Modern carnivals in different countries of the world. The history of the carnival Which city is called the capital of the carnival
Which month of the year is the most festive? Surprisingly, it is February. After all, it is then that the most colorful and unforgettable carnivals take place around the world. On them, people can have a variety of fun, try a lot tasty food. It is not surprising that carnivals attract many tourists. They also want to take part in these shows of unusual costumes, masks, exotic dances.
The word carnival itself, according to a common theory, comes from the words "carne" and "vale", meaning "farewell" and "meat". So what is it - farewell to meat? The fact is that earlier carnivals were held shortly before the onset of Lent, when it was still possible to eat meat. The origins of such costumed holidays should be sought in paganism.
People tried to ward off evil spirits and say goodbye to winter. During the Inquisition it was impossible to rejoice, but the Renaissance breathed life back into old tradition. Europeans spread the habit of costumed festivities around the world. So they appeared in different countries world carnivals, some of them have become world famous.
Carnival Rio, Brazil. In the last weeks of February, the whole of Brazil literally starts to go crazy. After all, carnival begins in Rio. This action has long been a reference, it is compared with all other similar events. The carnival lasts 4 days and 4 nights, starting at the height of the Brazilian summer. The local carnival is also a significant artistic event in the world.
More than a million tourists come to the city every year to see the festival. It is no coincidence that Rio is proudly called the capital of all carnivals. After all, it is here that the greatest and most grandiose fun in the world takes place. The carnival opens with officialdom. The mayor of Rio hands over the silver and gold keys to the city to the Carnival King, a fictional character, Fat Momo. This means that for 4 days it is he who becomes the owner of the city. Momo is endowed with the right to issue and repeal any laws.
After officialdom, celebrations begin throughout the country. People have fun on the streets, in bars and clubs. Carnival balls are everywhere. The whole country rattles drums, beating incendiary rhythms. But the most interesting thing about the carnival is the parade of Samba schools.
The best dance schools go through a special sambadrome in Rio to win the right to be called the best. Their path runs along a concrete strip 600 meters long and 20 meters wide, on both sides of which there are stands with spectators. The dancers come out in stunning colorful costumes and put on an unforgettable show.
Venice Carnival, Italy. And this festival takes place in the second half of February, proving the cheerful nature of this winter month. It is no coincidence that this carnival is considered the second most popular in the world. It begins with " Fat Tuesday". In Catholicism, this day is traditionally called Mardi Gras. The first mention of the carnival in Venice occurs as early as 1094. And since 1296, the Senate of the Republic of Venice officially declared the day before Lent a holiday.
By the time the carnival begins, more than half a million tourists flock to Venice. All of them wanted to see with their own eyes how this ancient and ancient holiday is held. During the carnival, up to 30 thousand people come to the city every day. The opening ceremony is held on the main square of the city in front of the Cathedral of St. Mark the Apostle. It is here that you can see the first parade in costumes and masks. Participants show the scene of the release of girls kidnapped by pirates from captivity.
At one time, the tradition of wearing masks during the carnival in the city appeared as a sign of equality between all residents on this holiday. Over time, the Venetians liked this attribute so much that they began to wear it on ordinary days. But the authorities began to fight with masks - men were supposed to be jailed for wearing them, and women were flogged with rods. After all, hiding the face could do unseemly things.
Today, masks remain an attribute of this fun festival. It draws you in, captivating with unpredictability, fun and tradition. So, during the carnival, only in Venice you can see the masquerade regatta of local gondoliers. Concerts, fireworks, costumed performances with Colombina and Arlekino await guests.
Cologne Carnival, Germany. Although this carnival takes place in February, it opens long before that. The solemn ceremony takes place on November 11 at 11:11 am. At this time, carnival meetings begin, at which the townspeople discuss the program of the future carnival, choose candidates for the role of the Carnival Prince.
The festival gains its full strength only after the New Year. The inhabitants of Cologne themselves claim that their carnival is the fifth season of the year - the most cheerful and carefree. Up to a million tourists come here to take a walk to fame in Cologne. And this is a truly unique sight - the previously reserved and phlegmatic Germans are throwing off that mask.
