Dear Source,
The honorable Mr. Estemac's take on Carnival as anti-Christian is a bit harsh.
The word carnival is derived from the Latin meat (carne) leaving (val) to
celebrate the beginning of the lenten season.
The French words "mardi gras" or Fat Tuesday celebrate the festivities leading up to Ash Wednesday.
In Germany, fasching is the celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday and it begins in November( 11/11 if my memory serves me). The festivities prior to the Holy Lenten season in no way diminish the solemnity of Christ's sacrifice.
Pat Lasalle – New Jersey