carnival (noun)

a festival marked by merrymaking and processions

circus, carnival (noun)

a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment

"it was so funny it was a circus"; "the whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere"

carnival, fair, funfair (noun)

a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.

carnival (Noun)

A festive occasion marked by parades and sometimes special foods and other entertainment

Carnival (ProperNoun)

The season just before the beginning of the Roman Catholic season of Lent, when New Orleans has its Mardi Gras carnival.

Carnival

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.