Carnival is a historic annual festival celebrated around the world in predominantly Catholic areas. The festivities, which often involve indulging in rich foods and celebrations, take place before the Lenten period begins six weeks prior to Easter. Dating back to the middle ages, some of the best-kept records of Carnival come from medieval Italy where celebrations continue to be as elaborate and exciting as they were hundreds of years ago. Today’s celebrations carry on the traditions of centuries ago, but also offer their own cultural and modern day twists. If you’re looking for something new and exciting to enjoy for your next holiday, visiting a country during Carnival can be a fun, cultural experience.
Celebrating Carnival in Different Countries
Italy. The cities of Verona and Venice are two of the most exciting places to celebrate Carnival. Elaborate costumes and fancy period dress can be seen everywhere as people line up for parades, elaborate balls and the arrival of Papa Gnocchi, who gives everyone gnocchi to symbolize prosperity.- Germany. Regions of Germany that celebrate Carnival provide the local or traveler with ample opportunity to dress up in Halloween-like costumes and have a fun time partying into the wee hours of the nights.
- India. Carnival celebration was introduced to the state of Goa in India by the Portuguese, who ruled over the area for 400 years. For three days and nights, the celebration takes over the state, and parades with floats, music and vibrant color.
- Japan. The annual Carnival celebrations in Tokyo were heavily influenced by the Brazilian population there. Elaborate parades and festivities take place during this time, particularly in the Asakusa neighborhood.
- United States. Although the United States doesn’t have a Carnival celebration, they have an annual celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana known as Mardi Gras. The three-day celebration is similar in nature to Carnival in that costumes are worn, parades and celebrations take place and indulgence in delicious foods and beverages is encouraged.
- England. If you can’t make it to a pre-Lenten Carnival celebration, you can still enjoy similar festivities at England’s Notting Hill Carnival. Since 1996, these festivities have been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike during the month of August. Come to this West London area to enjoy music, West Indian cooking and one of the biggest street festivals you’ll find in Europe.
- Cyprus. The celebration of carnival was introduced to Cyprus around the 16th century when Venice ruled the area. Three parades take place over the course of Carnival and people dress in a variety of fancy costumes.
- France. Carnival in Paris follows the Feast of Fools and goes back in history to medieval 1500s. The United States celebration, Mardi Gras, is derived from the rich French heritage in New Orleans and means “Fat Tuesday”.
- Malta. People of Malta enjoy a week-long Carnival celebration that includes contests for most grotesque mask, lavish feasts and late-night parties. Sweet biscuits, sponge cakes and fruits topped with cream and pine nuts are traditional parts of Carnival feasts.
- Africa. Long ago, Portuguese settlers brought Carnival celebrations with them to the Cape Verde Islands. Nine of the islands celebrate what’s known as one of the most colorful Carnival festivals.
Join in the Fun
Should you find yourself in an area that celebrates Carnival while you’re on holiday, be sure to check out the festivities. You don’t have to be a member of the Catholic Church to enjoy the parades, festivals and merriment of the few days preceding Lent. Since businesses in many countries close for Carnival, many locals and tourists find these few days to be a great time to cut loose and enjoy themselves. Get involved by dressing up in similar costumes or dress as the locals do. Attend a Carnival party or host one yourself. This centuries old celebration provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time together with friends, family and the community as many people usher in a religious season that holds great importance to them.
Contributed by Abigail Peters from www.props-n-frocks.co.uk for fancy dress and carnival costumes.
[Mardi Gras. Photo courtesy of g.plauche via Flickr.]
