Carnival: Origins, History, and Meaning

The origins are very ancient and can probably be traced back to the Saturnalia of Ancient Rome, during which winter was said goodbye and spring was welcomed, eliminating social differences through the Masks worn by the participants. But similar festivals were also celebrated in Ancient Greece and other countries around the world.

Origins of Carnival

An ancient festival of pagan origins during which, already in ancient Rome, but also in ancient Greece, people freed themselves from the duties of daily life by indulging in excesses and follies that would otherwise be forbidden.

The use of Masks It allowed for role reversals, so that, at least for a few days, one could pretend to be completely different, and the disguises temporarily erased social differences. In short, Carnival has had two faces since its origins: one pagan and the other Christian.

1. Pagan festivalsIn many ancient cultures, Carnival is linked to celebrations that marked the change of seasons, particularly the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For example, the Roman festival of Saturnalia, dedicated to the god Saturn, were times of great abundance, disorder, and the reversal of social hierarchies. These celebrations featured masks, disguises, and feasts, elements that later merged into carnival traditions.
2. The Christian meaningWith the advent of Christianity, Carnival transformed into a period of celebration preceding Lent, a time of penance, fasting, and reflection. Thus, Carnival became a time to indulge in earthly pleasures, eat abundantly, and participate in celebrations in preparation for the fast.

When it is celebrated

Carnival is a movable feast celebrated before the Lenten season, its beginning depending on when Easter falls. Generally, Carnival culminates on Shrove Tuesday, which is the last day of celebration before the beginning of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is always 46 days before Easter.

In the 2025, the Shrove Tuesday is the 17 February, while the Ash Wednesday it is the 18 FebruaryCarnival celebrations usually begin the weekend before,

Meaning of the word Carnival

Carnival sweets

Carnival sweets are anything but bland, and that's no coincidence. The festival precedes the fasting period of Lent, and thus represents the last indulgence allowed before the 40 days before Easter. Chatter, damselfish, tortelli and other typical sweets, which vary from region to region, are truly mouth-watering.

Thu Find the quickest and tastiest recipes for Carnival.

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