Editing Carnival (section)

===Europe===

====Albania====
Carnivals have begun to be celebrated in Korça before 1940, a period in which cultural life in this city has been varied. Although a pagan holiday, the Carnival was later celebrated on Feast Day in February. In addition to the many carnival-wearing individuals, there were bands with guitars, bows, and butaphoric{{typo help inline|date=August 2020}} masks such as animal heads and humans. The Korça Carnival took a big hit after the creation of cultural societies such as the "Korça Youth". During this period carnivals were accompanied by mandolins, guitars and humorous songs. Carnival celebrations were discontinued after 1960, to resume in other social conditions after 1990. Korça is one of the first cities to revive the Carnival tradition by establishing the Carnival Association in 1992 as part of the National Carnival Association of Albania. On 10 April 1994, the first International Carnival Festival in Albania was organized in Korça. The following year, the second International Carnival Festival is even larger. Since this year and until 2008, the Korca Carnival group has been represented at a number of international festivals organized in various European countries.

====Belgium====
Many parts of [[Belgium]] celebrate Carnival, typically with costume parades, partying and fireworks. These areas include the province of Limburg with its cities [[Maasmechelen]], [[Maaseik]] and Lanaken along the river Meuse, the cities of [[Aalst, Belgium|Aalst]], [[Ninove]], [[Binche]], [[Eupen]], [[Halle, Belgium|Halle]], [[Heist-aan-Zee|Heist]], [[Kelmis]], [[Malmedy]], and [[Stavelot]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Delmarcelle |first=Camille |date=2016-01-30 |title=Why Is The Carnival of Binche Celebrated in Belgium? |url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/belgium/articles/why-do-we-celebrate-the-carnival-of-binche-in-belgium/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Culture Trip |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621235111/https://theculturetrip.com/europe/belgium/articles/why-do-we-celebrate-the-carnival-of-binche-in-belgium/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Binche - Les Gilles.jpg|thumb|The [[Gilles]] at the [[Carnival of Binche]], in [[Binche]], Belgium]]

The [[Carnival of Binche]] dates at least to the 14th century. Parades are held over the three days before Lent; the most important participants are the [[Gilles]], who wear traditional costumes on Shrove Tuesday and throw [[blood orange]]s to the crowd.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/22/travel/masked-revels-of-a-belgian-mardi-gras.html?sec=travel&pagewanted=2 |title=Masked Revels of a Belgian Mardi Gras |work=[[The New York Times]] |author=Anne Shapiro Devreux |date=22 January 1989 |access-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728003222/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/22/travel/masked-revels-of-a-belgian-mardi-gras.html?sec=travel&pagewanted=2 |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, the Carnival of Binche was recognised as one of the [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?cp=BE |title=UNESCO Culture Sector – Intangible Heritage – 2003 Convention: Belgium |access-date=29 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701010208/http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?cp=BE |archive-date=1 July 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Carnival of Aalst]], celebrated during the three days preceding Ash Wednesday, received the same recognition in 2010.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.kunstenenerfgoed.be/ake/view/nl/2626684-Aalst+Carnival+in+2010+voorgedragen+als+immaterieel+cultureel+erfgoed+van+de+mensheid+(UNESCO).html |title=Erfgoed Vlaamse gemeenschap |access-date=12 February 2010 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Belgium's oldest parade is the [[Carnival Parade of Maaseik]], also held on Laetare Sunday, which originated in 1865.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsgd.com/specials/limburg/news/content/2018-03/15/content_181107769.htm|title=Carnival: Limburg's traditional popular festival_news_www.newsgd.com|last=Wong|first=Keane|website=newsgd.com|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119091944/http://www.newsgd.com/specials/limburg/news/content/2018-03/15/content_181107769.htm|archive-date=19 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Un petit groupe de "Longs Nés".jpg|thumb|''Long-Né'' and ''Longuès-Brèsses'' at the Carnival of Malmedy (''[[Cwarmê]]''), in [[Malmedy]], Belgium]]

The Carnival of [[Malmedy]] is locally called ''[[Cwarmê]]''. Even if Malmedy is located in the east Belgium, near the German-speaking area, the ''Cwarmê'' is a pure [[Walloons|Walloon]] and Latin carnival. The celebration takes place during the four days before Shrove Tuesday. The ''Cwarmê'' Sunday is the most important and interesting to see. All the old traditional costumes parade in the street. The ''Cwarmê'' is a "street carnival" and is not only a parade. People who are disguised pass through the crowd and perform a part of the traditional costume they wear. The famous traditional costumes at the ''Cwarmê'' of Malmedy are the ''Haguète'', the ''Longuès-Brèsses'', and the ''Long-Né.''<ref>{{Cite web| title = Historique| url = http://www.malmedy.be/en/Tourisme/folklore-et-carnaval/le-carnaval/| website = malmedy.be| access-date = 5 January 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202233620/http://www.malmedy.be/en/Tourisme/folklore-et-carnaval/le-carnaval/| archive-date = 2 February 2016| url-status = dead}}</ref>

Some Belgian cities hold Carnivals during Lent. One of the best-known is [[Stavelot]], where the ''Carnival de la Laetare'' takes place on [[Laetare Sunday]], the fourth Sunday of Lent. The participants include the ''Blancs-Moussis'', who dress in white, carry long red noses and parade through town attacking bystanders with [[confetti]] and dried [[pig bladder]]s. The city of [[Halle, Belgium#Events|Halle]] also celebrates on Laetare Sunday.

====Bosnia and Herzegovina====
In [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], the [[Croat]]-majority city of [[Ljubuški]] holds a traditional Carnival ({{langx|bs|Karneval}}). Ljubuški is a member of the [[Federation of European Carnival Cities]] (FECC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Evens calendar. |url=https://carnivalcities.net/calender-of-evens/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=FECC - Federation of European Carnival Cities |date=9 July 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213202321/https://carnivalcities.net/calender-of-evens/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Croatia====
The most famous [[Croatia]]n Carnival (Croatian: ''karneval'', also called ''maškare'' or ''fašnik'') is the [[Rijeka Carnival]], during which the mayor of [[Rijeka]] hands over the keys to the city to the Carnival master (''meštar od karnevala''). The festival includes several events, culminating on the final Sunday in a masked procession. (A similar procession for children takes place on the previous weekend.){{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

[[File:Rijecki karneval 140210 Halubajski zvoncari 9.jpg|thumb|left|[[Halubajski zvončari]] at [[Rijeka Carnival]], in [[Rijeka]], Croatia]]

Many towns in Croatia's [[Kvarner]] region (and in other parts of the country, e.g. in [[Međimurje County]] in [[Northern Croatia]]) observe the Carnival period, incorporating local traditions and celebrating local culture. Some of the towns and places are Grobnik, Permani, Kastav and many others places near Rijeka, then [[Čakovec]], [[Samobor]] etc. Just before the end of Carnival, every Kvarner town burns a [[effigy|man-like doll]] called a "Pust", who is blamed for all the strife of the previous year. The [[Zvončari]], or bell-ringers push away winter and all the bad things in the past year and calling spring, they wear bells and large head regalia representing their areas of origin (for example, those from Halubje wear regalia in the shape of animal heads). The traditional Carnival food is [[fritule]], a pastry. This festival can also be called Poklade.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

[[File:Međimurski fašnjak 2015. - Svetomartinski krampus.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A [[Krampus]] from [[Međimurje County]], northern Croatia]]

Masks are worn to many of the festivities, including concerts and parties. Children and teachers are commonly allowed to wear masks to school for a day, and also wear masks at school dances or while trick-or-treating. Carnivals also take place in summer. One of the most famous is the Senj Summer Carnival – first celebrated in 1968. The towns of [[Cres]], Pag, Novi Vinodolski, and Fužine also organise Summer Carnivals.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Cyprus====
Carnival has been celebrated in [[Cyprus]] for centuries. The tradition was likely established under [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]] rule around the 16th century. It may have been influenced by Greek traditions, such as festivities for deities such as [[Dionysus]]. The celebration originally involved dressing in costumes and holding masked balls or visiting friends. In the twentieth century, it became an organized event held during the 10 days preceding Lent (according to the [[Greek Orthodox]] calendar). The festival is celebrated almost exclusively in the city of [[Limassol]].{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Three main parades take place during Carnival. The first is held on the first day, during which the "Carnival King" (either a person in costume or an [[effigy]]) rides through the city on his carriage. The second is held on the first Sunday of the festival, and the participants are mainly children. The third and largest takes place on the last day of Carnival and involves hundreds of people walking in costume along the town's longest avenue. The latter two parades are open to anyone who wishes to participate.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Czech Republic====
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}
[[File:Masopust masks in Milevsku (2013) 63.JPG|thumb|Masopust masks in [[Milevsko]], Czech Republic]]

In the [[Czech Republic]], the Masopust Festival takes place from [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] (''Den tří králů'') through Ash Wednesday (''Popeleční středa''). The word ''masopust'' translates literally from old Czech to mean "meat fast", and the festival often includes a pork feast. The tradition is most common in [[Moravia]] but also occurs in [[Bohemia]]. While practices vary, masks and costumes are present everywhere.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.expats.cz/czech-culture/masopust-carnival-tradition-has-revived-in-recent-years/|title=The Masopust carnival tradition has revived in recent years – Prague, Czech Republic|date=11 January 2012|website=Expats.cz for Jobs in Prague – Prague Real Estate in the Czech Republic|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003202/https://news.expats.cz/czech-culture/masopust-carnival-tradition-has-revived-in-recent-years/|archive-date=5 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Denmark and Norway====
{{Main|Fastelavn}}

Carnival in [[Denmark]] is called ''Fastelavn'', and is held on the Sunday or Monday before Ash Wednesday. The holiday is sometimes described as a Nordic [[Halloween]], with children dressing in costume and gathering treats for the ''Fastelavn'' feast. One popular custom is the ''fastelavnsris'', a [[switch (corporal punishment)|switch]] that children use to [[flagellation|flog]] their parents to wake them up on Fastelavns Sunday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HVorfor har man fastelavnsris? |url=https://natmus.dk/historisk-viden/temaer/fester-og-traditioner/fastelavn/fastelavnsris/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Nationalmuseet |language=da}}</ref>

In [[Norway]], students having seen [[Paris Carnival|celebrations in Paris]] introduced Carnival processions, masked balls, and Carnival balls to [[Oslo|Christiana]] in the 1840s and 1850s. From 1863, the artist federation ''Kunstnerforeningen'' held annual Carnival balls in the old [[Freemasons]] lodge, which inspired [[Johan Svendsen]]'s compositions ''Norsk Kunstnerkarneval'' and ''Karneval in Paris''. The following year, Svendsen's ''Festpolonaise'' was written for the opening procession. [[Edvard Grieg]] attended and wrote "Aus dem Karneval" (''Folkelivsbilleder'' Op. 19). Since 1988, the student organization {{ill|Tårnseilerne|no|vertical-align=sup}} has produced annual masquerade balls in Oslo, with masks, costumes, and processions after attending an opera performance. The Carnival season also includes ''Fastelavens søndag'' (with cream buns) and ''fastelavensris'' with decorated branches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hvorfor har man fastelavnsris? |url=https://natmus.dk/historisk-viden/temaer/fester-og-traditioner/fastelavn/mad-til-fastelavn/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Nationalmuseet |language=da}}</ref>

====Finland====
[[File:Samba wagon from Império do Papagaio at Helsinki Samba Carnaval 2016.jpg|thumb|The 2016 [[Helsinki Samba Carnaval]] in [[Helsinki]], Finland]]

The [[Helsinki Samba Carnaval]], modelled after the samba carnivals in Brazil, takes place every year in middle June. The carnival lacks a proper historical tradition and has instead mostly grown from experimenting.

