Carnival

celebration · culture · festival · tradition

Costumes & Masks. During Carnival, people wear amazing costumes and masks to hide their identities so they can dance and celebrate freely without anyone knowing who they are.

Before Lent Begins. Carnival happens just before Lent, a 40-day period in Christianity when people give up certain things. Carnival is the last big party before that serious time starts.

Street Parades. Cities fill with parades where people dance, sing, and throw confetti and beads from colorful floats decorated with amazing designs and bright lights.

Mardi Gras Connection. The final day of Carnival is called Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (which means 'Fat Tuesday' in French), and it's the most exciting day of the whole celebration.

Celebrated Worldwide. Carnival is celebrated in many countries around the world, with the biggest and most famous celebrations happening in Brazil, Venice, and New Orleans.