Editing Carnival (section)

===Americas===
====Antigua====
{{Main|Antigua Carnival}}
The [[Antigua]]n Carnival is held from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August. The most important day is that of the ''j'ouvert'' (or ''juvé''), in which brass and [[steelpan]] bands perform. [[Barbuda]]'s Carnival, held in June, is known as "Caribana". The Antiguan and Barbudan Carnivals replaced the Old Time Christmas Festival in 1957, with hopes of inspiring tourism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://antiguacarnival.com/|title=The Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival|website=Antigua's Carnival 2020 {{!}} Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission|language=en-gb|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408183922/https://antiguacarnival.com/|archive-date=8 April 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Argentina====
[[File:Carnaval en colegiales niños.jpg|thumb|upright|Carnival in Argentina by school children]]
In [[Argentina]], the most representative Carnival performed is the so-called [[Murga]], although other famous Carnivals, more like Brazil's, are held in Argentine [[Mesopotamia, Argentina|Mesopotamia]] and the North-East. [[Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos|Gualeguaychú]] in the east of [[Entre Ríos Province]] is the most important Carnival city and has one of the largest parades. It adopts a musical background similar to Brazilian or Uruguayan Carnival. [[Corrientes]] is another city with a Carnival tradition. [[Chamamé]] is a popular musical style. In all major cities and many towns throughout the country, Carnival is celebrated.<ref name="Mohsin">{{Cite web |last=Mohsin |first=Haroon |date=2022-08-12 |title=Argentina Carnival |url=https://nationaltoday.com/argentina-carnival/ |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=National Today |language=en-US |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130140842/https://nationaltoday.com/argentina-carnival/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Humahuaca Carnival is a popular celebration, which takes place at the beginning of Lent (40 days before Holy Week), in the Quebrada de Humahuaca area, Jujuy province, Argentina.

As Carnival coincides with summer in the Southern Hemisphere, in many parts of Argentina children play with water. The 19th century tradition of filling empty egg shells with water has evolved into water games that include the throwing of [[water balloon]]s.<ref name="Mohsin"/>

====Aruba====
Carnival in [[Aruba]] means weeks of events that bring colourfully decorated floats, contagiously throbbing music, luxuriously costumed groups of celebrants of all ages, King and Queen elections, electrifying jump-ups and torchlight parades, the Jouvert morning: the Children's Parades, and finally the Grand Parade. Aruba's biggest celebration is a month-long affair consisting of festive "jump-ups" (street parades), spectacular parades, and creative contests. Music and flamboyant costumes play a central role, from the Queen elections to the Grand Parade. Street parades continue in various districts throughout the month, with brass band, [[steelpan]] and [[roadmarch]] tunes. On the evening before Lent, Carnival ends with the symbolic burning of King Momo.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-03-04|title=Grandi Yama: The Burning of King Momo|url=https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/04/grandi-yama-the-burning-of-king-momo/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=LargeUp|language=en-US|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707151302/https://www.largeup.com/2014/03/04/grandi-yama-the-burning-of-king-momo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Bahamas====
Junkanoo is the principal street parade in the Bahamas, it has been practiced in the Bahamas before and after the 1834 emancipation of slavery in the British Empire.

The [[Bahamas]] announced the first Bahamas [[Junkanoo]] Carnival to commence in May 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bahamas.co.uk/about/junkanoo/bahamas-junkanoo-carnival |title=Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421181151/http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2004/dichotomyb.html |archive-date=21 April 2009 }}</ref> Carnival in the Bahamas rivals various carnivals throughout the Caribbean in that it is a unique blend between the revered Junkanoo and traditional Carnival. This fairly new festival has been referred to as the ultimate celebration of everything Bahamian.

====Barbados====
{{Main|Crop over}}
"Crop Over" (formerly called "Harvest Home") is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in [[Barbados]]. Its early beginnings were on the [[sugar cane]] [[plantation]]s during the colonial period. Crop Over began in 1688, and featured singing, dancing, and accompaniment by [[shak-shak]], [[banjo]], [[triangle (musical instrument)|triangle]], [[fiddle]], guitar, bottles filled with water, and bones. Other traditions included climbing a greased pole, feasting, and drinking competitions. Originally signaling the end of the yearly cane harvest, it evolved into a national festival. In the late 20th century, Crop Over began to closely mirror the Trinidad Carnival. Beginning in June, Crop Over runs until the first Monday in August when it culminates in the finale, the Grand Kadooment.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kinas |first=Roxan |date=1997-05-01 |title=Barbados Crop Over |url=https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-25/barbados-crop-over |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Caribbean Beat Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Crop Over time for many islanders is one big party. Craft markets, food tents/stalls, street parties, and cavalcades fill every week.<ref name=":4" />

A major feature is the [[calypso music|calypso]] competition. Calypso music, originating in Trinidad, uses syncopated rhythm and topical lyrics. It offers a medium in which to satirise local politics, amidst the general bacchanal. Calypso tents, also originating in Trinidad, feature cadres of musicians who perform biting social commentaries, political exposés or rousing exhortations to "wuk dah waistline" and "roll dat bumper". The groups compete for the Calypso Monarch Award, while the air is redolent with the smells of [[Barbadian cuisine|Bajan]] cooking during the [[Bridgetown]] Market Street Fair. The Cohobblopot Festival blends dance, drama, and music with the crowning of the King and Queen of costume bands. Every evening the "Pic-o-de-Crop" Show is performed after the King of Calypso is finally crowned. The climax of the festival is Kadooment Day, celebrated with a national holiday, when costume bands fill the streets with pulsating Barbadian rhythms and fireworks.<ref name=":4" />

====Belize====
{{Main|Carnival in Belize}}

[[San Pedro Town|San Pedro]] is one of [[Belize]]'s few cities to observe Carnaval before Lent. Elsewhere, Carnaval (sometimes referred to as Carnival) often occurs in September. The Fiesta de Carnaval is often the most popular celebration, usually held over three days prior to Ash Wednesday, but the festivities often extend to the full week.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://belizeanminds.blogspot.ca/2013/09/history-of-carnivals-in-belize-review.html| title=Belizean Minds| work=belizeanminds.blogspot.ca| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305165623/http://belizeanminds.blogspot.ca/2013/09/history-of-carnivals-in-belize-review.html| archive-date=5 March 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> This festival "always includes music, dancing, costumes and parades".<ref>Samuel Brown, J.; Vorhees, M. (2013). ''Belize''. [[Lonely Planet]] Publishing.</ref>

[[Comparsa]]s are held throughout the week, consisting of large groups "of dancers dancing and traveling on the streets, followed by a Carrosa (carriage) where the musicians play. The Comparsa is a development of African processions where groups of devotees follow a given saint or deity during a particular religious celebration." One of the most popular comparsas of Fiesta de Carnaval is the male group comparsa, usually composed of notable men from the community who dress up in outlandish costumes or cross-dress and dance to compete for money and prizes.<ref name="goambergriscaye.com">{{cite web| url=http://www.goambergriscaye.com/fest.html| title=Ambergris Caye, Belize, Festivals| work=goambergriscaye.com| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922232850/http://goambergriscaye.com/fest.html| archive-date=22 September 2013| url-status=live}}</ref> Other popular activities include body painting and flour fighting.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/the-northern-cayes/ambergris-caye-and-san-pedro/events/local-festivals-culture/fiesta-de-carnaval| title=Fiesta de Carnaval| work=Lonely Planet| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303041040/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/the-northern-cayes/ambergris-caye-and-san-pedro/events/local-festivals-culture/fiesta-de-carnaval| archive-date=3 March 2014| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="joseluiszapata.com">{{cite web| url=http://www.joseluiszapata.com/2012/02/carnaval-de-san-pedro-belize/ |title=Carnaval de San Pedro, Belize |work=joseluiszapata.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402145420/http://www.joseluiszapata.com/2012/02/carnaval-de-san-pedro-belize/ |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> "On the last day of Carnival painters flood the street to paint each other. This simply means that a mixture of water paint and water or raw eggs is used to paint people on the streets, the goal being to paint as many people as you can."<ref name="goambergriscaye.com"/>