The festivity spills out into the street on Fat Tuesday and lasts until Ash Wednesday, passing through Babi Thursday. Carnival takes place in squares and pubs. All citizens take part in it, with the exception of the police and doctors. The beginning of the carnival takes place on the Old Square. There, at 11:11, women storm the city hall. Matriarchy is proclaimed, and ties are mercilessly cut off from all the men they meet.
But the highest point of the festivities falls on Rose Monday. Then a festive procession is organized in the city. All officially registered carnival communities walk along the streets, each of them carries with them a funny papier-mâché figurine that makes fun of politicians. In total, about one and a half million people are watching this. It is extremely important to choose the right places. After all, from the carts, the participants throw sweets at the audience. Besides the Prince, the hosts of the carnival are the Peasant and the Maiden. Together they walk around the city and distribute sweets. On the last day, the chief burgomaster hands over the key to the town hall to the Prince of Carnival.
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. The islands of Trinidad and Tobago are famous for their annual carnival in February. He appeared here in 1838 after the abolition of slavery. At first, the carnival consisted of elegant costumed balls and gourmet dinners. The islands have a very exotic population, which is famous for its diversity of cultures. The African current had a particularly strong influence on the locals. In its spirit, this unique festival is reminiscent of the Brazilian, but there are European notes, as well as Indian, Indian, Chinese and Oriental ones.
The carnival begins on Friday when the king and queen of the calypso are chosen. This is the name of a special kind of Afro-Caribbean music. It sounds throughout the island these days in special tents. Other indispensable attributes of the carnival are steel drums and bottles of rum. Drums rumble at night, introducing listeners into ecstasy. Later, Monarch Calypso is chosen in Queen's Park. There is a huge competition for this title.
There are other notable traditions here as well. So, the islanders coat each other with special paint. It often happens that the participants in the festival return home in completely different clothes and in a changed appearance. Carnival festivities begin on Tuesday. Parades are held along the streets of cities, in which people are circling to the music of steel drums and orchestras. At the same time, the sounds are so loud that even the bodies of the participants vibrate to the beat.
Carnival in Barranquilla, Colombia. This carnival is like no other. UNESCO even named it "A Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". He is said to be overly fun, sexy and weird. In this city in northern Colombia, everything is immersed in an illusory world of dreams. Thousands of tourists come here to touch it. After all, they are all direct participants in the action. The carnival is strongly associated with the Negro holidays of the African slaves, who were supposed to have only one day off a year.
The carnival begins four days before Ash Wednesday, reaching its peak during the Batalla de las Flores, the flower fight. The holiday is multicultural. In total, several parts of the carnival can be distinguished: Caribbean folklore, dances with elements of poetry, story dances, parade, comedy theater, folk theater, music bands with soloist, satirical choir. The costumed part of the carnival has a single and collective orientation.
It is believed that the carnival in Barranquilla is the third most important in the world, behind the Brazilian and Orleans. This folklore holiday is a significant event in the cultural life of Colombia.
Carnival in Nice, France. This carnival has a long history. It has been held in the city by the sea since 1294. Indeed, in Europe, the tradition of holding carnivals before Lent has long been born. In Nice, it all started with the fact that Duke Henri of Anjou had a fun with clowns here. The townspeople liked it so much that they decided to hold a carnival at the end of February.
But the event would have remained small-town, if not for the tourists who frequented the Cote d'Azur since the middle of the 19th century. It was quiet and cozy here, and since 1876 the carnival has acquired its own distinctive feature - the battle of flowers. During the celebration, the city turns into a single party. And it lasts for 15 days. The masquerade performance is accompanied by carnival processions, musical accompaniment, parades, bonfires and fireworks.
On the very first day of the carnival, the King of this action arrives at Place Masséna to the cries of the crowd. The very same festive procession includes 20 chariots. 20 heads made of papier-mâché stand out there. bright moments carnival are Parade of Light, Parade of Flowers, Flower Battle on the Promenade des Anglais. During the final parade, the Carnival King is burned at the stake. Then a giant fireworks display awaits the guests. Bengal lights are lit on the castle hill, and all the streets of Nice are brightly lit.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. This celebration claims to be the second largest, second only to a competitor from Rio. The festivities take place in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. About a million people take part in mass festivities.
