Italian Carnevale Celebrations

Carnevale, Italy's mardi gras or carnival celebration, is February 5 in 2008 but Carnevale festivities often last two or three weeks and are already underway some places. Although Venice holds the most famous Carnival celebration, Carnevale is celebrated throughout Italy.

One of the more unusual carnival festivals is Carnevale di Ivrea in the Piemonte town of Ivrea. It starts with the selling of the red hats, then progresses to a parade with all the characters, then to each section's piazza (piazza definition) for an orange throwing war. Take a look at our Carnevale di Ivrea pictures.

Other interesting festivals include a Roman carnevale, a celebration on skis, an equestrian festival, and a carnival linked to the famous carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Read more about Carnevale traditions and where to celebrate Carnevale in Italy. Plan ahead for an Italy carnevale vacation with carnevale dates through 2020.

_{Picture of Carnevale di Ivrea © 2006 by James Martin, Europe for Visitors, licensed to about.com}