====France====
[[File:Carnaval de Paris 15 février 2015 7.JPG|thumb|[[Paris Carnival|Carnival in Paris]], France]]

Some major Carnivals of mainland [[France]] are the [[Nice Carnival]], the Dunkirk Carnival and the Limoux Carnival. The [[Nice]] Carnival was held as far back as 1294, and annually attracts over a million visitors during the two weeks preceding Lent.

Since 1604, a characteristic [[Carnival of Limoux|masked Carnival]] is celebrated in [[Limoux]].

The [[Dunkirk]] Carnival is among the greatest and most exuberant carnivals celebrated in Europe. Its traditions date back to the 17th century and are based on the ''vischerbende'' as fishermen went from one café to another accompanied by their relatives and friends just before departing to [[Iceland]]ic fishing grounds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-04 |title=Dunkirk Carnival {{!}} Carnivale de Dunkerque |url=https://thegoodlifefrance.com/le-carnaval-de-dunkerque-dunkirk-carnival/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=thegoodlifefrance.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[French West Indies]], it occurs between the Sunday of Epiphany and Ash Wednesday;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guadeloupe-guide.net/guadeloupe-evenements-us.php|title=Guadeloupe Guide – Events in Guadeloupe – French West Indies|access-date=20 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419201332/http://www.guadeloupe-guide.net/guadeloupe-evenements-us.php|archive-date=19 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> this dates back to the arrival of French colonists in the islands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-14 |title=History of Caribbean Carnival |url=https://www.cariviews.com/blog/history-of-caribbean-carnival |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=The Caribbean Views |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Germany, Switzerland, and Austria====
{{Main|Carnival in Germany, Switzerland and Austria|l1=Karneval in Germany and Austria|Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht|l2=Fastnacht or Fasnacht in Germany, Switzerland, Alsace and Austria}}

=====Germany=====
The earliest written record of Carnival in [[Germany]] was in 1296 in [[History of Speyer|Speyer]].<ref>''Geschichte der Stadt Speyer''. Band 1, [[Kohlhammer Verlag]], Stuttgart 1982, {{ISBN|3-17-007522-5}}</ref> The first worldwide Carnival parade took place in [[Cologne]] in 1823.<ref name="Cologne1823" /> The most active Carnival week begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, with parades during the weekend, and finishes the night before Ash Wednesday, with the main festivities occurring around ''Rosenmontag'' (Rose Monday). This time is also called the "Fifth Season". Shrove Tuesday, called ''Fastnacht'' or ''Veilchendienstag'', is celebrated in some cities.

Parties feature self-made and more fanciful costumes and occasional masks. The parties become more exuberant as the weeks progress and peak after New Year, in January and February. The final Tuesday features all-night parties, dancing, hugging, and smooching. Some parties are for all, some for women only and some for children. ''Fasnachtsküchle'' (similar to ''Kreppel'' or donuts) are the traditional Fasching food and are baked or fried.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In Germany, ''Rheinischer Karnival'' and ''Schwäbische Fastnacht'' are distinct; first is less formal and more political, second is much more traditional.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====="Rhenish Carnival" (Rheinischer Karneval, Fasnacht, Fasnet, Fastabend, Fastelovend, Fasteleer, Fasching)=====
The "Rheinische" Carnival is held in the west of Germany, mainly in the states of [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] and [[Rhineland-Palatinate]], but also in [[Hesse]] (including [[Upper Hesse]]). Similar forms of the festival occur in [[Bavaria]], and other states. Some cities are more famous for celebrations such as parades and costume balls. The [[Cologne Carnival]], as well as those in [[Mainz]], [[Eschweiler]] and [[Düsseldorf]], are the largest and most famous. Other cities have their own, often less well-known celebrations, parades, and parties, such as [[Aachen]], [[Bonn]], [[Worms, Germany|Worms am Rhein]], [[Speyer]], [[Kaiserslautern]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Darmstadt]], [[Duisburg]], [[Dortmund]], [[Essen]], [[Mannheim]], [[Münster]], [[Krefeld]], [[Ludwigshafen]], [[Mönchengladbach]], [[Stuttgart]], [[Augsburg]], [[Munich]], and [[Nuremberg]]. The biggest German carnival club is located in the relatively small town of [[Dieburg]] in South Hesse. Festivities start as early as 11 November at 11:11am for some carnival organizations, but the main events usually take place after the Christmas season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fasching and Karneval |url=https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/fasching-and-karneval/ |website=The German Way & More |access-date=11 November 2021 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016073302/https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/fasching-and-karneval/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On Carnival Thursday (called "Old Women Day" or "The Women's Day" in commemoration of an 1824 revolt by washer-women), women storm city halls, cut men's ties, and are allowed to kiss any passing man. Special acrobatic show dances in mock uniforms are a traditional contribution to most festive balls. They may or may not have been a source of inspiration to American cheerleading. The Fasching parades and floats make fun of individual politicians and other public figures. Many speeches do the same.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gespraechswert.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Karneval_Guide_English_201701.pdf|title=Cologne Carnival traditions explained in English.|accessdate=11 March 2023|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307104935/https://www.gespraechswert.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Karneval_Guide_English_201701.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Traditions often also include the "Faschingssitzung" – a sit-only party with dancing and singing presentations, and often many speeches given that humorously criticize politics.

====="Swabian-Alemannic" Carnival (''Schwäbische Fastnacht'')=====
[[File:VSAN TT 2014 Sa17.jpg|thumb|Reitenderle, der Grundholde, Hudelmale, Schnarragagges; popular Fasnet characters from [[Kisslegg]] im Allgäu, [[Swabia]], Germany]]

The [[Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht]], known as ''Schwäbische Fastnacht'', takes place in [[Baden]], [[Swabia]], the [[Allgäu]], [[Alsace]], and [[Vorarlberg]] (western [[Austria]]). During the pagan era, it represented the time of year when the reign of the grim winter spirits is over, and these spirits are hunted and expelled. It then adapted to Catholicism. The first official record of Karneval, Fasching or Fastnacht in Germany dates to 1296.<ref>{{Cite web|last=mdr.de|title=Warum wir Fasching, Fastnacht oder Karneval feiern {{!}} MDR.DE|url=https://www.mdr.de/religion/warum-wir-fastnacht-fasching-karneval-feiern100.html|access-date=2021-02-09|website=mdr.de|language=de|archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215011831/https://www.mdr.de/religion/warum-wir-fastnacht-fasching-karneval-feiern100.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tagespost|first=Die|date=2018-02-12|title=Die Tagespost|url=https://www.die-tagespost.de/kommentare/Eine-ganz-kurze-Geschichte-des-rheinischen-Karneval;art4872,185817|access-date=2021-02-09|website=die-tagespost.de|language=de-DE|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415080439/https://www.die-tagespost.de/kommentare/Eine-ganz-kurze-Geschichte-des-rheinischen-Karneval;art4872,185817|url-status=live}}</ref> Often the costumes and masks on parades strictly follow traditional designs and represent specific historical characters, public figures – or specific daemons.

=====Swiss Fasnacht=====
[[File:Monstercorso 2009.JPG|thumb|''Monstercorso'' on [[Fat Tuesday|''Güdisdienstag's'']] evening in [[Lucerne]], Switzerland]]

In [[Switzerland]], ''Fasnacht'' takes place in the Catholic [[cantons of Switzerland]], e.g. in [[Lucerne#events|Lucerne]] (''Lozärner Fasnacht''), but also in Protestant [[Carnival of Basel|Basel]]. However, the ''Basler Fasnacht'' begins on the Monday ''after'' Ash Wednesday. Both began in the [[Late Middle Ages]]. Smaller Fasnacht festivities take place across German Switzerland, e.g. in [[Carnival in Bern|Bern]] and [[Olten]], or in the eastern part ([[Zürich]], [[St. Gallen]], [[Appenzell]]).{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Greece====
In [[Greece]], Carnival is known as {{Lang|el-Latn|Apókries}} ({{Lang|el|Απόκριες}}, <small>lit.</small> '[goodbye] to meat'), and officially begins with the "Opening of the [[Triodion]]", the liturgical book used by the [[Greek Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]] from then until [[Holy Week]].<ref name="HR-MFA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/about-greece/history-and-culture/culture.html?page=8|title=Greek Customs|website=Hellenic Republic: [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]|access-date=2017-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828232026/http://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/about-greece/history-and-culture/culture.html?page=8|archive-date=28 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Apokries is made up of three themed weeks of celebration known as {{Lang|el-Latn|Prophoní}} ({{Lang|el|Προφωνή}}, 'preannouncement week'), {{Lang|el-Latn|Kreatiní}} ({{Lang|el|Κρεατινή}}, 'meat week'), and {{Lang|el-Latn|Tiriní}} ({{Lang|el|Τυρινή}}, 'cheese week'). One of the season's high points during Kreatini is {{Lang|el-Latn|[[Tsiknopempti|Tsiknopémpti]]}} (<small>lit.</small> 'Smoky-Thursday'), when celebrants throw large outdoor parties and roast huge amounts of meat; the ritual is repeated the following Sunday, after which point meat is forbidden until Easter. The following week, Tirini, is marked by similar festivities revolving around the consumption of cheese, eggs, and dairy and culminates with a "Cheese Sunday". [[Great Lent]], and its restrictive fasting rules, begins in earnest the next day on [[Clean Monday]]. Throughout the Carnival season, festivals, parades, and balls are held all over the country. Many people disguise themselves as {{Lang|el-Latn|maskarádes}} ("masqueraders") and engage in pranks and revelry throughout the season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carnivaland.net/patras-carnival/|title=Your Ultimate Guide to Attending Patras Carnival Greece|date=2018-11-09|website=Carnivaland|language=en-US|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409191634/https://www.carnivaland.net/patras-carnival/|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>

