It's carnival season in Europe，a crazy time for parades，masks，music and dance.No one is sure where the tradition exactly comes from.But while its origin remains a mystery，this does not keep people from joining it.

　　The Carnival of Binche，the most famous one that is staged in Belgium，has been announced as a masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.The event usually takes place during a Sunday，Monday，and Tuesday，with performers known as "Gilles" dressed in clown­like costumes，dancing and marching (行进) along the streets.During the parade，the Gilles throw oranges to the crowd as an act of well­wishing and it is considered rude to throw them back.

　　Venice is said to be the birthplace of carnivals.In the city，the annual carnival starts 58 days before Easter.It features various brightly­colored and well­made masks.Every year，thousands of visitors go to the city to be part of the festive event.

　　The Germans，always considered serious­minded，also have their carnivals.The Cologne Carnival is one of the largest，with Rose Monday as the best part.On Rose Monday Parade，lots of gifts are prepared for the people who join it.For this year,300 tons of candies and more than 300,000 souvenirs were thrown out of the various nicely­decorated floats (花车) to the crowd.

　　The Nice Carnival in the southern French city of Nice lasts two or three weeks from February to March every year.It features floats，music，dance performances and entertainment activities.The parade of lights and the final day carnival parade are the most exciting parts of the entire event.Compared to the Rio Carnival in Brazil and the Winter Carnival in Quebec，Canada，the Nice Carnival has a special artistic touch，and it is one of the three major carnivals around the world.

　　Carnivals were first organized in the Middle Ages.They were supposed to be a time of eating and drinking before the Easter fast (斋戒)．Nowadays，they have turned into winter tourism attractions for many European cities.

　　语篇解读　本文是说明文，介绍了欧洲一些有名的狂欢节。

　　1．What do we know about the Carnival of Binche?

　　A．It begins 58 days before Easter.

　　B．It falls on a Wednesday every year.

　　C．It is an event that takes place in Belgium.

　　D．People throw candies to express good wishes.

　　解析：　细节理解题。根据第二段的The Carnival of Binche，the most famous one that is staged in Belgium可知选C。

答案：　C