KARNAVAL

It is good to know about the traditional feast in Brazil.

The origins of carnival date back to the ancient Greek spring festival in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans adopted the celebration with Bacchanalia (feasts in honor of Bacchus, the Roman equivalent to Dionysus), and Saturnalia, where slaves and their masters would exchange clothes in a day of drunken revelry. Saturnalia was later modified by the Roman Catholic Church into a festival leading up Ash Wednesday. It quickly evolved into a massive celebration of indulgences - one last gasp of music, food, alcohol, and sex before Lent - before the 40 days of personal reflection, abstinence, and fasting until Easter (not exactly what the Church probably had in mind). 40 days of purging sins, preceded by a week filled with virtually every known sin. The word itself comes from Latin, "Carne Vale" or "Farewell to the Flesh".
Carnival in Brazil sets the standard for all Carnival pre-Lenten celebrations worldwide. Originally, Carnival was a pagan custom celebrating the arrival of spring. However, Christian culture was loath to relinquish the popular festival and incorporated it into their religious traditions. Brazil Carnival begins four days before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of the Lenten season. During Lent, Christians prepare for Easter Sunday by fasting or foregoing favorite foods and activities (the requirements vary for different Christian denominations) . Brazil Carnival is a great way to cut loose and enjoy life before the restrictions of Lent are imposed.
You should also keep in mind that Carnival in Brazil is a national holiday. If you are planning to visit Brazil with a day-in-the-life view, you might be disappointed at Carnival time; many shops are closed for the holiday. After all, who doesn't want to celebrate Carnival in Brazil?

Christy Peter