[[File:Kingcarnival.jpg|thumb|left|The float of the King Carnival parading in [[Patras]], Greece]]

[[Patras]] holds the largest annual Carnival in Greece, and one of the largest in the world. The famous [[Patras Carnival]] is a three-day spectacle replete with concerts, theatre performances, parading troupes, an elaborate [[Treasure hunt (game)|treasure hunt]] game, three major parades, parallel celebrations specifically for children, and many [[masquerade ball]]s including the famous Bourboúlia ({{Lang|el|Μπουρμπούλια}}) ball in which women wear special robe-like costumes called a {{Lang|el-Latn|dómino}} to hide their identy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/bourboulia/|title=BOURBOULIA|website=Patras Carnival|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325224619/http://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/bourboulia/|archive-date=25 March 2019|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> The festivities come to a crescendo on "Cheese Sunday" when The Grand Parade of troupes and floats leads celebrators to the harbor for the ceremonial burning of the effigy of King Carnival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/big-parade/|title=THE BIG PARADE|website=Patras Carnival|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409195706/https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/en/events/big-parade/|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>
[[File:Bourboulia the Ladies.JPG|thumb|Ladies on their way to the historic Bourboulia ball in Patras, Greece, wearing the ''dómino'' costumes unique to that ball]]

The Carnival in [[Corfu (city)|Corfu]] is much influenced by the Carnival of [[Venice]]. During this period, various theatrical sketches are presented on the island, called ''Petególia'' or ''Petegolétsa'' (Πετεγολέτσα) in the local dialect. In previous centuries, existed also the custom of "Giostra" ([[jousting]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apokries.ert.gr/petegoletsa-kerkyra/ |title=Πετεγολέτσα Κέρκυρας |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427034947/http://apokries.ert.gr/petegoletsa-kerkyra/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The second biggest Carnival in Greece takes place in [[Xanthi]] ([[Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]]) since 1966 and it is the major event of its kind in Northern Greece. The [[Xanthi Carnival]] manages to attract visitors from the nearby countries such as [[Bulgaria]], [[Turkey]], and [[Romania]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thestival.gr/xalllara/item/296134-epese-i-aulaia-tou-karnabaliou-stin-ksanthi-plithos-episkepton-apo-toyrkia-boylgaria-kai-roymania|title=Έπεσε η "αυλαία" του καρναβαλιού στην Ξάνθη - Πλήθος επισκεπτών από Τουρκία, Βουλγαρία και Ρουμανία|website=thestival.gr|date=27 February 2017|language=el-GR|access-date=2020-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301225314/http://www.thestival.gr/xalllara/item/296134-epese-i-aulaia-tou-karnabaliou-stin-ksanthi-plithos-episkepton-apo-toyrkia-boylgaria-kai-roymania|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Other regions host festivities of smaller extent, focused on the reenactment of traditional carnival customs, such as [[Tyrnavos]] ([[Thessaly]]), [[Kozani]] ([[Western Macedonia]]), [[Rethymno]] ([[Crete]]). Tyrnavos holds an annual Phallus festival, a traditional "phallkloric" event<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,553070,00.html "The Annual Phallus Festival in Greece"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122115504/http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,553070,00.html |date=22 January 2009 }}, ''Der Spiegel'', English edition, 3 June 2008, Retrieved on 15 December 2008</ref> in which giant, gaudily painted effigies of [[phallus]]es made of [[papier-mâché]] are paraded, and which women are asked to touch or kiss. Their reward for so doing is a shot of the famous local [[tsipouro]] alcohol spirit.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mendonca|first1=Shawn|last2=Pan|first2=Jessica|last3=Brandes*|first3=Steven|title=Fr01-16 Festival of the "Steel Phallus" and the "Bourani" Carnival of Tynavos: Phallic Festivals of Contemporary Japan and Greece|date=April 2020|journal=The Journal of Urology|language=en|volume=203|pages=e289–e290| issue=Supplement 4 | doi=10.1097/JU.0000000000000850.016|issn=0022-5347|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Every year, from the 1st to the 8th of January, mostly in regions of [[Western Macedonia]], traditional Carnival festivals erupt. Best known of these is the {{Lang|el-Latn|Ragoutsária}} ({{Lang|el|Ραγκουτσάρια}})<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tanea.gr/default.asp?pid=28&ct=18&artid=4548248&enthDate=27112009 |title=TA NEA On-line – Τριήμερο γλεντιού στα Ραγκουτσάρια |publisher=Tanea.gr |date=29 April 2010 |access-date=9 March 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> festival in the city of [[Kastoria]] whose celebration may date back to antiquity and whose name derives from the Latin word {{Lang|la|rogatores}} 'beggars', in reference to the beggars who could mingle with the rich in their masks.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.kastoria.gov.gr/%cf%81%ce%b1%ce%b3%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%84%cf%83%ce%ac%cf%81%ce%b9%ce%b1/|title=Ραγκουτσάρια|website=Δήμος Καστοριάς|language=el-GR|trans-title=Ragoutsaria|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917151432/http://www.kastoria.gov.gr/%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%84%CF%83%CE%AC%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B1/|archive-date=17 September 2019|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> It takes place from 6–8 January with mass participation and is noted for its brass bands, flutes, and [[Macedonians (Greeks)|Macedonian]] [[drums]]. It is an ancient celebration of nature's rebirth akin to ancient festivals for [[Dionysus]] ([[Dionysia]]) and [[Cronus|Kronos]] ([[Saturnalia]]).<ref name=":1" />

====Hungary====
[[File:Busójárás (Mohács), 2009.jpg|thumb|The [[Busójárás]] in [[Mohács]], Hungary]]

Carnival season called "Farsang" in Hungarian happens between [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] (January 6) and [[Shrove Tuesday]] and is the time when costume parties traditionally take place, primarily for children (similar to [[Halloween]]).

In [[Mohács]], Hungary, the ''[[Busójárás]]'' is a celebration held at the end of the Carnival season. It involves locals dressing in woolly costumes, with scary masks and noise-makers. According to legend, the festival celebrates both the conclusion of the winter season and a victory by the local people over invading Ottomans in 1526.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ronan|first=Alex|date=16 March 2017|title=A Magical Festival to Scare Off Winter|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/t-magazine/busojaras-festival-hungary-lent-travel.html|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617221357/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/16/t-magazine/busojaras-festival-hungary-lent-travel.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Italy====
{{Main|Carnival in Italy}}
[[File:Venice Carnival - Masked Lovers (2010).jpg|thumb|Distinctive [[Venetian mask]]s at the [[Carnival of Venice]]]]
[[Image:Carnevale di viareggio 2008, uer iz de party.JPG|thumb|[[Carnival of Viareggio]] 2011, ''Uer iz de parti?'']]
[[File:Dettaglio della battaglia e della quantità di arance. (foto Baldo Simone).jpg|thumb|The [[Battle of the Oranges]] at the [[Carnival of Ivrea]], in [[Ivrea]], Italy]]

[[Carnival in Italy]] is a farewell party to eat, drink, and have fun before the limitations and solemnity of [[Lent]]. About a month before [[Ash Wednesday]], Italians celebrate over many weekends with parades, masks, and ''[[Confetti#Etymology and Italian confetti|confetti]]''. The origins of this event may be traced to [[ancient Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], when they worshipped [[Dionysus|Bacchus]] and [[Saturn]]. Some think they date back to archaic winter-to-spring ceremonies. Despite its pagan origins, the event was so extensively celebrated and the tradition so powerful that it was swiftly altered to fit into Catholic rituals. Carnival in Italy is traditionally celebrated on [[Mardi Gras|Fat Tuesday]], but the weekend prior features activities as well.

Carnival traditions vary across Italy. In the [[Ambrosian rite]] regions around Milan, Carnival ends on the first Sunday of [[Lent]]. The [[Carnival of Venice]] and [[Carnival of Viareggio]] are particularly renowned, featuring sophisticated masquerades and parades. In [[Sardinia]], a distinct carnival form survives, possibly rooted in pre-Christian winter rituals of awakening the earth. These Carnivals include masquerades and parades.

The [[Carnival of Venice|Carnival in Venice]] was first documented in 1296, with a proclamation by the [[Venetian Senate]] announcing a public festival the day before the start of [[Lent]]. Its subversive nature is reflected in Italy's many laws over the centuries attempting to restrict celebrations and the wearing of [[mask]]s. Carnival celebrations in Venice were halted after the city fell under [[Habsburg monarchy|Austrian]] control in 1798, but were revived in the late 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Magazine |first1=Smithsonian |last2=Djinis |first2=Elizabeth |title=A Brief History of How Carnival Is Celebrated Around the World |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-how-carnival-is-celebrated-around-the-world-180983771/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Carnival of Viareggio]] is the second-most popular in Italy. It lasts a month with night and day celebrations, floats, parades, district celebrations, masked dances, and other shows. The first masquerade took place in 1873, in response to the upper classes' dissatisfaction with having to pay hefty taxes. Thousands of travelers go to Italy for parades, Carnival masks and costumes, concerts, and music.In 2001, the town built a new "Carnival citadel" dedicated to Carnival preparations and entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-01-18|title=The History of the Viareggio Carnival|url=https://www.italiakids.com/the-history-of-the-viareggio-carnival/|access-date=2021-10-05|website=Italia Kids|language=en-US|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005133328/https://www.italiakids.com/the-history-of-the-viareggio-carnival/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Carnival of Ivrea]] is famous for its "[[Battle of the Oranges]]" fought with fruit between the people on foot and the troops of the tyrant on carts, to remember the wars of the Middle Ages,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Carnival of Ivrea - History |url=https://www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/the-carnival/storia/?lang=en |website=Storico Carenevale di Ivrea |access-date=16 June 2020 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809144133/http://www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/the-carnival/storia/?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref> allegory of struggle for freedom. It is considered one of the most ancient Carnivals in the world. The fight commemorates Ivrea's rebellion against tyrannical rule in the Middle Ages. The miller's daughter, "''la Mugnaia''", allegedly killed the city's dictator after he tried to kidnap her, sparking an uprising that gave the inhabitants more freedom. Ivrea's Carnival celebration now includes parades in medieval costumes, folkloric ensembles, and musical performances from Italy and Europe. While enjoying the festive ambiance, don't forget to try the traditional Carnival dish, ''fagiolata'', a delicious bean soup.

