In Eastern Orthodox nations,Maslenitsa is celebrated during the last week before Great Lent.In German.speaking Europe and the Netherlands, the Carnival season traditionally opens on 11/11(often at 11:11 a.m.).This dates back to celebrations before the Advent season or with harvest celebrations of St.Martin's Day.Rio de Janeiro's carnival is considered the world's largest, hosting approximately two million participants per day.In 2004,Rio's carnival attracted a record 400,000 foreign vistors