CARNIVAL in TUSCANY
Fabio Manzetti
In Italy, as in all Catholic countries, Carnival is celebrated between January and March, in the period between Epiphany (January 6) and Easter (April 12, 2020). The more important dates for 2020 include:
February 20th - Giovedì Grasso / February 23rd – Carnevale / February 25th - Martedì Grasso. The Carnival ends (or at least it should end) with Mardi Gras (Martedì Grasso or Fat Tuesday) and although in Italy it is not a day of festivity, on the occasion, there are events and parties everywhere, even in smaller cities. Even if the Lent starts, several Carnival parades continue the Sunday after Mardi Gras.
The word "carnival" comes from the Latin "carnem levare", a term that refers to the condition of abstinence from meat and fasting of the faithful during Lent (40 days before Easter).
The weeks of Carnival were a period of celebration with elements common to ancient traditions such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Greek Dionysian celebrations. The Carnival is celebrated today throughout Italy with colorful parades, floats and fun events for children and adults. The Carnival of Venice is certainly one of the most famous in Italy, but in Tuscany, there are also several very popular events including the Carnival of Viareggio and the Carnival of Foiano della Chiana.
