Carnival♣

The origin of the word "Carnival"

Carnival is a festive occasion or period marked by merrymaking, processions, etc. In some Roman Catholic countries, it is the period just before Lent (the 40 days). This word possibly comes from the Latin "carnem levare", which means to take away or remove meat. Carnival was associated with the Pre-Lenten festivals on and around Shrove Tuesday.

In England.

The largest Carnival in England is Notting Hill which does not derive from Lent and is celebrated in late August. But Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as Pancake Day. Pancake Day takes place 47 days before Easter Sunday. It can occur anytime between February 3rd and March 9th. It is also know as Shrove Tuesday and is called "Pancake Day" because it is the day traditionally for eating pancakes as pancake recipes were a way to use up any stocks of milk, butter and eggs which were forbidden during the abstinence of Lent. On Pancake Day, "pancake races" are held in villages and towns across the UK. Participants with frying pans race through the streets tossing pancakes into the air and catching them in the pan whilst running.

Notting Hill Carnival.

The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event that since 1964 has taken place on streets of Notting Hill, London and UK each August, over three days. It is led by members of the West Indian community. The Carnival has attracted around one million people in the past years, making it one of the largest street festivals in the world.