Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, which is the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. The exact dates of Carnival vary each year, as they are determined by the lunar calendar. However, it typically occurs in February or March. When is Carnival in Italy in 2024? This year Carnival is Italy will take place during the first 2 weeks of February.
Carnival is a time of joy, festivities, and indulgence before the solemn period of Lent begins. It's an opportunity for people to come together, express creativity through costumes and masks, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that characterises this annual celebration in Italy. These are our picks of the top 4 places to go in Italy for Carnival in 2024!
Carnival of Venice, Veneto
Venice is renowned for its elaborate and unique Carnival celebrations. The city's Carnival dates back to the 11th century, and it became particularly famous during the Renaissance. The masks and costumes worn during the festivities are a significant aspect of the Venetian Carnival. The masks allowed people to conceal their identities, providing a sense of anonymity and freedom to engage in various activities. Some of the traditional masks include the iconic Venetian masks like the Bauta, the Colombina, and the Medico della Peste. The 2024 Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) will take place from 3rd to 13th February 2024.
During this period, Venice Carnival hosts a series of grand balls and parties in historic palaces and other unique venues throughout the city. These events often require elaborate costumes and masks, contributing to the sophisticated and mysterious ambiance of the celebrations. As expected, there are also a variety of parades and processions that wind their way through the city's narrow streets and along its picturesque canals. Participants showcase their extravagant costumes, and many of the events include traditional music and dance.
Frittelle and other Carnival Treats: Food is an integral part of the Venice Carnival experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Carnival treats such as frittelle (small, fried doughnuts), galani (crispy fried pastries), and other sweet delights that are especially popular during this festive period.
- Dates: 3rd to 13th February 2024
- Website: www.carnevale.venezia.it
Carnival of Cento, Ferrara
The Carnival of Cento is a traditional carnival celebration held in the town of Cento, located in the province of Ferrara, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Cento is known for its lively and unique Carnival festivities that attract both locals and visitors. While not as widely recognised as some other Italian carnivals, the Carnival of Cento has its own distinctive charm and traditions. On top if this, for a long time it has been awarded the title of the best Carnival of Europe.
The carnival includes parades with allegorical floats, which are large, decorated vehicles depicting various themes, often with a satirical or humorous touch. These floats are an essential part of the processions and add a festive and entertaining element to the celebration.
Local Cuisine and Treats: As with many Italian festivals, food plays a significant role in the Carnival of Cento. Local specialties and carnival treats are often enjoyed during the festivities, adding to the overall joyful atmosphere. Make sure to try castagnole, typical of the Carnival period. Castagnole are best appreciated in their simplest form, sprinkled only with powdered sugar. These special sweets are made with flour, eggs, vanilla, sugar, milk and grated lemon peel.
- Dates: 28th January to 25th February 2024
- Website: www.carnevalecento.com
Carnival of Viareggio, Lucca
The Carnival of Viareggio is one of the most renowned and spectacular carnival celebrations in Italy. It takes place in the coastal town of Viareggio, located in the Tuscany region. The carnival has a long history and is famous for its enormous and elaborate paper-mâché floats that parade through the streets. Viareggio Carnival is known for its lively atmosphere, artistic displays, and a sense of humor often reflected in the satirical themes of the floats.
In addition to the parades, the Carnival of Viareggio hosts a variety of masked balls and parties. These events provide an opportunity for participants to showcase their creative costumes and masks while enjoying live music, dancing, and festive entertainment.
Traditional Carnival Treats: As with many Italian carnivals, Viareggio's celebration includes a variety of traditional carnival treats. Street vendors offer sweets such as frittelle (small fried doughnuts) and other delicious snacks to enhance the festive atmosphere. Make sure to also try cenci (or chiacchiere), a sweet egg pasta, cut into rectangles or strips and then fried or baked. Cenci are made with flour, butter, eggs, sugar, a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of liqueur like brandy.
- Dates: 3rd February to 24th February 2024
- Website: www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
Carnival of Putignano, Apulia
The Carnival of Putignano is one of the oldest and longest-running carnival celebrations in Italy. Located in the town of Putignano, near Bari in the Apulia region of southern Italy, this carnival has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Carnival of Putignano is known for its lively atmosphere, colourful costumes, and traditional masks, making it a significant cultural event in the region.
Putignano Carnival is characterised by the elaborate costumes and masks worn by participants. The traditional masks, known as "mascarieddi," often feature intricate designs and bright colours. Participants, both locals and visitors, dress in costumes ranging from historical figures to whimsical characters.
Traditional Carnival Treats: As with many Italian festivals, food is an essential part of the Putignano Carnival experience. Local vendors offer traditional carnival treats such as "frappe" (fried dough pastries) and "pettole" (small fried dough balls), adding to the festive atmosphere. Make sure to also try Farinella, which also gives its name to the typical sweet of the city, made with chickpea flour, barley flour, butter, sugar, eggs flavoured with orange, lemon and cinnamon.
- Dates: from 4th February to 17th February 2024
- Website: www.carnevalediputignano.com
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