It is carnival time again. The carnival celebrations start within a few days. In Mindelo on the island of São Vicente it commences on 15 February and runs for seven days. Whilst the festivities in Mindelo are considered to be the biggest and most elaborate, all the islands celebrate carnival. Shrove Tuesday is 17 February and that is the day of the main event on all the islands. Carnival is a celebration before the start of the Christian period of Lent. It is characterised by dancing, music, elaborate costumes and street parades.