Carnival in Brazil

by Leah

Carnival is a festival season that occurs immediately before Lent. The main events are usually during February or March which involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party. Carnival is mostly associated with Roman Catholic Church.

The world's largest carnival celebration is held in Brazil . An inspiration for the carnival lies in the fact that during Lent, traditionally no parties may be held and many foods, such as meat, are forbidden; the forty days of Lent are to memorialize the Passion of Jesus. People usually to have the desire to hold a large celebration at the last possible opportunity before fasting.
The ancient Roman festival of the Saturnalia is a probable origin of the Italian Carnival. The Saturnalia, in turn, may be based on the Greek Dionysia and Oriental festivals. While medieval pageants and festivals such as Corpus Christi were church sanctioned celebrations, carnival was a representation of medieval folk culture. Many local carnival customs are also based on local pre-Christian rituals, for example the elaborate rites involving masked figures in the Swabian-Alemannic carnival.
In Christianity, the most famous traditions, including parades and masquerading, are first attested from medieval Italy . The carnival of Venice was for a long time the most famous carnival. From Italy , carnival traditions spread to Spain , Portugal , and France . From France , they spread to the Rhineland of Germany, and to New Orleans . From Spain and Portugal , they spread to Latin America . Many other areas have developed their own traditions.