Carnival celebrations around the world

Carnival celebrations around the world

Every year, crowds gather to celebrate Carnival, but few are aware of
how many different celebrations happen all over the world in places
like South America, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. The festivities
typically include lively parades, rich foods, and different forms of
entertainment ranging from circus stunts to musical performances.

Many different theories surround the origins of Carnival. One suggests
that it is derived from the Latin words caro meaning meat and vale
meaning farewell, possibly describing the necessity of using all
perishables before the 40 days of fasting during Lent. Some also
believe that the celebrations were a way to scare away evil spirits,
thereby saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring.

Carnival celebrations are usually popular events and are considered
peak traveling times, which could potentially mean an increase in
prices and decrease in hotel and flight capacity. It's wise to book
early to ensure the lowest prices and availability. Some Carnival
revelers book up to even a year in advance. Last-minute planners and
those wanting to save money should consider looking for lodging
outside the city center, where there's often more availability and
lower rates than in the heart of the action. And don't despair if you
miss out this year, because you can always get an early start on next
year's festivities and beat everyone to the punch.

The following destinations celebrate Carnival with unique style and
flair.

* Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: During February, Rio de
Janeiro hosts one of the largest celebrations in the world in the form
of a gigantic dance competition performed by samba schools. The
streets fill with musical performances, an array of food vendors,
colorful costumes, and massive floats. The procession begins at around
eight in the evening, and can last until dawn. Tickets are available
at travel agencies, but must be purchased a good deal in advance,
especially for seats outside the reserved tourist sections. Visit the
Rio Convention Bureau for more information.
* Carnevale Di Venezia, Venice, Italy: Also in February, Venice
holds a one-week celebration that's over 700 years old to honor the
end of winter. The city springs to life with theatrical performances,
acrobatics, ornate masks, and elegant costumes. Originally, lavish
masks were worn to give commoners the illusion of equality to royalty.
Now, they hide strangers' faces and provide unity among people. The
decorative masks may also serve as a veil to allow for mischievous
behavior such as indulging in excessive food and drink. It's best to
book at least one year in advance for lodging. For further details,
visit the official Carnevale website.
* Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana: Although New Orleans is
still coping with the horrible aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the
streets will fill with laughter and merriment during Mardi Gras (Fat
Tuesday) this year. The city has always attracted national and
international crowds with the extravagant balls, wild street parties,
and massive parades during the two-week festival in February. This
year will be similar, but with more condensed activities. Book now as
flights and lodging are limited and expected to fill up quickly. For
more information on the status of the city and Mardi Gras festivities,
read New Orleans, on the upswing, calls back visitors. Also, The New
Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau continually updates its website
with the current status of specific establishments.
* Carnival in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago: Nearly all of
the Caribbean islands celebrate Carnival, with the biggest festivals
usually occurring in February. One of the most popular celebrations
takes place in Trinidad and Tobago. The streets become a procession of
costumes, color, and calypso for the two days before Ash Wednesday.
The festival is more than just a party; it's a performance befitting a
stage with theatrical attire and dramatic acts. Book at least one year
in advance for Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival and other peak
festivals, and three to four months in advance for the smaller island
carnivals such as those on St. Lucia and Saba that take place in the
summer off-season.
* Carnaval de Quebec, Quebec City: Quebec City's Carnival features
an ice palace, snow sculptures, and its very own mascot, Bonhomme.
During this 2 1/2-week festival in late January through early
February, the streets of the old city are converted into courses ready
for dog sledding and soapbox races. At night, parades fill the streets
with marching bands and decorative floats. Quebec's winter Carnival is
the largest of its kind, combining folkloric tradition with art and
activities. Book at least three months in advance for hotels in the
old city, especially the famous Fairmont Château Frontenac.
Last-minute rates and lower prices are typically available at hotels
outside the old city. For full details and a calendar of events, visit
the Carnaval de Quebec website.

The aforementioned carnivals are only a few out of the many
celebrations that happen all over the world each year. Festivals take
place in destinations from Minnesota to Rijeka, Croatia, and several
even happen in the summer or early winter. Visit Carnival Potpourri
for more information on the many different events that happen
throughout the year.

http://www.smartertravel.com/advice/...6&u=SL4F6B4DC5

===
"Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, Dance like nobody's watching..."
-- Richard Leigh
_________________________________________
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Don't forget Carnival of Rijeka, Croatia...

