Carnival season starts in February! Some ticket offices like the one in Nice are already open. What are the dates of the different costume parades? Who invented this tradition? Answers.
In many countries, all over the world, we celebrate the carnival in the month of February ! In the streets of the cities, the revelers as they are called lend themselves to the game and parade in disguise. Very often, they do not go unnoticed with their majestic costumes and colorful. Of the processions and chariots impressive are also present during the parades. Some participants dance, play a musical instrument or just have fun. Carnival is in itself a unmissable festive event, which amazes young and old. Gourmands also take pleasure in eating the famous donuts carnival. Here is everything you need to know about the Carnival and the events that are planned for 2023.
Who invented Carnival?
The origins of the carnival date back to antiquity. Two centuries BC, the inhabitants of Babylon organized 5 days of celebration, called Sacées, to honor the goddess Anaitis and to welcome the arrival of spring. During these 5 days, the slaves slipped into the costume of their masters and vice versa. During ancient Rome, the Romans organized the Saturnalia, festivals that lasted several days at the time of the winter solstice, and during which the roles were also reversed to honor Saturn. In the Middle Ages, representatives of the Catholic Church began by rejecting these pagan festivals before adopting them. In the 8th century, Lent, a 40-day fast, but also Easter were introduced. It was at this time that the carnival which took place before Lent was democratized in order to allow Catholics to relax before a long period of fasting.
Why do we celebrate Carnival?
The carnival has become over the years a Celebration day. People who respect the tradition are invited to let go before starting the period of Lent and the fast that accompanies it.
What is the meaning of Carnival?
According to Larousse dictionarythe carnival corresponds to a “time of secular rejoicing from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday”the day after Mardi Gras.
What are the dates of Carnival?
Every year, the Carnival festivities occur Between Epiphany, January 6, and Mardi gras which takes place in 2023 February 21. Until then, cities around the world organize their own Carnival. Some sometimes extend the event for a few days.
What are the most famous Carnivals?
The most famous carnivals are those of Nice and Dunkirk in France, Rio de Janeiro and Venice in the world. Many cities in France and Europe also organize their festive carnival, highlighting their customs, through dances, music, and traditional costumes.
When will the Rio Carnival take place in 2023?
Great Carnival of Rio in Brazil will take place in 2023 from Friday 17 to Wednesday 22 February.
Dates of the Venice Carnival in 2023
The cult Venice Carnival Will be back in 2023 from Saturday 4 February to Tuesday 21 February. It will last a little over fifteen days.
Dates of the Nice Carnival in 2023
This year in France, Nice Carnival take place from Friday February 10 to Sunday February 26, 2023. The edition will be exceptional given that the grand parade will celebrate its 150th anniversary, with the theme “King of the treasures of the world”. During the first weekend, the city will welcome a very special guest, the Rio Carnival troops! The online ticket office is already open.. Fares start at 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children aged between 6 and 12 years old. More information on nicecarnaval.com.
Dates of the Dunkirk Carnival in 2023
In the North of France, the Dunkirk Carnival returns, after two years of absence following the Covid-19, from January 21 to February 26, 2023. Several districts of the city will live to the rhythm of balls, famous bands and concerts.
What is the oldest carnival in the world?
Evoked as early as 1094 in an edict by the first Doge of Venice, who is the leader of the Republic of Venice, the venice carnival seems to be the oldest carnival in the world.
Why do we dress up at Carnival?
Historically, the carnival was materialized by a reversal of roles : the master thus disguised himself as a slave and vice versa. Wearing a mask made it possible to preserve the mystery of each person’s identity.… Today, some elements remain inseparable from the carnival. Symbol of all the inconveniences associated with winter, the Carnival King is sometimes burned after a final parade to exorcise misfortune and signify the arrival of spring. To the battles over flour, sweets or sweets, which prevailed in Nice in the 18th centurye century, today we prefer the toss of confetti… less dangerous but just as messy.
Why do we eat donuts at Carnival?
According to Catholic rites, the carnival is a period of festivities preceding a moment of deprivation. Mardis gras marks the end of the festivities. To this joyous day succeeds the Ash Wednesday date on which, according to the Old Testament, we cover ourselves with ashes to acknowledge our faults before God. By doing penance during the period of Lent (40 days from Ash Wednesday), he works for his redemption. The high point of the carnival, Mardi gras thus comes to close a cycle made of fun and festivities and announce a time dedicated to contrition. During the 40 days of Lent, Christians, to wash away their sins, must stop consuming fatty products such as meat or products derived from animals (butter, eggs, cheese, etc.). By feasting on the occasion of Mardi Gras, Christians savor one last time rich and hearty dishes before observing a more austere diet.
What activities to do with children for Carnival?
Whether it’s Carnival or Mardi Gras, children love to put on their best costumes. Make-up completes these original disguises, as do the accessories that complete the outfit.
What is the relationship between Carnival and Lent?
Carnival is a festive period, linked to Mardi Gras, as it always ends before Lent. The day after Mardi Gras, Catholics celebrate Ash Wednesday. This day of penance marks the start of Lent in Christianity. A period of 40 days made of meditation, asceticism and dietary restrictions where practitioners must not consume meat, dairy products, eggs or any other invigorating food. We also talk during this period of lean foods. This is why the very eve of the start of Lent, during the famous Mardi Gras, all delicacies are on the menu. Having eaten to satiety, the faithful can thus begin the period of fasting with more serenity.