Carnival

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun Any merrymaking, feasting, or masquerading, especially when overstepping the bounds of decorum; a time of riotous excess.

II. Carnival ·noun A festival celebrated with merriment and revelry in Roman Gatholic countries during the week before Lent, ·esp. at Rome and Naples, during a few days (three to ten) before Lent, ending with Shrove Tuesday.