas.edreams.es/Carnival/el-Carnival-de-tenerife/ |title=Fiestas de España. El Carnival de Tenerife |publisher=Fiestas.edreams.es |access-date=12 February 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| author=A. A. |url=http://www.tenerife-abc.com/Carnival/ |title=El Carnival de Tenerife |publisher=Tenerife-abc.com |access-date=12 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090409/http://www.tenerife-abc.com/Carnival/ |archive-date=21 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>[[:es:Santa Cruz de Tenerife#Ciudades hermanadas|Ciudades hermanadas con Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Wikipedia]]{{Circular reference|date=April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.santacruzmas.com/SantaCruzMas.asp?IdMenu=4&IdSeccion=39&IdSubseccion=129 |title=Ciudades hermanadas con Santa Cruz de Tenerife |publisher=Santacruzmas.com |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716004257/http://www.santacruzmas.com/SantaCruzMas.asp?IdMenu=4&IdSeccion=39&IdSubseccion=129 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1980, it was declared a Festival Tourist International Interest. Every February, [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], the capital of the largest of the [[Canary Islands]], hosts the event, attracting around a million people.<ref name="santacruzmas.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.santacruzmas.com/SantaCruzMas09.asp?IdMenu=10&IdSeccion=41&IdSubseccion=238|title=Santacruzmas.com|accessdate=11 March 2023}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

[[File:Contestant Angeles Hernández Paez performs during the Tenerife Carnival Queen 2009 contest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.jpg|thumb|left|Carnival Queen of [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Canary Islands]], Spain]]

In 1980, it was declared a Festival Tourist International Interest.<ref name="santacruzmas.com"/> In 1987, [[Cuba]]n singer [[Celia Cruz]] with orchestra [[Billo's Caracas Boys]] performed at the "Carnival Chicharrero", attended by 250,000 people. This was registered in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'' as the largest gathering of people in an outdoor plaza to attend a concert, a record she holds today.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-05 |title=Celia Cruz's Guinness Record: The Day the Queen of Salsa Captivated 250,000 People in Tenerife |url=https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-01-05-u1-e199370-s27065-nid294900-record-guinness-celia-cruz-dia-reina-salsa-conquisto#google_vignette |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=CiberCuba |language=en}}</ref>

The Carnival of [[Las Palmas]] ([[Gran Canaria]]) has a drag queen's gala where a jury chooses a winner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000043/0/47133/daily-news-article.html|title=Las Palmas gets its Carnival Drag Queen at last – Daily News – Gran Canaria – ISLANDCONNECTIONS.EU|website=islandconnections.eu|access-date=3 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204001525/http://www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000043/0/47133/daily-news-article.html|archive-date=4 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Catalonia=====
[[File:Vidalot.jpg|thumb|upright|''Vidalot'' is the last night of revelry before Ash Wednesday in [[Vilanova i la Geltrú|Vilanova]], [[Catalonia]], Spain. Water color painting by Brad Erickson.]]

In [[Catalonia]], people dress in masks and costume (often in themed groups) and organize a week-long series of parties, pranks, outlandish activities such as bed races, street dramas satirizing public figures, and raucous processions to welcome the arrival of ''Sa Majestat el Rei Carnestoltes'' ("His Majesty King Carnival"), known by various titles, including ''el Rei dels poca-soltes'' ("King of the crackpots"), ''Princep etern de Cornudella'' ("eternal Prince of Cuckoldry"), {{lang|ca|Duc de ximples i corrumputs}} ("Duke of the fool and corrupt"), ''Marquès de la bona mamella'' ("Marquis of the lovely breast"), ''Comte de tots els barruts'' ("Count of the insolent"), ''Baró de les Calaverades'' ("Baron of mocturnal debaucheries"), and {{lang|ca|Senyor de l'alt Plàtan florit, dels barraquers i gamberrades i artista d'honor dalt del llit}} ("Lord of the tall blooming Banana, of the voyeurs and punks and the artist of honor upon the bed").<ref>Erickson, Brad. 2008. ''Sensory Politics: Catalan Ritual and the New Immigration''. University of California, Berkeley. pp. 123–4</ref>

The King presides over a period of misrule in which conventional social rules may be broken and reckless behavior is encouraged. Festivities are held in the open air, beginning with a ''cercavila'', a ritual procession throughout the town to call everyone to attend. ''Rues'' of masked revelers dance alongside. On Thursday, ''Dijous Gras'' (Fat Thursday) is celebrated, also called 'omelette day' (el ''dia de la truita''), on which ''[[coca (pastry)|coques]]'' ({{lang|ca|de llardons, butifarra d'ou, butifarra}}), and [[omelette]]s are eaten. The festivities end on Ash Wednesday with elaborate funeral rituals marking the death of King Carnival, who is typically burned on a [[pyre]] in what is called the "burial of the [[sardine]]" (''enterrament de la sardina''), or, in Vilanova, as ''l'enterro''.<ref name="Erickson, Brad 2008">Erickson, Brad. 2008. Sensory Politics: Catalan Ritual and the New Immigration. University of California, Berkeley.</ref>

