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Italian Mardi Gras celebrations : we look at the traditions of Mardi Gras in Italy - what they are and where to find them. Mardi Gras, known as ‘ Carnevale ’ (pronounced car-nay- vahl -ay) in Italy, is one of the most important events in Italian culture and customs - and contrary to popular belief it doesn't only happen in Venice. The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia; Venetian: Carneval de Venèsia) is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, famous throughout the world for its elaborate costumes and masks. The Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday ( Martedì Grasso or Mardi Gras ), which is the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday . Find a mask, grab a spritz, and read on to learn the best ways to celebrate like a Venetian! What It Is. Similar to Mardi Gras here in the U.S., carnival is a time of celebration and indulgence before the period of Lent begins for practicing Catholics. Most carnival celebrations are two-week affairs that end on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent The Venice Carnival began in 1162 in celebration of the Venice Republic’s victory over its enemy: the Patriarch or Aquileia. The people of Venice gathered in Saint Mark’s Square (San Marco) to dance and celebrate their victory. Ever since then, the victory was celebrated in the streets of Venice. Venice is about elegance and informality. It’s more staid than other Carnivals - even Italian Carnivals. No-one in Venice would dream of engaging in the excesses of Ivrea’s traditions of Mardi Gras or the circus performances of Rome's Carnival magic. You won’t find mile-long processions. You won’t find huge floats. Venice Carnevale is Italy's top Carnival, or Mardi Gras, celebration. Carnevale season lasts about two weeks, culminating on the day of Carnival (called Martedi Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, in Italian). The weekend before Fat Tuesday usually sees the most parties and events, but during all of Carnevale season, the city of Venice is abuzz with Italian Mardi Gras, known locally as Carnevale, is a spectacular celebration that brings colour, excitement, and centuries-old traditions to life across the country.From the iconic masks of Venice to the funny orange battles of Ivrea, Italy’s Carnival season offers a unique blend of history, culture, and revelry that captivates millions of visitors from around the world each year. Ordinary Venice is exciting, but Venice during the Carnival is spellbinding. Venice, a city already steeped in enchantment, transforms into a realm of absolute wonder during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras. This is when the Carnival of Venice, a tradition dating back over seven centuries, takes center stage. The city’s canals and Mardi Gras history and its impact today. So, all other versions of Mardi Gras around the world actually had their origin in ancient Rome and Italian religion and became elongated into the week or longer versions we now know now as ‘Carnival’ - or, in Italy, ‘Carnevale’. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. What Does Mardi Gras Mean? In Italy, tourists flock to Venice’s Carnevale, which dates back to the 13th century and Mardi Gras is a day to indulge in rich foods and beverages before the fasting begins. Italians celebrate Mardi Gras with parades, costumes, music, and food. The most famous Mardi Gras celebration in Italy is the Carnevale di Venezia. The Carnevale di Venezia is a world-renowned festival that takes place in Venice. Mardi Gras is celebrated in many parts of the world, but is most associated with the city of New Orleans in the United States. The major events of the Carnival season in New Orleans are the Krewe of Orpheus parade on February 3rd, Fat Tuesday parade on February 5th, King Cake parade on February 12th, and the Super Bowl of the Decade, the We do need to distinguish between the day of ‘Mardi Gras’ itself, and the festival of Carnevale which is one of the most widely celebrated of Italian culture and customs. The date for ‘Mardi Gras’ - literally ‘Fat Tuesday’ - itself is the same all over the world. While New Orleans has made a name for itself in terms of Mardi Gras, other countries also celebrate the event, including France, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Trinidad and Tobago and Belgium, each with What is Mardi Gras? What does Mardi Gras Celebrate? Mardi Gras is the period of celebration before the somber, fasting period of Lent begins for many Christians. The length of the celebrations varies from country to country. But, traditionally, the French celebrated Mardi Gras from the feast of the Epiphany (when the Three Kings visited the A huge final celebration to eat, drink and be merry before the restrictions and solemnity of Lent, the festivities in Italy aren’t reserved just to Mardi Gras. Starting about a month before Ash Wednesday, revelers in Italy celebrate for multiple weekends with sweeping parades, elaborate masks and plenty of brightly colored confetti. The Carnival normally takes place between late January and mid-February. Since Venice is so close to the Alps, it's usually very chilly, and can sometimes snow, so make sure to bring a hat, gloves, a scarf and a good overcoat. Venice Carnival 2025. The dates for the Venice Carnival in 2025 will be from 16th February - 4th March. Discover the rich symbolism of Mardi Gras in this engaging article that goes beyond the festive parades and lively music. Explore how Mardi Gras embodies cultural heritage, community spirit, and themes of renewal and joy. From its origins in ancient pagan celebrations to modern-day traditions in New Orleans and beyond, learn about the significance of masks, beads, and King Cake. Celebrate life Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, has a rich history dating back thousands of years and is celebrated in various forms across the globe, from New Orleans to Venice. Mardi Gras brings communities together, boosts local economies, and showcases vibrant traditions, from colorful parades to unique krewe customs, making it a truly special and Whether the first Mardi Gras in the country was held in New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, is up for debate, but the Louisiana State Museum suggests that French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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