What is Carnevale?
Carnevale is an Italian celebration leading up to Catholic Lent. The festivities entail the last chance to indulge in the sweet life before creating personal lifestyle restrictions of Lent. The festivities start this year on February 21st, 2023 (Fat Tuesday) and will last up until Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023.
A CARNEVALE OGNI SCHERZO VALE
All jokes are allowed during Carnevale! Small children often joke with adults during the Italian festivities. The saying “A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale” means that every joke is allowed to encourage a welcoming environment. Children often throw confetti of many colors or shoot bystanders with silly string to help bring the child-like attitude out of everyone! Colors are very important during these festivities, and children assist in this important task by creating a silly environment.
Delicious Food
Carnevale in Italy is a last hurrah before the restrictions of Lent take hold. Italians eat tons of unique dishes during the festivities such as chiacchiere/crostoli (sweet fried dough), lasagna, and Graffe Napoletane (donuts). One dish, known as sanguinaccio is a chocolate treat that was known for being made with pigs blood. Though it is not commonly made with blood anymore, the name still stays the same. These sweet treats and fatty foods are a representation of the constraints Lent will bring in the coming weeks.
Watch-the Carnival of Venice
Sources
Carnevale in Italy: What it Is and Where to Celebrate [Ciao Andiamo]
Carnevale food: Food traditions from Italy [Italian Spoon]
