carnival vs. Mardi Gras

a traveling amusement show, having sideshows, rides, etc.

any merrymaking, revelry, or festival, as a program of sports or entertainment.

the season immediately preceding Lent, often observed with merrymaking; Shrovetide.

the day before Lent, celebrated in some cities, such as New Orleans and Paris, as a day of revelry and merrymaking.

a pre-Lenten carnival period climaxing on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.