<P> Carnival ( see other spellings and names ) is a Western Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent . The main events typically occur during February or early March , during the period historically known as Shrovetide ( or Pre-Lent ) . Carnival typically involves a public celebration and / or parade combining some elements of a circus , masks , and a public street party . People wear masks and costumes during many such celebrations , allowing them to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity . Excessive consumption of alcohol , meat , and other foods proscribed during Lent is extremely common . Other common features of carnival include mock battles such as food fights ; social satire and mockery of authorities ; the grotesque body displaying exaggerated features , especially large noses , bellies , mouths , and phalli , or elements of animal bodies ; abusive language and degrading acts ; depictions of disease and gleeful death ; and a general reversal of everyday rules and norms . </P>
<P> Carnival ( see other spellings and names ) is a Western Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent . The main events typically occur during February or early March , during the period historically known as Shrovetide ( or Pre-Lent ) . Carnival typically involves a public celebration and / or parade combining some elements of a circus , masks , and a public street party . People wear masks and costumes during many such celebrations , allowing them to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity . Excessive consumption of alcohol , meat , and other foods proscribed during Lent is extremely common . Other common features of carnival include mock battles such as food fights ; social satire and mockery of authorities ; the grotesque body displaying exaggerated features , especially large noses , bellies , mouths , and phalli , or elements of animal bodies ; abusive language and degrading acts ; depictions of disease and gleeful death ; and a general reversal of everyday rules and norms . </P>
when is the latin american celebration of carnival held
when is the latin american celebration of carnival held
during February or early March , during the period historically known as Shrovetide ( or Pre-Lent )
during February or early March , during the period historically known as Shrovetide ( or Pre-Lent )