Carnival takes place every year and lasts about a week. Since 1980, this event has been declared an international tourism festival. In 2000, the city temporarily became the Carnival Capital of the World.
Mass festivities here begin on Friday, when a magnificent opening parade takes place. It reaches its peak late at night, as a result, thousands of brightly dressed people dance until the morning. Thousands of guests come here to take part in a costumed performance. It itself is divided into two parts - the official carnival and street.
The festivities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are famous for their dancers, flamboyant queens and musical theatres. The music of local bands is heard everywhere, the rhythms have much in common with the Caribbean peoples. But at the same time, you can hear the electronic sound. The main event is the selection of the Carnival Queen. Festive processions affect all the main streets of the city.
Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans, USA. Mardi Gras literally translates as Fat Tuesday. This day comes after the Oil Week, with which the Catholics begin Great Lent. Mardi Gras is an analogue of Maslenitsa. It is celebrated in many European countries.
In America, the tradition of carnival on this day appeared in the middle of the 19th century. Then in the French Quarter of Orleans, the beginning of spring was cheerfully and loudly greeted. The carnival gradually gained more and more new fans, becoming even brighter, even more crowded.
Fat Tuesday becomes the last day before Lent, when believers can break away to the fullest, indulging all their desires. In Orleans, this was embodied in costume performances, noisy parties and festive parades. Carnival has become the most colorful and fun event in the life of America. More than 400 chariots with 15 thousand participants pass through the streets of the city. And millions of viewers are watching this action.
The rules for holding Mardi Gras in New Orleans were finally established in 1872. At the carnival, its king and queen are chosen. They ride in masks through the streets of the city, surrounded by retinues, greeting their "subjects". The crowd demands to throw something at them, receiving pewter coins and trinkets in return. According to legend, the tradition of the presence of the king at the carnival has Russian roots. Once the brother of the heir to the throne, Prince Alexei Alexandrovich arrived in New Orleans, being in love with actress Lydia Thompson. He was made a special platform with the inscription "King".
Carnival in Goa, India. For India itself, the tradition of carnivals is unusual and unique. And the "guilty" of this is the Portuguese, who owned Goa for 500 years. For a long time, local residents could not understand the essence of this holiday, but now they themselves participate in it with pleasure.
Every year, the legendary King Momo comes to Goa for three days and three nights. He begins to rule the state, transforming the streets of cities. They are filled with different colors and music. Carnival is accompanied by balls, dances and processions. The main meaning of the festival is to eat, drink and rejoice. The festive procession consists of unusual chariots, moving through the streets of the capital of the state of Panaji. We have been preparing for this for almost six months. The fact is that mobile performances are also played on the platforms.
On the last day of the festivities, the National Club of the capital of Goa holds the famous red and black dance. The carnival attracts tourists here, but they should be careful. Best to choose old clothes. After all, young people have fun, pouring paint on people.
An integral part of this carnival are plentiful feasts. Here you can find dishes from the gifts of the ocean, many varieties of rice and sweets forgotten by the Portuguese themselves. Only here you should transfer food and take it using right hand. For Hindus, the leva is "impure", serving for hygienic purposes.
Basel Carnival, Switzerland. Even small quiet Switzerland has its own carnival. It lasts three days and begins on the first Monday immediately after Ash Wednesday. That festival is the largest of its kind in the country, gathering thousands of participants and spectators.
This carnival can be considered a long-liver, because its history stretches back to the beginning of the 16th century. At first, knightly tournaments and a costume procession dedicated to the beginning of Lent were held here. It was organized by city craft guilds. Over time, the religious component left, but the holiday remained.
Preparations for Carnival in Basel begin weeks in advance. At the same time, only members of special carnival-musical unions are allowed to the processions themselves. There are about 300 of them in the city. In total, about 18 thousand people participate in carnival processions. This holiday is distinguished by a strict division into spectators and participants.
The carnival starts early in the morning. In the main city squares, the lights are turned off and the participants of the first procession come out with bizarre lanterns. Magic lights create a unique light atmosphere. After that, all participants move to pubs, cafes and restaurants. There they eat traditional carnival food - onion pie with cheese, toasted flour soup, drink mulled wine and eat sugar cookies. At noon, the main carnival parade begins. Its members take to the streets with drums, flutes and wind instruments.