The [[Ambrosian Rite]] ({{langx|it|rito ambrosiano}})<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-23 |title=Rito ambrosiano |website= Chiesa di Milano |url=https://www.chiesadimilano.it/vivere-la-chiesa/celebrare-la-fede/rito-ambrosiano-2 |access-date=2024-04-10 |language=it-IT}}</ref> is a [[Latin liturgical rites|Latin liturgical rite]] of the [[Catholic Church]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] (specifically The Divine Liturgy of Saint Ambrose). The [[ritual family|rite]] is named after [[Ambrose|Saint Ambrose]], a [[bishop of Milan]] in the fourth century. It is used by around five million Catholics in the greater part of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan|Archdiocese of Milan]] (excluding [[Monza]], [[Treviglio]] and [[Trezzo sull'Adda]]), in some parishes of the [[Diocese of Como]], [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Bergamo|Bergamo]], [[Diocese of Novara|Novara]], [[Diocese of Lodi|Lodi]], in the [[Diocese of Lugano]], [[Canton of Ticino]], [[Switzerland]], less prominently in some [[Western Rite Orthodoxy|Western Rite]] orthodox parishes and on special occasions of other jurisdictions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metropolitan of Piraeus celebrates ancient Liturgy of St. Ambrose of Milan |url=https://orthochristian.com/157743.html |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=OrthoChristian.Com}}</ref> In the most part of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milan|Archdiocese]] of [[Milan]], the Carnival lasts four more days, ending on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday, because of the Ambrosian Rite.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambrosian Carnival 2023: dates and programme |url=https://www.italia.it/en/lombardy/milan/things-to-do/ambrosian-carnival-dates-programme |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Italia.it |language=en}}</ref>

In [[Sardinia]], the Carnival (in [[Sardinian language]] ''Carrasecare'' or ''Carrasegare''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ditzionariu.nor-web.eu/en/faeddu/carrasec%C3%A0re|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228092329/https://ditzionariu.nor-web.eu/en/faeddu/carrasec%C3%A0re|archive-date=28 February 2021|title=Ditzionàriu in Línia}}</ref>) varies greatly from the one in the mainland of Italy. the majority of the Sardinian celebrations features not only feasts and parades but also crude [[fertility rite]]s such as bloodsheds to fertilize the land,<ref name="youtube.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e97JaWRkSU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/2e97JaWRkSU| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Carnevale Luvulesu Su battileddu|date=2 March 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the death and the resurrection of the Carnival characters<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbXz0Te7IVk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/sbXz0Te7IVk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title="Sa Filonzana", personaggio femminile del carnevale in Sardegna|date=4 February 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and representations of violence and torture.<ref name="youtube.com"/> The typical characters of the Sardinian Carnival are [[Zoomorphism|zoomorphic]] and/or [[Androgyny|androgynous]], such as the ''Mamuthones and Issohadores''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://prolocomamoiada.it/mamuthoneseissohadores/|title=MAMUTHONES E ISSOHADORES|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122303/https://prolocomamoiada.it/mamuthoneseissohadores/|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> from [[Mamoiada]], the ''Boes and Merdules''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.merdules.it/en/|title=Cultural Association "Boes and Merdules" Ottana - Italy -|website=Cultural Association "Boes and Merdules" Ottana - Italy|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208100659/http://www.merdules.it/en/|archive-date=8 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> from [[Ottana]] and many more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mascheresarde.com/maschere-della-sardegna/|title=Maschere della Sardegna - Elenco delle maschere tipiche sarde &#124; Maschere Sarde|website=mascheresarde.com|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118233441/http://www.mascheresarde.com/maschere-della-sardegna/|archive-date=18 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Carnival is celebrated with street performances<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ynpSoMdXk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/g4ynpSoMdXk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Il Carnevale Tradizionale Sardo e le sue Maschere 2011|date=28 March 2012|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> that are typically accompanied by Sardinian [[dirge]]s called {{lang|sc|attittidus}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tuttologi-accademia-sardegna.blogspot.com/2008/05/attittidu.html|title=Tradizioni popolari della Sardegna: Attittidu|first=I.|last=Tuttologi|date=10 May 2008|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117070325/http://tuttologi-accademia-sardegna.blogspot.com/2008/05/attittidu.html|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> meaning literally "cry of a baby when the mother doesn't want nursed him/her anymore" (from the word ''titta'' meaning breasts<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vocabolariocasu.isresardegna.it/definizione.php?codice=t5329600|title=Vocabolario Sardo-Logudorese / Italiano di Pietro Casu - tìtta|website=vocabolariocasu.isresardegna.it|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122309/http://vocabolariocasu.isresardegna.it/definizione.php?codice=t5329600|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>). Other particular and important Carnival instances in Sardinia are the [[Oristano#Sa Sartiglia and other events|Sartiglia]] in [[Oristano]] and the [[Tempio Pausania]] Carnival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.carnevaletempiese.it/home.htm|title=Carrasciali Timpiesu - Carnevale Tempiese&nbsp; - 2019|website=carnevaletempiese.it|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122337/http://www.carnevaletempiese.it/home.htm|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Lithuania====
{{Main|Užgavėnės}}

''Užgavėnės'' is a [[Lithuania]]n festival that takes place on Shrove Tuesday. Its name in English means "the time before Lent". The celebration corresponds to Carnival holiday traditions.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

''Užgavėnės'' begins on the night before Ash Wednesday, when an [[effigy]] of winter (usually named Morė) is burnt. A major element symbolizes the defeat of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a staged battle between Lašininis ("porky") personifying winter and Kanapinis ("hempen man") personifying spring. Devils, witches, goats, the [[grim reaper]], and other joyful and frightening characters appear in costumes during the celebrations.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Užgavėnės: Lithuanian Pancake Day {{!}} Lithuania Travel |url=https://lithuania.travel/en/why-lithuania/country-of-4-seasons/winter-in-lithuania/uzgavenes-a-different-kind-of-pancake-day |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250115045411/https://lithuania.travel/en/why-lithuania/country-of-4-seasons/winter-in-lithuania/uzgavenes-a-different-kind-of-pancake-day |archive-date=2025-01-15 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=lithuania.travel |language=en}}</ref>

Eating pancakes is an important part of the celebration. Eating pancakes during ''Užgavėnės'' is a traditional practice symbolizing the sun's return and the anticipation of a bountiful harvest, aligning with the festival's theme of bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring.<ref name=":6" />

====Luxembourg====
In [[Luxembourg]], the pre-Lenten holiday season is known as ''Fuesend''. Throughout the Grand-Duchy, parades and parties are held.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Sarita |title=Carnival: burning men, fancy dress and nuns' farts |url=https://www.luxtimes.lu/en/luxembourg-guide/carnival-burning-men-fancy-dress-and-nuns-farts-602d5d85de135b92368f3668 |website=Luxembourg Times |date=6 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2023 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206044712/https://www.luxtimes.lu/en/luxembourg-guide/carnival-burning-men-fancy-dress-and-nuns-farts-602d5d85de135b92368f3668 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Pétange]] is the home of the Grand-Duchy's largest pre-Lenten Karneval celebration. Annually hosting a cavalcade with roughly 1,200 participants and thousand of celebrants, the official name is Karneval Gemeng Péiteng or "Kagepe" (the initials in [[Luxembourgish]] are pronounced "Ka", "Ge" and "Pe").{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The town of [[Remich]] holds a three-day-long celebration, notable for two special events in addition to its parades. The first is the ''Stréimännchen'', which is the burning of a male effigy from the Remich Bridge that crosses the [[Moselle River]] separating the Grand Duchy from [[Germany]]. The ''Stréimännchen'' symbolizes the burning away of winter. The other special event at the Remich Fuesend celebrations is the ''Buergbrennen'' or [[bonfire]] that closes the celebration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit RemichCarnival |url=http://visitremich.lu/lb/que-faire/cool-days/fuesend/ |access-date=2022-03-03 |website=Visit Remich |language=en-US |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303193243/http://visitremich.lu/lb/que-faire/cool-days/fuesend/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Like Remich, the town of [[Esch-sur-Alzette]] holds a three-day celebration. Other major Fuesend parades in Luxembourg are held in the towns of [[Diekirch]] and [[Schifflange]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/festivals-and-traditions/carnival.html |title=Fuesent |date=8 February 2023 |website=luxembourg.public.lu |publisher=<!--Not stated--> |access-date=18 April 2023 |quote=The best-known cavalcades are those in Diekirch, Schifflange, Esch-sur-Alzette, Remich and Pétange. A cavalcade especially for children is organised in Kayl. |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418134309/https://luxembourg.public.lu/en/society-and-culture/festivals-and-traditions/carnival.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Malta====
{{Main|Maltese Carnival}}
[[File:Carnival in Valletta - Trucks in Street of Valletta.jpg|thumb|Carnival procession in [[Valletta]], Malta]]
[[File:Carnival in Valletta.jpg|thumb|left|Carnival in Valletta, Malta]]

