Different countries have different reasons for their carnivals. But many carnivals have their roots in primitive2 festivals that celebrate the beginning of the New Year and the rebirth of nature
国家不同，狂欢节的由来也有所不同。但许多狂欢节都由最初庆祝新年及万物复苏的节日而来。
New Orleans Feb. 25—28 “Mardi Gras3”
Mardi Gras is America's big carnival. Millions of people celebrate the festival in New Orleans and other cities every year. New Orleans Carnival clubs hold big parades, with many celebrities. Last year actor Nicholas Cage held court4 as King of Wine.
新奥尔良，2月25—28日，“新奥尔良嘉年华”
新奥尔良嘉年华是美国大型狂欢节。每年有数百万人在新奥尔良及其他城市庆祝节日。新奥尔良嘉年华会举办大型游行，有许多名人参加。去年演员尼古拉斯·凯奇扮成“酒之王”接受朝拜。
Different countries have different reasons for their carnivals. But many carnivals have their roots in primitive2 festivals that celebrate the beginning of the New Year and the rebirth of nature.
Rio de Janeiro Feb. 25—28 Samba parades
Brazilians forget their troubles every year as Rio de Janeiro's carnival begins in an extravaganza5 of flesh, fantasy and non-stop drumming and dancing. The parade of samba schools lasts to dawn.
里约热内卢，2月25—28日，桑巴巡游
里约热内卢狂欢节一场奇幻盛典一开始，美食处处，幻境更迭，鼓声隆隆，歌舞连连。每年这时，巴西人都会忘记所有烦恼，尽情狂欢。桑巴舞校的花车巡游一直持续到黎明。
Venice Feb. 18—28 “The Dragon and the Lion”
Venice's carnival is one of the world's most famous and most packed. Tourists and locals flood the narrow streets wearing colorful masks. There is a different theme of every year's Venice carnival. The theme of 2006's Venice carnival, “The Dragon and the Lion”, focuses on China.
威尼斯，2月18—28日，“龙与狮的对望”
威尼斯面具节是世界最著名的狂欢节之一，也是最拥挤的狂欢节。游客和当地居民头戴五颜六色的面具，把狭窄的街道围得水泄不通。威尼斯面具节每年都有一个不同的主题。2006年主题是“龙与狮的对望”，聚焦中国。
1. carnival n. 狂欢节
2. primitive adj. 原始的；最初的
3. Mardi Gras 四旬斋前的最后一天
4. hold court 上朝；接受朝拜
5. extravaganza n. 铺张华丽的表演，盛典