The Carnival of [[Vilanova i la Geltrú]] has a documented history from 1790<ref name="Garcia, Xavier 1972">Garcia, Xavier. 1972. ''Vilanova i la Geltrú i el seu gran Carnaval''. Barcelona: Editorial Pòrtic.</ref> and is one of the richest in the variety of its acts and rituals. It adopts an ancient style in which satire, the [[grotesque body]]<ref name=Bakhtin/> (particularly [[cross-dressing]] and displays of exaggerated bellies, noses, and phalli), and, above all, active participation are valued over glamorous, media-friendly spectacles that Vilanovins mock as "thighs and feathers".<ref>''Diari de Vilanova''. 2006. "Surten 50 carrosses a rebre un Carnestoltes que no ve". 24, 22 February.</ref> It is best known for ''Les Comparses'', a tumultuous dance held on Sunday in which thousands of dancers in traditional dresses and ''Mantons de Manila'' (Manila Shawls), organized into groups of couples march in the street forming lines while throwing tons of hard candies at one another. Vilanovinians organize several rituals during the week. On ''Dijous Gras,'' Vilanovin children are excused from school to participate in the ''Merengada,'' a day-long scene of eating and fighting with sticky, sweet [[meringue]] while adults have a meringue battle at midnight at the historic ''Plaça de les Cols''.

[[File:Merengada.jpg|thumb|Children become covered in meringue during Dijous Gras, in Vilanova, Catalonia, Spain]]

On Friday citizens are called to a parade for the arrival of King Carnival called ''l'Arrivo'' that changes every year. It includes a raucous procession of floats and dancers lampooning current events or public figures and a bitingly satiric sermon (''el sermo'') delivered by the King himself. On Saturday, the King's procession and his [[concubine]]s scandalize the town with their sexual behavior; the mysterious ''Moixo Foguer'' (Little-Bird-Bonfire) is shown accompanied by the ''Xerraire'' (jabberer), who try to convince the crowd about the wonders that this mighty bird carries in a box (which ends up being in fact a naked person covered in feathers);<ref>''Diari de Vilanova''. 2006. "Plomes amb control sanitari per al Moixó". 24 February 23.</ref> and other items such as: sport acts and barbecues in the streets; the ''talking-dance'' of the Mismatched Couples (''Ball de Malcasats''); the children's King ''Caramel'' whose massive belly, long nose and sausage-like hair hint at his insatiable appetites; or the debauched ''Nit dels Mascarots'' dance.

[[File:Malcasats.jpg|thumb|The Ball de Malcasats (Dance of the Mismatched Couples) is a satiric talking-dance traditional to Carnaval in Vilanova, Catalonia, Spain.]]

After Sunday, vilanovinians continue its Carnival with the children's party ''Vidalet'', the satirical chorus of Carnestoltes songs and the last night of revelry, the ''Vidalot.'' For the King's funeral, people dress in elaborate mourning costume, many of them cross-dressing men who carry bouquets of phallic vegetables. In the funeral house, the body of the King is surrounded by weeping concubines, crying over the loss of sexual pleasure brought about by his death. The King's body is carried to the ''Plaça de la Vila'' where a satiric eulogy is delivered while the townspeople eat salty grilled sardines with bread and wine, suggesting the symbolic [[Human cannibalism|cannibalism]] of the communion ritual. Finally, amid rockets and explosions, the King's body is burned in a massive pyre.<ref name="Erickson, Brad 2008"/><ref name="Garcia, Xavier 1972"/>

[[File:Rucs de Solsona.jpg|thumb|upright|Donkeys of [[Solsona, Lleida|Solsona]], Catalonia, Spain, hung in the tower bell]]

Carnaval de Solsona takes place in [[Solsona, Lleida]]. It is one of the longest; free events in the streets and nightly concerts run for more than a week. The Carnival is known for a legend that explains how a donkey was hung at the tower bell − because the animal wanted to eat grass that grew on the top of the tower. To celebrate this legend, locals hang a stuffed donkey at the tower that "pisses" above the excited crowd using a water pump. This event is the most important and takes place on Saturday night. For this reason, the inhabitants are called ''matarrucs'' ("donkey killers").<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.onsortir.cat/contents/1027/so/612.jpg |title=OnSortir |work=onsortir.cat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219004539/http://www.onsortir.cat/contents/1027/so/612.jpg |archive-date=19 February 2010 }}</ref>

