Carnival Is Upon Us!
Once Christmas celebrations are officially over in the Caribbean and places like France and Spain, it’s time to start thinking about Carnival, the celebration that culminates on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, the day before Lent begins. Carnival is celebrated between the months of February or March; with the dates being different each year. In Spain, the festival is noted for parodies and costumes in the streets of Spanish towns and cities. In France, this festive season comes with sumptuous public celebrations or parades. And in the USA, we have our own celebration of this, particularly referred to as Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Mardi Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday”) is originally a catholic event that marks the end of the “week of seven fat days.”
Fat Tuesday Origins!
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular phenomenon that dates back thousands of years, back to roman times! It is celebrated in many countries around the world—mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations.
The word “carnival” derives from the Latin “carnelevare” meaning “to take out the meat”. Indeed in roman times, meat was removed and banished from tables during Lent, as was any other ingredients containing animal products. According to history channel, religious leaders thought it was best to incorporate this pagan holiday into Christianity, rather than abolishing it all together!
Today’s Vocabulary Fun!
Apricity Noun – the warmth of the sun in the winter
