Mardi Gras & Carnaval Traditions: What do you already know? Vs. Mardi Gras Carnaval In the European Christian tradition, the word "carnaval" has been linked to the idea of "good bye to the flesh", referring to the 40 days of Lent. Hint: Think of the meaning of the Spanish word, “carne” During this time, Catholics were prescribed not to eat meat according to the traditional religious precepts. Therefore, the days preceding Lent became a period of abandon and indulging. The celebration becomes an escape to the pressure and to the rigidity of religious tradition. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on__. Therefore, most Mardi Gras and Carnival parades and festivities will occur the on the days leading up to __, which is considered “Fat Tuesday” in the Mardi Gras tradition. Masks •Masks, or “máscaras ,” have the power to transform those who wear them. When one wears a mask, there is a transformation into someone different. •Masks not only change the people wearing them, but also those who interact with them. • The most ancient masks were used to represent supernatural spirits or to let us contact higher beings whom we believe may influence our lives. “Carnaval” in the Dominican Republic What you see in the hands of these Dominicans during a “Carnaval” parade are dried out cow bladders. The Spanish word for bladder is, “vejiga.” The tradition is to fill the cow bladders with stones and to smash them over small childrens’ heads when they least expect it. The Vejigante of Puerto Rico The Vejigante (bay-he- GAHN-tay) is a fantastic, colorful character introduced into carnival celebrations in Puerto Rico hundreds of years ago. He is a classic example of the blending of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in Puerto Rican culture. In the northern town of Loíza, the African influence is evident in the masks made from coconut shells and carved wooden horns. Carnaval de Ponce • The city of Ponce, Puerto Rico will come alive with vibrant color, “bomba and plena” music, and the infamous masked “vejigantes” during the week-long Ponce Carnival beginning on __ and ending Tuesday ___, the day before Ash Wednesday. • The “vejigantes” march around chasing after innocent bystanders to beat away any evil spirits that are lingering around them. The horns commonly seen on Hispanic masks signify the devil and any evil that would be chased away. ¡Feliz Carnaval! How are Mardi Gras and Carnaval similar & different? Explain. Vs. Mardi Gras Carnaval .