Carnaval is a festive season that occurs before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and penitence for Christians. Carnaval is celebrated in many countries around the world, but it is especially famous in Brazil, where it is considered the biggest carnival in the world. Carnaval involves public celebrations, such as parades, street parties, costumes, masks, music, and dancing. It is a time of joy, indulgence, and social unity.

The word Carnaval comes from the Latin carnelevare, which means “to remove meat”. This refers to the tradition of abstaining from meat and other animal products during Lent. Carnaval dates back to ancient times, when pagan festivals were held to honor the gods and celebrate the arrival of spring. Some of these festivals were later incorporated into Christian rituals, such as the Feast of the Navigium Isidis in ancient Rome, which honored the goddess Isis and her husband Osiris.

Carnaval is celebrated differently in different regions and cultures. In some places, such as Italy and Greece, Carnaval is associated with masks and theater. In Venice, for example, people wear elaborate masks and costumes that reflect the history and culture of the city . In other places, such as Germany and the Netherlands, Carnaval is linked to the harvest season and the winter solstice. In Cologne, for instance, people dress up as farmers, soldiers, clowns, or animals and parade through the streets.

In Brazil, Carnaval is a fusion of African, European, and indigenous influences. The main attraction is the samba parade, where thousands of dancers and musicians from different samba schools compete for the best performance. The samba parade takes place in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, a stadium designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Other cities in Brazil also have their own styles of Carnaval, such as Salvador’s trios elétricos (trucks with loudspeakers and bands), Recife’s frevo (a fast-paced dance), and Olinda’s bonecos gigantes (giant puppets).

Carnaval is more than just a party. It is also a way of expressing social satire, mockery of authorities, reversal of norms, and celebration of life. Carnaval allows people to set aside their everyday identities and roles and experience a sense of freedom and belonging. It also reflects the diversity and creativity of human cultures. Carnaval is a reminder that life is not only about work and duty, but also about joy and beauty.

Carnaval is not only celebrated in Brazil and Spain, but also in many other countries and regions around the world. Each one has its own unique traditions, customs, and costumes that reflect their local culture and history. Here are some examples of Carnaval celebrations from different parts of the globe.

The Carnival of Venice is one of the oldest and most famous Carnaval celebrations in the world. It dates back to the 11th century, when Venice was a powerful maritime republic. The Carnival of Venice is known for its elaborate masks and costumes, which were used to hide one’s identity and social status during the festivities. The masks are often inspired by characters from the Commedia dell’arte, a form of popular theater that originated in Italy. Some of the most iconic masks are the Bauta, a white mask with a square jaw; the Moretta, a black oval mask worn by women; and the Medico della Peste, a mask with a long beak resembling a plague doctor. The Carnival of Venice also features various events and shows, such as the Flight of the Angel, where a person dressed as an angel descends from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica; the Volo dell’Aquila, where another person dressed as an eagle does the same; and the Regata delle Befane, a boat race on the Grand Canal.

New Orleans is home to Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It is the last day of Carnaval before Ash Wednesday, and it is celebrated with parades, balls, music, and food. The origins of Mardi Gras in New Orleans can be traced back to the French settlers who brought their Carnaval traditions to Louisiana in the 18th century. The first recorded Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans was held in 1837. Mardi Gras is famous for its colorful beads, which are thrown by people on floats to the crowds on the streets. The beads are usually purple, green, and gold, which are the official colors of Mardi Gras. They represent justice, faith, and power respectively. Another symbol of Mardi Gras is the King Cake, a round cake decorated with icing and sugar in the same colors. The cake contains a small plastic baby inside, which represents Jesus. Whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake is said to have good luck and must host the next Mardi Gras party.

The Carnival of Binche is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage that dates back to the 14th century. It is celebrated for three days before Ash Wednesday, and it features various folkloric events and rituals. The most famous participants of the Carnival of Binche are the Gilles, who are men dressed in red-and-white costumes with bells, wooden shoes, ostrich feathers, and wax masks. The Gilles only appear on Mardi Gras morning, when they march through the town accompanied by drums and music. They carry baskets of oranges, which they throw to the spectators as a gesture of goodwill. The origin of the Gilles is uncertain, but some theories suggest that they represent ancient warriors or clowns. Because Carnaval is a precious tradition to the locals, they forbid visitors from buying the Gilles costume, which can only be rented to official participants. As a spectator, come dressed warmly and be prepared to catch some oranges.