Carnival usually refers to a public celebration or festival, typically involving processions, music, dancing, and the wearing of costumes. It is traditionally held in the days leading up to Lent. The most common Carnival celebrations are those that take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Venice, Italy. However, there are also Carnival celebrations in many other cities around the world, including New Orleans, Nice, Trinidad and Tobago, and Tenerife. While the specific activities and traditions vary from place to place, some of the most common features of Carnival include parades with floats and bands, street parties, masquerade balls, and general revelry.