"Comparses" groups organize free activities. These groups of friends create and personalize a uniformed suit to wear during the festivities.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In [[Sitges]], special feasts include {{lang|ca|xatonades}} (''[[xató]]'' is a traditional local salad of the Penedès coast) served with omelettes. Two important moments are the ''Rua de la Disbauxa'' (Debauchery Parade) on Sunday night and the ''Rua de l'Extermini'' (Extermination Parade) on Tuesday night.<ref>{{cite web |title=Protocol del Carnaval de Sitges |url=http://www.sitges.cat/ja-es-carnaval/fitxers/protocol-carnaval-03122015.pdf |publisher=Ajuntament de Sitges |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=ca |archive-date=28 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928194552/http://www.sitges.cat/ja-es-carnaval/fitxers/protocol-carnaval-03122015.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> In 2022, the Rua de la Disbauxa hosted 34 floats and over 1,200 participants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sàtira i espectacularitat, protagonistes de la Rua de la Disbauxa |url=https://www.sitges.cat/serveis/festes/actualitat/noticies/satira-i-espectacularitat-protagonistes-de-la-rua-de-la-disbauxa |website=Ajuntament de Sitges |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=ca |date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307104948/https://www.sitges.cat/serveis/festes/actualitat/noticies/satira-i-espectacularitat-protagonistes-de-la-rua-de-la-disbauxa |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Tarragona]] has one of the region's most complete ritual sequences. The events start with the building of a huge barrel and ends with its burning with the effigies of the King and Queen. On Saturday, the main parade takes place with masked groups, zoomorphic figures, music, and percussion bands, and groups with [[fireworks]] (the devils, the dragon, the ox, the female dragon). Carnival groups stand out for their clothes full of elegance, showing brilliant examples of fabric crafts, at the Saturday and Sunday parades. About 5,000 people are members of the parade groups.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

=====Galicia=====
In [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]], the celebration is commonly known as ''Entroido'', or otherwise ''Antroido'', ''Entroiro'', ''Entruido'' or ''Entrudio''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://portaldaspalabras.gal/video/antroido-ou-entroido/|title="Antroido ou Entroido". Pregúntalle á Academia|language=Galician|access-date=25 February 2023|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217184307/https://portaldaspalabras.gal/video/antroido-ou-entroido/|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout history, the cities, towns and villages of Galicia had poor connections between each other, so ''Entroidos'' are very diverse with different cultural traditions and characters based in the zone you're in. Nine Entroido celebrations have been declared as places of touristic interest in Galicia: [[Xinzo de Limia]], [[Santo Adrán de Cobres|Cobres]], [[Laza, Spain|Laza]], [[Verín]], [[Felos de Maceda]], [[Xenerais do Ulla]], [[Vilariño de Conso]], [[Androlla]] and [[Viana do Bolo]] and [[Manzaneda]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.turismo.gal/localizador-de-recursos/-/sit/que_hacer/fiestas/fiestas_de_interes_turistico/galicia?langId=es_ES|title=Fiestas de interés turístico en Galicia|language=es-ES|access-date=25 February 2023|archive-date=25 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225235334/https://www.turismo.gal/localizador-de-recursos/-/sit/que_hacer/fiestas/fiestas_de_interes_turistico/galicia?langId=es_ES|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Cigarrones.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Cigarrón'', the typical character of the Entroido, in [[Verín]], [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]], Spain]]

In [[Galician cuisine]], there are various traditional dishes of ''Entroido'', such as ''Filloas'' (a dish similar to [[crêpe]]s) and ''Orellas'' (A traditional dish of [[Catalonia]] and the [[Valencian Community]], but also traditionally served in Galician and [[France|French]] carnivals). Other traditional foods include [[Chorizo]], [[Lacón]], [[Broth|Caldo]], [[Androlla]] and [[Pork|Pig Heads]].

[[File:Filloas.jpg|thumb|''Filloas'', a [[crêpe]]-like typical dish served in Galician Entroidos]]

===== Valencian Community =====
One of the most important Spanish Carnival Festivals is celebrated in [[Vinaròs]], a small town situated in the northern part of the [[province of Castellón]], [[Valencian Community]].

The Carnival Festival in Vinaròs has been declared of Regional Touristic Interest and in 2017, this outstanding and ancient show celebrated 35 years of History. The Carnival Festival in Vinaròs became a forbidden celebration during the [[Spanish Civil War]] but after the dictatorship, the party regained importance with the democracy's arrival.

Every year in February, forty days before the Spanish [[Cuaresma]], thirty-three "comparsas" go singing, dancing and walking down the streets in a great costumes' parade in Vinaròs. In addition, many other festive, cultural and musical activities of all ages take place, such as an epic battle of confetti and flour, funny karaoke contests or the so-called "[[Entierro de la Sardina]]" (Burial of the Sardine).