Carnival in [[Malta]] (Maltese: ''il-Karnival ta' Malta'') was introduced to the islands by [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Piero de Ponte]] in 1535. It is held during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, and typically includes masked balls, fancy dresses, and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colourful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical [[float (parade)|floats]] presided over by King Carnival (Maltese: ''ir-Re tal-Karnival''), marching bands, and costumed revellers.<ref name=":3">Cremona, Vicki Ann. Carnival and Power: Play and Politics in a Crown Colony. Germany, Springer International Publishing, 2018. Page 89.</ref>

The largest celebration takes place in and around the capital city of [[Valletta]] and [[Floriana]]; several more "spontaneous" Carnivals take place in more remote areas. The [[Nadur Carnival]] is notable for its darker themes. In 2005, the Nadur Carnival hosted the largest-ever gathering of international Carnival organizers for the [[Federation of European Carnival Cities|FECC]]'s global summit.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Traditional dances include the ''parata'', a lighthearted re-enactment of the 1565 victory of the [[Knights Hospitaller]] over the [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]], and an 18th-century court dance known as ''il-Maltija''.<ref name=":3" /> Carnival food includes ''perlini'' (multi-coloured, sugar-coated almonds) and the ''prinjolata'', which is a towering assembly of [[sponge cake]], biscuits, almonds, and citrus fruits, topped with cream and pine nuts.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Netherlands====
{{Main|Carnival in the Netherlands}}

[[Carnival in the Netherlands]] is called ''Carnaval'', ''Vastenavond'' ("Eve of Lent") or, in [[Limburgish language|Limburgish]], {{lang|li|Vastelaovend(j)}}, and is mostly celebrated in traditionally Catholic regions, particularly in the southern provinces of [[North Brabant]] and [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], but also in [[Overijssel]], especially in [[Twente]]. While Dutch Carnaval is officially celebrated on the Sunday through Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, since the 1970s the feast has gradually started earlier and generally includes now the preceding weekend. Although traditions vary from town to town, Dutch carnaval usually includes a parade, a "Prince Carnival" plus [[cortège]] ("Council of 11", sometimes with a [[Jester]] or Adjutant), sometimes also the handing over by the mayor of the symbolic keys of the town to Prince Carnival, the burning or burial of a symbolic figure, a [[Wedding#Peasant wedding|peasant wedding]] (''boerenbruiloft''), and eating [[herring]] (''haring happen'') on Ash Wednesday.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Two main variants can be distinguished: the ''[[Rhineland]] carnaval'', found in the province of Limburg, and the ''[[Burgundian Netherlands|Bourgondische]] carnaval'', found mainly in North Brabant. [[Maastricht]], Limburg's capital, holds a street carnaval that features elaborate costumes.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UsnqJ_puzxsC&q=origin+of+%22Dutch+Carnival%22&pg=PA23|title=Immigrant Dialects and Language Maintenance in Australia: The Case of the Limburg and Swabian Dialects|last=Pauwels|first=Anne|date=1 January 1986|publisher=Walter de Gruyter|isbn=9783110883497|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215093850/https://books.google.com/books?id=UsnqJ_puzxsC&pg=PA23&dq=origin+of+%22Dutch+Carnival%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjm3c7xu-LRAhUDQSYKHUFGCf0Q6AEIGjAA#v=onepage&q=origin%20of%20%22Dutch%20Carnival%22&f=false|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first known documentation dates from the late 8th century (''[[Indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum]]''), but Carnaval was already mentioned during the [[First Council of Nicaea]] in 325 and by [[Caesarius of Arles]] (470–542) around 500 CE. In the Netherlands itself, the first documentation is found in 1383 in [['s-Hertogenbosch]]. The oldest-known images of Dutch Carnaval festivities date from 1485, also in 's-Hertogenbosch.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Normal daily life comes to a stop for about a week in the southern part of the Netherlands during the carnival, with roads temporary blocked and many local businesses closed for the week as a result of employees who are en masse taking the days off during and the day after the carnival.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.fenvlaanderen.be/carnaval/wat-carnaval| title=Wat is carnaval?| work=fenvlaanderen.be| access-date=31 May 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422135427/http://www.fenvlaanderen.be/carnaval/wat-carnaval| archive-date=22 April 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://members.ziggo.nl/leowethly/Carnaval/geschiedenis.htm| title=Geschiedenis van het carnavalsfeest| work=ziggo.nl| access-date=31 May 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235027/http://members.ziggo.nl/leowethly/Carnaval/geschiedenis.htm| archive-date=3 March 2016| url-status=live}}</ref>

====North Macedonia====
The most popular Carnivals in [[North Macedonia]] are in [[Vevčani]] and [[Strumica]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caucaso |first=Osservatorio Balcani e |title=Carnivals in Macedonia: Between Paganism and Modernity |url=https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/North-Macedonia/Carnivals-in-Macedonia-Between-Paganism-and-Modernity-32906 |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=OBC Transeuropa |language=it}}</ref>

The Vevčani Carnival ([[Macedonian language|Macedonian]]: Вевчански Kарневал, translated ''Vevchanski Karneval'') has been held for over 1,400 years, and takes place on 13 and 14 January (New Year's Eve and New Year's Day by the old calendar). The village becomes a live theatre where costumed actors improvise on the streets in roles such as the traditional "August the Stupid".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.macedonia.co.uk/client/index1.aspx?page=403 |title=Vevcani Carnival |publisher=Macedonia.co.uk |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927163226/http://www.macedonia.co.uk/client/index1.aspx?page=403 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Strumica Carnival (Macedonian: Струмички Карневал, translated ''Strumichki Karneval'') has been held since at least 1670, when the Turkish author Evlija Chelebija wrote while staying there, "I came into a town located in the foothills of a high hillock and what I saw that night was masked people running house–to–house, with laughter, scream and song." The Carnival took an organized form in 1991; in 1994, Strumica became a member of [[Federation of European Carnival Cities|FECC]] and in 1998 hosted the XVIII International Congress of Carnival Cities. The Strumica Carnival opens on a Saturday night at a masked ball where the Prince and Princess are chosen; the main Carnival night is on Tuesday, when masked participants (including groups from abroad) compete in various subjects. As of 2000, the Festival of Caricatures and Aphorisms has been held as part of Strumica's Carnival celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore MK |url=http://www.explore.mk/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Explore Macedonia}}</ref>

====Poland====
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}

The [[Poland|Polish]] Carnival season includes [[Fat Thursday]] (Polish: ''Tłusty Czwartek''), when ''[[pączki]]'' (doughnuts) are eaten, and ''Śledzik'' ([[Shrove Tuesday]]) or Herring Day. The Tuesday before the start of Lent is also often called ''Ostatki'' (literally "leftovers"), meaning the last day to party before the Lenten season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page 3 |url=https://www.chicagohistory.org/page/3/?p=no-ordinary-agenda#:~:text=The%20Tuesday%20before%20Lent%20is,before%20the%20Lenten%20fast%20begins. |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Chicago History Museum |language=en-US}}</ref>

The traditional way to celebrate Carnival is the ''[[kulig]]'', a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside. In modern times, Carnival is increasingly seen as an excuse for intensive partying and has become more commercialized, with stores offering Carnival-season sales.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fat Thursday: Poland's Tastiest Tradition |url=https://culture.pl/en/article/fat-thursday-polands-tastiest-tradition |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Culture.pl |language=en}}</ref>

====Portugal====
[[File:Carnaval de Sesimbra 2007 24.JPG|thumb|right|Sesimbra Carnival, in [[Sesimbra]], Portugal]]

Carnival is Carnaval in [[Portugal]], celebrated throughout the country, most famously in [[Ovar]], [[Sesimbra]], [[Madeira]], [[Loulé]], [[Nazaré, Portugal|Nazaré]], [[Mealhada]], and [[Torres Vedras]]. Carnaval in [[Podence (Macedo de Cavaleiros)|Podence]] and [[Lazarim]] incorporates pagan traditions such as the [[careto]], while the Torres Vedras celebration is probably the most typical.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Portugal Carnival |url=https://www.portugalproperty.com/guide-to-portugal/portugal-destinations/the-portugal-carnival |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=www.portugalproperty.com |language=en |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530045205/https://www.portugalproperty.com/guide-to-portugal/portugal-destinations/the-portugal-carnival |url-status=live }}</ref>

=====Azores=====
On the islands of the [[Azores]], local clubs and Carnival groups create colorful and creative costumes that jab at politics or culture.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Carnaval in Portugal, and the Azores|url=https://www.azores-adventures.com/2015/02/carnaval-in-portugal-and-the-azores.html|website=Portugal Adventures|access-date=2020-05-23|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309062610/https://www.azores-adventures.com/2015/02/carnaval-in-portugal-and-the-azores.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On [[São Miguel Island]], Carnival features street vendors selling fried dough, called a [[malassada]]. The festival on the biggest island starts off with a [[black tie]] grand ball, followed by Latin music at Coliseu Micaelense. A children's parade fills the streets of Ponta Delgada with children from each school district in costume. A massive parade continues past midnight, ending in [[fireworks]].<ref name=":2" />

The event includes theatre performances and dances. In the "Danças de Entrudo", hundreds of people follow the dancers around the island. Throughout the show the dancers act out scenes from daily life. The "Dances de Carnival" are [[allegorical]] and comedic tales acted out in the streets. The largest is in [[Angra do Heroísmo]], with more than 30 groups performing. More Portuguese-language theatrical performances occur there than anywhere else.<ref name=":2" />

Festivities end on Ash Wednesday, when locals sit down for the "Batatada" or potato feast, in which the main dish is [[salted cod]] with potatoes, eggs, mint, bread and wine. Residents then return to the streets for the burning of the "Carnival clown", ending the season.<ref name=":2" />

=====Madeira=====
{{Main|Carnival of Madeira}}
[[File:Carnival in Funchal.JPG|thumb|A dancer in the [[Carnival of Madeira]], in [[Funchal]], Portugal]]

On the island of [[Madeira]], the island's capital, [[Funchal]], wakes up on the Friday before Ash Wednesday to the sound of brass bands and Carnival parades throughout downtown. Festivities continue with concerts and shows in the Praça do Município for five consecutive days. The main Carnival street parade takes place on Saturday evening, with thousands of [[samba]] dancers filling the streets. The traditional street event takes place on Tuesday, featuring daring caricatures.<ref>{{cite book|last=Biddle|first=Anthony|title=The Madeira Islands Vol.1|date=1900|publisher=Hurst & Blackett, limited|location=Philadelphia and New York|page=278}}</ref>

