Ash Wednesday, is known as one of the most _important days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday take place 46 days before Easter. This holiday comes from the Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. This practice includes smearing ashes on your head in the shape of a cross. This symbolizes the dust from which we were made from, penance and grief. The ashes are made of blessed palm branches. It’s basic inappropriate to eat out, shop and even go in public after putting on the ash. However, you don’t have to keep the ashes on the whole day.

 Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is the day before Ash Wednesday, that is mainly centered around the feasting and celebration of pancakes. This helps with the fact that on Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day fast known as Lent. Shrove Tuesday starts when the annual “Pancake Bell” is rings. Did you know that back in the 16th century, people had lots eggs and fats, so they thought the perfect way  to do that was to make pancakes. The traditional pancake usually is a thin, golden pancake with caster sugar and a hint of lemon juice. Did you know that the pancake ingredients all symbolize significance around this time of year: Eggs- Creation, Flour- The staff of life, Salt- Wholesomeness, and Milk- Purity. Another cool thing about Shrove Tuesday, is the famous: Olney Pancake Race!

The goal of the race is to reach the finish line first, while continually flipping your pancake (But, you only really have to flip it 3 times.) Competitors must be local housewives, wearing scarfs and aprons. The finish line is at a church, where the wife must serve her pancake to the bellringer and receive a kiss from him. This an awesome celebration to be apart of.

This famous carnival in Brazil is internationally known everywhere by almost everyone. This carnival is celebrates everything from diverse backgrounds - to abstract manifestations. And when the samba bands breakout, get ready for a serious carnival block (That’s when a huge crowd of people come block a whole street with their figures. Their 1st carnival took place in 1723 in the 18th century. It has evolved a lot since the first time. For Instance, there are 3 different types of carnival categories: Parades of Samba Schools , Street Carnival , and Dances. 

Now this, my friends, is where it all happened! Trinidad and Tobago is where the 1st ever carnival was held! That’s right the home of the famous “Limbo Dance and Steel Drum” was the start of it all. Now carnival usually starts around 4 pm at night, just to get an early start(Because the carnival only last 3 hours. Minimum.) The festivities include: Band Competitions, Hanging out with limes, Face/Mud/Chocolate Painting, And Mas contests.

Now, this carnival, also known as Bacchanal, usually starts around Easter time. This carnival is a true example of natural and exhilarating caribbean flavor. This carnival was initially made famous by the famous “Bob Marley” and Reggae-Calypso bands. Not to mention Trinidad, is also said to play a vital role in the carnival itself. And, incidentally enough, most trinidadian Soca acts and and Steel band acts take place there. And last, but not least, you have the annual “Soca Monarch competition.” The jewel of it all! Shall you win this, $1,000,000 TT will be yours! (That’s equivalent to $147,077.20 in the US!) So; What are you waiting for?! GO!!! NOW!!! (Jamaica Carnival 2018).