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The Nice Carnival is the largest carnival in France and one of the most famous in the world. It takes place every winter in Nice, in February for two weeks including three weekends, and attracts several hundred thousand spectators. Carnival is one of the three biggest carnivals in the world, after those in Rio and Venice./Le carnaval de Nice est le plus grand carnaval de France et l'un des plus célèbres du monde. Il se déroule chaque hiver à Nice, au mois de février pendant deux semaines incluant trois week-ends, et attire plusieurs centaines de milliers de spectateurs. Le carnaval est l'un des trois plus grands carnavals au monde, après ceux de Rio et Venise

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Carnaval de Nice Bataille de fleurs du 15 Février 2020

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The Paris Carnival is a popular Parisian festival succeeding the Fête des Fous, which flourished from at least the 11th century until the 15th century.

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The Granville Carnival is a carnival that takes place every year, during the five days preceding Shrove Tuesday, in Granville (France). It is one of the most important and renowned in the West of France

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Les préparatifs du Carnaval de Granville - Reportage de France 3 Normandie

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The Dunkirk carnival is all the festivities that take place in the Dunkirk conurbation around Mardi Gras. We distinguish :the bands: the carnival parade in the streets behind the music (the "clique"), led by a drum major.balls: carnival-goers meet at night, in the large halls of the city, to party, by mixing carnival songs and contemporary music, for the benefit of associations (privateers, etc.).

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Vidéo 360° : le carnaval de Dunkerque comme si vous y étiez

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A procession of ten to twenty floats (depending on the year) parades through the city, each with a different theme. These monumental cardboard floats are characteristic of this festival

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Le carnaval d'Albi, l'un des plus anciens de France

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The Putignano Carnival is a city festival that takes place annually in the municipality of Putignano, in Puglia. It is the oldest carnival in Europe and in 2020 it has reached its 626th edition. The characteristic mask of the event is called Farinella and owes its name to the dish of the same name from Putignano. A summer edition has also been taking place since 2006.

It is  1394 ,the imperative is one: to protect what is most precious in the territory from raids, starting with the relics of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, until then kept in the abbey of Monopoli. Moving them away from the coast and moving them in land seems to be the only possible solution: Putignano, perfect for its position, is chosen as the destination for the transfer.

On December 26, 1394, the relics, were moved to the church of Santa Maria la Greca, there, where they are still kept today.

In that way was born the Festa delle Propaggini, the one that for 622 years every December 26 marks the beginning of the longest Carnival in Italy and the oldest in Europe: the Putignano Carnival.

From this moment on, the alternation of weeks is marked by the centrality of Thursdays: if in the past Thursday was synonymous with banquets and masked balls in the skirts of the historic center, the so-called jos'r, today it is synonymous with irreverent social satire. Every Thursday aims to bring to the stage a story and a very specific social group: in an absolutely immutable order they start with the Monsignors, and then continue with the Priests, the Nuns, the Widowers, the Pazzi (that is, the young people not yet married ), married women and  the Cornuti (married men), in an appointment organized by the Accademia delle Corna, characterized by the goliardic rite of cutting the horns.

From Thursday to Thursday, from tradition to tradition, from wagon to wagon, they arrive at Shrove Tuesday, the closing day of the Carnival and the grand finale at night. The 365 tolls of the Macaroni Bell officially mark the end of revelry and the beginning of Lent.

THE TYPICAL MASK:

Farinella (Bari: Farenèdde) is the typical Apulian mask of the Putignano carnival.

Gender :Male

Place of birth: Putignano

Date of birth: mid-20th century

The current version predicts him to have the appearance of a joker, with a suit consisting of multicolored patches and a two-pointed hat, each with a rattle. It should be noted that in the past the appearance was different: the dress in fact consisted of the colors of the city, red and blue; the hat had three points, to remember the three hills on which the city is built; she was represented in the act of separating a dog and a cat, in memory of the differences present in the population. This mask takes its name from the Farinella, a typical food of the city. "Farinella" as well as being the typical mask of the Putignano carnival is also the title of an instrumental piece of music that tends to be virtuosic and cheerful, typical of the carnival period. This piece was written and dedicated by the Putignanese accordionist M ° Benedetto Pipoli, to the homonymous carnival mask.