The second day of the celebration is considered children's - now the smallest townspeople wear unusual costumes, and numerous clowns entertain them. On Wednesday, the costumed parade takes place again, at the same time the lanterns are lit again. The carnival is famous for its tradition of throwing confetti. Local historians believe that it is from Basel that this holiday tradition spread throughout the world.
Carnival is one of the most popular and colorful varieties of traditional festivals in the world. Originating as an exclusively religious celebration, today the carnival has absorbed a whole range of ancient and modern trends, becoming a synonym for a truly extraordinary holiday.
Carnival traditions include massive street celebrations with noisy processions, circus and theater elements. The carnival allowed people to go beyond the usual - to plunge into the world of sensual pleasures and abundance. main feature carnival - a rich use of masks from the folklore arsenal. The carnival masquerade allowed its participants not only to transform beyond recognition, but also to become a participant in a bewitching action, built according to the canons of the ancient mysteries.
Origin of carnivals
The word "carnival" comes from a combination of two words from Italian- carne (“meat”) and vale (“farewell”), who came to us in French version- carnaval. So since the Middle Ages in Europe, the period of festivities was designated, preceding the restrictions on food (in particular, the ban on meat food) during the main fast of the year. According to the Catholic calendar, this time falls on February, the beginning of March - the period between Epiphany (Epiphany) and Great Lent (Quarezima). More ancient origins of the carnival lie in the pagan tradition of the Roman saturnalia, a popular festival of Antiquity in honor of the end of the agricultural season.
The emergence of carnivals is associated with the emergence of the first independent cities in Europe. It is no coincidence that the oldest carnival in the world is considered to be the Venice Carnival, which reflected the power and brilliance of the city-state of the time of its maximum rise. The Italian initiative soon spread to the major cities of France and then Germany.
In Eastern European countries, carnivals correspond to such popular folk holidays, like Shrovetide or Myasopust, largely preserving the features of pre-Christian folk cults. And in the Alpine regions of France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, carnival festivities also retained a vivid imprint of the pagan past. In street processions, mummers in costumes of characters from Germanic mythology - violent spirits and horned demons often take part here.
Carnivals on different continents
Although the custom of carnival originated in the Catholic countries of the West, the fun holiday has taken root in many parts of the world. The oldest carnivals outside of Europe originated as part of cultural exports in numerous European colonies in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. Another source of the spread of carnivals in the world was the activity of Catholic missionaries, who in this way attracted the native population to Christian traditions.
Today, elements of the classic carnival are found in many holidays on all continents of the Earth. The main carnivals of the world have turned into real brands that reflect the national traditions of a particular country from the most attractive side. The global media, broadcasting them to an audience of millions, make these events more popular every year.
Carnivals of Europe
The carnival center of Europe, without a doubt, is Italy, which gave rise to this cultural phenomenon. In the days before Lent, Italian cities flare up with colors of masquerades and street festivities from south to north. The carnival whirlpool captures Venice, Rome, Ivrea, and.
Many French cities are also sinking into the abyss of carnival, starting from Paris and ending with the resort of Nice. Particularly colorful festivities are traditionally held in the southern regions of the country, as well as in cities and near the borders with Belgium.
One of the brightest and most eventful carnival seasons in Europe can be observed in the big cities of Germany, where carnivals are called "The Fifth Season of the Year". German carnivals (in German "fasching" or "fastnacht") begin a few months before the main holiday with preparatory work built with German pedantry. According to the scenario approved over the centuries, power in the city is transferred to a cheerful trinity of the King and Queen of the carnival, as well as the Jester (Peasant), under whose leadership the usual way of life is turned upside down. For several months, sedate cities such as become the scene of grandiose festivities that reach their peak during the final parade in Rosenmontag ("Pink Monday").
Carnivals of America
Carnival in the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, not only leads the rating of such celebrations in America, but also sets a kind of “carnival standard” in terms of scale and colorfulness for all carnivals in the world. No less interesting carnivals are held in numerous island states of the Caribbean region - Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique.
