Carnival: where is it celebrated in Italy? Cities and towns not to be missed
Carnival is a typical celebration of Catholic countries, and especially in Italy the many local traditions have given rise to very special celebrations, much loved by the inhabitants but also by tourists. But how and where are the most beautiful Carnivals celebrated in Italy? The Carnival ritual culminates on Shrove Tuesday, the last day of celebrations before Ash Wednesday, which opens the period of Lent. The wild party, the overturning of the rules and the "exaggeration are the typical elements of Carnival, precisely because they precede the forty days before Easter, which in the past instead involved sacrifice and abstinence (Carnival derives from the Latin"carnem upbeat", remove the meat from the diet).
Just counting 40 days behind Easter, it is easy to calculate the dates of Carnival and Shrove Tuesday. The exception to these dates, however, is that of the Ambrosian Carnival. And then, let's discover the most beautiful and ancient festivals in Italy, from the very famous Carnival of Venice to the bloody one of Ivrea, from the joy of the Carnival of Viareggio to those of the less known towns all to be discovered.
Before going into the places that make Carnival magical, here is a beauty tip for you to experience this party with the right spirit and shine like never before!
See also
Venice Carnival: the most famous Carnival in Italy
The Carnival of Venice is certainly the most famous, the most loved by tourists, the most sumptuous. Hundreds of people with white and gold masks and eighteenth-century costumes parade on gondolas along the canals, giving life to a mysterious party on the water. Days later, in a rich calendar full of different events that lasts for weeks, a masquerade party is held to Piazza San Marco, which seems to recover the magic and restlessness of the past. The Carnival of Venice is a long, wonderful and decadent party, which must be seen at least once in a lifetime.
Viareggio Carnival: the spectacular parade of masks
The Viareggio Carnival was closed in 1873, and since then it has never stopped, crossing the historical eras and thrilling citizens and tourists. Allegorical floats that make fun of famous people and politicians, colorful and imaginative masks, joy and irreverence: these are the ingredients of the Mardi Gras Parade, held along the Promenade, so spectacular that it can be filmed live on our televisions. If Venice is not for you, the Viareggio Carnival is the right solution for a fun outing.
Ambrosian Carnival: dates and events of the Carnival in Milan and surroundings
The Ambrosian Carnival, which concerns the archdiocese of Milan (ie all the municipalities of Lombardy), has a calendar and dates that are different from those of the rest of Italy. This Carnival does not end on Shrove Tuesday, but on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Lent. That is, it lasts a little longer than the Carnivals of the rest of Italy. As always, it foresees parties and masked balls, and if one Carnival alone wasn't enough for you, and you don't want the party to end so soon, you can always take a trip to Milan and its surroundings ...
Carnival of Ivrea: the spectacular Battle of the Oranges
The Historical Carnival of Ivrea is different from that of other Italian traditions. It is, we could say, for those who are really looking for something more than floats and masks ... Why? Because it has maintained strong ties with its medieval tradition, bringing together various rituals that previously took place in the districts of the Piedmontese city. The most particular rite is certainly that of the Battle of the Oranges, which recalls the protests of the past. Participants literally target each other with thousands of oranges, hitting each other as they parade in floats. A tip if you go to visit it: wear a red cap, the signal that you don't want to be targeted, but you just want to see the bloody spectacle.
Carnival of Cento: the masks in Emilia Romagna
Cento is a town in the province of Ferrara, which boasts a historic and deeply felt Carnival. The parades of the typical floats are held for four Sundays, with the last parade coinciding with the first Sunday of Lent. The parades are run by various organizing companies, who compete for the winning float and costumes year after year. twinned with that of Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous Carnivals in the world together with that of New Orleans, more linked to the Indian tradition of America.
Putignano Carnival: the most beautiful party in Puglia
Southern Italy also boasts much loved and popular Carnival celebrations. Among these, one of the most famous is the Carnival of Putignano (in the province of Bari). Starting from the day of Sant "Antonio, January 17, the Carnival comes alive: every Thursday there is a parade with papier-mâché masks and people in costume, who make fun of different categories of people. If you stay in Puglia, maybe it is the case of taking a "look also at the Carnival of Massafra and that of Manfredonia.
Carnival of Sciacca and in the Italian villages
The Carnival of Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento, is the most famous celebration in Sicily. It has very ancient origins, even from the Roman era, when its inhabitants flocked to the streets disguised in many ways, consuming wine and pork. Slowly, the Sciacca Carnival has become an institution and is organized in the traditional parade of allegorical floats and masks, which begin on Fat Thursday with the delivery of the keys to the city to the king of Carnival, Peppe Nappa, who begins to distribute wine. and grilled sausages. The celebrations end on Shrove Tuesday when Peppe Nappa's chariot is burned in the square. There are also many Carnivals to discover, even very different from each other, some more cheerful, others even gloomy, which are held throughout Italy . The Carnival of Ispica, also in Sicily, includes the parade of a relic of the Cross of Christ after Mass on Shrove Tuesday. The Carnival of Muggia (in Trentino Alto-Adige), is characterized by the so-called Vegetable Ball, men and women decorated with fruit and vegetables who perform traditional dances, while the Carnival of Ronciglione, in Lazio, is one of the most irreverent: the traditional mask of the place, Red nose, chases the participants with dishes of rigatoni with sauce. To close this festival, the horse race without a jockey through the streets of the town.
Whatever the destination for your Carnival, remember to show off the right makeup!
Whichever destination you choose to spend the Carnival, remember that to get into the full atmosphere you will have to show off an ad hoc make-up. More daring and original or lighter and more delicate, interpret it your way by following our many suggestions. Here is the perfect make-up for a truly top Carnival!