Street fights often occur during the festivities – some locals treat this festival as an opportunity to exact revenge on their enemies. [[Vandalism]] is common and "businesses constantly have to prepare in covering or repainting their advertisements during Carnival season because of the mischief performed."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/teen-talk/2012/february/29/carnival-messy-situation?page=1| title=Teen Talk – Is Carnival A Messy Situation?| work=ambergristoday.com| access-date=26 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403140700/http://www.ambergristoday.com/content/teen-talk/2012/february/29/carnival-messy-situation?page=1| archive-date=3 April 2015| url-status=dead}}</ref> The tradition continues despite critics who advocate the termination of these festivities.<ref name="joseluiszapata.com"/>

====Bolivia====
{{Main|Carnaval de Oruro}}
[[File:Diablada oruro fraternidad.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Oruro Diablada|Diablada]], dance primeval, the typical and main dance of [[Carnaval de Oruro]], a [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] since 2001 in Bolivia (Image: ''Fraternidad Artística y Cultural "La Diablada"'')]]
''La Diablada'' Carnival takes place in [[Oruro, Bolivia|Oruro]] in central [[Bolivia]]. It is celebrated in honor of the miners' patron saint, ''Vírgen de Socavon'' (the Virgin of the Tunnels).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taub |first=Matthew |date=2022-02-28 |title=Bolivia's Dance of the Devils Is a Party and a Battle Between Good and Evil |url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/carnaval-de-oruro-bolivia |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Atlas Obscura |language=en}}</ref> Over 50 parade groups dance, sing, and play music over a five kilometre-long course. Participants dress up as demons, devils, angels, Incas, and Spanish [[conquistador]]s. Dances include [[caporales]] and [[tinku]]s. The parade runs from morning until late at night, 18 hours a day, for three days before Ash Wednesday. It was declared the 2001 "Masterpieces of Oral Heritage and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by [[UNESCO]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00003 |title=UNESCO Culture Sector – Intangible Heritage – 2003 Convention |author=UNESCO – Intangible Heritage Section |access-date=20 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205012411/http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00003 |archive-date=5 February 2015 }}</ref> Throughout the country, celebrations are held involving traditional rhythms and water parties. In [[Santa Cruz de la Sierra]], on the east side of the country, tropical weather allows a Brazilian-type Carnival, with [[Comparsa]]s dancing traditional songs in matching uniforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-23 |title=The joy of eastern Bolivia in the Santa Cruz Carnival |url=https://www.livetheworld.com/post/the-joy-of-eastern-bolivia-in-the-santa-cruz-carnival-3pyw |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=livetheworld}}</ref>

====Brazil====
{{Main|Brazilian Carnival}}
[[File:Galo da Madrugada, Carnival 2014 - Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.jpg|thumb|Recife Carnival, in [[Recife]], [[Pernambuco]], Brazil]]
[[File:Bloco da camisinha circuito Campo Grande Salvador.jpg|thumb|Carnival circuit of [[Salvador, Bahia]], Brazil]]

The Carnival in [[Brazil]] (Portuguese: Carnaval) is a major part of Brazilian culture. The first expression of this festivity took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1641, with the ''préstitos'', very similar to musical processions that were held on public streets when [[John IV of Portugal]] was crowned King.

=====Rio de Janeiro=====
{{Main|Rio Carnival}}
The street carnival of [[Rio de Janeiro]] is designated by ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the largest carnival in the world, with approximately two million people each day.<ref name=guin>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-donaldson/5-reasons-trinidad-has-the-worlds-greatest-carnival_b_8705304.html 5 Reasons Trinidad Has the World’s Greatest Carnival] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222074527/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-donaldson/5-reasons-trinidad-has-the-worlds-greatest-carnival_b_8705304.html |date=22 February 2017 }}, HuffPost, 12 March 2015</ref>

[[Samba school]]s are large, social entities with thousands of members and a theme for their song and parade each year. In [[Rio Carnival]], samba schools parade in the [[Sambadrome]] (''sambódromo'' in Portuguese). Some of the most famous include [[GRES Estação Primeira de Mangueira]], [[GRES Portela]], [[GRES Acadêmicos do Salgueiro]], [[GRES Imperatriz Leopoldinense]], [[GRES Beija-Flor de Nilópolis]], [[GRES Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel]], and recently, [[Unidos da Tijuca]] and [[GRES União da Ilha do Governador]]. Local tourists pay $500–950, depending on the costume, to buy a samba costume and dance in the parade. ''Blocos'' are small informal groups with a definite theme in their samba, usually satirizing the political situation. About 30 schools in Rio gather hundreds of thousands of participants. More than 440 ''blocos'' operate in Rio. ''Bandas'' are samba musical bands, also called "street carnival bands", usually formed within a single neighborhood or musical background. The Carnival industry chain amassed in 2012 almost US$1&nbsp;billion in revenues.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rios-carnival-not-just-a-local-party-anymore-2012-02-13?pagenumber=1| title=Rio's Carnival: Not just a local party anymore| author=Sarah de Sainte Croix| work=MarketWatch| access-date=12 March 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629212855/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rios-carnival-not-just-a-local-party-anymore-2012-02-13?pagenumber=1| archive-date=29 June 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Recife, Pernambuco=====
[[Recife]] is marked by the parade of the largest carnival block in the world, the [[Galo da Madrugada]]. This parade happens on the first Saturday of Carnival (Zé Pereira's Saturday), passes through downtown Recife, and has as symbol a giant rooster that is positioned on the Duarte Coelho Bridge. In this block, there is a great variety of musical genres, but [[Frevo]] is the most common one; it is typical of both Recife and [[Olinda]], and is considered an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

=====Salvador, Bahia=====
{{Main|Bahian Carnival}}
[[Salvador, Bahia|Salvador]] has large Carnival celebrations, including the [[Axé]], a typical Bahia music. A truck with giant speakers and a platform, where musicians play songs of local genres such as Axé, [[samba-reggae]], and [[Arrocha]], drives through town with a crowd following while dancing and singing. It was originally staged by two Salvador musicians, Dodo & Osmar, in the 1950s. After the [[Salvador, Bahia#Carnival|Salvador Carnival]], [[Porto Seguro]] continues the celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micareta: Celebrations outside of carnival {{!}} Aventura do Brasil |url=https://www.aventuradobrasil.com/blog/what-is-micareta/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.aventuradobrasil.com}}</ref>

Three circuits make up the festival. Campo Grande is the longest and most traditional. Barra-Ondina is the most famous, on the seaside of Pelourinho and the beaches Barra and Ondina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br/2013/capa/pagina.php?id=61|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606070943/http://www.carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br/2013/capa/pagina.php?id=61|url-status=dead|title=Carnaval.salvador.ba.gov.br|archive-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>

