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Carnival, The Largest Party in Europe

February 27, 2017 by Colleen Mariotti

carnival-europe

And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy. F Scott Fitzgerald

Carnival is the largest party in Europe and we can’t get enough.

The vast majority of the population in countries where we have celebrated Carnival are Roman Catholic. In France, Italy and Portugal, Roman Catholics make up over 80% of the overall population.

Carnival is basically pre-Lent or Shrovetide. It is a street party dedicated to indulgent behaviors before the official start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent then lasts 40 days (not including Sundays), ending on Holy Thursday, or the Thursday before Easter. It is safe to say that February and sometimes March are party season and we are so happy to be back in Europe in time for our favorite festa.

We have danced in the preschool parades on the Island of Elba, the floating flower parades in Nice, France and in the shadows of floats that seem to touch the sky in Viareggio, Italy. This is our first Carnival in Portugal and we love the anticipation we feel turning every corner.

Some of the things we love about Carnival is that everyone dresses up no matter what the age. There is an expectation that some friendly confetti and silly string ambushes will take place and kids love to catch adults when they least expect it. Jokes, pranks, tricks and treats are all part of the street party. Political satire, scantily clad dancers, and loud music are also fan favorites but somehow don’t diminish the family atmosphere.

A local man shared a Portuguese saying wish us yesterday, “É Carnaval, ninguém leva a mal!” The rough translation is, “It is Carnival, and no one gets hurt or offended.” I guess that is what makes it special for our family. It is about being free, playful, and festive and it doesn’t stop when you grow up.

Carnival was not associated with Lent until the middle-ages. Its pre-Christian history was a way to close the winter months of darkness and step in to the light.

Put on a mask, dance in the streets, and let the sun shine down upon you. From Torres Vedras to Loulé and everywhere in between, you are not alone and yet no one is watching …

Today’s Tweetable: Carnival is playful, and everyone is invited to the party
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Filed Under: Appreciation, Europe Tagged With: Carnival, Carnival Europe, Celebration Carnival, Largest Party, Parades, Roman Catholic, Scott Fitzgerald

About Colleen Mariotti

Colleen is a mother of three, teacher, leadership coach, writer, and co-founder of Livology. The observations on this site come from a deep desire to share, practice and continue to learn and grow by being present in the world every day.

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