Carnival Festivals in Italy

Carnival, Carnevale in Italian, is a big winter festival 40 days before Easter, a last fling before the restictions that come with Lent. Although the 2006 date of carnival is actually February 28, celebrations in some cities will begin next week and build up to a grand finale on the 28th. Verona has the oldest carnevale celebrations, dating from 1615. Venice and Viareggio are known as two of the best places to enjoy Carnevale, but there will be festivities all over Italy. Carnevale celebrations include elaborate masks, parades, costume parties, fireworks, and even an orange throwing fight in the town of Ivrea. Read more about Carnevale Festivals in Italy.