International singers like [[David Guetta]], [[will.i.am]], [[Psy]], and [[Bob Sinclar]] have performed in Salvador.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://g1.globo.com/bahia/carnaval/2013/noticia/2013/02/psy-claudia-leitte-e-sabrina-sato-dancam-no-fim-do-circuito-dodo.html| title=G1 – Psy, Claudia Leitte e Sabrina Sato dançam juntos em Salvador – notícias em Carnaval 2013 na Bahia| work=Carnaval 2013 na Bahia| access-date=13 February 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212015802/http://g1.globo.com/bahia/carnaval/2013/noticia/2013/02/psy-claudia-leitte-e-sabrina-sato-dancam-no-fim-do-circuito-dodo.html| archive-date=12 February 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Ivete Sangalo]], [[Claudia Leitte]], [[Daniela Mercury]], [[Margareth Menezes]], [[Chiclete com Banana]], and [[Banda Eva]] are some traditional attractions. The party officially lasts six days, but may go on for longer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bandahabeascopos.com.br/programacao.html |title=BANDA HABEAS COPOS – CARNAVAL 2014 |work=bandahabeascopos.com.br |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713045505/http://www.bandahabeascopos.com.br/programacao.html |archive-date=13 July 2012 }}</ref>

==== Canada ====
[[Toronto Caribbean Carnival]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribana.com/index.html |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160621153706/http://www.caribana.com/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 June 2016 |title=The Online Guide to Toronto's Summer Carnival |publisher=Caribana.Com |date=15 August 2010 |access-date=9 March 2011 }}</ref> held in [[Toronto]] on the first weekend of August to take advantage of more comfortable weather, has its origins in Caribbean Carnival traditions. Tourist attendance at the parade typically exceeds one million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Karamali |first1=Kamil |title=Caribbean Carnival's 51st annual Grande Parade brings out Toronto's movers and shakers |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4371723/caribbean-carnival-51st-grande-parade/ |access-date=21 September 2020 |publisher=[[Global News]] |date=2018-08-04 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030065806/https://globalnews.ca/news/4371723/caribbean-carnival-51st-grande-parade/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Quebec Winter Carnival]] is one of the biggest winter-themed Carnivals in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/quebec-winter-carnival|title=Quebec Winter Carnival {{!}} Events in Québec City|newspaper=Visit Québec City|language=en|access-date=2020-04-30|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925095030/https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/quebec-winter-carnival|url-status=live}}</ref> It depends on snowfall and very cold weather, to keep snowy [[skiing|ski]] trails in good condition and [[ice sculpture]]s frozen. The carnival is held during the last days of January and first days of February.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A bit of history|url=https://carnaval.qc.ca/en/the-carnival/about-carnival|access-date=2020-12-28|website=carnaval.qc.ca|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126082845/https://carnaval.qc.ca/en/the-carnival/about-carnival|url-status=dead}}</ref><gallery widths="200" heights="127">
File:Posing at 2018 Toronto Caribbean Carnival (28969518847).jpg|Caribbean Carnival in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada
File:Carnaval de Québec - bain de neige avec le mascotte Bonhomme Carnaval (13-02-2010).jpg|Winter Carnival, taken in [[Quebec City|Québec City]], [[Québec]], Canada
</gallery>

====Caribbean====
[[File:Carnaval Bonaire (1).jpg|thumb|Carnival in [[Rincon, Bonaire]]]]
{{Main|Carnival in the Caribbean}}
Most [[Caribbean]] islands celebrate Carnival. The largest and most well-known is in [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. [[Antigua]], [[Aruba]], [[Barbados]], [[Bonaire]], [[Cayman Islands]], [[Cuba]], [[Curaçao]], [[Dominica]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Grenada]], [[Guadeloupe]], [[Guyana]], [[Haiti]], [[Jamaica]], [[Martinique]], [[Puerto Rico]], [[Saba (island)|Saba]], [[Sint Eustatius]] (Statia), [[Sint Maarten]], [[Saint Lucia]], [[Saint Kitts]], [[Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands]], [[Saint Vincent (Antilles)|Saint Vincent]], and the [[Grenadines]] hold lengthy carnival seasons and large celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-04 |title=Things to do in Kingston - Find out why I love it so much |url=https://unique-universe.blog/things-to-do-kingston/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Carnival is an important cultural event in the [[Dutch Caribbean]]. Festivities include "jump-up" parades with beautifully colored costumes, floats, and live bands, as well as [[beauty contests]] and other competitions. Celebrations include a middle-of-the-night [[j'ouvert]] (''juvé'') parade that ends at sunrise with the burning of a straw [[King Momo]], cleansing sins and bad luck. On Statia, he is called Prince Stupid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Caribbean Journal |date=2023-07-13 |title=Statia Kicks Off the Dutch Caribbean's Hottest Summer Carnival |url=https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/07/13/statia-carnival-dutch-caribbean/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Caribbean Journal |language=en}}</ref>

Carnival has been celebrated in Cuba since the 18th century. Participants don costumes demonstrating the island's cultural and ethnic variety.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

====Colombia====
{{Main|Carnival in Colombia}}
[[File:Congos carnaval de Barranquilla2024-02-14.jpg|thumb|Congos troupe in [[Barranquilla Carnival|Barranquilla carnival]]]]
[[File:DIOSESANCESTRALES HUGOMONCAYO2007 4.jpg|thumb|The [[Blacks and Whites' Carnival]] in [[Pasto, Colombia]]]]
Carnival was introduced by the Spaniards and incorporated elements from [[Mediterranean culture]]. It has managed to reinterpret traditions that belonged to Colombia's African and [[Amerindian]] cultures. Documentary evidence shows that Carnival existed in Colombia in the 18th century and had already been a cause for concern for colonial authorities, who censored the celebrations, especially in the main political centres such as [[Cartagena, Colombia|Cartagena]], [[Bogotá]], and [[Popayán]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The Carnival continued its evolution in small/unimportant towns out of view of the rulers. The result was the uninterrupted celebration of Carnival festivals in [[Barranquilla]] (see [[Barranquilla's Carnival]]), now recognized as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Barranquilla Carnival includes several parades on Friday and Saturday nights beginning on 11 January and ending with a six-day non-stop festival, beginning the Wednesday prior to Ash Wednesday and ending Tuesday midnight. Other celebrations occur in villages along the lower [[Magdalena River]] in northern Colombia, and in [[Pasto, Colombia|Pasto]] and [[Nariño]] (see [[Blacks and Whites' Carnival]]) in the south of the country. In the early 20th century, attempts to introduce Carnival in Bogotá were rejected by the government. The [[Bogotá Carnival]] was renewed in the 21st century.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Dominica====
{{Main|Chanté mas}}
Carnival in [[Dominica]] is held in the capital city of [[Roseau]],<ref name="Dreisinger 2015 h711">{{cite web | last=Dreisinger | first=Baz | title=On Dominica, a Carnival Celebration as It Was Meant to Be | website=The New York Times | date=October 9, 2015 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/travel/dominica-carnival-caribbean-islands.html | access-date=February 16, 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216035949/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/travel/dominica-carnival-caribbean-islands.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and takes elements of Carnival that can be seen in the neighboring French islands of [[Martinique]] and [[Guadeloupe]], as well as [[Trinidad]]. Notable events leading up to Carnival include the Opening of Carnival celebrations, the Calypso Monarch music competition, the Queen of Carnival Beauty Pageant,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=8 of the best Caribbean carnivals |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-caribbean-carnivals |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Travel |language=en}}</ref> and [[bouyon music]] bands.<ref name="St Vincent Times 2023 u249">{{cite web | title=2023 Carnival in Dominica Entices with Fringe Events | website=St Vincent Times | date=January 30, 2023 | url=https://www.stvincenttimes.com/2023-carnival-in-dominica-entices-with-fringe-events/ | access-date=February 16, 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216035949/https://www.stvincenttimes.com/2023-carnival-in-dominica-entices-with-fringe-events/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Celebrations last for the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.<ref name="Scott 2023 b521">{{cite web | last=Scott | first=Chadd | title=Get Away To Dominica For Mas Dominik Carnival Festival | website=Forbes | date=January 30, 2023 | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/chaddscott/2023/01/30/get-away-to-dominica-for-mas-dominik-carnival-festival/?sh=7058e438601c | access-date=February 16, 2024 | archive-date=16 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216035210/https://www.forbes.com/sites/chaddscott/2023/01/30/get-away-to-dominica-for-mas-dominik-carnival-festival/?sh=7058e438601c | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Dominican Republic====
{{Main|Carnival in the Dominican Republic}}
[[File:Cojuelo03.JPG|thumb|upright|Traditional cojuelo mask of the Dominican carnival in [[La Vega, Dominican Republic|La Vega]], [[Dominican Republic]]]]
[[Dominican Republic|Dominican]] Carnival is celebrated in most cities and towns in the main streets during February. Among its main characteristics are its flashy costumes and loud music. The one held in [[La Vega, Dominican Republic|La Vega]], which is one of the biggest in the country, and the national parade in [[Santo Domingo]] were where the first Carnival of the Americas was held.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Girma |first=Lebawit Lily |date=2018-02-20 |title=Why You Should Experience Carnival in the Dominican Republic |url=https://medium.com/@TourismLens/why-you-should-experience-carnival-in-the-dominican-republic-e78f9d300248 |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>

