What is the most important holiday in Brazil?

Answer 1

Brazil's greatest holiday is known as "Carnival" or "Mardis Gras." The word "Carnival" is a translation of the word "carnelevare," which means to remove or "raise" the fat from the house. "Mardis Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday" and also refers to the final consumption of all fats at home, before beginning the fasting period of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

The day is also referred to as "Shrove Tuesday," from the word "Shrive," meaning to confess. Secularists simply refer to the day as "Pancake Day," symbolising the using up of the last of the fats and poultry.

Carnival is of such importance to Brazil that it draws roughly five million revellers each year. It's reported that eighty percent of Brazil's entire annual beer consumption is during the week long celebration.

Businesses close and families come together with strangers to celebrate the event.

Carnival/Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, from small islands to the largest cities, with a wide-range of sights, sounds, smells and tastes. It's often referred to as the greatest party in the world.