Carnevale in Italy: Confetti, Costumes, and a Whole Lot of Frittelle
A whirlwind celebration of history, culture, and joy, Carnevale transforms towns across Europe into dazzling spectacles of color and tradition. Carnevale isn’t just a festival; it’s a vibrant, chaotic explosion of color, tradition, and enough confetti to find in your shoes for weeks. We recently dove into all things Carnevale on The Getawayz Podcast, sharing our experiences from Florence, San Gimignano, Rivoli, and Foiano della Chiana. But if you missed the episode, here’s the rundown.
What Exactly is Carnevale?
Imagine a European pre-Lent bash where masks aren’t just encouraged—they’re the main event. Carnevale dates back to the days when people decided, “You know what? Let’s party before Lent makes us behave.” While Venice often steals the spotlight with its mysterious masked balls, Carnevale celebrations stretch far beyond, each town adding its unique touch.
Our Carnevale Adventures
Florence
Florence knows how to blend the old with the new. The parades here feel like a Renaissance fair crashed into a modern street festival.
San Gimignano
Medieval towers meet modern revelry. San Gimignano’s parades are cozy, intimate, and set against stone streets that whisper ancient secrets.
Rivoli
Big floats, bigger satire. Rivoli’s parades are like watching political cartoons come to life, crafted by artists with a flair for papier-mâché and a sense of humor sharp enough to cut through the crowd’s cheers.
Foiano della Chiana
The confetti capital of Tuscany. Known for its fierce float competitions, this Carnevale turns into an all-out confetti war. If you’re not finding bits of it in your pockets three weeks later, did you even go to Foiano?
Let’s Talk About the Food (Because Obviously)
Carnevale isn’t complete without indulging in the sweet side of life:
Fried dough balls of pure joy. Think of them as tiny, sugary clouds.
Crispy, delicate strips dusted with powdered sugar.
Bite-sized, fluffy, and dangerously addictive.
Traditions That Make Carnevale Unforgettable
Carnevale is more than just parades and sweets; it’s a celebration rooted in traditions that bring people together in the most colorful ways.
Originally a way to hide identities and break social norms, now they’re an excuse to be as extra as possible.
A joyful mess you’ll carry home in your hair, pockets, and probably your luggage.
From grandmas in glitter to toddlers in tiaras, everyone joins in. It’s not just a festival; it’s a feeling.
Whether you’re into elaborate floats, fried sweets, or flinging confetti at strangers without getting weird looks, Carnevale has something for you. And if you want to hear more, including our tales of confetti battles and Harley parades, check out The Getawayz Podcast episode dedicated to Carnevale below or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
