ETYM Italian carnevale, prob. for older carnelevale, prop., the putting away of meat; from Latin caro, carnis, flesh + levare to take away, lift up, from levis light.
1. A festival marked by merrymaking and processions.
2. A traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.; SYN. fair, funfair.

Period preceding Lent in German-speaking towns, particularly Munich, Cologne, and Vienna, devoted to masquerades, formal balls, and street parades.