Nevertheless, the most important event is the gala performance of the Carnival's Queen. In this breathtaking show, it is elected the Queen of the Carnival, the major representative of the Carnival in Vinaròs all year round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.slowlivingmediterraneo.com/lets-get-dressed-up-spanish-carnival-festival-in-vinaros/|title=Let's get dressed up! Spanish Carnival Festival in Vinaròs – Slow Living Mediterráneo|date=16 February 2017|newspaper=Slow Living Mediterráneo|access-date=22 February 2017|language=es-ES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207004954/http://www.slowlivingmediterraneo.com/lets-get-dressed-up-spanish-carnival-festival-in-vinaros/|archive-date=7 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Turkey====
{{Main|Baklahorani}}

For almost five centuries, [[Greeks in Turkey|local Greek]] [[Greek Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] communities throughout [[Istanbul]] celebrated Carnival with weeks of bawdy parades, lavish balls, and street parties.<ref name=GreekMinority>{{cite web | url=http://www.omogeneia-konstantinoupoli.com/en/id/ar/baklahorani.html | title=Baklahorani Carnival | publisher=Greek Minority of Istanbul | accessdate=13 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101223253/http://www.omogeneia-konstantinoupoli.com/en/id/ar/baklahorani.html | archive-date=1 November 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> This continued for weeks before Lent. [[Baklahorani]] took place on [[Shrove Monday]] or [[Clean Monday]], the last day of the carnival season. The event was led by the Greek Orthodox community, but the celebrations were public and inter-communal. The final celebration was sited in the [[Kurtuluş]] district.<ref>{{cite news| first=Tom| last=Heneghan| title=Istanbul celebrates carnival after nearly 70 years| url=http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/03/09/istanbul-celebrates-carnival-after-nearly-70-years/| work=Reuters| access-date=1 November 2011| date=9 March 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026054508/http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/03/09/istanbul-celebrates-carnival-after-nearly-70-years/| archive-date=26 October 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, the festival was revived.<ref>{{cite news| last=Mullins| first=Ansel| title=Reviving Carnival in Istanbul| url=http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/reviving-carnival-in-istanbul/| work=The New York Times| access-date=1 November 2011| date=27 February 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011050202/http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/reviving-carnival-in-istanbul/| archive-date=11 October 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref>

====United Kingdom====
{{Main|Shrove Tuesday}}

In [[England]], the three days before Lent were called Shrovetide. A time for [[Confession (religion)|confessing sins]] ("shriving"), it had fewer festivities than the continental Carnivals. Today, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as Pancake Day, but little else of the Lent-related Shrovetide survived the 16th-century [[English Reformation]].

Since 2012, Hastings in East Sussex has celebrated with its own Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Five days of music and street events culminating with a Grand Ball on Fat Tuesday itself. Loosely based on the New Orleans style of carnival, Hastings has taken its own course.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hastingsfattuesday.co.uk/|title=Hastings Fat Tuesday|website=hastingsfattuesday.co.uk|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205060710/https://www.hastingsfattuesday.co.uk./|archive-date=5 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* [[Birmingham International Carnival]]
* [[West Country Carnival]]
* [[Dover Carnival]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240407020636/https://dovertowncarnival.weebly.com/home.html Dover Town Carnival]</ref>
* [[Leicester Caribbean Carnival]]
* [[Notting Hill Carnival]]

==See also==
* [[Adloyada]]
* [[Bœuf Gras|Boeuf gras]]
* [[Careto]]
* [[Carnival of Basel]]
* [[Carny]]
* [[Cirque du Soleil]]
* [[Cologne Carnival]]
* [[Culture of Popular Laughter]]
* [[Fair]]
* [[Feast of Fools]]
* [[Federation of European Carnival Cities]]
* [[Jamaica Carnival]]
* [[Mardi Gras]]
* [[Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama]]
* [[New Orleans Mardi Gras]]
* [[Sitalsasthi]]
* [[Narrenmarsch]]
* [[Traveling carnival]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
{{commons}}
{{EB1911 poster|Carnival}}
* Gordon, Leah,'Kanaval' (Here Press: London 2021) {{ISBN|978-1999349479}}
*[[Giampaolo di Cocco]] (2007) ''Alle origini del Carnevale: Mysteria isiaci e miti cattolici'' (Florence: Pontecorboli)
*Valantasis, Richard (2000) [https://books.google.com/books?id=-N6u74StgmUC ''Religions of late antiquity in practice'']
*McGowan, Chris and Pessanha, Ricardo. "The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova and the Popular Music of Brazil." 1998. 2nd edition. Temple University Press. {{ISBN|1-56639-545-3}}.
*[[Jeroen Dewulf]] (2017) ''From the Kingdom of Kongo to Congo Square: Kongo Dances and the Origins of the Mardi Gras Indians'' (Lafayette, LA: University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press)
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[[Category:Carnival| ]]
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[[Category:Western Christianity]]
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