Carnival masks are elaborate and colorful. The costumes used on the parades are satires of the Devil and are called "Diablos Cojuelos". They dance, and run to the rhythm of [[merengue music]] mixed with techno, hip-hop, and [[reggaeton]]. Additional [[allegorical]] characters represent Dominican traditions such as "Roba la Gallina" and "Califé".<ref name=":5" />

One of the most international parades is in [[San Pedro de Macorís]]. It exhibits the "Guloyas" parade of costumed groups dancing in the streets. Revelers flee from the "Diablos Cojuelos" who try to hit them with "Vejigas".<ref name=":5" />

The timing of the festivals has grown apart from its original religious synchronization with the period of Lent. With National Independence Day on 27 February and the birthday of [[Juan Pablo Duarte]], its founding father, on 26 January, the Carnival celebrations fill February regardless of the [[Lenten calendar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Independence Day in the Dominican Republic |url=https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1793 |website=AnydayGuide |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415075919/https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1793 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Ecuador====
[[File:Desfile de Carnaval en calles de Latacunga.jpg|thumb|Carnival parade in [[Latacunga]], Ecuador]]
[[File:Comparsa latacungueña desfilando.jpg|thumb|upright|Parade in Latacunga, Ecuador]]
In [[Ecuador]], the celebrations began before the arrival of Catholicism. The Huarangas Indians (from the Chimbos nation) used to celebrate the second moon of the year with a festival at which they threw flour, flowers, and perfumed water. This Indigenous tradition merged with the Catholic celebration of Carnival.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohsin |first=Haroon |date=2022-08-25 |title=Ecuador Carnival |url=https://nationaltoday.com/ecuador-carnival/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=National Today |language=en-US |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928222158/https://nationaltoday.com/ecuador-carnival/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A common feature of Ecuadorian Carnival is the ''diablitos'' (little devils) who play with water. As with snowball fights, the practice of throwing or dumping water on unsuspecting victims is revered by children and teenagers although feared by some adults. Throwing water balloons, sometimes even eggs and flour both to friends and strangers is fun, but can also upset the uninformed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mota |first=Anabel |date=2012-11-23 |title=Water Fight! The Andean Roots of Carnival in Ecuador |url=https://www.latinamericaforless.com/blog/water-fight-the-andean-roots-of-carnival-in-ecuador/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Latin America For Less |language=en-US}}</ref>

Although the government as well as school authorities forbid such games, they are widely practiced. Historians tell of a bishop in 1867 who threatened [[excommunication]] for the [[sin]] of playing Carnival games.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Festivals differ across the country. Locals wear disguises with colorful masks and dance. Usually, the celebrations begin with the election of ''Taita Carnival'' (Father Carnival) who heads the festivities and leads the parades in each city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biegerl |first=Sabrina |date=2020-06-29 |title=Carnival in Ecuador: How and Where to Celebrate |url=https://www.peruforless.com/blog/carnival-in-ecuador/ |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Peru For Less |language=en-US}}</ref>

The most famed Carnival festivities are in [[Guaranda]] (Bolivar province) and [[Ambato, Ecuador|Ambato]] (Tungurahua province). In Ambato, the festivities are called ''Fiesta de las Flores y las Frutas'' (Festival of the Flowers and Fruits). Other cities have revived Carnival traditions with colorful parades, such as in [[Azogues]] (Cañar Province). In Azogues and the Southern [[Andes]] in general, ''Taita Carnival'' is always an Indigenous [[Cañari]]. Recently, a celebration has gained prominence in the northern part of the Andes in the [[Chota Valley]] in [[Imbabura Province|Imbabura]] which is a zone of a strong [[Afro-Ecuadorian]] population and so the Carnival is celebrated with [[Bomba (Ecuador)|bomba del chota]] music.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lara |first1=Francisco |last2=Ruggiero |first2=Diana |date=2016 |title=Highland Afro-Ecuadorian Bomba and Identity along the Black Pacific at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44163003 |journal=Latin American Music Review / Revista de Música Latinoamericana |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=135–164 |doi=10.7560/LAMR37201 |jstor=44163003 |s2cid=191623539 |issn=0163-0350 |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007211610/https://www.jstor.org/stable/44163003 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Latacunga]] celebrates Carnival in three manners:<ref>{{cite web| title=Carnival Latacunga| url=http://www.lahora.com.ec/index.php/noticias/show/1101464647/-1/Celebraci%C3%B3n_y_fiesta__en_La_Laguna.html#.Vj0nsdIrLcc| access-date=6 November 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032136/http://www.lahora.com.ec/index.php/noticias/show/1101464647/-1/Celebraci%C3%B3n_y_fiesta__en_La_Laguna.html#.Vj0nsdIrLcc| archive-date=17 November 2015| url-status=live}}</ref> Carnival with water where people play with water, religious Carnival where people make religious festivity, and Carnival parade in the city in which people march on the Latacunga streets wearing masks while they dance with music bands.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====French Guiana====
{{Main|Carnival in French Guiana}}

The Carnival of [[French Guiana]] has roots in [[Creole peoples|Creole]] culture. Everyone participates – mainland French, Brazilians (Guiana has a frontier with Brazil), and Chinese as well as Creoles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=French Guiana - Colonialism, Multiculturalism, Autonomy {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/French-Guiana/Government-and-society |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

Its duration is variable, determined by movable religious festivals: Carnival begins at [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] and ends on Ash Wednesday, and so typically lasts through most of January and February. During this period, from Friday evening until Monday morning the entire country throbs to the rhythm of masked balls and street parades.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-03 |title=Carnival {{!}} Definition, Festival, Traditions, Countries, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Carnival-pre-Lent-festival |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

Friday afternoons are for eating ''galette des rois'' (the cake of kings) and drinking champagne. The cake may be flavoured with [[frangipani]], [[guava]], or [[coconut]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

On Sunday afternoons, major parades fill the streets of [[Cayenne]], [[Kourou]], and Saint-Laurent du Maroni. Competing groups prepare for months. Dressed to follow the year's agreed theme, they march with Carnival floats, drums, and brass bands.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Brazilian groups are appreciated for their elaborate feathered and sequined costumes. However, they are not eligible for competition since the costumes do not change over time.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Mythical characters appear regularly in the parades:{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
* ''Karolin'' − a small person dressed in a [[magpie]] tail and [[top hat]], riding on a [[shrew]];
* ''Les Nèg'marrons'' − groups of men dressed in red [[loincloth]]s, bearing ripe tomatoes in their mouths while their bodies are smeared with grease or [[molasses]]. They deliberately try to come in contact with spectators, soiling their clothes;
* ''Les makoumés'' − [[cross-dressing]] men (out of the Carnival context, ''makoumé'' is a pejorative term for a [[homosexual]]);
* ''Soussouris'' (the bat) − a character dressed in a winged [[leotard]] from head to foot, usually black in colour. Traditionally malevolent, this character is liable to chase spectators and "sting" them.

