Literally translated from Latin, Carnival means “farewell to meat.”  It is the season of celebration which falls between the Twelfth Night of Christmas, January 6th, and Mardi Gras.  This tradition began in the early days of Christianity, in Europe. There are parades, balls and parties, beginning on the 6th of January with the ball of the Twelfth Night Revelers, and ending on Mardi Gras evening with the balls of Rex and Comus.  The meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus at midnight on Mardi Gras marks the official ending of the Carnival season.