The period of carnivals is the brightest event in the life of Italy. At this time, the country becomes the center of fun, positive emotions and entertainment. Every carnival lover will find something to his liking - fortunately, there are a huge number of them in Italy: each city greets the participants with its own flavor.
Venice Carnival
- When? 8-25 February
- Where? Venice.
Without a doubt, we can say that this is the most important and famous carnival in the country. The first mention of it dates back to 1094, however, without the main modern symbol - masks. From the 12th century the procession became annual, until in 1797 the event was banned by Napoleon. The Venice Carnival was revived only in 1979.
More than half a million tourists take part in the carnival procession every year. Traditionally, the event opens with an ancient holiday, the essence of which is the miraculous liberation of young girls kidnapped by pirates. During 2 weeks, participants can visit:
- Flight of angels
- Flight of the lion
- Festival of the Mari
- Costume processions
- Competition for the most beautiful mask, which is a mandatory attribute
- Concerts
- Boat processions
- DJ sets, etc.
Carnival in Iviera
- When? 6, 9, 20-26 February
- Where? Iviera, Piedmont.
The event was first organized in 1808 and has been held annually since then. The old carnival dates back to the ancient traditions of the peoples of Italy. Duration - 3 days, during this time in the city:
- Carts going by
- Musicians and orchestras are performing on foot.
The main event is the Orange Battle, which takes place in the main squares of the city and in front of the theater. The battle involves 2 teams - foot soldiers and soldiers on carts. Despite the fact that the participants are protected by a metal mesh, there is still a risk of getting a bruise from an orange.
Carnival in Tricarico, Basilicata
- When? February 17-23
- Where? Tricarico, Basilicato.
The roots of the procession go back to ancient cattle-breeding customs: during the carnival, cattle are driven from summer pastures to winter ones and vice versa. The participants in the carnival - the herd - cross the entire village in order to complete a special ritual at the end - the burning of a scarecrow.
Carnival at Mamoyad
- When? 16 january
- Where? Mamoyada, Sardinia.
The carnival procession is dedicated to the ancient Sardinian ritual. The event is run by Mamutones in sheep's clothing and wearing a red jacket, Isohadores. Both characters are masks weighing more than 30 kilograms.
Carnival in Viareggio
- When? 9, 15, 20, 23, 25 February
- Where? Viareggio, Tuscany.
The Carnival in Viareggio is no less famous than the Venice one. A topic that has been considered the main one for many years is social and political satire. Another tradition that has existed since 1873 is trains constructed from huge figures moving along the embankment. The meaning of the procession dates back to the Middle Ages - this is how the Italian bourgeoisie fought against tax increases.
Carnival in Cento
- When? February 9-March 20
- Where? Cento, Emilia-Romagna.
The protagonist of the carnival, which is considered the brother of the procession in Rio de Janeiro, is the Tazi mask, which accompanies the entire action, and then his stuffed animal is publicly burned.
Carnival in Fano
- When? 9, 16, 23 February
- Where? Fano, Marche.
The second oldest carnival in Italy - Fano - was first mentioned in 1347. His main difference from his fellows is Jetto: a tradition, the essence of which is throwing hundreds of tons of sweets from specific carts. This is accompanied by the performance of the "Muzyka Arabita" orchestra, whose musicians, in addition to the usual instruments, use cans, jugs and coffee pots. Another distinguishing feature is Voulon: a parody mask, a caricature of famous Italians.
Carnival in Putignano
- When? 9, 16, 23, 25, 29 February
- Where? Putignano, Puglia.
This procession is rightfully called the longest. Its distinctive features are carts made of papier-mâché, tuples of masks. As part of the carnival, the Propagini festival is held, the essence of which is that everyone can recite their poems in the city squares.
Carnival in Achiaral
- When? February 17-March 5
- Where? Aciaral, Sicily.
The carnival in this city takes place twice a year - in February and April, the actions repeat each other. The procession dates back to the 16th century. The main event is citrus battles.
Carnival in Sciacca
- When? February 20-25
- Where? Sciacca, Sicily.
Its history dates back to Roman processions. Local craftsmen make papier-mâché dolls throughout the year, and allegorical carts and dancing masked people cross the streets of the city. The annual end of the procession is the burning of the effigy of the king of the event, Peppe Nappa.
