The schedule for Rio’s Carnival changes every year. It culminates on Fat Tuesday, 40 days before Easter. The following day is Ash Wednesday. Among Christians, this is the first day of Lent. This is a six-week period of penitence, religious services, periodic fasting and no public festivals. No wonder everyone parties-hardy during Carnival. How do millions of people get the time for non-stop carousing? It is summertime in Rio. Many businesses close so their employees can have lots of fun.