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Very famous in Italy but also abroad, the carnival festival in Ivrea is unique and particular on each date, rich in symbolism and traditions, a mixture of legend and reality in its origins. There are many traditions that are repeated every year, such as the raising of the Abbà, the hoeing and burning of the Scarli, the parade of the Historical Parade. The history of the Ivrea carnival, unlike the origins of any other carnival party, is characterized by a particularity: the throwing of oranges and the battle. For three afternoons (Sunday to Tuesday), the walking teams fight against the teams on horse-drawn carriages, in the streets and squares of this city. This custom is said to have originated in the Middle Ages, when the feudal lords gave a basket of beans to the people once a year; This ridiculous alms, over time, led the various families to throw the beans out the window. And during the dates of Canevale this gesture of rebellion came to life through different objects. First the same beans, then the confetti, the sugared almonds and in recent times the oranges, which were used above all by the girls, who wanted to be noticed by the boys on the wagons from the balconies. Battle event that has always been discussed. We have always been divided between those who see this tradition as a waste of oranges and those as an opportunity. (A good six hundred tons every year). But we can rest assured: the citrus fruits used are not good to eat. And also, at the end of the day, the Ivrea environmental services company collects oranges from the ground and deposits them in special tanks where, in a few weeks, they will become an excellent natural fertilizer for agricultural use.
Brief history of the Ivrea carnival: origins and curiosities, meaning of the throwing of oranges
The origins of the Ivrea Carnival can be traced back to around the sixteenth century. Legend has it that the daughter of a miller, Violetta, rebelled against the claim of the Ius Primae Noctis, and unleashed the revolt of the people. The party was initially managed by the various districts of the city (in rivalry between them). The ancient tradition of local carnivals was then replaced in 1808 by the unification of the festivals, wanted by the Napoleonic authorities who ruled the city. There are numerous traditions that still remain today, such as the parade of the Abbàs who, at that time, were young men who jokingly assumed the position of commanders of the militia of the Free Municipality. Today their role is played by children chosen to represent the various wards (two children for each ward, for a total of ten children).
The historical parade is not lacking, in which numerous characters belonging to different eras appear. among the most important, the Mugnaia with her Escort of Honor and her husband, the General and the Staff, the Substitute Grand Chancellor, the Magnificent Podestà, and the Standard Bearers with the flags of the five districts, represented by the Abbà, the band of Pipes and Drums. The various characters appear on the scene at different times of the carnival. During the first day of the Battle, however, the Historical Procession is complete, led by the Mugnaia on a golden chariot pulled by three white horses. The most famous tradition of this carnival is the battle of the oranges. For three afternoons, from Sunday to Shrove Tuesday, the squads on foot (the people) clash with the squads on the chariots (the armies of the tyrant). From Thursday Fat the obligation to wear the Phrygian Cap for anyone who does not want to become the target of oranges.
Teams of oranges of the Ivrea Carnival: what they are and what they do
Each band on foot is made up of hundreds of orange throwers who attack the chariot that passes through the square. Since the beginning of the history of the Ivrea carnival as well as today, the characters of the battle wear colorful costumes with bells at the ankles, and with jackets tied at the waist, half open on the front in order to contain a good supply of oranges.

The components of the battle of the oranges are divided into nine teams; each occupies a fixed area and wears its own uniform:

-          Spades: red-blue tunic and black scarf with the pike symbol. The place where it launches is in Piazza Ferruccio Nazionale.

-           Death: black tunic, red pants, with a black skull on a white background. The place where it launches is in Piazza Ferruccio Nazionale.

-          Tuchini: green jacket, red pants and a black crow on a white background. The place where it launches is in Borghetto.

-           Chess: black-white checkered shirt and an orange rook. The place where it launches is in piazza Ottinetti.

-          Panthers: black tunic and a black panther on a yellow background on the back. The place where it launches is in Piazza del Rondolino.

-          Arduini: yellow jacket, green trousers and black scorpion. The place where it launches is in piazza Ottinetti.

-          Devils: yellow-red jacket and red devil on a yellow background. The place where it launches into Piazza del Rondolino.

-          Mercenaries: grenade tunic, yellow pants and yellow star with grenade swords. The place where it launches into Piazza del Rondolino.

-          Credendari: blue tunic, yellow trousers, and the Palazzo della Credenza with the Podestà's Hatchet and the Municipal Mace crossed. The place where it launches is in Piazza Freguglia.

