A Guide to Italy’s Carnivals in 2024
by Adriana ruiz
Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, which is the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. The exact dates of Carnival vary each year, as they are determined by the lunar calendar. However, it typically occurs in February or March. In 2024, Carnival in Italy will take place during the first 2 weeks of February.
There are many places in Italy where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of Carnival, each with its own traditions and events. Some of the most famous and popular ones are:
Carnival of Venice
This is one of the most famous carnivals in the world, renowned for its elaborate and unique masks and costumes. The Venice Carnival hosts a series of grand balls and parties in historic palaces and other unique venues throughout the city. There are also a variety of parades and processions that showcase the extravagant costumes, and traditional music and dance.
The theme of the Venice Carnival in 2024 is “Ad Oriente. The amazing journey of Marco Polo”. It is inspired by the 700th anniversary of the death of the famous Venetian explorer, who traveled to China and the Indies in the 14th century. The theme of travel is about discovery and coming face to face with different worlds and cultures, but also an intimate journey in ourselves.
Activities will take place from February 3 to February 24. Here are some of the highlights of the Carnival by date:
▪ February 3: The Carnival will start with a spectacular opening ceremony on the Rio de Cannaregio, where you can enjoy music, lights, and performances on floating stages. Then, you can join the first masked float parade at 3 pm and admire the amazing papier-mâché floats that represent different themes and characters.
▪ February 8: You can participate in the second masked float parade and also enter the best mask contest, where you can show off your creativity and originality. You might win a prize or even become the next angel or eagle of the Carnival.
▪ February 11: The third masked float parade will take place at 6 pm. This time, you can also treat yourself to a gastronomic walk, where you can taste the local delicacies and specialties of Venice. You will discover the flavors and aromas of the Venetian cuisine, such as polenta, risotto, fritole, and more.
▪ February 13: The fourth masked float parade and fireworks show will be a dazzling spectacle that you will not want to miss. You can watch the sky light up with colors and shapes and feel the festive atmosphere of the Carnival.
▪ February 18: The fifth and final masked float parade will take place at 3 pm. There is also a historical re-enactment of the past of Venice, called the Festa delle Marie. You can witness the procession of the twelve brides who were offered jewels by the Doge as a sign of gratitude for their loyalty. The brides are selected among the most beautiful girls of Venice and parade in elaborate costumes from San Pietro di Castello to Piazza San Marco.
▪ February 24: The Carnival will end with a grand finale, featuring the closing of the masked float parade at 5 pm, the award ceremony for the best mask contest, and the flights of the angel and the eagle. You can see the young woman dressed as an angel and the famous guest star dressed as an eagle fly over the square in spectacular costumes and applaud the winners of the contest. The Carnival will conclude with a stunning fireworks show that will leave you breathless.
Carnival of Viareggio
This is one of the largest and longest carnivals in in Tuscany, Italy, lasting for several weekends. The highlight of this carnival is the bright parades of colossal paper mâché puppets that depict politicians, celebrities, animals and other figures. The puppets are accompanied by music and dancing figures in masks, and inflatable and plush objects are launched into the skies. The activities by date for the Carnival of Viareggio in 2024 are as follows:
▪ February 3: Opening ceremony and first masked float parade at 3 pm.
▪ February 8: Second masked float parade at 3 pm. There is also a mask contest with prizes.
▪ February 11: Third masked float parade at 6 pm. There is also a gastronomic walk with local delicacies.
▪ February 13: Fourth masked float parade and fireworks show.
▪ February 18: Fifth and final masked float parade at 3 pm. There is also a historical re-enactment of the past of Cento.
▪ February 24: Closing of the masked float parade at 5 pm. Award ceremony and fireworks show.
