Italy’s Littlest Carnevale

Wintertime is Carnevale time in Italy. Although dates change every year, the holiday always coincides with the Christian calendar, commencing 40 days before Easter with the fun and frolicking ending on Fat Tuesday (Martedi Grasso) – one day before the start of Lent.

Photo credit: Carolina De Luca

One of the most famous and opulent of all Carnevale celebrations happens in the Northern Italian city of Venice. People from all over the world pile-onto the island to take part in the Venice Carnival, a tradition that dates back to the 12th century. The massive 17-day event culminates with a ritzy masquerade ball that, if you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket to, could set you back a whopping €800 ($900) per person.

Photo credit: Valentina Santanicchio

But there’s another Carnevale that takes place in the Bel Paese’s villages, small towns and big city neighborhoods – a kinder, gentler, confetti-covered, candy-coated version… Carnevale per bambini!

Photo credit: Toni DeBella

Becky, age 5, thinks Carnevale is pretty special. “I once saw a person that put on a dress, had a mask with dangly bits and she also wore a hat with lots of sticks and round things on it.” After giving it careful thought, Becky decided that her favorite parts of the festival have to be, “Hearing Carnival stories at school, dressing up in costumes and making masks!”

Photo credit: Toni DeBella

In Orvieto, where Becky and her little brother Ned live, shops have seen a huge spike in streamer, paper confetti, and Silly String sales. The debauchery takes on a sweeter form with fairy princesses and super heroes replacing powdered wings and creepy gilded porcelain masks.

Last Thursday, (referred to by locals as Giovedi Grasso) the townspeople were treated to the much-anticipated annual Carnevale Parade. Police cordoned off the area so its littlest citizens could march unobstructed through the cobblestone streets of Via del Duomo and Corso Cavour. This year’s costume theme: Fruits and Vegetables.

Venice, eat your heart out!