Traditionally, Carnival Season is a time of merrymaking and feasting before the start of Lent, March 1.
Germany's Munich Fasching Carnival is famous for its costume balls. In France, the Nice Carnival, Feb. 10-26, dates from the 14th century. It features battles of flowers and confetti, fireworks, and the burning King Carnival at the end of the festivities.
The St. Paul, Minnesota, Winter Carnival Jan., 6 – Feb. 5, is advertised as the "Coolest Celebration on Earth." It has indoor and outdoor events for its 200,000 visitors.
Canada's Winterlude Carnival at Ottawa, ON, draws 695,000 visitors. It is held on Feb. 3-20, and includes skating on the Rideau Canal.
The 120th Saranac Lake (NY) Winter Carnival, is Feb. 3-12.
The French Quarter of New Orleans has most famous Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) parades and events beginning Feb. 19. On Feb. 28, the Krew of Rex parade is one of the largest.
The term, Mardi Gras, is used for carnival events in the two weeks before Lent.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
