Ogni Scherzo Vale! – Carnevale Celebration in Italy
An opinion piece by Lindsey Simpson
“Anything goes” at Italy’s celebrations of Carnevale. I had the opportunity to travel to Venice for a weekend of celebration, as well as participate in Perugia’s own festivities.
It is a celebration in excess: ornate costumes, grand meals, rowdy parades, plenty of mischief, and lots of confetti. Carnival is celebrated all around the globe, with the most famous being in Rio de Janeiro, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and here in Italy, at the Carnival of Venice.
History of the Celebration
The celebration of Carnevale has uncertain and indefinite origins. The first celebration as we know it took place in the 19th century, but forms of the celebration can be seen as far back as the 14th century. But people all throughout history have been gathering together to celebrate at this time of year.
As it is known today, Carnival festivities take place in the couple weeks leading up to the start of the 40 days of Lent. Many cities have their large celebrations on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a time to celebrate – to eat rich foods, drink, and be merry; a final hurrah before the reserved piety of Lent.
The festivities of Carnevale are similar to the celebration of Mardi Gras in America, stretching across multiple weeks. While Venice’s celebration is one of the most well-known and impressive, every town in Italy has their own version, with various parades and festivals, no matter how small.
Extravagant Tradition
The tradition of the masks dates back to the Middle Ages, where the elaborate dress and Venetian mask we see today gained popularity. “Masquerade” style became a popular way to dress for festivities, as it lifted the divisions and hierarchy of class and prestige, shrouding everyone in mystery. Everyone is invited to celebrate and with a mask, it does not matter the class, religion, or nationality of a person: all are welcome.
Carnevale costume is a wonderful display of creativity and expression. Fans of design and fashion should check out these traditional Carnevale masks. They are hand-made in Venice and gorgeous pieces of art.
The vibrant and over-the-top suits, dresses, and gowns are a final, grandiose display of excess before the reserved sobriety of Lent. Carnevale is traditionally a period of total indulgence, and that is reflected in the clothing. The traditions of costumes and masks and lent are the embodiment of the revelry and gaiety of the season for all to see.
Venice: The Heart of Carnivale
The famous Carnival of Venice can be traced back to the 1100’s, but was officially instituted in 1296 – it has remained a long-standing and important event for the city. It remains the most famous Carnival in Italy and one of the most notable throughout the world.
The famous saying goes: “A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale.” Which means “At Carnevale, anything goes.” During the first weekend of February, I had the ability to travel to Venice for a couple days and it was a pleasure! I discovered the saying rings true when a stranger honked a horn behind my ear near Basilica di San Marco. The area was absolutely buzzing with people taking photos with those in costumes, children running around, and gondolas coasting through the water.
All the streets along Venice’s winding canals were bustling with people, many in grand costumes and an abundance of tourists from all over the world. Numerous people were sporting masks of their own, which could be easily bought from stands and shops throughout the city. Everyone is invited to participate in the masquerade.
Celebration here in Perugia
Tuesday, February 13 here in Perugia was bright and lively. While sitting in my 9AM class, the loud bumping of music could be heard outside. Piazza IV Novembre had transformed into a bustling hub of festivity. Kids were running around, laughing, some dressed in costume and throwing confetti at each other. Flurries of confetti rained down around the parade floats parked around the fountain. Barbie, Aquaman, and Snoopy were all there to celebrate on parade floats, larger-than-life.
The collective joy of the children and adults throughout the city center is contagious, so much so that I didn’t mind the confetti getting stuck in my hair!
It all culminated in a parade in the late evening, and it seemed as if everyone in the city was lining along the streets to see.
Carnevale is a bright pop of color to relieve the dreary skies of late winter. Across the world, people gather together in merriment to celebrate changing times: the ancient Egyptians had a similar festival of revelry to welcome in Spring. Carnevale is a time to celebrate change, freedom, and community, inviting anyone and everyone together to celebrate.