Carnaval, Mardi Gras & Winter Olympics .....

Is an ancient celebration - some say it finds its origins in the pre-Christian celebrations of the Greek Dionysus ceremonies, and Roman Saturnalia parties.

Carnavale continued throughout the ages, in all parts of the world .... in Medieval times in Europe

From the days of the Lord of Misrule, to the rowdy celebrations of the "common folk,"


to the extravaganzas of costumed masquerade balls

Carnaval is celebrated around the world, for differening periods of time - often from the end of harvest, through Christmas, Yule, New Years and up until the beginning of Lent. In some parts of the world, Carnaval continues well into March, past the beginning of Lent.

For the 2006 Winter Olympics celebration, the City of Turino, Italy moved its famous celebration of Carnaval into the opening and closing ceremonies of the games!

With the growth of Christianity, the ongoing tensions between the pagan symbolism and disorder of Canaval celebrations have ebbed and flowed ... represented by the artist Peter
Bruegel in his 16th century painting, The Battle Between Carnaval and Lent:


In a strange sort of compromise, the Winter Interlude of Carnaval ends as Spring and the time to return to the regular structure of agricultural life presses in on the revelers. The Church declaring a period of Penitance prior to the celebration of the Resurection Of Christ on Easter Sunday, instituted the season of Lent - a period of approximately 40 days of preparation for the observance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday is the last day of carnaval before Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent.

New Orleans is perhaps the quinessential Mardi Gras City, and has been experiencing its own form of resurrection following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina ....

Mardi Gras ends promptly at the stroke of midnight on Fat Tuesday ....

Mardi Gras Sunset

But to New Orleans, we will forever say ....

Eternal Blessings to you, NOLA!