[[File:Toulou.jpg|thumb|right|Four touloulous]]
A uniquely Creole tradition are the ''touloulous''. These women wear decorative gowns, gloves, masks, and headdresses that cover them completely, making them unrecognisable, even to the colour of their skin. On Friday and Saturday nights of Carnival, touloulou balls are held in so-called "universities", large dance halls that open only at Carnival time. Touloulous get in free, and are even given [[condom]]s in the interest of the sexual health of the community. Men attend the balls, but they pay admittance and are not disguised. The touloulous pick their dance partners, who may not refuse. The setup is designed to make it easy for a woman to create a temporary liaison with a man in total anonymity. Undisguised women are not welcomed. By tradition, if such a woman gets up to dance, the orchestra stops playing. Alcohol is served at bars – the disguised women whisper to the men "touloulou thirsty", at which a round of drinks is expected, to be drunk through a straw protect their anonymity.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In more modern times, Guyanais men have attempted to turn the tables by staging ''soirées tololo'', in which it is the men who, in disguise, seek partners from undisguised women bystanders.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The final four days of Carnival follow a rigid schedule, and no work is done:{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
* Sunday − The Grand Parade, in which the groups compete.
* Monday − Marriage burlesque, with men dressed as brides and women as grooms.
* Tuesday − Red Devil Day in which everyone wears red or black.
* (Ash) Wednesday − Dress is black and white only, for the grand ceremony of burning the effigy of Vaval, King Carnival.

====Guatemala====
The [[Mazatenango]] carnival is a two- or three-day celebration that has been celebrated in this city for more than a century. Though secular in nature, it takes place immediately before Christian [[Lent]] begins. Early celebrations included bull fights, and modern celebrations include the wearing of masks and costumes, the selection of an Ugly King and the Queen of the Carnival, dances, and a variety of games.<ref name="Aldana 2023 j728">{{cite web | last=Aldana | first=por Marysabel | title=Carnaval 2023 en Guatemala: Cuándo se celebra, su historia y otros detalles | website=Prensa Libre | date=February 15, 2023 | url=https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/carnaval-2023-en-guatemala-cuando-se-celebra-su-historia-y-otros-detalles/ | language=es | access-date=January 5, 2024 | archive-date=5 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105172545/https://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/carnaval-2023-en-guatemala-cuando-se-celebra-su-historia-y-otros-detalles/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="PL 2018 v755">{{cite web | last=PL | first=por Hemeroteca | title=El carnaval de Mazatenango: tradición centenaria | website=Prensa Libre | date=February 10, 2018 | url=https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/historia-del-carnaval-de-mazatenango/ | language=es | access-date=January 5, 2024 | archive-date=5 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105172547/https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/historia-del-carnaval-de-mazatenango/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Haiti====
{{Main|Haitian Carnival}}
Carnival in [[Haiti]] started in 1804 in the capital [[Port-au-Prince]] after the [[Haitian Declaration of Independence|declaration of independence]]. The Port-au-Prince Carnival is one of the largest in North America. It is known as Kanaval in the [[Creole language]]. It starts in January, known as "Pre-Kanaval", while the main carnival activities begin in February. In July 2012, Haiti had another carnival called Kanaval de Fleur. Beautiful costumes, floats, [[Rara festival]] parades,<ref>{{cite web| title=Rara Festivals in Haiti and its Diaspora| url=http://rara.wesleyan.edu/| publisher=Wesleyan University| access-date=5 November 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117043630/http://rara.wesleyan.edu/| archive-date=17 January 2016| url-status=live}}</ref> masks, foods, and popular [[rasin]] music (such as [[Boukman Eksperyans]], Foula Vodoule, Tokay, Boukan Ginen, and Eritaj) and [[Compas|kompa]] bands (such as T-Vice, Djakout No. 1, [[Sweet Micky]], Kreyòl{{nbsp}}La, D.P. Express, Mizik Mizik, Ram, T-Micky, Carimi, Djakout Mizik, and Scorpio Fever) play for dancers in the streets of the plaza of Champ-de-Mars, Port-au-Prince. A song competition takes place.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Other places in Haiti celebrate carnival, including [[Jacmel]] and [[Aux Cayes]]. In 2013, Kanaval was celebrated in Okap ([[Cap-Haïtien]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Haiti Carnaval 2013 - Cap Haitien |url=http://www.haitianinternet.com/photos/haiti-carnaval-2013-cap-haitien.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Haitian Internet Newsletter |language=en}}</ref>

Carnival finishes on Ash Wednesday, followed by rara festival, another parading musical tradition known mainly in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. This festival emphasises religion. Songs are composed each year, and bands play bamboo tubes (''vaksin'') and homemade horns (''konèt''). Rara is also performed in [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect]] and [[Central Park]] in summertime New York.<ref>{{cite book| last=McAlister| first=Elizabeth| title=Rara! Vodou, Power, and Performance in Haiti and its Diaspora| year=2002| publisher=University of California Press| location=Berkeley| isbn=0-520-22823-5| url-access=registration| url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9790520228237}}</ref>

====Honduras====
In [[La Ceiba]] in [[Honduras]], Carnival is held on the third or fourth Saturday of every May to commemorate [[Isidore the Laborer|San Isidro]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.activecaribbean.com/carnivals-festivals/carnivals-events-honduras/|title=HONDURAS Carnival, ROATAN Events|website=Active Caribbean|language=en-GB|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075738/https://www.activecaribbean.com/carnivals-festivals/carnivals-events-honduras/|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/honduras/carnival.asp|title=Carnival in Honduras – CaribbeanChoice|website=caribbeanchoice.com|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115182036/http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/honduras/carnival.asp|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the largest Carnival celebration in [[Central America]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/honduras/la-ceiba-carnival|title=La Ceiba Carnival 2019 in Honduras – Dates & Map|website=rove.me|language=en|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075738/https://rove.me/to/honduras/la-ceiba-carnival|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hondurastravel.com/news/culture/la-ceiba-carnival-honduran-mardi-gras/|title=Is the La Ceiba Carnival the Honduran Mardi Gras?|last=Dupuis|first=John|date=1 May 2017|website=Honduras Travel|language=en-US|access-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075713/https://hondurastravel.com/news/culture/la-ceiba-carnival-honduran-mardi-gras/|archive-date=15 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Mexico====
{{Main|Carnival in Mexico}}
In [[Mexico]], ''Carnaval'' is celebrated in about 225 cities and towns. The largest are in [[Mazatlán]] and the city of [[Veracruz (city)|Veracruz]], with others in [[Baja California]] and [[Yucatán]]. The larger city Carnavals employ costumes, elected queens, and parades with floats, but Carnaval celebrations in smaller and rural areas vary widely depending on the level of Mediterranean influence during Mexico's colonial period. The largest of these is in [[Huejotzingo]], [[Puebla]], where most townspeople take part in mock combat with rifles shooting blanks, roughly based on the [[Battle of Puebla]]. Other important states with local traditions include [[Morelos]], [[Oaxaca]], [[Tlaxcala]], and [[Chiapas]].<ref>https://www.sinembargo.mx/12-02-2018/3384548 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101200829/https://www.sinembargo.mx/12-02-2018/3384548 |date=1 January 2019 }} accessed 1 January 2019</ref> Carnaval of [[Campeche]] goes back 400 years, to 1582.<ref>https://www.barcelo.com/pinandtravel/es/carnaval-campeche-2017-el-carnaval-con-mas-historia-de-mexico/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102010632/https://www.barcelo.com/pinandtravel/es/carnaval-campeche-2017-el-carnaval-con-mas-historia-de-mexico/ |date=2 January 2019 }} accessed 1 January 2019</ref>

