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Your Guide to the World Famous Italian Carnevale

Your Guide to the World Famous Italian Carnevale

Posted by April Bargout On September 30 2019

Carnevale celebrations take place 40 days before Easter every February. Carnevale is celebrated in many Italian cities, as well as in smaller towns such as Cento, Fano and Viareggio.

However, by far, the most popular and well-known festival is in Venice.

Carnevale originated as a way to prepare for the 40 days of Lent during which meat was restricted. Italians would enjoy revelry with their families and friends before the relative privations of Lent. The festival also traces its roots back to the Roman Saturnalia and Dionysian celebrations for the start of the new year.

Today, Carnevale attracts people from all over the world, with its parades, parties and family-oriented events.

Centuries-Old Celebrations in Venice

the oldest masquerade took place in 1268

The most famous Carnevale celebration is in Venice, from January 23rd to February 9th, attracting huge numbers of both locals and tourists. The festival is also one of the oldest Carnevale celebrations in Italy, with the first masquerade taking place in 1268.

Unique to the Venetian Carnevale is the wearing of masks, some of which are still handcrafted and sold in shops along Venice’s winding streets. They run the gamut from gold and silver adorned to simple paper maché.

In the beginning mask wearing was controversial, but the tradition persisted over centuries. During the Black Plague, special masks were worn that were thought to keep their wearers safe from infection. Over centuries, it became a tradition to wear a “plague doctor” mask during Carnevale.

Tuscan Floats and Political Commentary

tuscan floats in viareggio

Viareggio has one of the largest Carnevale celebrations in Tuscany.

Characteristic of Carnevale in this central Italian region are elaborate costumes, paper mâché caricatures of politicians, animals, floats and everything else you can imagine.

This festival takes place over multiple weekends in February and March each year.

Orange Throwing in the Piedmont

orange throwing battle tradition in ivrea

The Carnivale of Ivrea, a small city in northern Italy, features the Battle of the Oranges.

Held in the center of town, this orange throwing battle is a re-enactment of a famous historical attack on the town. A three-day parade is part of Ivrea’s festivities.

This festival takes place across many dates in January, February and March, usually a few days at a time.

Floral Scents in February

What makes the Sicilian festival special are the multiple flower floats and characters that parade through the historic center of the town of Acireale, spreading the aroma of flowers throughout the city.

Apart from the parades, you’ll also find chess tournaments, firework displays and music. In Sicily Carnevale takes place across several days in February and March.

Carnevale Tips

elaborate carnevale masks sold in shops

 

Because of the extreme popularity of Carnevale, here are some key things to know:

  1. Attend a Masquerade Ball

    Get a ticket to one of the masquerade balls. Although not inexpensive, you can’t experience Carnevale without going to a ball. Ask your travel agent to purchase tickets in advance to have the best choice of events.

     

  1. Book Accommodations in Advance

    Book your accommodation up to a year in advance if you can. The demand for this event causes many places to sell out very early. If you leave booking accommodation until the last minute, you can expect to pay much more and even risk not finding an available hotel.

 

  1. Wear A Mask

    When in Venice during Carnevale, wear a mask. You don’t need to buy one before you go, because many places in the city sell inexpensive masks of all shapes and sizes. They range from full face to just the eyes (making eating and drinking much easier!)

 

  1. Dress Appropriately for Winter

    Although Italy is generally warmer than the U.S, it still has winters. Check what the average temperatures are for the specific region you are visiting and pack layers. If you want the warmest weather, the festivals in Sicily will be your choice.

 

 

 

April Bargout

Written by April Bargout

Managing Partner BellaVista Tours