In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[IMG]http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z294/sallydonaldson/1165344176-venice_use.jpg[/IMG]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Historically Carnevale was the last days of partying and excesses before the rigours of Lent kicked in - so the last day is always Shrove Tuesday. The word Carnevale comes from the Latin 'carnem levare" meaning a 'renouncing of meat' dating from the times when the religous authorities forbade the consumption of meat during Lent.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Il Carnevale starts here in Ascoli Piceno next Thursday January 31. As anne2 mentions Il Carnivale is always based on when Ash Wednesday occurs on the calendar and hence the day of Easter. This is tied to Passover which in turn is tied to lunar cycle.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Here is a link with the full explanation regarding those date variations: [url=http://www.carnaval.com/cityguides/dating.htm]Dating Fat Tuesday[/url]
As you will see, it is fairly complicated.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
I think the word " carnival" comes from "carne" and "vale" meaning "goodbye meat" which is pretty much to the point. Anyway does anyone know of anything going on to celebrate it in Marche on 4 or 5 Feb?
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[IMG]http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z294/sallydonaldson/1b23cf955cd83a9291b7fe56f188fc31.jpg[/IMG]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[IMG]http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z294/sallydonaldson/venezia-carnevale.gif[/IMG]
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We're going to be in Italy this weekend and we'll be near Viareggio. Would it be worth going to have a look? What exactly goes on during carnival?
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
Yes Licciana, it will be well worth your while going to Viareggio to see the carnival. We lived there for two winters and the carnival is quite amazing - be sure to take your camera!
There is a parade in the afternoon (I think on both Saturday and Sunday) but you will need to check the times. You can buy tickets at one of the booths outside when you arrive. Here is a link to the official website which will give you all the details you need as far as times and getting there etc.
[url=http://www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com]Carnevale di viareggio Carnevale d'italia e d'Europa[/url]
A word of advice - do not go by car, you can't get down to the promenade where the carnival is as it will be blocked off. Parking elsewhere will be almost impossible so bus or train would be better.
Enjoy!!
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We went last year and it was amazing. The floats were massive and nothing like anything I had seen here in the UK.
The hot topics then were the World Cup win, Prodi's ineffective government and the war in Iraq. It will be interesting to see what they come up with this year - you will have to let us know.
We drove into Viareggio early (about late morning) and managed to find a parking space, but it was a bit of a walk to the sea front. People didn't tend to leave at the same time and so we found getting out of town to be ok.
We would certainly recommend going and I hope that you have a great time.:smile:
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
[quote=Robert;81345]I think the word " carnival" comes from "carne" and "vale" meaning "goodbye meat" which is pretty much to the point. Anyway does anyone know of anything going on to celebrate it in Marche on 4 or 5 Feb?[/quote]
Robert, Ascoli Piceno will be in the midst of their colorful celebrations. There are also major events at Offida and I'm sure at other locations here in Marche.
In reply to A newbie all over again! by Annec
We went to Viareggio yesterday - once again excellent, though less floats than last year?!? The fire works - all 22 minutes of them - were brilliant (no pun intended) We went by train after last years fiasco due to the sheer volume of traffic both arriving and leaving - highly recommended, roll on next year
Yes, I think it is to do with Easter being early. I was in Venice last week and was surprised to find out that the carnevale was starting on 25th January.
I came home via Viareggio (I lived there for two winters) and was even more surprised to find that they were a week into their four week carnevale. It is usually Feb/March but this year is Jan/Feb. I have a feeling that it corresponds to the 'Lent' period in the UK.