====Nicaragua====
On the Caribbean coast of [[Bluefields]], [[Nicaragua]], Carnival is better known as "Palo de Mayo" (or Mayo Ya!) and is celebrated every day of May.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bDIwZ8BieWcC&q=Mayo+Ya!+celebration&pg=PA15|title=Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions|last=Herrera-Sobek|first=María|date=1 January 2012|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313343391|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217211636/https://books.google.com/books?id=bDIwZ8BieWcC&pg=PA15&lpg=PA15&dq=Mayo+Ya!+celebration&source=bl&ots=4nzWf1QpHa&sig=GPwrJhokWuRgzT3aUd-QM6LYf6s&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj2i6mS1pXSAhWF1SwKHWidBDgQ6AEIRzAJ#v=onepage&q=Mayo%20Ya!%20celebration&f=false|archive-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[Managua]], it is celebrated for two days. There it is named ''Alegria por la vida'' ("Joy for Life") and features a different theme each year. Another festival in Managua celebrates patron saint Domingo de Guzman and lasts ten days.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m0EXDQAAQBAJ&q=managua%20%22santo%20domingo%20de%20guzman%22&pg=PT114|title=Lonely Planet Nicaragua|last1=Gleeson|first1=Bridget|last2=Egerton|first2=Alex|date=1 September 2016|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=9781786573049}}</ref>

====Panama====
[[File:Calle Arriba versus Calle Abajo 05.jpg|thumb|Two Queens, representing Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, standing on a float]]
[[File:Carnaval20150215.jpeg|thumb|A culeco]]
Traditionally beginning on Friday and ending on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, "los Carnavales", as [[Panama]]nians refer to the days of Carnival, are celebrated across the country. Carnival Week is especially popular in the sleepy town of [[Las Tablas, Los Santos|Las Tablas]]. The population multiplies because of the opulent Carnival celebrations. Carnival celebrations in [[Panama City]] and almost all of the [[Azuero Peninsula]] are popular tourist attractions. Penonomé features a parade on the Rio Zarati as a unique Carnival event.

The Panamanian Carnival is also popular because of the concerts featuring popular artists in the most visited areas. Concerts are often carried out during the night, and continue until the next morning.

Carnival Week is a national holiday in Panama, with most businesses and government offices remaining closed during its duration, and with most Panamanians opting to go to the country's rural areas to participate on the Carnivals and visit their relatives.

Carnivals in Panama also feature large repurposed fuel trucks that are used for soaking attendees through the use of firehoses that are controlled and directed by one or more people that stand in a platform that is mounted on top of the truck. This is known as "culecos" or "los culecos". Trucks get their water from nearby, government-approved rivers, and the water is tested for cleanliness before use. Culecos are often performed from 10 am to 3 pm, when the sun is at its brightest. Children and pregnant women are banned from participating in the culecos, and the trucks are always sponsored by a well-known Panamanian company or brand. The culecos are also often accompanied by reggaeton concerts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ensegundos.com.pa/2018/02/08/prohiben-ingreso-de-embarazadas-y-ninos-a-culecos/ |title=Prohíben ingreso de embarazadas y niños a culecos – en Segundos Panamá |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220111303/https://ensegundos.com.pa/2018/02/08/prohiben-ingreso-de-embarazadas-y-ninos-a-culecos/ |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/170214/diez-seran-manana-culecos |title=Culecos serán de diez de la mañana hasta las tres de la tarde |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220111113/https://www.laestrella.com.pa/nacional/170214/diez-seran-manana-culecos |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2018/02/05/minsa-verificacion-cisternas-participaran-carnavales/1190582.html |title=Minsa hará doble verificación de cisternas que participarán de culecos en carnavales &#124; Telemetro |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220105636/https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/2018/02/05/minsa-verificacion-cisternas-participaran-carnavales/1190582.html |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ensegundos.com.pa/2017/02/25/miambiente-supervisa-carga-de-agua-a-carros-cisternas-para-los-culecos/ |title=MiAmbiente supervisa carga de agua a carros cisternas para los "culecos" – en Segundos Panamá |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220105638/https://ensegundos.com.pa/2017/02/25/miambiente-supervisa-carga-de-agua-a-carros-cisternas-para-los-culecos/ |archive-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The open consumption of large amounts of cold, [[low-alcohol beer]] or [[Smirnoff]], stored in ice-filled coolers, is common among attendees. Just like in Rio de Janeiro, some carnivals also feature floats, but they may have young women with elaborate costumes that stand as the "Queens" of "Calle Arriba" and "Calle Abajo", representing rich and working-class people, respectively. The queens are chosen through a contest and announced on October of the previous year, and are replaced every year. The queens are introduced on the first carnival day, and are always accompanied by a music band, who are present whenever the queens are present. Fireworks are launched on the last carnival night, to signal the end of the carnival.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.amazing-holland.nl/assets/carnaval_english.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428054119/http://www.amazing-holland.nl/assets/carnaval_english.pdf |archive-date=28 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Peru====
[[File:Carnaval de juliaca.jpg|thumb|upright|Morenada dance, in the Carnival of [[Juliaca]], Peru]]

=====Cajamarca=====
The town of [[Cajamarca]] is considered the capital of Carnival in [[Peru]]. Local residents of all ages dance around the ''unsha'', or {{Lang|qu|yunsa}}, a tree adorned with ribbons, balloons, toys, fruits, bottles of liquor, and other prizes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leon |first=Jose d |date=2018-02-23 |title=Cajamarca Carnival, a Party and Celebration for Everyone |url=https://bestperutours.com/cajamarca-carnival/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Best Peru Tours |language=en-US}}</ref>

At a certain point, the ''Mayordomo'' (governor of the feast) walks into the circle. The governor chooses a partner to go to the ''unsha'', which they attempt to cut down by striking it three times with a [[machete]]. The machete is passed from couple to couple as each strikes the tree three times. When the unsha finally falls, the crowd rushes to grab the prizes.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The person who successfully brings down the unsha becomes the following year's governor.<ref>{{Cite book |last=CRUMP |first=WILLIAM D. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1240280170 |title=ENCYCLOPEDIA OF EASTER CELEBRATIONS WORLDWIDE |date=2020 |publisher=MCFARLAND |isbn=978-1-4766-4196-6 |location=[S.l.] |pages=207 |oclc=1240280170}}</ref>

=====Crime=====
While generally peaceful, there have been issues with people using Carnival as a pretext for crime, particularly robbery or vandalism, especially in certain areas of Lima.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://peru21.pe/noticia/407870/Carnivales-cinco-mil-policias-reforzaran-seguridad-lima |title=Carnivales en Lima: unos cinco mil policías reforzarán la seguridad&#124; Perú21 |publisher=Peru21.pe |access-date=12 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518131624/http://peru21.pe/noticia/407870/Carnivales-cinco-mil-policias-reforzaran-seguridad-lima |archive-date=18 May 2012 }}</ref>

