Carnival There are many festivals and celebrations around the world throughout the

year. However, carnival is one of the most famous and flamboyant festivities.

Many carnivals take place in the build-up to the religious season of Lent. Lent

happens during the six weeks before Easter Sunday, when people prepare

for the death and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, the majority of carnivals

take place during February. Lent is a time when, traditionally, people give up

something that they will find difficult. This could be a type of food or a bad

habit that they want to try to stop.

Carnivals differ from place to place as many areas focus on their own traditions

and pastimes and are often heavily influenced by the culture of their country.

In most countries, carnival is often characterized by masks, flamboyant

costumes, music and colourful floats and parades. Some carnivals have special

trinkets or symbols. In New Orleans, they have sweet and very colourful cakes

called King Cakes as a symbol of their carnival (Mardi Gras).

Carnival

The most famous and largest carnival in the world takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Carnival in Brazil is not just a fun celebration, but a chance to experience the diverse culture of the country. Brazil is often referred to as a ‘melting-pot’ of culture. There are many European, African and American influences in Brazilian society. Carnival epitomises the Brazilian way of life and their way of thinking. There are many parties, which take place throughout the day and during the night, celebrating the songs, music and dances, typical of Brazilian culture. The most popular form of music and dancing at the Rio carnival is samba, a style unique to Brazil, which is often played on drums with traditional dancing. The ‘Sambódromo’ is an avenue, specially made to host carnival in Rio. Every year, thousands of people go to

foreign visitors!

Although carnival is linked to religious faith and traditions, it is a time of fun, excess and flamboyance, enjoyed by millions across the world.

Carnivals in Europe

There are several carnivals in Europe, for example:

Cadiz is where the largest Spanish carnival takes place. It is heavily influenced by local traditions along with current and political events. Like Rio, there are parades and floats with lots of music.

Nice, in France, is a carnival that is heavily influenced by Catholic traditions. People indulge in lots of rich food in the build up to Lent. One of the most popular street celebrations is the Battle of the Flowers, where there are lots of floats and costumes, brimming with plants and flowers.

Cologne is the principal carnival city in Germany. The carnival season actually begins in November here and culminates the week before (and including) Shrove Tuesday. There are lots of parades and people dress up - even at work and school. It is one of Germany’s most important cultural events.

Carnival

Questions1. a) When do most carnivals take place?

b) Why do you think this time of year is chosen?

2.

3. Where do they celebrate Mardi Gras and what is an important symbol of this carnival?

4. Why do you think Brazil is sometimes referred to as a ‘melting-pot’ of culture?

5. Why is carnival so important to Brazil?

6.

7.

8. Why do you think people give something up for Lent?

9.

10.

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