noun (n)

• a festival marked by merrymaking and processions(noun.act)

  source: wordnet30
• a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment(noun.act)

  Example:
  The whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere.
  

  Synonym:
  circus
  

  source: wordnet30
• a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  fair, funfair
  

  source: wordnet30
• A festival celebrated with merriment and revelry in Roman Gatholic countries during the week before Lent, esp. at Rome and Naples, during a few days (three to ten) before Lent, ending with Shrove Tuesday.(noun)

  source: webster1913