Carnival
/ˈkɑːrnɪvəl/noun
A festive season occurring before Lent, often involving public celebrations and parades.
Did you know?Carnival's origins are steeped in ancient Roman festivals that celebrated the end of winter with wild revelry and the sacrifice of animals, invoking the spirits of fertility and abundance.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
carne vale
“Farewell to meat.”
Middle Ages
Old French
carnaval
“A public festival preceding Lent.”
14th Century
Old French
carnival
“A time of revelry and feasting before the fasting period.”
Modern English
English
carnival
“A festive celebration marked by parades, costumes, and public festivities.”