The carnivals of North America are distinguished by a strong mixture ancient traditions with modern types of mass entertainment. A typical example of such a symbiosis is the most famous of them, taking place in New Orleans. Carnival Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday") arose on the basis of an old custom brought to the States by colonists from France. In the 20th century, Americans improved the medieval celebration by adding the rich sounds of jazz, vivid images American pop culture and frivolous contests in the spirit of the Sexual Revolution of the 70s.
It turns out that the most festive month in the world is February, which is cold for us. It is on this month that the brightest, most colorful and spectacular celebrations of the carnival fall in various parts of the world. Carnivals are actively celebrated in Brazil, Italy, Germany, Colombia, Spain, India, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Greece and other countries, and it is quite possible to visit them if you have the appropriate type of visa: Schengen visas for European countries, visas for Latin American countries or visas to Asian countries.
The carnival dates back to the ancient Greek cult of the god Dionysus, previously it was dedicated to the rituals of dances and masks for land fertility. Later carnival, being ancient pagan holiday, was dedicated to saying goodbye to winter in the form of festivities before Lent, like our Maslenitsa. The time of the carnival days is tied to catholic easter, and it acquires different scales in different regions. The essence of the carnival is to have plenty of fun and recharge non-spiritual
food before Lent. Even the term carnevale itself means "farewell to meat."
The capital of all carnivals is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In February, there is an influx of tourists to the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro - a million tourists annually to watch the colossal carnival procession and plunge into a charge of positive emotions and new experiences. Carnival in Brazil is celebrated for 4 days and four nights and is a whole artistic art. And he gained popularity and grandiose scope in Brazil since the time of the capture by the colonialists.
While the Inquisition reigned in Europe, the New World became a paradise for royal celebrations. The mayor of Rio de Janeiro opens the carnival, passing the golden keys to the city to the king of the holiday weighing more than 140 kg, he becomes the city head for the carnival days. The brightest and most spectacular in the Brazilian festival is the procession of samba schools - a temperamental Brazilian dance. The procession of schools takes place on platforms with a length of 600 meters, on both sides of which there are places for spectators. Participants prepare for samba competitions for a whole year and within an hour and twenty
minutes at the carnival procession demonstrate their art. At the samba procession in the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, melody, costumes, carts, drums play an important role, and coordination and synchronization of movements to the rhythm are dominant
music. A stop, a hitch, a torn suit, a broken platform can spoil the performance of the entire team. Nudity is an unwritten rule of the carnival, which is expressed in a variety of spicy costumes. Except Sambadrome
Carnival takes place on the streets and beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
Carnival in Venice, Italy ranks second in global popularity. For the first time in history, the Venetian holiday was mentioned in 1094, and it begins on the so-called "Fat Tuesday". Half a million curious tourists hope
see and participate in the chic Venetian carnival. On the main square of Venice, the solemn opening ceremony of the week of the holiday takes place. Participants in closed costumes and masks depict the plot of the kidnapping of the beauty by pirates. 
The historical tradition of wearing masks during the carnival meant the equality of various segments of the population at the festival. At some point, wearing masks became part of everyday life, but caused a protest from the authorities, and they began to punish for it. The Italian city hosts concerts, fireworks, theatrical performances with Colombina and Arlekino. The streets, bridges, canals of Venice serve as stages for theatrical performances. Tons of confetti are shot at the audience and many balloons are launched. Historic palaces host public masquerade balls. At Venice balls for an exclusive audience, participants spend 10 meters of fabric on costumes that cost at least 10,000 Euros. Entrance to carnival balls is usually by invitation, but tickets can also be purchased, their cost varies from 50 to 500 Euros. And in the shops they offer papier-mâché masks.
and leather for everyone who wants to participate in carnival events in Italy. The Venice Carnival lasts two weeks, during which you can admire the festive procession of boats, the parade of carnival flotillas, the carnival procession
suits. On the streets of the Italian city you can see unforgettable shows of magicians, jugglers, sword swallowers, acrobats, clowns and snake trainers.
IN Lately each Venetian carnival is dedicated to a given theme, for example, its celebrations have already been dedicated to travel and travelers, the East and its culture, the work of Fellini, etc.
Carnival celebrations in Cologne, Germany are a very significant event for many Germans in North Westphalia. Cologne, as an ancient Roman city, was called upon to personify the power of Rome, and the carnival began to be held there from 1341.
