It’s time for Carnival, time to have fun with friends and family, time to let yourself go and enjoy all the days of this festival. Then there’s nothing better than going headlong into the madness and fun of the many events scheduled in Lazio to rediscover ancient traditions and delicious flavours.
The allegorical floats, the masked parades, everywhere in Lazio, Carnival is a deeply-felt festival.
But did you know that Carnival did not originate in Venice or in Rio de Janeiro? But is Roman?! It was in Ancient Rome that masks certainly played an important and interesting role, leading to a thriving production of grandiose costumes and characters that today represent the Italian Carnival.
Meo Patacca, Rugantino, and Cassandrino, are just some of the Roman masks that portray a humorous caricature of the most common stereotypes in the popular and aristocratic society of the time.
But Carnival is not only represented by wild and extravagant costumes. Another no less important aspect is the culinary one. It is during this festival that chiacchiere, frappe, cenci, galani, intrigoni, and strufoli reign at the table.
Carnival of Ronciglione (VT)
February 17, 24, 28 – March 2, 3, 4, 5
One of the oldest in central Italy, one of the top 10 in all of Italy, we’re talking about the Carnival of Ronciglione. A festival with roots in the tradition that dates back to the Roman Renaissance and Baroque carnival.
From February 17, as if by magic, the whole municipality is transformed and invaded by floats, masks, and loads of fun.
On Thursday, February 28th the Campanone will ring at length to commence the madness; The City Band, Majorettes, masked groups and a historical parade of the Hussars, announce the arrival of the real protagonist, “King Carnival”, to whom the Mayor, in an act of trust, hands over the keys to the city. The ceremony continues with the parade of children, Saltarello in the piazza and tastings of sweets.
The full program of events culminates on March 5, Shrove Tuesday, with the representation of the death of King Carnival, the opening of his will and subsequent funeral procession. https://www.facebook.com/carnevale.di.ronciglione.officialpage/http://carnevaledironciglione.org/
Carnival of Tivoli (RM)
From February 10th to March 5th
The Municipality of Tivoli is getting ready for a great invasion of masks, floats and colours that will invade every corner of the city from Sunday, February 10. Creativity and fun are at the heart of this full and varied program ending Tuesday, March 5 (Shrove Tuesday) with music, dance, theatre, exhibitions, concerts, masked balls, shows for children and the unmissable parades of floats.
A great effort on the part of the whole organization to create floats and costumes, real works of art! Elegance and sophistication for a carnival that you must experience…
Carnevalone Liberato in Poggio Mirteto (RI)
March 10
The craziest Carnival in Italy celebrates the popular uprising of 1861 for the liberation of Poggio Mirteto from the Papal State.
The Carnevalone Liberato, like every first Sunday of Lent, will fill the beautiful Piazza Martiri della Libertà. A unique festival of its kind, with lots of food and wine stands, street artists, musical groups and sacrilegious masks, this is the great event of the year that you mustn’t miss
An event that over the years has been attracting an increasing number of participants who, rigorously in costumes and masks, invade the historic centre of Poggio Mirteto to partake of the excellent local food and wine and attend countless street art and live music performances, up to the traditional bonfire to burn the ‘dummy’ late in the evening, decreeing the end of the festivities. http://www.carnevalone.net/