so extreme is the revelry on the last day that by many accounts, it is the single largest day for consumption of beer and brazil's national drink caipirinhas during the entire year.

ash wednesday (cinzas) is the first day of the 40 day lenten period, and a time for many christians to prepare for easter sunday, the resurrection of jesus christ, through prayer, abstinence and almsgiving.

the 'ashes' that give the day its name are from the burnt palms from the previous year's palm sunday and symbolize the individual's act of remembrance as well as a sign of witness to others.