The main figures of the Cologne Carnival are the Prince, the Maiden and the Peasant. The opening of the Cologne Carnival is still happening 
autumn November 11 at 11:11 am. Even then, meetings are organized to discuss further carnival
programs.
The period of the carnival week allows the Germans to throw off the masks of restraint and phlegm. Special days of carnival week in Germany are its beginning on Fat Tuesday, Babi Thursday, famous for the announcement of matriarchy and cutting
ties for men, Pink Monday with a grand carnival procession and its completion on Ash Wednesday. Look at the carnival parade with carts, drums in the German city of Cologne and collect chocolate and sweets for the next
a crowd of people gather for a month. Participants prepare for the procession throughout the year, tons of chocolate are thrown into the streets in branded packages of carnival associations and a large number of bouquets. The 6.5 km long carnival procession itself lasts about 2-3 hours, and each carnival association is dressed in its own unique uniform and accompanies several carts with sweets scattered during the parade.
The basic greeting in the Cologne dialect is "Long live Cologne!" participants shout to the audience. Local school processions are organized for children on Saturday and kilograms of caramel are thrown out. Spent some time in Cologne
even an informally organized carnival parade in the evening with a procession of drums and dressed up in evil forces and spirits.
Throughout the week, the carnival with glasses of beer and carnival songs is celebrated not only on the streets of Cologne, but also in all cafes and bars. The pubs are so crowded with people that sometimes you can’t even go into them, but from everywhere you can hear noise, laughter and
carnival songs. The costumes of the Germans are dominated mainly by clown themes, animal costumes are often found, and sometimes original independently invented costumes. They come to the carnival with whole groups of acquaintances, and in order not to
get lost in the crowd, dress in the same costumes by the whole team.
Carnival in Nice, France on the Côte d'Azur turned into a flower parade and a battle of flowers on the embankment, in which flowers and confetti serve as weapons. For two weeks, the city of Nice hosts chic carnival parades and performances, masquerades, and everything ends with fireworks. The festive procession in the French city includes twenty chariots with twenty heads made of papier-mâché, the preparation of which takes about a ton of paper and 317 kg of flour.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain flows in the Canary Islands since the 18th century and lasts about a week. Mass festivities are widely represented on the streets of the Spanish city on the Canor Island with salsa dancing and Latin American music. The most interesting event is the choice of the queen of the carnival from the participants in extravagant dresses measuring several meters in height and width. Competition winners take part in street processions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A symbol of goodbye
with the carnival in Spain is the street procession of the burial of sardine fish.
Carnival in Goa, India introduced and implemented by the Portuguese. For three days you can admire the carnival processions, street festivities and performances on the coast of Goa. On the last day of the event, a red and black dance is held in India,
in which the crowd is sprayed with paint. An important component of the carnival in Goa is a large amount of food. Thus, February is the most interesting period for traveling to the Schengen, Latin American and Asian countries. Open Schengen visas, visas to Asia, visas to Latin American countries and travel with us!
Extravagant and luxurious costumes, giant chariots, colorful processions, breathtaking performances: this is all the period of carnivals! In the heat and cold for several days or even months, you can get acquainted with the beliefs and traditions of each country. Some have been preparing for the event all year long!
An extraordinary festive Universe, no carnival is like another. All generations unite and have fun under a single slogan: indulge in joy!
Carnival in Basel
Starting on February 23rd, the Swiss city is filled with the sounds of flutes and masks of passers-by walking the streets, absorbed in shopping, visiting bars, restaurants and everything that is open on this day. Music comes from all corners and it is impossible to find time for a break. Carnival in Basel is the largest popular festival in Switzerland, where about 20,000 people parade in costume.
Carnival in Binche
Like the Oruro Carnival, the Binche Carnival is known as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It lasts 2 months, but during the 3 busiest days (each of which has its own theme), Gilly and other folklore characters such as Pierrot, Harlequin and the peasant dance to the sounds of trumpets and drums.
Carnival in Dunkirk
It originated among sailors who, before setting off to sea, gathered together to have fun and get rid of the fear of the disastrous seas washing Iceland. But during the Second World War, this custom was transformed into a festive and nationwide carnival. Each participant is an "actor" of the carnival and he must dance and sing along with his neighbors from his "gang".
