Carnival first appeared in Europe in Rome. Carnival had a religious function - they were preceded by post time, when you can not eat meat. Hence, there was also the word "Carnival" - "to remove the meat." Before fasting people last gorge nepostnym, fun and behaved as it will be impossible during Lent.

The main feature of the festive carnival were and are masks and costumes, not only decorating as changing the image of a man beyond recognition.

The main idea of ​​the festival

Famous Venetian carnival carnival the most striking example of European culture - and to know and commoners once a year get together and communicate seamlessly. Venetians specifically hid his identity under a false costumes and masks to avoid being recognized.

Another striking example - this Latin American carnivals, and the grandest of them the carnival in Rio. This Venetian carnival and practically nothing to do in the external trappings, but have much in common in cultural significance.

The idea of ​​change beyond recognition has several reasons, and one of them - mystical. The man, wearing a mask, hiding from the evil forces, because they can not learn. On the other hand, reincarnated in someone else, man himself becomes a part of the underworld. Carnival - the transition to other worlds.

Carnival erasing social boundaries: you are the master, or a servant - at the carnival all are equal. In Rome, the first carnivals happened exactly: the servant and master of my clothes, and accordingly places, and the upper classes one day a year waited lower.

Today carnivals ceased to be religious in nature, and it was only a pleasure feature.

A special cultural phenomenon - Brazilian carnival. It was greatly influenced by Africa. African tradition to organize magical processions to appease evil spirits reincarnated in a wide festival, a celebration of youth and beauty. The tradition of creating ritual masks and costumes to bring good luck and health - has become a hallmark for the carnival, but with quite large changes. This carnival has shown that the human spirit can rise above problems to heal the pain, because the first Latin American carnivals originated among black slaves. And now a carnival costume Costume: all roads lead to Venice   It separates people everyday reality for some time immersed in a festive carnival - the world of carefree fun.

African music, live fire and wild dancing - something without which there can be a carnival on the American continent. African slaves to these carnivals have demonstrated not only the power of the spirit, but also a rich cultural tradition. Gradually carnivals took immense popularity and became a phenomenon that unites people in many parts of the world: Brazil, carnival Mardi Gras in Louisiana (where African-Americans, mixed with French settlers and the Native Americans). Carnival is now held in the Caribbean in Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and in Central and South America, Belize, Panama, Brazil, in major cities in Canada and the United States as Brooklyn , Miami, Toronto and San Francisco.

In the days of the carnival people of all ages and nationalities to the streets to take part in the parade. Days carnival unite all those who want to escape from everyday life and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a masquerade.

Brazilian Carnival costume has nothing to do with the Venetian. If the Venetian carnival - a product of the Renaissance, with luxurious fabrics, dresses, European traditions, the Brazilian carnival - the realm of African passions. Suit for Brazilian carnival consists of a minimum and maximum fabric feathers and rhinestones.