And to conclude, a commission rewards the teams of orange throwers who have distinguished themselves for courage, throwing technique and loyalty in the battle of the oranges.

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The first edition of the great show that is today the Carnival of Viareggio dates back to 1873. The idea of a parade to celebrate the Carnival blossomed among the young people of Viareggio who frequented the cafe of the Casino. They thought about a parade for the day of Mardi Gras. In 1921 was sung the first official song, known as the Champagne Cup, that is the current Carnival anthem. The Carnival of Viareggio takes place within a month, in the four weeks preceding Lent, during which they are offered 5 masked courses, four on Sunday and one on Mardi Gras, thousands of visitors of all ages participate in this extraordinary event every year. During Carnival, Viareggio is famous for its parades of papier maché floats, they are the undisputed stars of the Carnival of Viareggio and parade along a circular closed circuit, between the avenues at seaside and the beautiful promenade of the town. Colossal and evocative, the floats of Viareggio often draw inspiration from the themes of Italian and international politics and current events, which are represented in a satirical key. On board the allegorical floats, accompanied by music, dancers involve the audience that surrounds them at their passage. All the carnival is accompanied by veglioni and masked parties thet have ancient origins, in fact, in the 20s were famous the colored veglioni, parties in which women had to wear a dress of the colors indicated, while the men wore the tuxedo. Decorations, confetti and streamers were in the colors prescribed. The associations of the Press, the Red Cross and the Lions actively participate in the life of the carnival of Viareggio with their veglioni. During the carnival period one of the main events is also the youth football tournament Carnival Cup, also called Viareggio Tournament. The official mask and the symbol of the carnival of Viareggio is the Burlamacco, a character inspired by other Italian comedy masks dressed in a long red and white checkered suit, with a felucca hat and a wide black cape on the shoulders. In the parades the Burlamacco is accompanied by a female mask, called Ondina, which reminds the bond of Viareggio with the sea and summer. The largest theme park in Europe dedicated to masks is located in Viareggio, in the north of the city, and is called the Citadel of Carnival.

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Arlecchino is a mask from Bergamo. Arlecchino is a servant, lazzarone and swindler, in constant quarrel with his master. He has an extravagant and light-hearted, but smart character. He wears a beautiful colorful costume: jacket and tight pants, with red, green, yellow, blue triangles arranged in lozenges, completed by a black mask, he wears shoes on his feet  with a large bow and a felt hat on his head.
Doctor Balanzone was born in Bologna and owes his name to the balance, symbol of the justice. He is a pedantic and grumpy character; he talks a lot and does nothing, but he is also learned and wise. Doctor Baldanzone's costume consists of a wide-brimmed black hat, long black toga, waistcoat, black trousers, white lace on the wrists and, on the neck, a lace collar, white stockings and black shoes with heels. He has a mustache turned up. Very often he holds a book under his arm which completes his image.
Brighella with Arlecchino are the servants of the commedia dell'arte, and both were born in Bergamo. Brighella does an infinite number of jobs, more or less lawful and honest, always finding herself in the midst of various intrigues. Characteristic of the character is the readiness and agility of the mind, in devising deceptions and traps in which to make others fall. Brighella is intriguing, very clever and a liar. Brighella wears a green  jacket and trouser, she  is wearing black shoes with green pom poms. The coat is white with two green stripes.
Colombina is a Venetian maid and is the fiancée of Arlecchino, who does not seem to want to marry her. Colombina is very vain, a little flirtatious, she always wants to look good. Colombina is young and witty, with an easy and mischievous word, skilled at resolving the most intricate situations with dexterity. Colombina wears a bonnet, a  bodice tight at the waist, with a deep neckline and wide puffed sleeves, the striped gathered skirt is raised at the front by a red satin ribbon, a white apron and pointy shoes.
Gianduia is the mask of Turin. Its name derives from that of the gianduia chocolate and the famous "Gianduiotto" chocolate. Gianduia is a connoisseur of doc wines and his true passion are the taverns. A cheerful  gentleman, Gianduia loves good food as well as good wine. He wears a brown cloth costume, bordered in red, with a yellow waistcoat and red stockings. The Gianduia mask was born at the end of the 18th century, in full Bonapartist regime.
The character of Pantalone was born in Venice around the middle of the 16th century and represents the typical old miser, lustful and vicious merchant, who threatens young lovers, courtesans, and more often comedy servants. The name Pantalone derives from "Lion Plant", as those who, with the excuse of conquering new lands for Venice, planted the flag of San Marco on every land they found were defined.  Pantalone wears a red vest tight to the belt, tight red socks and stockings, black cloak and yellow shoes with the toe pointing upwards. He wears a black mask that reveals his hooked nose, similar to Pulcinella's. He carries a short sword and a bag containing the money.
Meneghino is from Milan is a crude but common sense servant, eager to maintain his freedom, he does not flee when he has to take sides with his people. Meneghino is generous and hasty, skilled in mocking the defects of the aristocrats. He wears a three-pointed hat and wig with a French tail, a long green  jacket, and red and white striped stockings.
Pulcinella is a funny and clumsy figure. It is one of the most popular Italian masks. Originally from Naples. Pulcinella is an impertinent, crazy, talkative type, loves doing nothing except eating and drinking. Pulcinella has a hump, he wears a pointed hat, a black mask with a hooked nose and white trousers.

