Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party.
Mardi Gras, also Fat Tuesday in English, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Epiphany or King's Day and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Also called
Mardi Gras
"Fat Tuesday"
Type
cultural
cultural
Significance
Celebration prior to fasting season of Lent
Celebration prior to fasting season of Lent
Celebrations
Parades, parties
Parades, parties
Date
Weeks leading up to Lent
day before Ash Wednesday, 47 days before Easter
Frequency
annual
annual
Related to
Shrove Tuesday; Mardi Gras, St. Valentine's Day, Ash Wednesday, Lent
Comments: Carnival vs Mardi Gras