Carnival is a big party celebrated before Lent in Catholic traditions. It originated in Italy in 1268 as a way for Catholics to enjoy meat and festivities before the fasting and prayer of the 40 days of Lent. The tradition spread to other Catholic countries in Europe and then around the world. Some of the most famous carnivals include Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro's Samba Parades, and Cádiz's celebrations featuring comedic music groups that travel through the streets.

1. Elizabeth Therese Gaughan English Language Assistant IES La Arboleda

2. What is Carnival ? Carnival is a big party. It is a “last chance” to have fun before Lent. Lent is the 40 days before Easter. It is a time of fasting and prayer. This year, Lent begins on February 25 th (Ash Wednesday) and ends April 11 th (the day before Easter).

3. Origins of Carnival Carnival was started by Catholics in Italy in the year 1268. The Italian word carnevale means “to put away the meat”—Catholics aren’t allowed to eat meat during Lent! The celebration spread to other Catholic countries in Europe like France, Spain, and Portugal. When they took control of the Americas and other countries around the world, they took the tradition of Carnival with them.

4. Famous Carnivals Around the World We are going to look at famous carnivals in: New Orleans, Louisiana (United States) Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) Cádiz (Spain)

5. Mardi Gras (New Orleans) First New Orleans Mardi Gras was in 1857. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. Mardi Gras is celebrated with a huge parade of floats and people in costume, which is followed by a ball (a big dance). People ride the floats and throw beads and other trinkets to the people in the streets. Mardi Gras is February 24 th this year. Slogan: "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

7. Carnaval (Rio de Janeiro) Carnaval is the four days before Lent. The big event is the Samba Parade , a competition between the samba schools of Rio. There are also street parties, balls, costume competitions, and live music. This year, Carnaval is February 21 st -24 th .

9. Carnaval (Cádiz) In Cádiz, Carnaval lasts two weeks. The Cádiz Carnaval is famous for the chirigotas , hilarious comedy groups. Choirs travel through the streets singing and playing music. There is a big contest of chirigotas, choirs, and other groups at the Gran Teatro Falla. This year, Carnaval is February 19 th -March 1 st .

11. Want to Learn More? Mardi Gras in New Orleans http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/index.html Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro http://www.rio-carnival.net/ Carnaval in Cádiz http://www.guiadecadiz.com/carnaval.asp