The carnival season starts in February! An unmissable event for children and adults. Dates of carnivals in France and around the world, origin, traditions… Here is the information to know about the carnival as well as the parades planned for 2023.
In many countries, around the world, every year we celebrate the carnival. In the city streets, revelers as they are called lend themselves to the game and parade wearing their most beautiful disguises. Alongside them, during parades, processions and impressive floats are also present. In the middle, some participants dance, play a musical instrument or simply parade. Carnival is the festive event par excellence that amazes young and old alike. Gourmets also take pleasure that day by eating the famous donuts carnival.
What is the origin of the carnival?
The origins of carnival are many. The first dates back to the time of antiquity. Two centuries before Christ, the inhabitants of Babylon held a five-day feastcalled Sacées, to honor the goddess Anaitis and welcome the arrival of spring. During these five days, the slaves slipped into the costume of their masters and vice versa. Those are the beginnings of the carnival. During ancient Rome, the Romans organized, for their part, Saturnalia, celebrations that lasted several days at the time of the winter solstice, and during which the roles were also reversed to honor Saturn. Later, in the Middle Ages, the 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 day of celebration during which we have fun dressing up and enjoy the present moment. People who respect the religious tradition are invited to let go during the carnival before starting the period of Lent and the fast that accompanies it.
What does the word carnival mean?
According to the Larousse dictionary, the carnival corresponds to a “time of secular rejoicing from Epiphany to Ash Wednesday“the day after Mardi Gras.
What are the dates of the carnivals in 2023?
Every year, the Carnival festivities take place between Epiphany, January 6, and Mardi Gras which this year takes place on February 21, 2023. Until then, cities around the world hold their own carnivals. Some sometimes extend the event for a few days.
Rio Carnival Dates
Great carnival of Rio in Brazil will take place from Friday 17 to Wednesday 22 February 2023.
Venice Carnival Dates
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.
Nice carnival dates
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.
Montpellier Carnival Dates
From Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 February 2023the city of Montpellier takes part in the celebration by organizing the West Indian carnival. The event, initiated by the association WIF (West Indies Family), honors Caribbean culture.
Dunkirk Carnival Dates
In the North of France, the Dunkirk carnival returns, after two years of absence following the Covid-19, from January 7 to April 16, 2023. The festivities last a total of two and a half months. Throughout this period, several districts of the city will live to the rhythm of balls, famous bands and concerts in the streets.
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.
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 the carnival?
Historically, the carnival was materialized by a reversal of roles : the masters thus disguised themselves as slaves and vice versa or the rich as the poor. This made it possible to mix among others despite social classes and to party together. Since then, the disguise remains inseparable from the carnival, still today. Young and old have fun dressing up as another character.
Why do we wear a mask at carnival?
At the time, wearing a mask helped to preserve the mystery of each person’s identity. The mask itself is a disguise for the face, which hides the real one that lies beneath. Today, the mask is an essential element of the carnival. It ensures the anonymity of the person who wears it and this allows him to put himself a little more in the shoes of the character he plays. Here are some masks to print, make or color:
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 the children for the carnival?
For carnival, there’s a whole bunch ofactivities to do with the children. Children can participate in the making of their costume, or even make their own mask or accessories, like maracas to make noise in the street. For the gourmet touch, nothing like a sweet cooking recipe (doughnuts, cupcake…) to be done with several hands, with your children.
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 Shrove Tuesday, all delicacies are on the menu. Having eaten to satiety, the faithful can thus begin the period of fasting with more serenity.