The article discusses the perceived opposition between Carnival and Christianity, outlining the contrasting elements associated with each, such as joy and excess versus discipline and restraint. It challenges the common notion that Carnival is a pagan residue reluctantly tolerated by the Church, suggesting a more complex relationship. Instead, it posits that Carnival has thrived because it took root within Christian practices, as the Christian Church navigated how to integrate festive traditions inherited from ancient Roman culture.

In ancient Rome, festivals were integral to social and religious life, with numerous celebrations that temporarily disrupted the normal order, allowing for behaviors considered deviant at other times. The author highlights events like the Saturnalia, where societal roles were inverted, and the boundaries between social classes blurred, with slaves dining with their masters and engaging openly in disorderly conduct. These festivities were not merely tolerated but were essential to the religious calendar, reflecting a cultural acceptance of revelry as part of religious expression.

The implication is that rather than abolishing Carnival, Christianity adapted to it, allowing the festival to evolve within its theological framework. This adaptation illustrates how religions can incorporate elements of preceding cultural practices, essentially validating them as part of their narrative. Thus, the existence of Carnival can be seen as a testament to Christianity’s capacity to integrate diverse cultural expressions rather than reject them outright, leading to a richer tapestry of religious and social life.