The king Carnestoltes and Old Quaresma were neighbors in a village - Carnestoltes loved to eat and party while Quaresma was thin and solitary. During a big village party, Carnestoltes ate so much he exploded. Afterward, Quaresma said the villagers must stay home for as many weeks as she has legs, which turned out to be seven. The villagers were hungry and bored under Quaresma's rule until Spring arrived and melted Quaresma away, allowing fun and food to return to the village.