CARNAVAL.

IT'S ANCIENT TRADITION TO MODERN DAY CARNAVAL

Without the benefit of some historical background it is hard to understand what Carnaval is about.

The tradition is thought to go back to ancient Greece where a feast in honour of the God of the vines and wine Dionysus was held each year.

The main features of the celebrations were processions, dramatic performances and the tasting of the new wine.

The Romans adopted and incorporated many aspects of Greek religion and culture into their own rites.

The feast of Dionysus was incorporated into the Feast of Saturnus, the Roman Saturnalia.

This was the merriest festival of the year, all work and business was suspended, slaves were given temporary freedom to do and say as they pleased.

Towards the end of the Roman period the people elected a fool to be emperor for a day with everyone including the Emperor obeying his rule.

The fool was drawn through the streets by the people in a float, part carriage, part boat, called a "CARRUS NAVALIS" or naval cart, hence the word CARNAVAL.

There are many explanations and accounts of the origin of Carnaval but there seems to be no doubt of the Roman influence.

The modern day Carnaval can readily be traced back to the fifteenth century to a time when Lent was observed very strictly.

People celebrated with a three day festival of eating, drinking and merry making before commencing the forty days of fasting with a total prohibition on eating meat during this time.

This prohibition suggests a second derivation for the word carnaval.

In the medieval Latin carnem levare or carnelavarium means to take away or remove meat.

During this festival there was fun and laughter everywhere, the people danced and celebrated in the streets.

In those days the country was ruled by a King and his nobles who did not believe in freedom of speech.

Only the Court Jester or fool was allowed to speak freely and criticise the ruler or any of his court.

The people used this festival to criticise the establishment and took the opportunity to make satirical speeches from pulpits set up on street corners.

To ensure protection from reprisals afterwards these speakers dressed as fools or jesters.

The best and funniest speakers drew large crowds.

Over the centuries the Carnaval underwent changes, Clubs were formed to keep the old traditions alive and organise the festivities.

Each club has a Council of Eleven, they wear colourful uniforms and jester hats and their job is to organise and lead the festivities.

Speeches are held, new songs created, parades and street entertainment organised.

Many cities choose a Prince called Prince Carnaval who like the fool of the Roman Saturnalia is charged with leading the public celebrations of Carnaval.

In a colourful ceremony the Prince and his guards, the Council of Eleven march to the City Hall where the Mayor hands over the keys of the City to the Prince, who then rules over the Carnaval celebrations.

The traditions and practices of Carnaval were brought to Australia by emigrants from Europe.

In Brisbane the traditions of the Dutch Carnaval (modefied and adapted to local conditions) are carried on by LKC "The Stirrers" who elect a Prince each November to lead the Carnaval Celebrations in the new carnaval year.