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THE CARNEVAL OF VENICE
The Carneval of Venice is one of the most famous carnivals around the world, and a charming characteristic of the city. Its origins are centuries old, and it still attracts thousands of tourists each year who arrive in Venise to admire the sumptuous costumes and masks parading in the streets and squares. Creating masks is, indeed, an art in Venice, a tradition dating back hundreds of years, making the carnival of Venice truly unique.
The carnival became a public festivity in 1296. At this time, and for the following centuries, the carnival consisted in several weeks of festivity and fun in the whole city, during which people could indulge in music, dances and parties, barely working. Wearing masks and costumes made it possible for people to hide any differences of class or status, and it was even allowed to make fun of the aristocracy. Public shows and exhibitions were organized everywhere in the city, with musicians, dancers, acrobats and jugglers. At the same time, parties and raffish performances also took place in private houses and cafés, and theaters hosted a growing number of masked plays.
The carnival became internationally famous when it reached its widest fame.
The Carnival Today
The magic of carnival gives to Venice an enchanted atmosphere. Masked people fill the streets with smiles and laughter, and several events are organized all around the city. The carnival usually lasts a couple of weeks, but the most important days are those between the last Thursday and the very last day, Tuesday. These are called giovedì grasso and martedì grasso, literally ‘fat Thursday’ and ‘fat Tuesday,’ in opposition to the following Ash Wednesday that marks the beginning of Lent, a period traditionally dedicated to fast. However, the weekends are usually the privileged time for tourists and visitors.
Venetian Masks
Since the ancient carnival times, the habit of wearing masks and costumes has given birth to a flourishing trade, with specialized artisans producing more and more extravagant and sophisticated masks. Among the most famous and diffused costumes, especially in the 17th century, the so- called baùta consisted of a particular white mask under a black hat and a black cloak. It was even used outside the carnival period to court someone anonymously.
Women, instead, frequently wore a costume called moretta, consisting of a dark velvet mask that was held in place by a button in the mouth. Since the wearer was unable to speak, this mask was also called moretta muta, meaning mute.
Costumes and masks are still the major attraction of the carnival
Visitors are conquered by their charm, and they usually buy a mask as soon as they get in the city, so as to fully feel part of the festival. You can easily get one for even a few euros in any of the small stands or shops that have colonized each corner of the streets. However, in the city center, ancient shops or ateliers still produce masks according to the ancient art. Here, papier-mâché and ribbons have not been replaced by plastic, and each product is a true masterpiece, created with patience and attention to details.

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The Carnival of Patras, Greece’s major Carnival event, is celebrated each year with a rich programme of festivities. During the carnival period, Patras’ residents and visitors are able to attend several vibrating events and live in festive rhythms. The Hidden Treasure, ‘Bourboulia’, the Children Carnival and ‘Tsiknopempti’ (named after the fact that barbecued meat is eaten on that Thursday in Greece) are just some of the events of the carnival programme. The latter culminate on the weekend with the Carnival Parades and the Closing Ceremony at St. Nicolas pier, where the Carnival King is set on fire, followed by thousands of spectacular fireworks. The colours and music that fill the streets of Patras on this celebration render the city unforgettable for all.

