Carnival!

It is a celebration that spans the globe, and it lasts for weeks on end.  Carnival begins twelve days after Christmas on January 6th (also known as Epiphany), and Carnival goes until 46 days before Easter.  During this time, celebrants participate in parades, parties, contests, philanthropic events, galas and balls.  Each event has a theme, from crowning a king or queen to celebrating regional foods, even highlighting customs and traits specific to a country or area.  Carnival is especially prominent in Europe and Latin America, as well as parts of the Carribbean.  The United States also has several locations that become highly involved in Carnival, or at least certain parts of it.

The final day of Carnival is known as Mardi Gras, which translates into “fat Tuesday” from the French language.  Mardi Gras is typically a huge celebration to end the season of Carnival.  It may include parades, parties, holidays for workers, costumes and special music, special foods and activities for children.  Most references made to Carnival involve the celebration of Mardi Gras.  It marks the eve of Lent, which is the Christian season just prior to Easter. 

Mardi Gras celebrations are typically done up in a color scheme of gold, purple and green.  Masquerade masks and other costumes are favorite decorations at this time, as are beaded necklaces and crowns, jokers and garlands.  Sometimes a King Cake is associated with the celebration.  Traditionally, a King Cake is a braided ring, much like a coffee cake ring, with icing on top that has been tinted gold, green and purple.  There is usually a trinket baked somewhere inside the cake, and usually it is a tiny plastic baby.  The person who receives the trinket is declared the king or queen for the day, and that person is also responsible for providing the next cake.  Many times, though, the trinket is left out as it does pose a choking hazard for those not familiar with the custom.

The best part about Carnival and Mardi Gras is that there are no set guidelines for celebrating.  Anyone can have a Carnival or Mardi Gras celebration, and the theme of the party can be as unique as the person throwing it.  The main purpose of these celebrations should be to have fun and enjoy your friends and family.