Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Carnival


I will have more reflections on the Pope and the upcoming conclave in the next few weeks, but since today is Mardi Gras or Carnival, I share a few photos of Carnival floats from my home in Malta. Certainly the Carnival defile is not as elaborate as the one in Brazil, but it is a colorful annual event that takes place on the weekend before Ash Wednesday. The idea is to feast and celebrate before the fast and penance starts during Lent. The word Carnival actually means carne vale (meat is allowed, or meat is valid.) This way people can eat meat now but abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Friday of Lent. Hopefully more people will avail themselves of the opportunities during Lent to turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel, go to confession and do acts of charity towards others. This Lent in particular will be even more interesting with the conclave coming up, and general elections being held in Malta on March 9.

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