Carnival: Cuban traditional celebration having its origins in those held by the Spaniards and their offspring following old traditions in their country (comparsas, tandas, partidas and mojigangas in Havana). They also originated in the Twelfth Night Celebrations held by the Blacks in Havana and several localities in Cuba during the 19th century. In the capital, Carnivals were held during the three days before Lent. In the central and eastern areas of the country, they were originally linked to the celebrations for the town's patron and included some Carnival elements, such as floats, comparsas and parades. The Carnivals in Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba are outstanding among them. Carnivals have elements that are very much their own, such as costumes, music, musical instruments, dances, garments, standards, beauty and sympathy contests, pyrotechnics, floats, comparsas, and others.
