In Chapter 16, why does Miss Maudie refuse to go to the trial?What does she mean when she makes the reference to a Roman carnival?

Unlike the rest of the town, Miss Maudie is not
interested in the "spectacle" of the trial.  People are coming out in huge
crowds and groups to watch (in Miss Maudie's accurate prediction) "a poor devil on trial
for his life."

Her reference to the Roman carnival here is
not likely a gladiator-type reference, as many students have observed.  The Roman
carnival is described a celebration for the sake of celebrating, and it was
chaotic.  Miss Maudie here does not want to sink to the level of
the rest of the town (and surrounding areas) and show a sudden interest in judicial
matters simply with the expectation of chaos and entertainment, all at the expense of an
actual person's life.