Carnival of Time

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The **Carnival of Time** is an annual event that takes place in Clock Town in *Majora's Mask*. People come from all over Termina to celebrate the carnival and pray for a good harvest in the year to come, as well as celebrate the harmony between nature and time. While it is never explicitly stated in-game that the carnival is also a "new year's" celebration, it is implied as such. The Carnival of Time—granted Link is successful and the Moon does not fall after the Final Day—takes place on the fourth day of Link's adventure in Termina.

## Customs

While in the past the tradition was to wear masks bearing the images of the four gods that protect the land of Termina, it has become custom over the years for everyone to come wearing a mask that they have made themselves. The main attraction of the carnival is the Clock Tower, which only opens its doors to the roof once a year on the eve of the carnival. The people of Termina wait anxiously for midnight of that day, as at that time the Clock Tower's entrance will open, and the tower itself "falls over", causing the clock face to be level with the ground. This allows people to go into the entrance and stand on the clock face as they make their prayers for a rich harvest and sing ceremonial songs to the gods.

There is also a legend that states that if a couple unites on the day of the carnival itself (which is signified in Clock Town by the fusing of the couple's homemade ceremonial masks), then good luck will follow them.

To help celebrate the carnival, the people of Termina hold various events, such as the performance of musical groups. During Link's visit to Termina, the popular Zora band, The Indigo-Go's, has been scheduled to perform at the Milk Bar on the day of the carnival. The popularity of the carnival usually causes the town's local inn to get booked with reservations extremely fast, forcing its owner to turn away their customers.

Other festival traditions include signaling the start of the carnival as well as the opening the Clock Tower with a fireworks show. Moreover, a four-story tower, known as the Festival Tower, is built in front of the Clock Tower by the local carpenters as well as any volunteer workers, possibly to further pay homage to the Four Giants.

## According to Granny

Granny can be found in a room on the ground floor of the Stock Pot Inn. If Link speaks to her whilst wearing the All-Night Mask, he can listen to either of two stories. One of those stories is entitled as "Carnival of Time", and is where most known information on the carnival comes from. Select that option and with the aid of pictures, Granny will tell Link the following story:

*"Each year, the season of harmony begins when the sun and moon are in alignment. Paying homage to the way that both nature and time are tirelessly in the process of progressing... The Carnival of Time is when the peoples of the four worlds celebrate that harmony and request fruitfulness for the year.*

*For ages, people have worn masks resembling the giants who are the gods of the four worlds.*

*Now, it has become a custom for each person to bring a handmade mask to The Carnival of Time.*

*It is said that if a couple united on the day of the festival and dedicated a Mask as a sign of their union, it would bring luck. The centerpiece of the carnival is the Clock Tower, and on the eve of all the festivities, the doors to its roof are opened... From atop the Clock Tower roof, a ceremony to call the gods is held and an ancient song is sung.*

*All of these festivities for the Carnival of Time are held so that we may ask the gods for a rich harvest in the year to come!"*

## Gallery

* The Carnival of Time from *Majora's Mask*

## References

1. ↑ *Encyclopedia*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 37
2. ↑ "*All of these festivities for the Carnival of Time are held so that we may ask the gods for a rich harvest in the year to come!*" — Granny (*Majora's Mask*)
3. ↑ "*Paying homage to the way that both nature and time are tirelessly in the process of progressing... The Carnival of Time is when the peoples of the four worlds celebrate that harmony and request fruitfulness for the year.*" — Granny (*Majora's Mask*)
4. ↑ "*For ages, people have worn masks resembling the giants who are the gods of the four worlds. Now, it has become a custom for each person to bring a handmade mask to The Carnival of Time.*" — Granny (*Majora's Mask*)
5. ↑ "*The door to the clock tower opens only once a year--at midnight on the eve of the carnival.*" — N/A (*Majora's Mask*)
6. ↑ "*The centerpiece of the carnival is the Clock Tower, and on the eve of all the festivities, the doors to its roof are opened... From atop the Clock Tower roof, a ceremony to call the gods is held and an ancient song is sung.*" — Granny (*Majora's Mask*)
7. ↑ "*It is said that if a couple united on the day of the festival and dedicated a mask as a sign of their union, it would bring luck.*" — Granny (*Majora's Mask*)
8. ↑ "*The Indigo-Go's, the Zora Band that's revived the deep-sea sound with its famous song, will be playing at the Carnival of Time!!! Contact Madame Aroma regarding performances and details.*" — N/A (*Majora's Mask*)
9. ↑ "*I'm terribly sorry! There are no vacancies today... We've been booked solid with reservations. It's always this way before the carnival. I'm sorry.*" — Anju (*Majora's Mask*)
10. ↑ "*The door to the Clock Tower stairway opens at midnight on the eve of the carnival. A Fireworks show will mark the occasion. / Clock Town Carnival / Executive Committee*" — N/A (*Majora's Mask*)
11. ↑ "*Urgently Recruiting! Workers wanted to build the festival tower for the carnival. See Mutoh.*" — N/A (*Majora's Mask*)
12. ↑ "*Have you been to the Clock Tower plaza yet? They are now putting together what has become the carnival's custom. It should be wonderful this year,*
too. I hope you enjoy our tradition.*" — Anju (*Majora's Mask*)*