The
Carnival of Venice
is the most important and famous in Italy. It lasts ten days and people
organize dances and parties in very old Venetian palaces or in squares dressed
with beautiful costumes. The last Sunday and Tuesday before Lent there is a big Carnival costume parade in Saint Mark Square, the most important
square in Venice.
The Carnival of Viareggio
is one of the most important and appreciated carnivals internationally, in
which thousands of people – tourists and Italians alike – participate
every year in February.
Gigantic papier-mache caricatures of the big political, cultural and showbiz names dominate the parade. It is accompanied by masked and musical all-nighters in the streets.
Gigantic papier-mache caricatures of the big political, cultural and showbiz names dominate the parade. It is accompanied by masked and musical all-nighters in the streets.
La Befana is the generous old woman with magical
powers who brings gifts to the children of Italy on the eve of the Epiphany.
The name Befana is derived from the word epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival of the Epiphany. The befana's day is on 6th of January. The children of Italy write notes to the Befana asking for presents. The Befana leaves a lump of coal, instead of sweets and toys, for bad behaved children. |