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During this  Carnival, all the roads of Thessaloniki  lead to Sohos. The most outstanding celebration of Central Macedonia, maybe also of the whole Northern Greece, is the Carnival. This carnival celebration is undoubtedly the most traditional one, as the goat-looking “Koudounoforoi” (men wearing bells around their waist) of Sohos have an immediate connection to Ancient Greece, land fertility and God Dionysus. It is not just about the food and the side events taking place but if you happen to be at Agios Georgios Square of Sohos and get on a bench hearing the big bells called “batalia” and the small ones called “kipria” that Koudounoforoi" wear on them, you will understand what this Carnival is about.

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The festivities include speeches, art exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and many folklore events. The carnival’s peak is the Grand Parade which takes place on the final Sunday of Carnival season. After the Grand Parade the custom of the ‘Burning of the Tzar’ follows; this is an old custom adapted to the present. The Tzar is a look alike of the Carnival King which is burnt in a big fire by the river Kosynthos situated at the entrance of Xanthi’s old town. The carnival’s closing ceremony is accompanied by many impressive fireworks.

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With a long tradition in music, songs and poetry, Zakynthos organises a carnival synonymous with fun, joy and love for life.

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Secret Greece: Three unique carnival celebrations

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Secret Greece: Three unique carnival celebrations

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If you feel like getting to know age-old traditional customs, you can visit the island of Naxos in the Cyclades. There, the strange figures of the “Koudounati”, the “Kordelati” and the “Satyrs” upset the island’s villages loudly ringing their bells.

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Διονυσιακό Καρναβάλι Νάξου 2017: Διαφημιστικό spot

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 In the island of Skyros, in the Sporades, the “Old Man” and his beloved “Corela” are the central figures and stroll around the island’s alleys. Legend says that the "Old Man" represents an old shepherd who lost all his sheep from the severe winter. To announce the tragic event to his villagers, he rang the bells of his dead animals and together with his ragged wife (corela) they walked from alley to alley and the place was helped by the disaster. Beyond the myth, bells were well known in antiquity, because with them hung on their shields warriors intimidated enemies. Maybe the custom has such a meaning, to exorcise every evil.

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The city of Naoussa in Northern Greece is also famous for its Carnival. Every year, the “Genitsari” and the “Bules” revive a custom that dates back to the 18th century in the scenic city.

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Naoussa's carnival, a Carnival like no other

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Naoussa's carnival, a Carnival like no other

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This custom is definitely among the oldest Greek traditions which have managed to survive to this very day.
Folklore experts agree that the festival’s dancing, as well as other elements incorporated into its mystical nature, has elements from ancient Greece — and more specifically, with those linked to rituals honoring Dionysus, the god of wine, pleasure, festivity, madness and wild frenzy.
Apart from these elements, however, the tradition is also deeply linked with Naoussa’s much more recent, bitter struggle against Ottoman rule.
This great Macedonian city has the rare honor of officially bearing the title of ”Heroic” before its name.
The people of Naoussa revolted against the Ottomans in 1822, just one year after the official outbreak of the Greek War of Independence in southern Greece.
However, the brave decision taken by the people of this city, which was a purely Greek and Christian community surrounded by Muslim and Slavic settlements, was answered with unspeakable cruelty by Istanbul.
The proud, beautiful city of Naoussa was attacked and completely destroyed, while most of its Christian male citizens were slaughtered and many of its women and children were sold into slavery.
The tradition of ”Boules” is not only an annual reminder of this profound sorrow, which is indelibly engraved into the city’s old alleyways; it also rekindles the fighting spirit and the will to resist that people from Naoussa have always had in their souls throughout the centuries.
Some of the songs to which the participants dance during the Boules narrate the long struggles and the catastrophe which happened to the city in the nineteenth century, while others celebrate Naoussa’s pride in its heroism.
For this reason, the Carnival of Naoussa is completely different from all other Carnival festivities in Greece.
There, along with the contemporary, popular street parties that take place throughout the two weeks of the Carnival season (or Apokria), the city revives this ancient tradition combining the region’s rich ancient Macedonian Greek history with a commemoration of the tremendous heroism of the period of the Ottoman rule.
In one of Naoussa’s most visually-striking customs, young unmarried men dress in a traditional costume which includes the Greek fustanella and other clothing bedecked with silver and jewels, while wearing a unique, handmade mask known as a ”Prosopos.”
This incredibly colorful and unforgettable event, which takes place on the first Sunday of the ”Apokria,” is repeated on the second Sunday, as well as on Ash or Clean Monday, during Holy Week.
This year’s festivities will conclude on the ”Sunday of Orthodoxy”.
Centuries’ old tradition dictates that only young, unmarried men can become ”Genitsari,”  the male players who take part in the dance.
The ”Boula” is the only female figure, but her part is also enacted by a man, who is dressed as a traditional bride.
Groups of these masked young men in traditional costume dance around the old parts of the city, along a designated route which finds its origins back in the very first years of the establishment of the modern city of Naoussa, in the Middle Ages.
These fantastically-attired young men brandish swords and dance to the the emotionally-charged music of the instruments known as the ”daouli” and ”zournas,” re-creating a unique mixture of ancient Greek celebration and vivid memories of the area’s modern fight against the Turks.
The performance always adheres to strict, primarily verbal, rules which have not changed in centuries.

