While I am researching carnivals and festivals for a list, I thought I would post this in the meantime:
Carnival Lesson Ideas
Make a mini carnival float parade using shoe boxes. Paint in a bright colour, add ribbon swags and bunting, crumple tissue for flowers and add a centrepiece - a doll dressed up for example.
Dance in a procession with the children making 'music' using whistles and maracas.
Make carnival masks from paper plates. Cut eyeholes and attach string or ribbon to fasten the mask to the head. Allow the children to decorate their masks with paint, crayon, sequins and feathers. (Nothing too heavy).
Throw streamers and balloons around, just like the real thing!