Arguably, Brazil's Carnival could be traced to the period of the [[Age of Discovery#Portuguese exploration|Portuguese Age of Discoveries]] when their [[caravel]]s passed regularly through Madeira, a territory that emphatically celebrated Carnival.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://diariodigital.sapo.pt/news.asp?id_news=759044| title=Carnaval da Madeira poderá ter influenciado festividades no Brasil| work=sapo.pt| access-date=29 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308095006/http://diariodigital.sapo.pt/news.asp?id_news=759044| archive-date=8 March 2016| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/cultura/2015-02-08-Historiador-diz-que-Carnaval-da-Madeira-pode-ter-influenciado-festividades-no-Brasil-| title=SIC Notícias – Cultura| work=SIC Notícias| access-date=29 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035814/https://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/cultura/2015-02-08-Historiador-diz-que-Carnaval-da-Madeira-pode-ter-influenciado-festividades-no-Brasil-| archive-date=28 August 2018| url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Ovar=====
{{Main|Carnival of Ovar}}
[[File:Ovar Portugal Carnival.jpg|thumb|[[Carnival of Ovar]] in [[Ovar]], Portugal]]

Carnival in the town of [[Ovar]], in the [[Região de Aveiro|Aveiro Region]], began in 1952 and is the region's largest festivity, representing a large investment and the most important touristic event to the city. It is known for its creative designs, displayed in the Carnival Parade, which features troupes with themed costumes and music, ranging from the traditional to pop culture. Along with the Carnival Parade, there are five nights of partying, finishing with the famous 'Magical night' where people come from all over the country, mostly with their handmade costumes, only to have fun with the locals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.portugalvoyager.com/?q=content%2Fcarnival-portugal |title=Carnival in Portugal &#124; Portugal Voyager |access-date=16 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930113735/http://www.portugalvoyager.com/?q=content%2Fcarnival-portugal |archive-date=30 September 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===== Other regions =====
In [[Estarreja]], in the Central region of Portugal, the town's first references to Carnival were in the 14th century, with "Flower Battles", richly decorated floats that paraded through the streets. At the beginning of the twentieth century, these festivities ended with the deaths of its main promoters, only to reappear again in the 1960s to become one of many important Carnival festivals in Portugal.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In the Northern region of [[Podence e Santa Combinha|Podence]], children appear from Sunday to Tuesday with tin masks and colorful multilayered costumes made from red, green and yellow wool. In the Central Portugal towns of [[Nelas]] and [[Canas de Senhorim]], Carnival is an important tourist event. Nelas and Canas de Senhorim host four festive parades that offer colorful and creative costumes: Bairro da Igreja and Cimo do Povo in Nelas and do Paço and do Rossio in Canas de Senhorim.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-19 |title=Discovering pagan parades and pyrotechnics as part of Portugal's ancient mountain carnival |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/discovering-pagan-parades-pyrotechnics-portugals-ancient-mountain-carnival |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Travel |language=en}}</ref>

In [[Lisbon]], Carnival offers parades, dances and festivities featuring stars from Portugal and Brazil. The [[Loures]] Carnival celebrates the country's folk traditions, including the ''enterro do bacalhau'' or burial of the [[cod]], which marks the end of Carnival and the festivities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Events |url=https://www.cm-loures.pt/artigo.aspx?displayid=8430 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=www.cm-loures.pt |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705205041/https://www.cm-loures.pt/artigo.aspx?displayid=8430 |url-status=live }}</ref>

North of Lisbon is the famous [[Torres Vedras]] Carnival, described as the "most Portuguese in Portugal". The celebration highlight is a parade of creatively decorated streetcars that satirize society and politics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-31 |title=▷ Torres Vedras Carnival, Portugal ▷ BEST Guide with Dates and info |url=https://bestcarnivals.org/europa/torres-vedras-carnival-portugal/ |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=▷ Discover the Best CARNIVALS of 2021 from around the world |language=en-GB }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Other Central Portugal towns, such as [[Fátima, Portugal|Fátima]] and [[Leiria]], offer colorful, family-friendly celebrations. In these towns, everyone dresses up as if it were [[Halloween]]. Children and adults wear masks.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In the [[Algarve]] region, several resort towns offer Carnival parades. Besides the themed floats and cars, the festivities include "samba" groups, bands, dances, and music.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bloggers4you.com/carnival/#more-639 |title=Carnival-gmtlight |access-date=11 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233403/https://bloggers4you.com/carnival/#more-639 |archive-date=11 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In [[Lazarim]], a civil parish in the municipality of [[Lamego]], celebrations follow the pagan tradition of Roman [[Saturnalia]]s. It celebrates by burning colorful effigies and dressing in home-made costumes. Locally-made wooden masks are worn. The masks are effigies of men and women with horns, but both roles are performed by men. They are distinguished by their clothes, with caricature attributes of both men and women.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The Lazarim Carnaval cycle encompasses two periods, the first starting on the fifth Sunday before Quinquagesima Sunday. Masked figures and people wearing large sculpted heads walk through the town. The locals feast on meats, above all [[pork]]. The second cycle, held on Sundays preceding Ash Wednesday, incorporates the tradition of the Compadres and Comadres, with men and women displaying light-hearted authority over the other.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

Over the five weeks, men prepare large masked heads and women raise funds to pay for two [[mannequin]]s that will be sacrificed in a public bonfire. This is a key event and is unique to Portugal. During the bonfire, a girl reads the Compadre's will and a boy reads the Comadre's will. The executors of the will are named, a [[donkey]] is symbolically distributed to both female and male "heirs", and then there is the final reckoning in which the Entrudo, or Carnival doll, is burned.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The "Mascarados" (masked figures) in Lazarim {{!}} www.visitportugal.com |url=https://www.visitportugal.com/en/NR/exeres/52F135A9-DC01-49C6-9C78-2C423FA04CFD |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=www.visitportugal.com}}</ref>

====Russia====
{{Main|Maslenitsa}}
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}
[[File:Shrovetide. Kustodiev.jpg|thumb|[[Boris Kustodiev]]'s painting of [[Maslenitsa]], Russia]]

[[Maslenitsa]] ({{lang|ru|Масленица}}, also called "Pancake Week" or "Cheese Week") is a Russian folk holiday that incorporates some pagan traditions. It is celebrated during the last week before Lent. The essential element is [[bliny]], Russian pancakes, popularly taken to symbolize the sun. Round and golden, they are made from the rich foods allowed that week by the Orthodox traditions: butter, eggs, and milk. (In the tradition of Orthodox Lent, the consumption of meat ceases one week before that of milk and eggs.)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Origin of Russian Maslenitsa – Taste of Russia |url=https://blogs.uoregon.edu/tasteofrussia/sample-page/blinchiki-2/origin-of-russian-maslenitsa/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=blogs.uoregon.edu}}</ref>

Maslenitsa also includes [[Masquerade ball|masquerades]], snowball fights, sledding, swinging on swings, and sleigh rides. The mascot is a brightly dressed straw effigy of Lady Maslenitsa, formerly known as [[Kostroma (deity)|Kostroma]]. The celebration culminates on Sunday evening, when Lady Maslenitsa is stripped of her finery and put to the flames of a [[bonfire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gmtlight.com/travel/678b87f7e05311e5bcd502004c4f4f50.html|title=Carnival-gmtlight|website=gmtlight.com|access-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233403/http://www.gmtlight.com/travel/678b87f7e05311e5bcd502004c4f4f50.html|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Slovakia====
{{See also|Slavic carnival}}
In [[Slovakia]], the [[Fašiangy]] (''fašiang'', ''fašangy'') takes place from [[Three Kings Day]] (''Traja králi'') until the midnight before Ash Wednesday (''Škaredá streda'' or ''Popolcová streda''). At the midnight marking the end of ''fašiangy'', a symbolic burial ceremony for the [[contrabass]] is performed, because music ceases for [[Lent]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=a.s |first=Petit Press |title=Carnival, or Fašiangy, symbolises time of merriment and feasts |url=https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20092675/carnival-or-fasiangy-symbolises-time-of-merriment-and-feasts.html |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=spectator.sme.sk |language=en}}</ref>

====Slovenia====
The Slovenian name for carnival is ''pust''. The [[Slovenia]]n countryside displays a variety of disguised groups and individual characters, among which the most popular and characteristic is the Kurent (plural: ''Kurenti''), a monstrous and demon-like, but fluffy figure. The most significant festival is held in [[Ptuj]] (see: [[Kurentovanje]]). Its special feature are the Kurents themselves, magical creatures from another world, who visit major events throughout the country, trying to banish the winter and announce spring's arrival, fertility, and new life with noise and dancing. The origin of the Kurent is a mystery, and not much is known of the times, beliefs, or purposes connected with its first appearance. The origin of the name itself is obscure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kurent |url=https://kurentovanje.net/eng/etnografski-liki/kurent/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Kurentovanje |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Aleš Kravos Kurentovanje Ptuj 2019.jpg|thumb|[[Kurentovanje]] in [[Ptuj]], Slovenia]]

The [[Cerknica]] Carnival is heralded by a figure called "Poganjič" carrying a whip. In the procession, organised by the "Pust society", a monstrous witch named Uršula is driven from the mountain [[Slivnica (mountain)|Slivnica]], to be burned at the stake on Ash Wednesday. Unique to this region is a group of [[dormice]], driven by the Devil and a huge fire-breathing dragon. [[Cerkno]] and its surrounding area are known for the ''Laufarji'', Carnival figures with artistically carved wooden masks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Parade of Fools in Cerknica, Slovenia |url=https://www.johnbills.com/52-places-slovenia/cerknica-carnival |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=John W Bills |language=en-US}}</ref>

The ''Maškare'' from [[Dobrepolje]] used to represent a triple character: the beautiful, the ugly (among which the most important represented by an old man, an old woman, a hunchback, and a ''Kurent''), and the noble (imitating the urban elite).{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

The major part of the population, especially the young and children, dress up in ordinary non-ethnic costumes, going to school, work, and organized events, where prizes are given for the best and most original costumes. Costumed children sometimes go from house to house asking for treats.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

====Spain====
[[File:GOYA - Entierro de la Sardina (Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, 1812-14).jpg|thumb|upright|''[[The Burial of the Sardine]]'', Francisco Goya, c. 1812]]

Arguably the most famous Carnivals in Spain are [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife|Santa Cruz]], [[Las Palmas]], [[Sitges]], [[Vilanova i la Geltrú]], [[Tarragona]], [[Águilas]], [[Solsona, Lleida|Solsona]], [[Cádiz]], [[Badajoz]], [[Bielsa]] (an ancestral Carnival celebration), [[Plan, Aragon|Plan]], [[San Juan de Plan]], [[Laza, Spain|Laza]], [[Verín]], Viana, and [[Xinzo de Limia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unmissable Carnivals in Spain |url=https://www.spain.info/en/top/carnivals-spain/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Spain.info |language=en}}</ref>

One of the oldest native Mediterranean carnival in Iberian peninsula takes place in [[Ituren]] and [[Zubieta]] in [[Navarre]] in late January/early February. The carnival symbolises the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, winter and spring.

