carnival vs. Mardi Gras

carnival

[ kahr-nuh-vuhl ]show ipa

noun

1. a traveling amusement show, having sideshows, rides, etc.
2. any merrymaking, revelry, or festival, as a program of sports or entertainment: a winter carnival.
3. the season immediately preceding Lent, often observed with merrymaking; Shrovetide.

Mardi Gras

[ mahr-dee grah ]show ipa

noun

1. the day before Lent, celebrated in some cities, such as New Orleans and Paris, as a day of revelry and merrymaking.
2. a pre-Lenten carnival period climaxing on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.