So Many Islands, So Many Carnivals

Rio has one. Trinidad has a big one. But those two really famous Carnivals represent only a small fraction of the celebrations that happen around the world, mostly in fall but increasingly in other months.

Carnival has its origins in Europe. Italy to be exact. In North America we tend to think of Carnival as a Caribbean or South American tradition, and it is.

Now.

Hundreds of years ago these traditionally religious festivals started out as the big blow out before Lent, a time where Catholics were to abstain from meat. Carnival, in fact, means, "no meat" or " put away the flesh".

What started in Italy spread to France, Spain and Portugal, all Catholic countries.

Colonial settlement in the America's meant that the tradition found a home in the New World, only with an African infusion.

With the influence of the African slaves in the Caribbean islands came the colorful costumes, parades and masks.

Preparation for carnivals in the Caribbean takes many months. While Carnival was a winter celebration it has now gone year round. Mostly though the party is in the later summer and fall.

The following island have a vibrant Carnival celebration, and if you're going to go, plan early and try to get there on the big parade day.

Antigua http://www.antiguacarnival.com
Aruba: http://www.aruba.com
Barbados: http://www.cropoverfestival.com
Curacao: http://www.curacao-tourism.com/
Cayman Islands: http://www.caymancarnival.com/
Jamaica: http://www.jamaicacarnival.com/
Brazil: http://www.brazilocity.com/carnival/index.asp