=====Andalusia=====
{{Main|Carnival of Cádiz}}
[[File:Carnavaldecadiz.jpg|thumb|right|A choir singing in the [[Carnival of Cádiz]], in [[Cádiz]], [[Andalusia]], Spain]]

In [[Cádiz]], the costumes worn are often related to recent news, such as the [[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1|bird flu]] epidemic in 2006, during which many people were disguised as chickens. The feeling of this Carnival is the sharp criticism, the funny play on words and the imagination in the costumes, more than the glamorous dressings. It is traditional to paint the face with [[lipstick]] as a humble substitute of a mask.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://magazine.6tour.com/en/2016/01/carnevale-2016-mete-ed-eventi-in-italia/|title=Carnival 2016, celebrations around the world|date=2016-01-19|website=6tour MAGAZINE|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725045451/http://magazine.6tour.com/en/2016/01/carnevale-2016-mete-ed-eventi-in-italia/|archive-date=25 July 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The most famous groups are the [[chirigota]]s, choirs, and [[comparsa]]s. The chirigotas are well known witty, satiric popular groups who sing about politics, new times, and household topics, wearing the same costume, which they prepare for the whole year. The Choirs (''coros'') are wider groups that go on open carts through the streets singing with an orchestra of guitars and lutes. Their signature piece is the "Carnival Tango", alternating comical and serious repertory. The comparsas are the serious counterpart of the chirigota in Cádiz, and the poetic lyrics and the criticism are their main ingredients. They have a more elaborated [[polyphony]] that is easily recognizable by the typical [[countertenor]] voice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Javier |date=2012-02-21 |title=The Carnival of Cádiz {{!}} choirs, chirigotas, spain, couplet, pasodoble |url=https://www.inmsol.com/blog/carnival-cadiz/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=iNMSOL |language=en-US}}</ref>

=====Canary Islands=====
{{See also|Carnival of Las Palmas|Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife}}

The Santa Cruz Carnival is, with the Carnival of Cadiz, the most important festival for Spanish tourism and Spain's largest Carnival.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jorge |url=http://fiestas.edreams.es/Carnival/el-Carnival-de-tenerife/ |title=Fiestas de España. El Carnival de Tenerife |publisher=Fiestas.edreams.es |access-date=12 February 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| author=A. A. |url=http://www.tenerife-abc.com/Carnival/ |title=El Carnival de Tenerife |publisher=Tenerife-abc.com |access-date=12 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090409/http://www.tenerife-abc.com/Carnival/ |archive-date=21 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>[[:es:Santa Cruz de Tenerife#Ciudades hermanadas|Ciudades hermanadas con Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Wikipedia]]{{Circular reference|date=April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.santacruzmas.com/SantaCruzMas.asp?IdMenu=4&IdSeccion=39&IdSubseccion=129 |title=Ciudades hermanadas con Santa Cruz de Tenerife |publisher=Santacruzmas.com |access-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716004257/http://www.santacruzmas.com/SantaCruzMas.asp?IdMenu=4&IdSeccion=39&IdSubseccion=129 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1980, it was declared a Festival Tourist International Interest. Every February, [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], the capital of the largest of the [[Canary Islands]], hosts the event, attracting around a million people.<ref name="santacruzmas.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.santacruzmas.com/SantaCruzMas09.asp?IdMenu=10&IdSeccion=41&IdSubseccion=238|title=Santacruzmas.com|accessdate=11 March 2023}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

[[File:Contestant Angeles Hernández Paez performs during the Tenerife Carnival Queen 2009 contest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.jpg|thumb|left|Carnival Queen of [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Canary Islands]], Spain]]

In 1980, it was declared a Festival Tourist International Interest.<ref name="santacruzmas.com"/> In 1987, [[Cuba]]n singer [[Celia Cruz]] with orchestra [[Billo's Caracas Boys]] performed at the "Carnival Chicharrero", attended by 250,000 people. This was registered in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'' as the largest gathering of people in an outdoor plaza to attend a concert, a record she holds today.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-05 |title=Celia Cruz's Guinness Record: The Day the Queen of Salsa Captivated 250,000 People in Tenerife |url=https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-01-05-u1-e199370-s27065-nid294900-record-guinness-celia-cruz-dia-reina-salsa-conquisto#google_vignette |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=CiberCuba |language=en}}</ref>

The Carnival of [[Las Palmas]] ([[Gran Canaria]]) has a drag queen's gala where a jury chooses a winner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000043/0/47133/daily-news-article.html|title=Las Palmas gets its Carnival Drag Queen at last – Daily News – Gran Canaria – ISLANDCONNECTIONS.EU|website=islandconnections.eu|access-date=3 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204001525/http://www.islandconnections.eu/1000003/1000043/0/47133/daily-news-article.html|archive-date=4 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Catalonia=====
[[File:Vidalot.jpg|thumb|upright|''Vidalot'' is the last night of revelry before Ash Wednesday in [[Vilanova i la Geltrú|Vilanova]], [[Catalonia]], Spain. Water color painting by Brad Erickson.]]

In [[Catalonia]], people dress in masks and costume (often in themed groups) and organize a week-long series of parties, pranks, outlandish activities such as bed races, street dramas satirizing public figures, and raucous processions to welcome the arrival of ''Sa Majestat el Rei Carnestoltes'' ("His Majesty King Carnival"), known by various titles, including ''el Rei dels poca-soltes'' ("King of the crackpots"), ''Princep etern de Cornudella'' ("eternal Prince of Cuckoldry"), {{lang|ca|Duc de ximples i corrumputs}} ("Duke of the fool and corrupt"), ''Marquès de la bona mamella'' ("Marquis of the lovely breast"), ''Comte de tots els barruts'' ("Count of the insolent"), ''Baró de les Calaverades'' ("Baron of mocturnal debaucheries"), and {{lang|ca|Senyor de l'alt Plàtan florit, dels barraquers i gamberrades i artista d'honor dalt del llit}} ("Lord of the tall blooming Banana, of the voyeurs and punks and the artist of honor upon the bed").<ref>Erickson, Brad. 2008. ''Sensory Politics: Catalan Ritual and the New Immigration''. University of California, Berkeley. pp. 123–4</ref>

The King presides over a period of misrule in which conventional social rules may be broken and reckless behavior is encouraged. Festivities are held in the open air, beginning with a ''cercavila'', a ritual procession throughout the town to call everyone to attend. ''Rues'' of masked revelers dance alongside. On Thursday, ''Dijous Gras'' (Fat Thursday) is celebrated, also called 'omelette day' (el ''dia de la truita''), on which ''[[coca (pastry)|coques]]'' ({{lang|ca|de llardons, butifarra d'ou, butifarra}}), and [[omelette]]s are eaten. The festivities end on Ash Wednesday with elaborate funeral rituals marking the death of King Carnival, who is typically burned on a [[pyre]] in what is called the "burial of the [[sardine]]" (''enterrament de la sardina''), or, in Vilanova, as ''l'enterro''.<ref name="Erickson, Brad 2008">Erickson, Brad. 2008. Sensory Politics: Catalan Ritual and the New Immigration. University of California, Berkeley.</ref>

The Carnival of [[Vilanova i la Geltrú]] has a documented history from 1790<ref name="Garcia, Xavier 1972">Garcia, Xavier. 1972. ''Vilanova i la Geltrú i el seu gran Carnaval''. Barcelona: Editorial Pòrtic.</ref> and is one of the richest in the variety of its acts and rituals. It adopts an ancient style in which satire, the [[grotesque body]]<ref name=Bakhtin/> (particularly [[cross-dressing]] and displays of exaggerated bellies, noses, and phalli), and, above all, active participation are valued over glamorous, media-friendly spectacles that Vilanovins mock as "thighs and feathers".<ref>''Diari de Vilanova''. 2006. "Surten 50 carrosses a rebre un Carnestoltes que no ve". 24, 22 February.</ref> It is best known for ''Les Comparses'', a tumultuous dance held on Sunday in which thousands of dancers in traditional dresses and ''Mantons de Manila'' (Manila Shawls), organized into groups of couples march in the street forming lines while throwing tons of hard candies at one another. Vilanovinians organize several rituals during the week. On ''Dijous Gras,'' Vilanovin children are excused from school to participate in the ''Merengada,'' a day-long scene of eating and fighting with sticky, sweet [[meringue]] while adults have a meringue battle at midnight at the historic ''Plaça de les Cols''.

[[File:Merengada.jpg|thumb|Children become covered in meringue during Dijous Gras, in Vilanova, Catalonia, Spain]]

On Friday citizens are called to a parade for the arrival of King Carnival called ''l'Arrivo'' that changes every year. It includes a raucous procession of floats and dancers lampooning current events or public figures and a bitingly satiric sermon (''el sermo'') delivered by the King himself. On Saturday, the King's procession and his [[concubine]]s scandalize the town with their sexual behavior; the mysterious ''Moixo Foguer'' (Little-Bird-Bonfire) is shown accompanied by the ''Xerraire'' (jabberer), who try to convince the crowd about the wonders that this mighty bird carries in a box (which ends up being in fact a naked person covered in feathers);<ref>''Diari de Vilanova''. 2006. "Plomes amb control sanitari per al Moixó". 24 February 23.</ref> and other items such as: sport acts and barbecues in the streets; the ''talking-dance'' of the Mismatched Couples (''Ball de Malcasats''); the children's King ''Caramel'' whose massive belly, long nose and sausage-like hair hint at his insatiable appetites; or the debauched ''Nit dels Mascarots'' dance.