Carnival of Ivrea
The Carnival of Ivrea is a historical and folkloric event that takes place every year in the town of Ivrea, in the Piedmont region of Italy, and dates back to 1808. It commemorates the medieval rebellion of the people against the tyrannical lord who imposed the right of the first night on the brides of his vassals. The highlight of the carnival is the Battle of the Oranges, where teams of people throw oranges at each other, representing the clash between the rebels and the lord’s guards. The carnival also features a parade of historical costumes, a bonfire of the scarli (wooden poles), and a bean feast. The dates and activities of the Carnival of Ivrea in 2024 are:
▪ January 6: Opening of the carnival, official appointment of the General, salute of the Credendari to the Magnificent Podesta, and ceremony of the candles in the cathedral.
▪ January 28: Bean feast, delivery of the book of minutes to the Substitute, and flag ceremony in the town square.
▪ February 4: Presentation of the Vezzosa Mugnaia (the miller’s daughter who sparked the revolt), historical parade, grand ball, and fireworks on the river Dora.
▪ February 9: Historical parade on foot, Battle of the Oranges, and parties of the Aranceri (orange throwers).
▪ February 11: Planting of the scarli, historical parade, Battle of the Oranges, and parties of the Aranceri.
▪ February 13: Historical parade, Battle of the Oranges, burning of the scarli, funeral of the carnival, and farewell of the General.
Carnival of Cento
The Cento Carnival is a historic celebration that happens every year in Cento, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is the only carnival in the world that has a partnership with the Rio de Janeiro carnival. It has amazing floats, music, live shows, and candy and confetti throwing.
The carnival dates back to 1615, when it was painted on a fresco by Gian Francesco Barbieri. A local character named “il Berlingaccio” makes the fresco come alive during the carnival. The Cento Carnival is also known for its floats with music and dancers in masks, and its sky-filling inflatables and plushies. The carnival lasts for five Sundays before Lent. The theme for the 2024 edition is “The Navel of the World”, and it will celebrate the arts, crafts, and traditions of the city of Cento, and the main dates and activities are:
▪ January 28: Opening parade of the floats, with live music and street performers. The theme is “The Navel of the World”, celebrating the arts, crafts, and traditions of Cento. The parade starts at 2 pm and ends at 6:30 pm.
▪ February 4: Second parade of the floats, with more live music and street performers. The parade starts at 2 pm and ends at 6:30 pm. There is also a mask contest, where participants can show off their creative costumes and win prizes.
▪ February 11: Third parade of the floats, with even more live music and street performers. The parade starts at 2 pm and ends at 6:30 pm. There is also a gastronomic walk, where visitors can taste the local delicacies and specialties of Cento.
▪ February 18: Fourth parade of the floats, with the best live music and street performers. The parade starts at 2 pm and ends at 6:30 pm. There is also a historical re-enactment, where actors and performers recreate the scenes and events of the past of Cento.
▪ February 25: Final parade of the floats, with the most spectacular live music and street performers. The parade starts at 2 pm and ends at 6:30 pm. There is also the famous “gettito”, a shower of gifts and confetti thrown from the floats to the crowd.
Carnival of Putignano
This is the oldest carnival in Europe, dating back to 1394. The carnival is celebrated with satirical and humorous floats, masks, and dances. The carnival also has a strong cultural and religious significance, as it incorporates ancient rituals and traditions of the local community in the town of Putignano. The theme for the 2024 edition is “Farinelite N630”, and the main dates and activities are:
▪ February 4: Opening Party and First masked parade
▪ February 9: Married women Thursday, Thursday’s parade and N’de Josr (music and good food in the old town)
▪ February 11: Second masked parade
▪ February 16: Married men Thursday, Thursday’s parade and Horns cutting off
▪ February 13: The Greatest Show and Third masked parade
▪ February 20: Last rites
▪ February 17: Shrove Tuesday, Fourth masked parade and the ritual of the Campana dei Maccheroni (Macaroni Bell)
Carnival in Italy is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of this beautiful country. Whether you prefer the elegance and mystery of Venice, the creativity and humor of Viareggio, the history and bravery of Ivrea, or the tradition and joy of Cento, you will find something to suit your taste and mood.
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