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The Carnival season is between the Twelfth Night and Ash Wednesday. This is the time to celebrate the end of winter. This celebration originates from pagan traditions but today it is connected to Christian belief.

People used to remember the three Wisemen at the beginning of the Carnival season and they celebrated the last Thursday before Lent (also called Gluttonous Thursday) with eating up all the sweets and fat food they stocked for the winter.

Nowadays it is the time of fancy dress parties and it is also the official ball season. The biggest balls are not only the most important public events but the meeting place of businessmen, politicians and artists.

Some years ago Hungarian restaurant owners introduced a new program for the last Thursday before Lent: guest can order food for half price. This event became so popular that tables have to be booked in advance! In 2009 Gluttonous Thursday is on 26th February.