Carnevale in Europe
We recorded this episode to talk about Carnevale in Europe based on how we’ve actually experienced it while living and traveling in Italy. Carnevale wasn’t something we planned trips around. It was something we encountered naturally in cities and daily routines, often filling the space where Halloween would normally be.
In this episode, we share how Carnevale felt for us in different places, especially while living in Florence and spending time in Torino. The focus isn’t on scheduled events or official celebrations. It’s on atmosphere, food and how the season quietly takes over everyday life for a short window each year.
Episode Summary
Carnevale first made itself known through costumes and atmosphere. Wigs, masks and confetti appeared everywhere, often without warning. Confetti in particular became impossible to escape. It ended up in shoes, pockets and coats and lingered long after the celebrations themselves had passed.
In Florence, Carnevale felt casual and woven into normal routines. It wasn’t a single destination moment. It was something you ran into while walking through the city or going about your day. That informality stood out and made it feel very different from large scale festival travel.
Torino felt different again. There, food became the clearest signal that Carnevale was happening. Bakeries filled with traditional pastries that only appear during this season. Flat fried dough dusted heavily with powdered sugar showed up everywhere and became one of the strongest memories tied to Carnevale. Food marked the season more clearly than costumes or events.
Carnevale also became a replacement for Halloween in practical ways, especially with a kid. Dressing up, being out in public spaces and feeling part of something playful all existed, just shifted into a different cultural framework.
A brief comparison to Mardi Gras in New Orleans helped put those experiences into perspective. Carnevale in Europe felt smaller in scale and more embedded in daily life rather than centered on spectacle or major events.
This episode captures Carnevale as something you live alongside rather than plan around, shaped by place, food and atmosphere more than schedules.
Related Posts From This Episode
Planning More Europe Travel?
If you’re interested in cultural traditions and seasonal travel, these guides are a good place to continue.
Venice Travel Guide → history, neighborhoods and cultural context
Italy Travel Guide → regional traditions and seasonal experiences
Spring in Europe → festivals, timing and travel pacing
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