====Trinidad and Tobago====
[[File:Orange Carnival Masqueraders in Trinidad.jpg|thumb|right|Masqueraders chipping on Carnival Tuesday in [[Port of Spain]] during [[Trinidad and Tobago Carnival]]]]
{{Main|Trinidad and Tobago Carnival}}
In [[Trinidad and Tobago]], Carnival lasts months and culminates in large celebrations on the three days before Ash Wednesday with Dimanche Gras, [[J'ouvert]], and Mas (masquerade). Tobago's celebration culminates on Monday and Tuesday on a much smaller scale, however Tobago hosted its inaugural standalone carnival on October 28–30, 2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsday.co.tt/2023/01/07/festivals-ceo-tobago-can-support-two-carnivals/,%20https://newsday.co.tt/2023/01/07/festivals-ceo-tobago-can-support-two-carnivals/|title=Festivals CEO: Tobago can support two carnivals - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday|first=Corey|last=Connelly|date=7 January 2023|website=newsday.co.tt|accessdate=11 March 2023}}</ref> Carnival combines costumes, dance, music, competitions, rum, and partying (fete-ing). Music styles include soca, [[calypso music|calypso]], [[rapso]], and more recently [[Chutney music|chutney]] and [[chutney soca]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The annual Carnival [[steel pan]] competition known as the National Panorama competition holds the finals on the Saturday before the main event. Pan players compete in categories such as "Conventional Steel Band" or "Single Pan Band" by performing renditions of the year's calypsos.<ref>{{cite web |title=Panorama Steelband Competition |url=https://www.steelpan-steeldrums-information.com/panorama.html |accessdate=11 November 2021 |archive-date=11 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111120140/https://www.steelpan-steeldrums-information.com/panorama.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

"Dimanche Gras" takes place on the Sunday night before Ash Wednesday. Here the [[Calypso Monarch]] is chosen (after competition) and prize money and a vehicle awarded. The King and Queen of the bands are crowned, where each band parades costumes for two days and submits a king and queen, from which an overall winner is chosen. These usually involve huge, complex, beautiful well-crafted costumes, that includes 'wire-bending'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Costume Prototypes Shi'dor LLC |url=https://www.shidor.com/prototypes/ |website=Shi'dor |accessdate=22 February 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120063311/https://www.shidor.com/prototypes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

J'ouvert, or "Dirty Mas", takes place before dawn on the Monday (known as Carnival Monday) before Ash Wednesday. It means "opening of the day". Revelers dress in costumes embodying puns on current affairs, especially political and social events. "Clean Mud" (clay mud), oil paint and body paint are familiar during J'ouvert. A common character is "Jab-jabs" (devils, blue, black, or red) complete with pitchfork, pointed horns and tails. A King and Queen of J'ouvert are chosen, based on their witty political/social messages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tobago |first=Discover Trinidad & |date=2013-10-22 |title=Trinidad Carnival: the birth & evolution |url=https://www.discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/The-Birth-Evolution-of-Trinidad-Carnival/109/3/32 |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=Discover Trinidad & Tobago |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620213110/https://www.discovertnt.com/articles/Trinidad/The-Birth-Evolution-of-Trinidad-Carnival/109/3/32 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Carnival Costume in Trinidad.jpg|thumb|The Carnival King costume for a particular band]]
Carnival Monday involves the parade of the mas bands. Revelers wear only parts of their costumes, more for fun than display or competition. Monday Night Mas is popular in most towns and especially the capital, where smaller bands compete. There is also the "Bomb Competition", a smaller-scaled judging of steel bands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad-and-tobago/carnival-in-trinidad.html|title=Carnival in Trinidad – Trinidad & Tobago – The true caribbean – Trinidad & Tobago – The true caribbean|website=gotrinidadandtobago.com|access-date=21 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207043929/http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/trinidad-and-tobago/carnival-in-trinidad.html|archive-date=7 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Carnival Tuesday hosts the main events. Full costume is worn, complete with make-up and body paint/adornment. Usually "Mas Boots" that complement the costumes are worn. Each band has their costume presentation based on a particular theme, and contains various sections (some consisting of thousands of revelers) that reflect these themes. The street parade and band costume competition take place. The mas bands eventually converge on the Queen's Park Savannah to pass on "The Stage" for judging. The singer of the most played song is crowned Road March King or Queen, earning prize money and usually a vehicle.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

This parading and revelry goes on until Tuesday midnight. Ash Wednesday itself, while not an official holiday, sends flocks to local beaches. The most popular are [[Maracas Beach]] and [[Manzanilla Beach, Trinidad and Tobago|Manzanilla Beach]], where huge beach parties take place on Ash Wednesday.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====United States====
{{Main|Mardi Gras in the United States|Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama|Mardi Gras in New Orleans|Carnaval de Ponce|Courir de Mardi Gras}}
[[File:StAnne06Marigny29.jpg|thumbnail|right|Revelers on [[Frenchmen Street]], in [[New Orleans]], USA]]

Carnival celebrations, usually referred to as [[Mardi Gras]] ("Fat Tuesday" in French), were first celebrated in the [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] area, but now occur in many states.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/01/06/the-obscure-origins-of-american-mardi-gras-which-begins-today/|title=The Obscure Origins of American Mardi Gras|last=Andrews|first=Travis|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=6 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419080129/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/01/06/the-obscure-origins-of-american-mardi-gras-which-begins-today/|archive-date=19 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Customs originated in the onetime [[Louisiana (New France)|French colonial]] capitals of [[Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]] (now in [[Alabama]]), [[New Orleans]] ([[Louisiana]]), and [[Biloxi, Mississippi|Biloxi]] ([[Mississippi]]), all of which have celebrated for many years with street parades and masquerade balls. Other major American cities with celebrations include [[Washington, D.C.]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mkofl.com/|title=Mystick Krewe of Louisianians - Washington Mardi Gras|website=mkofl.com|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124002057/https://mkofl.com/|archive-date=24 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[St. Louis]], Missouri;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stlmardigras.org/|title=Soulard Mardi Gras 2019 {{!}} St. Louis, MO|website=stlmardigras.org|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626221217/https://stlmardigras.org/|archive-date=26 June 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[San Francisco]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org/about|title=About - Carnaval San Francisco|website=www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004175227/http://www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org/about|archive-date=4 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[San Diego]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sdmardigras.com/about/|title=About {{!}} 2017 San Diego Mardi Gras Masquerade Parade & Celebration|website=Mardigras|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223023711/https://www.sdmardigras.com/about/|archive-date=23 February 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> California; [[Galveston, Texas]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/|title=Mardi Gras! Galveston 2019 {{!}} February 22nd - March 5th|website=Mardi Gras! Galveston|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429021322/https://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/|archive-date=29 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pensacolamardigras.com/|title=Pensacola Mardi Gras – Pensacola Mardi Gras|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223053431/http://pensacolamardigras.com/|archive-date=23 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wusf.usf.edu/mardi_gras_parade_festival|title=Mardi Gras Parade & Festival|last=CitySparkJB|date=2019-02-06|website=WUSF Public Media|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>[[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.universalorlando.com/webcontent/en/us/things-to-do/events/mardi-gras?v=a6|title=Universal Orlando|website=www.universalorlando.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12}}</ref> and [[Miami, Florida|Miami]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/miami/miami-broward-carnival|title=Miami Broward Carnival 2023|website=rove.me|date=15 March 2023|language=en|access-date=2023-07-31|archive-date=1 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801000200/https://rove.me/to/miami/miami-broward-carnival|url-status=live}}</ref> in [[Florida]].

