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The day prior to starting of Lent has been known to be Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, or Carnival. Christians believe of Lent to be the period of 40 days spent by Jesus in desert without eating or drinking anything. It happens to end on ‘Easter Sunday’. Carnival is said to get celebrated in the month of February.

History

Carnival started with some of the old habits that were prevalent in France since ages. For instance, the French had the tendency of taking one of the fat cows around roads of the capital for telling people that meat should not be eaten during Lent. The fact is that the term ‘carnival’ actually means “taking away the meat” in Latin. Certain people believe of Carnival to have started even before ancient festivals pertaining to Romans. Years later, it began in Europe. Then the spreading to the US and other countries started.

In France, people have themselves disguised, along with putting on the crazy masks. A man is also made from straw. His clothes are taken off, and he is attached on to the post, and then pushed through Paris roads. His assassination takes place at night. Almost everybody is a witness to this murder. There’re a number of ways of killing him- setting him ablaze, drowning him, or hanging.

Nice Carnival

French Carnival can be referred to as the occasion for various festivals in the towns all through France. The carnival happening in Nice is the largest as well as most spectacular one. During the Carnival, Nice erupts in to the citywide party, followed by parades during the evening and day time. Large fireworks and bonfire can be seen on Mardi Gras. Parties, floats, and flower processions make Nice noteworthy in terms of Carnival.

Tradition

French Carnival is an age-old tradition. The situation in France is such that Carnival provides the last chance for eating fatty and rich cuisine prior to the 40-day fast relating to Lent. French Carnival went ahead in terms of becoming a period with the relaxation of restrictions of Church and enchantment of people who have disguised behind the masks with regards to activity which is forbidden during the other times.

The origin of French Carnival can be traced to the 13th century. This was the time when French revolution was still to happen. Carnival consisted of maskd balls as well as dances for French aristocracy. Every year since 1873, French Carnival is known for having a committee corresponding to several parties, for organizing more impressive floats, fabulous costumes, more grotesque, and much more spectacular celebratory atmosphere. The current scenario is such that it has turned out to be a ten-day celebration (in the period), thereby leading upto Mardi Gras.

The festival starts on one of the Saturdays, exactly 10 days prior to Mardi Gras with Carnival King’s arrival. Parades are organized every day or night for the complete Carnival. Since the year 1876, French Carnival has been inclusive of a Bataille de Fleurs, i.e. battle of flowers. Such is French Carnival.

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