<P> Carnival (see other spellings and names) is a Western Christian and Greek Orthodox festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent . The main events typically occur during February or early March, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (or Pre-Lent). Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, masks, and a public street party . People wear masks and costumes during many such celebrations, allowing them to lose their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity . Excessive consumption of alcohol, meat, and other foods proscribed during Lent is extremely common . Other common features of carnival include mock battles such as food fights; social satire and mockery of authorities; the grotesque body displaying exaggerated features, especially large noses, bellies, mouths, and phalli, or elements of animal bodies; abusive language and degrading acts; depictions of disease and gleeful death; and a general reversal of everyday rules and norms . </P> <P> The term Carnival is traditionally used in areas with a large Catholic presence, as well as in Greece . However, the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country in Asia, does not celebrate Carnival (or Mardi Gras) anymore since the dissolution of the Manila Carnival after 1939, the last carnival in the country . In historically Evangelical Lutheran countries, the celebration is known as Fastelavn, and in areas with a high concentration of Anglicans (Church of England / Episcopal Church in the U.S.A.), Methodists, and other Protestants, pre-Lenten celebrations, along with penitential observances, occur on Shrove Tuesday . In Slavic Eastern Orthodox nations, Maslenitsa is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent . In German - speaking Europe and the Netherlands, the Carnival season traditionally opens on 11 / 11 (often at 11: 11 a.m.). This dates back to celebrations before the Advent season or with harvest celebrations of St. Martin's Day . </P>

When does carnival occur and what activities are part of the celebration
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