[[File:Malcasats.jpg|thumb|The Ball de Malcasats (Dance of the Mismatched Couples) is a satiric talking-dance traditional to Carnaval in Vilanova, Catalonia, Spain.]]

After Sunday, vilanovinians continue its Carnival with the children's party ''Vidalet'', the satirical chorus of Carnestoltes songs and the last night of revelry, the ''Vidalot.'' For the King's funeral, people dress in elaborate mourning costume, many of them cross-dressing men who carry bouquets of phallic vegetables. In the funeral house, the body of the King is surrounded by weeping concubines, crying over the loss of sexual pleasure brought about by his death. The King's body is carried to the ''Plaça de la Vila'' where a satiric eulogy is delivered while the townspeople eat salty grilled sardines with bread and wine, suggesting the symbolic [[Human cannibalism|cannibalism]] of the communion ritual. Finally, amid rockets and explosions, the King's body is burned in a massive pyre.<ref name="Erickson, Brad 2008"/><ref name="Garcia, Xavier 1972"/>

[[File:Rucs de Solsona.jpg|thumb|upright|Donkeys of [[Solsona, Lleida|Solsona]], Catalonia, Spain, hung in the tower bell]]

Carnaval de Solsona takes place in [[Solsona, Lleida]]. It is one of the longest; free events in the streets and nightly concerts run for more than a week. The Carnival is known for a legend that explains how a donkey was hung at the tower bell − because the animal wanted to eat grass that grew on the top of the tower. To celebrate this legend, locals hang a stuffed donkey at the tower that "pisses" above the excited crowd using a water pump. This event is the most important and takes place on Saturday night. For this reason, the inhabitants are called ''matarrucs'' ("donkey killers").<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.onsortir.cat/contents/1027/so/612.jpg |title=OnSortir |work=onsortir.cat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219004539/http://www.onsortir.cat/contents/1027/so/612.jpg |archive-date=19 February 2010 }}</ref>

"Comparses" groups organize free activities. These groups of friends create and personalize a uniformed suit to wear during the festivities.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

In [[Sitges]], special feasts include {{lang|ca|xatonades}} (''[[xató]]'' is a traditional local salad of the Penedès coast) served with omelettes. Two important moments are the ''Rua de la Disbauxa'' (Debauchery Parade) on Sunday night and the ''Rua de l'Extermini'' (Extermination Parade) on Tuesday night.<ref>{{cite web |title=Protocol del Carnaval de Sitges |url=http://www.sitges.cat/ja-es-carnaval/fitxers/protocol-carnaval-03122015.pdf |publisher=Ajuntament de Sitges |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=ca |archive-date=28 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928194552/http://www.sitges.cat/ja-es-carnaval/fitxers/protocol-carnaval-03122015.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> In 2022, the Rua de la Disbauxa hosted 34 floats and over 1,200 participants.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sàtira i espectacularitat, protagonistes de la Rua de la Disbauxa |url=https://www.sitges.cat/serveis/festes/actualitat/noticies/satira-i-espectacularitat-protagonistes-de-la-rua-de-la-disbauxa |website=Ajuntament de Sitges |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=ca |date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307104948/https://www.sitges.cat/serveis/festes/actualitat/noticies/satira-i-espectacularitat-protagonistes-de-la-rua-de-la-disbauxa |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Tarragona]] has one of the region's most complete ritual sequences. The events start with the building of a huge barrel and ends with its burning with the effigies of the King and Queen. On Saturday, the main parade takes place with masked groups, zoomorphic figures, music, and percussion bands, and groups with [[fireworks]] (the devils, the dragon, the ox, the female dragon). Carnival groups stand out for their clothes full of elegance, showing brilliant examples of fabric crafts, at the Saturday and Sunday parades. About 5,000 people are members of the parade groups.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}

=====Galicia=====
In [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]], the celebration is commonly known as ''Entroido'', or otherwise ''Antroido'', ''Entroiro'', ''Entruido'' or ''Entrudio''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://portaldaspalabras.gal/video/antroido-ou-entroido/|title="Antroido ou Entroido". Pregúntalle á Academia|language=Galician|access-date=25 February 2023|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217184307/https://portaldaspalabras.gal/video/antroido-ou-entroido/|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout history, the cities, towns and villages of Galicia had poor connections between each other, so ''Entroidos'' are very diverse with different cultural traditions and characters based in the zone you're in. Nine Entroido celebrations have been declared as places of touristic interest in Galicia: [[Xinzo de Limia]], [[Santo Adrán de Cobres|Cobres]], [[Laza, Spain|Laza]], [[Verín]], [[Felos de Maceda]], [[Xenerais do Ulla]], [[Vilariño de Conso]], [[Androlla]] and [[Viana do Bolo]] and [[Manzaneda]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.turismo.gal/localizador-de-recursos/-/sit/que_hacer/fiestas/fiestas_de_interes_turistico/galicia?langId=es_ES|title=Fiestas de interés turístico en Galicia|language=es-ES|access-date=25 February 2023|archive-date=25 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225235334/https://www.turismo.gal/localizador-de-recursos/-/sit/que_hacer/fiestas/fiestas_de_interes_turistico/galicia?langId=es_ES|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Cigarrones.jpg|thumb|left|The ''Cigarrón'', the typical character of the Entroido, in [[Verín]], [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]], Spain]]

In [[Galician cuisine]], there are various traditional dishes of ''Entroido'', such as ''Filloas'' (a dish similar to [[crêpe]]s) and ''Orellas'' (A traditional dish of [[Catalonia]] and the [[Valencian Community]], but also traditionally served in Galician and [[France|French]] carnivals). Other traditional foods include [[Chorizo]], [[Lacón]], [[Broth|Caldo]], [[Androlla]] and [[Pork|Pig Heads]].

[[File:Filloas.jpg|thumb|''Filloas'', a [[crêpe]]-like typical dish served in Galician Entroidos]]

===== Valencian Community =====
One of the most important Spanish Carnival Festivals is celebrated in [[Vinaròs]], a small town situated in the northern part of the [[province of Castellón]], [[Valencian Community]].

The Carnival Festival in Vinaròs has been declared of Regional Touristic Interest and in 2017, this outstanding and ancient show celebrated 35 years of History. The Carnival Festival in Vinaròs became a forbidden celebration during the [[Spanish Civil War]] but after the dictatorship, the party regained importance with the democracy's arrival.

Every year in February, forty days before the Spanish [[Cuaresma]], thirty-three "comparsas" go singing, dancing and walking down the streets in a great costumes' parade in Vinaròs. In addition, many other festive, cultural and musical activities of all ages take place, such as an epic battle of confetti and flour, funny karaoke contests or the so-called "[[Entierro de la Sardina]]" (Burial of the Sardine).

Nevertheless, the most important event is the gala performance of the Carnival's Queen. In this breathtaking show, it is elected the Queen of the Carnival, the major representative of the Carnival in Vinaròs all year round.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.slowlivingmediterraneo.com/lets-get-dressed-up-spanish-carnival-festival-in-vinaros/|title=Let's get dressed up! Spanish Carnival Festival in Vinaròs – Slow Living Mediterráneo|date=16 February 2017|newspaper=Slow Living Mediterráneo|access-date=22 February 2017|language=es-ES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207004954/http://www.slowlivingmediterraneo.com/lets-get-dressed-up-spanish-carnival-festival-in-vinaros/|archive-date=7 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Turkey====
{{Main|Baklahorani}}

For almost five centuries, [[Greeks in Turkey|local Greek]] [[Greek Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] communities throughout [[Istanbul]] celebrated Carnival with weeks of bawdy parades, lavish balls, and street parties.<ref name=GreekMinority>{{cite web | url=http://www.omogeneia-konstantinoupoli.com/en/id/ar/baklahorani.html | title=Baklahorani Carnival | publisher=Greek Minority of Istanbul | accessdate=13 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101223253/http://www.omogeneia-konstantinoupoli.com/en/id/ar/baklahorani.html | archive-date=1 November 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> This continued for weeks before Lent. [[Baklahorani]] took place on [[Shrove Monday]] or [[Clean Monday]], the last day of the carnival season. The event was led by the Greek Orthodox community, but the celebrations were public and inter-communal. The final celebration was sited in the [[Kurtuluş]] district.<ref>{{cite news| first=Tom| last=Heneghan| title=Istanbul celebrates carnival after nearly 70 years| url=http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/03/09/istanbul-celebrates-carnival-after-nearly-70-years/| work=Reuters| access-date=1 November 2011| date=9 March 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026054508/http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/03/09/istanbul-celebrates-carnival-after-nearly-70-years/| archive-date=26 October 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2010, the festival was revived.<ref>{{cite news| last=Mullins| first=Ansel| title=Reviving Carnival in Istanbul| url=http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/reviving-carnival-in-istanbul/| work=The New York Times| access-date=1 November 2011| date=27 February 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011050202/http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/reviving-carnival-in-istanbul/| archive-date=11 October 2011| url-status=dead}}</ref>

====United Kingdom====
{{Main|Shrove Tuesday}}

In [[England]], the three days before Lent were called Shrovetide. A time for [[Confession (religion)|confessing sins]] ("shriving"), it had fewer festivities than the continental Carnivals. Today, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as Pancake Day, but little else of the Lent-related Shrovetide survived the 16th-century [[English Reformation]].

Since 2012, Hastings in East Sussex has celebrated with its own Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Five days of music and street events culminating with a Grand Ball on Fat Tuesday itself. Loosely based on the New Orleans style of carnival, Hastings has taken its own course.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hastingsfattuesday.co.uk/|title=Hastings Fat Tuesday|website=hastingsfattuesday.co.uk|access-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205060710/https://www.hastingsfattuesday.co.uk./|archive-date=5 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* [[Birmingham International Carnival]]
* [[West Country Carnival]]
* [[Dover Carnival]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240407020636/https://dovertowncarnival.weebly.com/home.html Dover Town Carnival]</ref>
* [[Leicester Caribbean Carnival]]
* [[Notting Hill Carnival]]