Although it has religious meaning today, the Carnival is believed to originate from ancient paganism, and more precisely from the old festivities worshiping Dionysus, the god of wine and feasting.
The tradition is not connected to the environment, but it is definitely a very old tradition that is connected to the people. I think it is a way for people to celebrate their culture and enjoy good food right before the beginning of the Lent holiday, which is a time of prayer and fasting before Easter.
