The Carnevale festival in Italy marks the beginning of Lent with a celebration of life, tradition and culture. Unique to any other festival in the world, Carnevale bases its foundation in religion, art and community, differing in its celebrations by region. The first traces of Carnevale can be found in the Roman era during the festival of Saturnalia which celebrates the transition from winter to spring in which masks were used. Over time, this pagan festival merged with Christian traditions to become a pre-Lenten celebration that evolved into a period of indulgence prior to the time of fasting and penance of Lent during the Middle Ages.
Although Carnevale is celebrated throughout Italy, each region has its own unique way of celebrating the festival, incorporating historical and cultural elements that reflect local traditions.
Venice
The most popular and well known celebration of Carnevale is in Venice. Masks and costumes are eccentric and elaborate, promoting contests in St. Mark’s Square. Carnevale in Venice is based upon traditions from the 18th century, featuring grand balls, gondola parades and theatrical performances. It is estimated that about 3 million people travel to Venice to celebrate Carnevale. The dates for Carnevale in Venice this year are February 3rd through 13th.
Viareggio
In Tuscany, the Carnevale of Viareggio is famous for spectacular parades of floats and papier-mache’ giants, usually including political figures and celebrities. The artists that create the floats spend the entire year prior working on them. They are extremely detailed and were originally a way for the people of the city to protest against government officials for the high taxes they were forced to pay. Music and dancing in the streets throughout the night is also common during Carnevale. This tradition, dating back to 1873, attracts thousands of spectators per year.
Ivrea
The Battle of Oranges in Ivrea, Piedmont, is one of the most unusual and engaging Carnevale celebrations. It is a celebration of the city’s liberation from tyranny with a huge organized orange fight, symbolizing the stones thrown by commoners at the original tyrant’s castle. Participant’s are divided into teams and it is a messy yet beloved tradition.
No Italian festival is complete without culinary delicacies, and Carnevale is no exception. Across the country, kitchens buzz with the preparation of traditional sweets such as chiacchiere (fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar), castagnole (deep fried dough balls) and frappe (sweet, crispy pastry ribbons). These treats are enjoyed with company and in community with wine and spirits.
The masks worn at Carnevale are significant because they symbolize the festival’s spirit of freedom and anonymity. People can hide their identity and social status, realizing a true sense of equality. Masks in each region differ from the beautiful masks of Venice to the simple or grotesque masks found in other regions, each symbolizing a story of cultural and historical local relevance.
Have you ever had the opportunity to experience Carnevale?
