Carnival is definitely the most colorful and fun festival of the year and is celebrated in many places around the world. How do people prepare for these days of wild joy for Carnival in Italy? Everyone can become whatever they wish and unleash their creativity.
Every Italian location has its own tradition, often ancient, although they all share some recurring characteristics.
Carnival in Italy: Masks and Traditions
Each area of our country is characterized by typical masks and customs of Carnival.
Gianduia is the symbol of Piedmont, Arlecchino and Brighella represent Lombardy, Pantalone is found in Venice. Moving further south, in Rome there is Rugantino and then Pulcinella, a Neapolitan mask from the commedia dell’arte.
These are just some of the most famous Italian masks, but there are really many, each with its own ancient tradition.
This is why organizing a weekend getaway during this period is a great opportunity to visit new cities and attend Carnival events in Italy.
In many cities Carnival is not just a festival lasting a few days, but starts shortly after Epiphany. The celebration period culminates on Fat Tuesday, the most joyful, rule-free, wild, and fun day of the year.
People indulge in wild celebrations, but the next day it all ends because it is Ash Wednesday, which officially begins Lent.
Carnival in Italy: Some Magical Places
Venice
Among all the Carnival events in Italy, Venice’s is perhaps the most beautiful and famous.
The Venice Carnival is now a festival known worldwide and has been celebrated since the time of the Serenissima Republic.
In Veneto the Carnival tradition is deeply felt, but in Venice you breathe a magical air, unlike anywhere else. The city transforms into an open-air theater where you can admire the display of masks and costumes, especially 19th-century style, elegant and detailed.
The celebrations begin with the Venetian Festival on the water, where the Rio di Cannaregio becomes a stage on water filled with masks parading on gondolas.
It continues with the “Festival of the Maries”, lasting several days and culminating in the award for the Maria of the Carnival. After this election of the most beautiful mask, the most anticipated show arrives: the Flight of the Angel.
The winner of the previous year’s Maries contest “flies” from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica to the balcony of the Doge’s Palace.
Viareggio
If Venice’s Carnival is sumptuous and elegant, Viareggio’s is bold and irreverent. Here reigns the tradition of allegorical floats, which often send a strong and provocative message. These huge works of art were originally made of wood.
Today the most important in the town.
With this fire, embers are lit that serve for all the bonfires, centers of dancing and singing.
On Fat Tuesday there is the famous parade of the Mamuthones and the Issohadores, a solemn procession that recalls evocative archaic rituals.
Why Discover Carnival Traditions in Italy?
Carnival is a deeply felt festival in all regions of Italy.
Spending it in good company, in the festive atmosphere of an Italian city, is an experience to have at least once in your life!