With Epiphany just ended, and after La Befana has made her rounds distributing toys and coal as she usually does during the holidays, the Christmas season in Italy officially comes to a close. Don’t worry, however, because eve n though the holiday decorations may be coming down, new ones will be put up soon, as Italy prepares for its next big holiday. What would that be, you ask? It is none other than one of the country’s biggest parties, the Carnival, or Carnevale! So for those who want to experience the Carnival for themselves, here’s a quick starter guide to help you understand and appreciate the celebrations, right before you head out to pick your mask and costume!
Quick Facts
Although many people most likely wouldn’t connect Italy’s well-known Carnevale with the winter holidays, the truth is that it is rather one of the main events hosted during the cold season since it usually falls around February or March. Along with one large farewell party before the austere days of Lent, it marks the end of winter. Though celebrations can start as early as two weeks before Ash Wednesday, the Carnevale season lasts forty days before Easter and ends on Shrove Tuesday. If you plan to catch it, take note that because it follows the calendar of church celebrations, the exact date of the Carnevale varies every year, so best to start planning around it if you want to participate!
The origins of the Carnevale can be found in the pagan Roman celebration of Saturnalia, which included communal feasts, gambling among slaves (gambling was strongly discouraged at the time), and speaking to masters as equals. The positions were occasionally even reversed, with slaves receiving food from their masters.
The pagan celebration was later modified by Christianity to conform to its calendar. This served a practical function as well, since it was thought to be the ideal time to indulge in the excess meat that had been stockpiled throughout the winter—meat, which is prohibited during Lent. Since “Carnevale” literally translates to “goodbye meat” in Latin, this is also how the holiday received its name.
From the 1100s through the Renaissance and the 1700s, it continued to be a very popular event. As people openly spoke their thoughts, ate, drank, and enjoyed, it became more extravagant and decadent with each passing century. Because everyone was wearing masks, they also engaged in various forms of minor mischief during the occasion.
Masks are an essential component of any Carnevale celebration because the anonymity they provided allowed the wearers to act more freely, letting loose and having fun as equals without regard to celebrity or social standing. “Anything goes at carnival,” or “A Carnevale Ogni Scherzo Vale,” was born out of this.
Regretfully, the celebration was outlawed during the fascist dictatorship in the 1930s and again in 1798 when Austria seized possession of Venice. It wasn’t brought back until the 1980s, when the public embraced it and it saw a complete renaissance.
What Happens During the Carnevale?
Everyone is welcome to take part in the Carnevale, a massive winter celebration, as was previously reported. Parades, live music, costumed pageants, private and public masquerade balls, fireworks, and an abundance of food and beverages, along with seasonal goodies prepared specifically for the day, are all part of the festivities. There are private events that you can attend for a price, in addition to the numerous free public performances and attractions.
Additionally, there will undoubtedly be a large crowd, and in the spirit of the holiday, it is not unusual for total strangers to pull practical jokes on one another.
On a more travel-related note, because of the popularity of the event, you should also expect hotels and accommodations to be fully-booked and/or slightly overpriced, so book your hotel well in advance.
How Can I Participate?
Simply hop in!
Don’t be scared to immerse yourself in the Carnevale and take in all of the entertainment and activities; after all, the main goal is for people to be able to freely socialize and have fun.
However, you may dress up and put on a mask yourself if you truly want to get involved; you’ll fit right in. Numerous sellers will be selling a wide variety of masks, ranging from inexpensive (but attractive!) plastic ones that cost a few dollars to custom-made items from regional mask manufacturers that can cost up to 200 euros.
There will also be establishments and hotels that hold private masquerade balls, and they can provide you with a mask and even a custom-made costume to wear at the event. Just note, however, that this option can come with a hefty price tag of up to EUR 500 or thereabouts, but for those who want to experience the grandeur and opulence of the Carnevale, the price is well worth it.
