What Is Carnival?
Carnival is the biggest party on Earth! It happens in February or March, right before the Christian season of Lent (a time of fasting and reflection). The idea is to have one HUGE celebration before the quiet period begins.
The most famous Carnival is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For 5 days, the city transforms into an explosion of color, music, and dance! Over 2 million people fill the streets every day. Samba schools (dance groups) spend the ENTIRE year preparing elaborate costumes and choreography for the parade.
But Carnival is not just Brazilian! Venice, Italy has a famous masked Carnival. Trinidad and Tobago has a Carnival with steel drum music. New Orleans, USA has Mardi Gras with jazz bands and king cake. Each place celebrates in its own unique way!