Victor Hugo reckoned that “Everything being a constant carnival, there is no carnival left”. Some may agree, for in February carnivals abound in Italy with kids running wild, playing jokes, setting off fireworks and throwing confetti. Their exuberance and the sense of occasion is infectious – most of us love ‘carnivale’.
The round-up of expat blogs reflects the carnival atmosphere with Not only Pizza outlining this year’s theme in Venice of ‘Sensation 6 sensi x 6 sestrieri’ or 6 senses x 6 districts. Purple Girl by Venice Daily Photo makes us all wish we could dress up in stunning costumes, while Italy Travel Guide illustrates colourful floats in Viareggio in Tuscany. The floats, called “carri allegorici” due to their humorous and satirical design, often represent celebraties and politicians. In the meantime, in the small northern town of Ivrea, carnival revolves around the Battle of Oranges and spectators wear red hats to avoid being pelted with fruit. Italy Magazine rates the five best carnival celebrations as Venice, Viareggio, Putignano, Marmoiada and Ivrea.
To sustain one through the celebrations, the traditional Carnivale pastry, Chiacchiere, is a must. And in case your local bakery doesn’t stock them, Bleeding Espresso tells us how to make them.
Finally, if you can’t make any of the Italian carnivals and happen to be in England on 22 February, you can join the carnival in London organised by the Italian Cultural Institute.
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