Carnival (see other spellings and names) is a Western Christian festive season that

occurs before the liturgical season of Lent.[1] The main events typically occur during
February or early March, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (or PreLent). Carnival typically involves a public celebration and/or parade combining some
elements of a circus, masks, and a public street party. People wear masks and
costumes during many such celebrations, allowing them to lose their everyday
individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity.[2] Excessive
consumption of alcohol,[3] meat, and other foods proscribed during Lent is extremely
common. Other common features of carnival include mock battles such as food
fights; social satire and mockery of authorities; the grotesque bodydisplaying
exaggerated features especially large noses, bellies, mouths, and phalli or elements
of animal bodies; abusive language and degrading acts; depictions of disease and
gleeful death; and a general reversal of everyday rules and norms. [4][5]
The term Carnival is traditionally used in areas with a large Catholic presence.
However, the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholiccountry, does not
celebrate Carnival anymore since the dissolution of the Manila Carnival after 1939,
the last carnival in the country.[6] In historically Lutheran countries, the celebration is
known as Fastelavn,[7][8] and in areas with a high concentration
of Anglicans andMethodists, pre-Lenten celebrations, along with penitential
observances, occur on Shrove Tuesday.[9] In Eastern Orthodox nations,Maslenitsa is
celebrated during the last week before Great Lent. In German-speaking Europe and
the Netherlands, the Carnival season traditionally opens on 11/11 (often at
11:11 a.m.). This dates back to celebrations before the Advent season or with
harvest celebrations ofSt. Martin's Day.
Rio de Janeiro's carnival is considered the world's largest, hosting approximately
two million participants per day. In 2004, Rio's carnival attracted a record 400,000
foreign visitors.[10]