What might the Winter Carnival symbolize?

There is so much symbolism to this Carnival. Really it encapsulates youthfulness, innocence, rebellion, adulthood, war.....The reason it represents so much is largely because of the charismatic Finny. Finny is the ring leader of this adolescent circus. It is a celebration of youth and innocence amidst the backdrop of war. It is a Bar Mitzvah of sorts as these boys drink and enjoy the last vestiges of youth.