Carnival is a Catholic festival that happens over a few days, usually just before
Lent, in February or March.
Because traditionally many people go on a fast during Lent, giving up meat, sugar or other foods and drink, carnival is an opportunity to enjoy these treats for the last time.
Carnival is celebrated in many Catholic countries all over the world.
This is also the reason why carnaval is only celebrated in the Catholic South of the Netherlands (NBrabant and Limburg)