Carnival in Italy

January 28th 2011 by Giulia

Carnival traditions in Italy – How is Carnival celebrated in Italy?

Credits: Wikimedia

Semel in anno licet insanire (once a year is allowed to get crazy)

Carnival is an ancient tradition occurring the immediate period before Lent. In Italy, it is celebrated in many different ways, depending from region to region and from city to city. Carnival in Italy usually involves a parade or is characterized by traditional celebrations. The most popular Carnival in Italy is the Carnival of Venice, which is popular for its masks.

Credits: Flickr

Venetian Masks are the symbol of Venice Carnival, which attracts tourists all over Italy. The Carnival of Venice has its origins in X century, when everyone was allowed to mask and every social or sexual difference was removed. The main mask was “La Baita”, a simple costume which is considered the most typical mask of Venice.

Credits: Flickr

The Carnival traditions have evolved and today Venice has lots of prestigious masks as well as original and fine costumes which characterize it and make Venetians proud of their beautiful Carnival.

The historical Carnival of Ivrea, a town of Piedmont region, has ancient origins dating back to Middle Age. It is characterized by folkloristic ceremonies as well as by the “Orange battle”, which is become the symbol of Ivrea Carnival. The “Orange battle”, in which oranges are used as bullets, symbolizes the struggle of people against the nobility.

Credist: Flickr

One of the most popular Carnival in Italy is the Carnival of Viareggio (see >>> Carnival in Tuscany) which is also considered one of the most important in Europe.

The Carnival of Putignano is the most popular in Puglia and one of the most ancient Carnivals in Italy (see >>> Carnival in Puglia)

Carnival in Sardinia is well known for its traditional masks and ancient ceremonies, which are different from town to town. (see >>> Carnival in Sardinia)

In Campania, people celebrate Carnival with traditional parades, costumes and with the typical Carnival food! (see >>> Carnival in Campania)

 

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  1. [...] the year lies in rediscovering its food. “Le Chiacchiere” are Puglia’s version of a carnival season sweet found from the top to the toe of the Italian [...]

  2. [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by La Casetta del Borgo, CharmingItaly. CharmingItaly said: Carnival in Italy >>> http://www.charmingitaly.com/carnival-in-italy/ [...]

  3. [...] You may have thought Florence would be the biggest and most famous, but you would be wrong. Carnevale always happens 40 days before Easter in which the date varies. This year it is on March 8th. But [...]

  4. [...] Carnival in Sardinia starts from the feast of St. Anthony (January 17th) and ends the Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent which occurs forty-six days before Easter). During St. Anthony’s celebrations, while dancing and singing around the fire, the traditional masks appear for the first time of the year. Carnival celebrations in Sardinia are concentrated between Tuesday and Thursday before Lent. [...]

  5. [...] Carnival time in Italy there’s a fun Italian expression, “A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale!” (“During Carnival [...]

  6. [...] Puglia Carnival is not a single day or event, but a whole season of masquerades and fun for people of all ages. [...]

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