Oh… Carnevale !

Carnevale !  Oh Carnevale !

In Venice, where Carnevale is important both culturally and touristically (as it is in various other Italian cities including Ivrea, Fano, Viareggio and Acireale) this year’s event is local, just a shadow of its usual self; some of the more popular public events, much pared down, are being streamed.

Travel between Italian regions is forbidden.  Since Italy-wide, all restaurants close at 6 PM, there is no partying at the restaurant table this year either.

Next year, however, it will be different.  Next year I hope you will be here.

These Venice pictures of Carnival in years past are mine and those of our beloved guide Antonella, whom so many of you have met.

They whet my appetite to be in Venice, do they yours ?

My city, Rome, has since at least the 12th century celebrated Carnevale.  Historical festivities included duels, bullfights, competitions and endless masked parades; these were attended by both the nobility and the common Roman.

With some effort I located Carnival revelers in Piazza Navona in February of 2020. This year there are fewer still.

Still there are the pastries. The superb Roman Carnevale pastries.  (When you are here next year, we will direct you to all of the best places.)

May we plan your 2022 Carnevale season in Italy ?