It’s February; time for hot chocolates and telly…now, the only thing that convince Italian people to go out is Carnevale’s parades and the smell of castagnole and chiacchiere!
Carnevale is the festive season that comes before Lent and it is, since its origins, a period of great diversion and excess. The world may be familiar with Carnevale di Venezia…but did you know that throughout Italy there are many other parades that are as celebrated as Venezia’s? From North to South in Italy many cities have their own traditions and customs, let’s talk about a few of them!
Ivrea is a small town near Torino, and its people have a very peculiar way to celebrate – during Carnevale, two teams are made and people must pick between the team of peasants and the team of nobles. Then, a battle begins and the two teams throw each other oranges. Yes, oranges! This custom was born during the Nineteen century, when young noble girls used to gently throw oranges from their balconies to attract the attention of the young, cherished men. Nowadays, it is a real fight to the bitter end, such that every year many people go to the ER!
Viareggio is a coastal town in Tuscany, and it is famously known for its carri, paper mache parade floats that fill squares and streets of the city during Carnevale. Every year the artists that build the floats choose a theme – usually from recent months’ events – and build gigantic masterpieces that also move at the rhythm of music, which is often composed specifically for telling the story behind the float. At the end of the parade, the most spectacular parade float is awarded depending on the category for which it competes.
Sciacca can be found in Sicily and this year its Carnevale celebrates its 400th anniversary! The tradition started in the Seventeenth century, when the Carnevale was only a popular event for people to eat sausages, cannoli and drink wine! Nowadays, it involves parade floats, music, cultural events, street food and a lottery. Also here, there is a contest where the most beautiful float is awarded. At the end of Sciacca’s Carnevale, the mascotte – Peppe Nappa – is burned to symbolize the end of the celebrations…poor Peppe!
These were only a few of all cities that celebrate Carnevale in Italy. Depending on where you relocated, if you look around you will probably find a town that celebrates Carnevale in its own way. In any case, don’t miss the occasion to eat and enjoy castagnole and chiacchiere!
