What is the history of carnivals?

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The history of the carnival is rich and varied, and it goes back thousands of years. Carnivals are celebrations that combine tradition, religion, culture and community. They have spread around the world and taken different forms in different cultures. In this article, we look at the origin, development and meaning of carnivals in different times and places.

Origins of Carnival

Carnival has its roots in ancient Rome and Greece, where the Saturnalia and Dionysia festivals were celebrated. Saturnalia was a Roman festival held in December in honor of the god Saturn. It was a time when social norms were turned upside down: slaves could be masters and vice versa, and people enjoyed freedom and abundance. Dionysia, on the other hand, was a Greek festival that honored Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. There was a lot of dancing, music and masquerade at these parties.

Medieval carnivals

In the Middle Ages, carnivals took on Christian features and were connected to the time before fasting. Carnival was the last chance to enjoy food and drink before the long fasting period. The word “carnival” comes from the Latin “carne vale” which means “good meat”. This suggests that after the carnival, fasting began, when no meat was eaten.

Carnivals around the world

Carnivals have spread around the world and taken different forms in different cultures. Here are some examples:

  • Carnival of Rio de Janeiro: One of the most famous carnivals in the world, held in Brazil. It is famous for its colorful parades, samba school competitions and happy atmosphere.
  • Carnival of Venice: An Italian carnival known for its wonderful masks and costumes. The Venetian Carnival dates back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
  • New Orleans Mardi Gras: A carnival held in the US state of Louisiana, which is a mixture of French, Spanish and African American traditions. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and is the last day of celebration before Lent begins.

The meaning of carnival

Carnivals have always been an opportunity to escape from everyday routines and enjoy life. They offer an opportunity for community, creativity and self-expression. Carnivals are also an important part of cultural heritage and they reflect the values ​​and beliefs of society at different times.

Today, carnivals are popular events that attract millions of people around the world. They are also major economic events that generate income through tourism and local businesses.

The history of carnivals is therefore multi-phased and rich, and they have maintained their importance and attraction for centuries. They are a celebration that unites people and cultures around the world.

Sources:
Britannica – Carnival
History – Mardi Gras
Venice Carnival

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