Carnival in New Orleans
Right before Lent, Louisiana dresses up in purple, gold, and green. Purple symbolizes justice, gold - power, green - symbolizes faith. At the carnival, they eat the famous Royal biscuit, defile, dance or throw various kinds of trinkets into the crowd: beads, cups and even coins. Abolished at the time of colonization, it has been celebrated again since 1699 thanks to the explorer René-Robert Cavelier.
Carnival in Lisbon
Inspired by the Rio Carnival, the Lisbon Festival is all about parading through the streets, eating and having fun. Thousands of people from all over the world, imbued with the Brazilian spirit, gather to the rhythms of samba in Rossio Square every year to have fun before Lent.
Carnival in Nice
The most grandiose carnival in France, unfolding in winter for 2 weeks. This holiday has more of a symbolic meaning in the Nicoisean calendar and is known for its "battle of the flowers". During the festival, spectators are showered with mimosas, lilies and daisies. About 20 giant chariots drive through the streets along the seashore and bring joy to millions of spectators.
Carnival in Quebec
The largest winter carnival in the world takes place before Lent from mid-January to early February. Every year, the same traditions: the construction of an ice palace (about 300 tons), a snow bath, canoe races on ice ... more than a million people unite from year to year around the symbol of the holiday - the snowman.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
The most important festival in the world. To have fun before Lent, Rio de Janeiro transforms in 4 days into a picturesque anthill strewn with sparkles. About 3,000 people defile and sing in chorus the words from the samba-enredo song. Participants try not to make mistakes in their movements so that their dance school wins the title of carnival champion.
Carnival in Venice
This is the oldest carnival. It originates in the Middle Ages. On the occasion of the holiday, the participants put on make-up in order to destroy the conventions between social strata and contradictions during the period of Great Lent. Today, times have changed, but traditions are still symbolic for the people of Venice. At the end of the carnival, the most beautiful suit who has the honor of opening the next ball.
Carnival in Oruro
Known in the capital of Bolivia, this carnival is held in honor of the Uru people, the indigenous people who were desperate to save their territory and preserve their way of life. Listed by UNESCO as a World Masterpiece of the Oral and Spiritual Heritage of Humanity. Around 30,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians bring the streets to life, dancing and playing to a frenetic pace.
In the Middle Ages, this day broke down barriers between classes, ignored the rules of decency and allowed open ridicule of power. It was a time of uncontrolled fun, relaxation and permissiveness. Schools and courts were closed. Misunderstandings and quarrels were forgotten. Even the wars stopped their course.
Anna Baklaga found out how the carnival was born and what traditions have survived to this day.
Carnival is a day of unimaginable transformations. Bright outfits, general jubilation, incendiary dances and jokes - it is difficult to ignore such a procession. Therefore, every year, in February, thousands of people come to the birthplace of this holiday - to Europe. The word carnival itself is of Italian origin and translates as: "goodbye meat." The fact is that initially, this event meant farewell to meat food and entertainment before Lent. And only on the day of the carnival people allowed themselves almost everything. The most important difference between the carnival and other holidays is the abolition of all social statuses. And if on others official holidays pointedly emphasized the hierarchical differences of people, then the carnival was their complete opposite. The man seemed to be reborn. The carnival site opened up the possibility of relationships that are completely unusual for a certain type of people.
During the carnival, people allowed themselves almost everything
The prototype of this holiday in the pre-Christian era can be called the Roman Saturnalia. They were associated with the end of agricultural work. The motive was rest, and the revolution of the existing world order. Power passed to a fictitious king, the lower classes became the highest. In a word, people changed places and did what they cannot afford in ordinary life. The mask on the face was the main component of the image. She allowed to remain unrecognized and avoid punishment for her tricks. Masked people could publicly criticize the unjust government and those who hid their immoral deeds. And this was done in an extremely strict form.
After some time, the tradition of carnival spread throughout Europe. Now, this holiday is celebrated all over the world. However, each country has its own history and unique style.
