Where does the word carnival come from

Asks danmiller103

A. The word carnival is of Italian origin and means carne vai or goodbye to meat. The origins of the carnival differ depending on where you live and what traditions you believe in. Primarily though, the celebration of the carnival is associated with the Catholic calendar and is usually celebrated on the weekend before Lent ending on Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent, which lasts for 40 days up until Easter.

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Traditionally, Catholics do not eat meat on a Friday during Lent and generally fast or abstain from overindulgence during Lent, so the carnival is a last celebration or symbolic goodbye party before abstinence. The term mardi gras is heavily associated with the carnival and literally means fat Tuesday - the day before Ash Wednesday - and the final and wildest day of the carnival.

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It is believed by some that the word carnival comes from Carne Levale - again of Italian origin - which were the due farmers had to pay in connection with their festivities before the 13th Century.

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In pre-Christian Europe ceremonies and rituals surrounding nature took place all the time, with celebrations surrounding the seasons playing a big part in every day life. February was often the month when the bad spirits of winter were thrown out and houses were cleaned for the coming spring and rebirth of nature - celebrations would then take place in preparation for Spring around this time (at the end of February) which some people trace back to the beginnings of the carnival.

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Q. Can you recommend any good international carnivals to attend next year

A. Today, carnivals still usually take place in February adhering to Catholic tradition, before Lent and Easter, although some are celebrated at other times of the year e.g. Notting Hill Carnival in England is held on the August Bank Holiday Weekend during the better summer weather.

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Some of the best festivals to attend include the following:

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Trinidad & Tobago Carnival

Dates: 11 & 12 February 2002

More information: www.visittnt.com

Considered by many to be the oldest and best carnival in the world. Book a hotel early if you wish to go to this carnival, as the place will be completely heaving with revellers and wear your dancing shoes for the calypso competitions - the traditional dance.

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Curacao Carnival

Dates: 11 & 12 February 2002 (some celebrations begin from 4 January)

More information: www.curacaocarnival.com

Another old and traditional carnival this is a fantastic event to attend and learn the tumba, Caracao's national dance.

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Rio Carnival

9-12 February 2002

More information: http://ipanema.com/carnival/home.htm

This is the most famous carnival in the world and is definitely one of the best. It consists of huge street parties, samba dance parades, masked balls, culminating in the last night or mardi gras party that takes over the whole city.

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New Orleans Mardi Gras

11-12 February 2002

More information: www.mardigrasneworleans.com

The carnival in New Orleans dates back to the 18th Century and consists of huge floats, marching bands, dancing and huge street parties.

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Venice Carnavale

1-12 February 2002

More information: www.carnivalofvenice.com

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Carnivals that take place at other times of the year include the following:

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Notting Hill Carnival, UK

August Bank Holiday Weekend (25-26 August 2002)

More information: www.aforum.com

Celebrations are often overshadowed by press coverage of murders and muggings at this event, but traditionally it is supposed to be a celebration of ethnic diversity in Britain.

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Sydney Lesbian & Gay Mardi Gras, Australia

2 March 2002

More information: www.mardigras.com.au

This event regularly attracts crowds of over 1 million people.

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Love Parade, Berlin, Germany

20 July 2002

More information: www.loveparade.de

Billed as the biggest dance party in the world, this event has been held in Berlin for the last ten years.

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By Karen Anderson