2. carnival in the World (1. is Brazil)

http://www.ri-karneval.com.hr/Home.a...=1&gohome=true





"Ablang" wrote in message
news
Carnival celebrations around the world

Every year, crowds gather to celebrate Carnival, but few are aware of
how many different celebrations happen all over the world in places
like South America, Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. The festivities
typically include lively parades, rich foods, and different forms of
entertainment ranging from circus stunts to musical performances.

Many different theories surround the origins of Carnival. One suggests
that it is derived from the Latin words caro meaning meat and vale
meaning farewell, possibly describing the necessity of using all
perishables before the 40 days of fasting during Lent. Some also
believe that the celebrations were a way to scare away evil spirits,
thereby saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring.

Carnival celebrations are usually popular events and are considered
peak traveling times, which could potentially mean an increase in
prices and decrease in hotel and flight capacity. It's wise to book
early to ensure the lowest prices and availability. Some Carnival
revelers book up to even a year in advance. Last-minute planners and
those wanting to save money should consider looking for lodging
outside the city center, where there's often more availability and
lower rates than in the heart of the action. And don't despair if you
miss out this year, because you can always get an early start on next
year's festivities and beat everyone to the punch.

The following destinations celebrate Carnival with unique style and
flair.

* Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: During February, Rio de
Janeiro hosts one of the largest celebrations in the world in the form
of a gigantic dance competition performed by samba schools. The
streets fill with musical performances, an array of food vendors,
colorful costumes, and massive floats. The procession begins at around
eight in the evening, and can last until dawn. Tickets are available
at travel agencies, but must be purchased a good deal in advance,
especially for seats outside the reserved tourist sections. Visit the
Rio Convention Bureau for more information.
* Carnevale Di Venezia, Venice, Italy: Also in February, Venice
holds a one-week celebration that's over 700 years old to honor the
end of winter. The city springs to life with theatrical performances,
acrobatics, ornate masks, and elegant costumes. Originally, lavish
masks were worn to give commoners the illusion of equality to royalty.
Now, they hide strangers' faces and provide unity among people. The
decorative masks may also serve as a veil to allow for mischievous
behavior such as indulging in excessive food and drink. It's best to
book at least one year in advance for lodging. For further details,
visit the official Carnevale website.
* Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana: Although New Orleans is
still coping with the horrible aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the
streets will fill with laughter and merriment during Mardi Gras (Fat
Tuesday) this year. The city has always attracted national and
international crowds with the extravagant balls, wild street parties,
and massive parades during the two-week festival in February. This
year will be similar, but with more condensed activities. Book now as
flights and lodging are limited and expected to fill up quickly. For
more information on the status of the city and Mardi Gras festivities,
read New Orleans, on the upswing, calls back visitors. Also, The New
Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau continually updates its website
with the current status of specific establishments.
* Carnival in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago: Nearly all of
the Caribbean islands celebrate Carnival, with the biggest festivals
usually occurring in February. One of the most popular celebrations
takes place in Trinidad and Tobago. The streets become a procession of
costumes, color, and calypso for the two days before Ash Wednesday.
The festival is more than just a party; it's a performance befitting a
stage with theatrical attire and dramatic acts. Book at least one year
in advance for Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival and other peak
festivals, and three to four months in advance for the smaller island
carnivals such as those on St. Lucia and Saba that take place in the
summer off-season.
* Carnaval de Quebec, Quebec City: Quebec City's Carnival features
an ice palace, snow sculptures, and its very own mascot, Bonhomme.
During this 2 1/2-week festival in late January through early
February, the streets of the old city are converted into courses ready
for dog sledding and soapbox races. At night, parades fill the streets
with marching bands and decorative floats. Quebec's winter Carnival is
the largest of its kind, combining folkloric tradition with art and
activities. Book at least three months in advance for hotels in the
old city, especially the famous Fairmont Château Frontenac.
Last-minute rates and lower prices are typically available at hotels
outside the old city. For full details and a calendar of events, visit
the Carnaval de Quebec website.

The aforementioned carnivals are only a few out of the many
celebrations that happen all over the world each year. Festivals take
place in destinations from Minnesota to Rijeka, Croatia, and several
even happen in the summer or early winter. Visit Carnival Potpourri
for more information on the many different events that happen
throughout the year.

http://www.smartertravel.com/advice/...6&u=SL4F6B4DC5

===
"Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt,
Dance like nobody's watching..."
-- Richard Leigh
_________________________________________
Usenet Zone Free Binaries Usenet Server
More than 140,000 groups
Unlimited download
http://www.usenetzone.com to open account