Venice Carnival
Carnival in Venice is considered one of the most popular in the world. It is characterized by mystery and mysticism. In addition to traditional rituals, which are a huge stage performance, the Venetian carnival takes place every year under a special theme. This spectacle captures the spirit of visitors and not only. The whole city becomes the scene of action. The opening ceremony of the carnival is held on the main square of the city, in front of the Cathedral of St. Mark the Apostle. It is from there that the first costumed parade begins.
In Italy, long-nosed white masks were worn during the plague, or killer
At the carnival in Venice, you can find a whole abundance of mysterious masks. And only there you can see the masquerade regatta of local gondoliers. By the way, beloved by tourists white mask with a huge nose, has unpleasant associations for the townspeople. Indeed, in Italy, such masks were worn during the plague, and a sponge with vinegar was placed in a long nose so as not to catch the disease. Also, it was worn by very mysterious people or murderers.
Brazilian Carnival
An unforgettable show, fantastic outfits, complete freedom of expression - all this resonated in Rio. The popular Brazilian carnival "came" to the country from Portugal. The capital of the procession is the city of Rio de Janeiro, where the celebration lasts four days and four nights. The main pride of the carnival in Brazil is the parade of samba schools. The best representatives of different schools compete on a 700-meter long alley called the Sambadrome. There are from three to five thousand speakers. Each group of dancers is assigned a specific theme, which they choose annually. And, in accordance with the chosen theme, each team draws up a platform, choreography, presentation and costumes.
Brazilian carnival has 3,000 to 5,000 performers
Every detail in this show is thought out to the smallest detail, because the competition evaluates not only the skill of dance schools. Costumes, scenery, the artistic embodiment of the theme, rhythmic accuracy, as well as the degree of enthusiasm of the public are brought to the judgment of experts. At the time of the carnival, in Rio de Janeiro they forget about work and plunge into the rhythm of the samba, which is danced by almost the entire city.
cologne carnival
Numerous festivities, dressing up, musical performances and costume balls - all this did not bypass the inhabitants of Cologne. A grandiose carnival procession passes through the central streets and squares of the city. A few months before the main holiday, the organizers come up with the slogan of the carnival - a song with which the procession will take place, and three main characters. Traditionally, they are a prince, a peasant and a maiden. And already in February, carnival meetings, balls and processions begin to take place in the city. And this goes on for six days. From early morning, during the official opening of the holiday, the streets of the city are filled with women. They storm the town hall of Cologne and do whatever they want that day. All days the city is filled with bright musical and carnival events. At the end of the carnival, an obligatory ritual is held - the burning of a large straw scarecrow. Residents of the city believe that in this way, before Lent, they are forgiven all the sins that have accumulated over the year.
Carnival in Nice
The holiday in Nice is celebrated by residents of the city for two weeks. The main characters of the carnival are giant papier-mâché dolls. They weigh up to two tons and rise eight or twelve meters above the wagons. A whole prefabricated stadium is being erected on Place Massena, and the houses are dressed in 120,000 square meters of plywood, which is painted by 120 artists.
Carnival in Nice continues for two weeks
You can also see real flower processions there. About twenty platforms are decorated with fresh flowers. To do this long and painstaking work, florists need 4000-5000 stems. Later, during the walk, thousands of flowers fly into the crowd. Fun party accompanied by concerts, fireworks, and His Majesty Carnival, with his queen.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Spanish carnival is second in size only to the Brazilian procession. Dressed up in a variety of costumes, almost everyone participates in the carnival. Live music is played everywhere and various souvenirs and food. There are various balls, performances and concerts. Not without a parade of incendiary dances to Latin American melodies. The selection of the carnival queen, who will participate in the celebration throughout all days, can also be called a significant event of the holiday.
Carnival costumes can weigh more than a dozen kilograms
Candidates for this are selected throughout the year. The queen should be not only beautiful, but also quite hardy. After all, all these incredible costumes that are sewn for the carnival can weigh more than a dozen kilograms.
Carnival in Barranquilla
This one-of-a-kind carnival features Caribbean folklore, poetry-infused dances, comedy theatre, costumed performances and bands. Carnival in Colombia has been named by UNESCO as "the intangible treasure of humanity". During the holiday, which is multicultural in nature, everyone in the city is immersed in an illusory world of dreams.