The most widely known, elaborate, and popular U.S. events are in [[Mardi Gras in New Orleans|New Orleans]], where [[krewe]]s organize parades, balls, and other activities starting with Phunny Phorty Phellows streetcar parade on [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]] and ending with the closing of Bourbon Street at midnight on Fat Tuesday.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/phunny-phorty-phellows|title=Phunny Phorty Phellows {{!}} Mardi Gras New Orleans|website=mardigrasneworleans.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712023255/https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/parades/phunny-phorty-phellows|archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is often called "the greatest free party on earth".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/news/commentary/article_1afb8938-ff48-5618-bbd3-f380d2a746a5.html|title=Mardi Gras in New Orleans: The greatest free party on earth|website=The Advocate|date=24 February 2014|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307104930/https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/news/commentary/article_1afb8938-ff48-5618-bbd3-f380d2a746a5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Many other Louisiana cities such as [[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]], [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]], [[Lafayette, Louisiana|Lafayette]], [[Mamou, Louisiana|Mamou]], [[Houma, Louisiana|Houma]], and [[Thibodaux, Louisiana|Thibodaux]], most of which were under French control at one time or another, also hold Carnival celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/pressroom/festivals-events/mardi-gras/index|title=Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Louisiana|language=en|access-date=2019-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117025317/https://www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/pressroom/festivals-events/mardi-gras/index|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the prairie country northwest of Lafayette, Louisiana, the [[Cajun]]s celebrate the traditional [[Courir de Mardi Gras]], which has its roots in celebrations from rural Medieval France.<ref>{{cite book|title=Capitaine, voyage ton flag : The Traditional Cajun Country Mardi Gras|author=[[Barry Jean Ancelet]]|publisher=Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana|date=1989|isbn=0-940984-46-6|url=https://archive.org/details/capitainevoyaget00ance}}</ref>

In [[Puerto Rico]], the most popular festivals are the Carnaval de [[Loíza, Puerto Rico|Loíza]] and [[Carnaval de Ponce]]. The Carnaval de Ponce (officially "Carnaval Ponceño") is celebrated annually in [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Ponce]]. The celebration lasts one week and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday. It is one of the oldest carnivals of the Western Hemisphere, dating to 1858.<ref>[http://www.letsgotoponce.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=155&Itemid=81 ''Ponce Carnival Goes International in Its 150th Anniversary Edition.'' Let's Go to Ponce.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311075721/http://letsgotoponce.com/index.php?id=155&itemid=81&option=com_content&task=view |date=11 March 2016 }} Ponce Carnival. Retrieved 12 April 2010.</ref> Some authorities trace the Ponce Carnaval to the eighteenth century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/puerto/carnival_dress.pdf|title=The Smithsonian Institution. "A Puerto Rican Carnival: How to Dress for the Ponce Carnival."|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125232634/http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/pdf/puerto/carnival_dress.pdf|archive-date=25 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/carnival-de-ponce Attendance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303204114/http://www.answers.com/topic/carnival-de-ponce |date=3 March 2016 }} Retrieved 12 April 2010.</ref>

In New York City, a Caribbean Carnival known as the [[West Indian Day Parade]] is held in [[Crown Heights, Brooklyn|Crown Heights]], [[Brooklyn]] on [[Labor Day]]. Founded by immigrants from Trinidad, the event was initially held at the beginning of Lent, but was later moved to Labor Day in order to allow an outdoor event in the summer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.6sqft.com/the-history-of-brooklyns-caribbean-carnival-the-most-colorful-event-in-new-york-city/|title=The history of Brooklyn's Caribbean Carnival, the most colorful event in New York City|website=6sqft|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727174813/https://www.6sqft.com/the-history-of-brooklyns-caribbean-carnival-the-most-colorful-event-in-new-york-city/|archive-date=27 July 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Starting in 2013, the Slovenian-American community located in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood of [[Cleveland]] began hosting a local version of [[Kurentovanje]], the Carnival event held in the city of [[Ptuj]], [[#Slovenia|Slovenia]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web| url=http://clevelandkurentovanje.com/| title=Cleveland Kurentovanje| access-date=18 February 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223000614/http://clevelandkurentovanje.com/| archive-date=23 February 2014| url-status=dead}}</ref> The event is conducted on the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday.<ref name=":0" />

====Uruguay====
[[File:Candombe1870-Uruguay.jpg|thumb|right|Afro-Uruguayans gathering for a [[Candombe]] celebration, {{Circa|1870}}]]
The Carnival in Uruguay lasts more than 40 days, generally beginning towards the end of January and running through mid March. Celebrations in [[Montevideo]] are the largest. The festival is performed in the Mediterranean parade style with elements from [[Bantu peoples|Bantu]] and [[Angola]]n [[Benguela]] cultures imported with slaves in colonial times. The main attractions of Uruguayan Carnival include two colorful parades called ''Desfile de Carnaval'' (Carnival Parade) and ''Desfile de Llamadas'' (Calls Parade, a [[candombe]]-summoning parade).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uruguay-now.com/montevideo-carnival.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117020043/http://www.uruguaynow.com/montevideo-carnival.php|url-status=dead|title=UruguayNow - Travel Guide to Uruguay - Carnival is coming|archive-date=17 January 2012|website=uruguay-now.com}}</ref>

During the celebration, theaters called ''tablados'' are built in many places throughout the cities, especially in Montevideo.<ref>* Fornaro Bordolli, Marita. "The Uruguayan Carnival Stages of the First Half of the Twentieth Century between Transgression and 'Measured Joy{{'"}}, ''Music in Art: International Journal for Music Iconography'' XLIII/1-2 (2018), 123–140 (includes 19 photographs of {{lang|es|tablados}} participating in Montevideo festivities between 1919 and 1951).</ref> Traditionally formed by men and now starting to be open to women, the different Carnival groups ([[Murga]]s, Lubolos, or Parodistas) perform a kind of popular opera at the ''tablados'', singing and dancing songs that generally relate to the social and political situation. The 'Calls' groups, basically formed by drummers playing the tamboril, perform candombe rhythmic figures. The carnival in Uruguay have [[escolas de samba]] too, and the biggest samba parades are in [[Artigas, Uruguay|Artigas]] and in [[Montevideo]]. Revelers wear their festival clothing. Each group has its own theme. Women wearing elegant, bright dresses are called [[Vedette (cabaret)|vedettes]] and provide a sensual touch to parades.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Mediterranean [[archetype]]s ([[Pierrot]], [[Harlequin]], and [[Columbina]]) merge with African ancestral elements (the [[Matriarchy|Old Mother]] or ''Mama Vieja'', the [[Medicine Man]] or ''Gramillero'' and the [[magician (paranormal)|Magician]] or ''Escobero'') in the festival.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gittens|first=William Anderson|title=Culture Demystify A Cultural Conversation First|publisher=Devgro Media Arts Services|year=2019|isbn=9789769635616|pages=374–375}}</ref>

====Venezuela====
Carnival in [[Venezuela]] covers two days, 40 days before Easter. It is a time when youth in many rural towns have water fights (including the use of water balloons and water guns). Any pedestrian risks getting soaked. Coastal towns and provinces celebrate Carnival more fervently than elsewhere in the country. Venezuelans regard Carnival about the same way they regard Christmas and Semana Santa ([[Holy Week]]; the week before Easter Sunday) when they take the opportunity to visit their families.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/venezuela/Carnival.asp |title=Carnival in Venezuela |publisher=CaribbeanChoice |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=9 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708120549/http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/venezuela/carnival.asp |archive-date=8 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>