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. 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 spectacles and pageantry of the carnival are hard to ignore, but outsiders are sometimes confused about why the Venice Carnival is celebrated. The origin of the carnival is extremely removed from its modern reality. The Venice Carnival began in 1162 in celebration of the Venice Republic’s victory over its enemy: the Patriarch or Aquileia 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. 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’. From extravagant masks to decadent treats, this two-week celebration of indulgence is a sight to behold. Although February is the month when love is in the air and Valentine’s Day often takes center stage, there’s another winter celebration inspiring revelry in Italy: Carnevale di Venezia. As a celebration before the Catholic season of Lent begins, carnivals can be found in many parts of 4. Venice Carnival was banned for more than 200 years! After long years of excess and extravagance, with the fall of the Serenissima, the Carnival suffered a period of decline. In 1797 Venice became part of the Austrian-held Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia when Napoleon signed the Treaty of Campo Formio. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. In Italy, tourists flock to Venice’s Carnevale Mardi Gras, last day of carnival All these bacchanals attain their fateful paroxysm on Ash Wednesday which marked the beginning of the festivities. Venice Carnival On Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday), they set off fireworks in broad daylight, and in the evening they burn an effigy of carnival: a stake was raised on the piazzetta near columns, and The Carnival of Venice typically begins approximately two weeks before Ash Wednesday (Mardi Gras). The exact dates vary each year, so it’s essential to check the official schedule before planning your trip. Do I need to wear a mask and costume to enjoy the Carnival? No, you are not required to wear a mask or costume to enjoy the Carnival. 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 The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Mardi Gras has its origins in medieval Europe, especially in France and Italy. The tradition was brought to the United States by French explorers in the 17th century. It became widely celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana, where it has grown into the famous festival we know today. 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. By Anthea Gerrie. October may seem a little early to start planning Mardi Gras costumes, but not in Venice, Italy. Back in the day, the rakes of La Serenissima could hardly wait for October 5, the first day they were allowed to put masks on in the run-up to their version of the pre-Lent celebration they call Carnevale. The Venice Carnival takes place each year in February. It begins around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French or Martedi Grasso in Italian). Anti-Mask Law The main feature of the Venice Carnival has always been the stunning masquerade costumes and masks. This is a difficult year for Carnival parties all over the world. But let's dream together next year.. In the United States when we think of Mardi Gras we think New Orleans with floats, fried food, and colorful plastic beaded necklaces. In Italy, Martedì Grasso means Venice's Carnivale, complete with ornate masks, theatric performances, and a parade through Piazza San Marco. Mardi Gras celebrations are not limited to New Orleans. Many countries celebrate with their own unique traditions. For instance, in Brazil, the Carnival season includes lively samba parades and street parties. In Venice, Italy, masked balls and glamorous costumes take the spotlight. Each region adds its cultural twist to the celebrations. The History of New Orleans Mardi Gras . Although the date of the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is debatable, the 1730 account of one Marc-Antoine Caillot (a young clerk sent to Louisiana by the French Company of the Indies) mentions a celebration with music and dance, mask-wearing and costumes—including cross-dressing. Venice, Italy: In Venice, Mardi Gras is known as Carnevale, and it is celebrated with elaborate masquerade balls and parades. The city is known for its ornate
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