There is no exact way to describe this unique Greek custom. It is not a purely ancient one, nor is it a modern one; it somehow incorporates both these two historical periods of the Greek nation in a commemoration which is a uniquely Greek combination of delirious happiness and terrible sadness.
Rooted in the ancient Greek tradition which celebrated and honored the god Dionysus, and yet re-shaped by the nineteenth century’s struggles against the Ottoman Turks, this unique dance and folklore event dazzles all onlookers with its sweeping emotions.
Lasting from the very early hours of the morning until the darkness of the evening, it is a unique experience which every visitor to Macedonia during this time of the year simply must witness and take part in.

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Νίκος Μπιλιούρης

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Γενίτσαροι & Μπούλες

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Of the many colorful Romanian traditions that are brought to life every year, the Bear Dance is one of the most inspiring. Discover the meaning behind this spectacular folk tradition that dates back
pre-Christian times. Takin' place every winter in villages and cities in Romania's eastern region of Moldova, the Dance of the Bear symbolizes the death and rebirth of time. Performed between Christmas and New Year's Eve, this ancient ritual brings together the whole community, who gather to watch the performance.

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The Dance of the Bear sees men of all ages, and increasingly more women, dress in real bear skins and dance to the rhythm of pan flutes and drums, to ward off evil spirits and ring in the new year.
Traditionally, the procession, which can include between six and 24 bears, would visit every household of the village, accompanied by up to three singing bear tamers, several characters wearing women's clothes and drummers. While this traditions is still observed in many villages, in cities and towns it usually takes the form of a parade that culminates in a major performance in the center.

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Bear costumes complete with the bear head and large grinning teeth, are decorated with two huge red tassels pinned to each shoulder. On their heads they wear beautifully adorned red velvet caps topped with a big red pompon. The musicians wear traditional folk attire, usually white with embroidered black motifs, and tie a red, yellow and blue ribbon as a belt.
Several characters wearing women's clothing, including long pleated skirts and headscarves, accompany the troupe. The parade is announced by several carolers, usually young girls or boys, called "irozi".

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Traditionally, the arrival of the bears is announced by a small group of "irozi", who blow whistles to a rhythm set by the head bear tamer. Chosen for his leadership skills, the head tames is the main choreographer and director of the ceremony, he is the one who decides when each of the acts are played and gives the cues. The bears dance to the beat set by the pan flutes and the drums, after practicing for up to three months before the day of the ceremony. With the heaviest of costumes weighing up to 50 kilos, they require strength and must be handled with confidence, to look fierce.
For Geto-Dacians, ancestors of the present-day Romanians, the bear was a sacred animal with healing powers. The life cycle of the bear was responsible for regulating seasons, entering hibernation before winter and waking up in spring. "Urs", the Romanian word for bear, is also found in the Ursa Major constellation, whose position is closely connected to the succesion of seasons.
The tradition of the Bear Dance, preserved since ancient times, is still alive and is gaining in popularity among young Romanians, although the tradition is still confined to the mountainous and hilly regions of Moldova and Bucovina.

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The Munich carnival (called Fasching) offers that good-natured and colorful character that recalls, with its spectacular festivities, the Oktoberfest. The disguises and the decorations are much admired. Each corporation and each administration has its own ball. Thus, from January 7 until Mardi Gras, there are more than a thousand carnival events including several hundred masked balls, some very posh, spread over forty of the best establishments in the city, large hotels including.