The narrator tells us that the biggest festival in the world is here. It's called "Carnevale," which means "farewell to meat," and it's supposed to be a 40 day period before Easter. We learn that the original purpose of the festival was to celebrate Lent, which is a period of fasting and penance. The narrator also tells us about the story of the "bauta stand," or beggar, who is supposed to disappear cats from their homes during the festival. The bauta stand is rumored to be Casanova, a man who lived in the 18th century and was famous for having sex with women. He's also said to be an immortal, or "fairy," who has been playing this role every year since the festival started over a hundred years ago. Apparently, no one can confirm Casanova's true identity, but it makes the narrator wonder about him. As the days pass, the excitement increases, and it feels as if the whole town is transformed into a new world.