Carnival,
Carnaval, or
Carnivale is a festive season which occurs immediately before
Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public
celebration or
parade combining some elements of a
circus, mask and public
street party. People often dress up or
masquerade during the celebrations, which mark an overturning of daily life.
Carnival is traditionally held in areas with a large Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox makeup.
Protestant areas usually do not have Carnival celebrations or have modified traditions, such as the
Danish Carnival or other
Shrove Tuesday events. Conversely, the
Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, does not have Carnival celebrations as they are more culturally influenced by neighboring Asian nations, which do not have Carnival celebrations.