We often think of Carnival as an occasion for children to have fun, but in reality it is a festival that harks back to ancient pagan celebrations in the Greco-Roman era when it was characterised by rituals to bring in a prosperous agricultural year, the reversal of hierarchical relationships in society and behaviour out of the ordinary.
This tradition continued in the Middle Ages, until the Church decided to put an end to the unruly celebrations that were taking place. The Carnival thus began to be staged by masked actors who performed in the courts of the nobles representing the vices and virtues of men. That’s where we get the famous masks of the Commedia dell'Arte from.
Nowadays, Carnival continues to be a heartfelt feast both in Italy and other countries, so, here are 5 destinations for you to make the most of this lively and colourful event in 2020.
Irony is king at the Putignano Carnival
The motto of the Carnival of Putignano is "He who laughs, lives more" and it’s one of the oldest carnival celebrations in Italy and Europe. Its origins date back to 1394 when, according to legend, the farmers abandoned their work in the fields to accompany the transfer of the relics of St. Stephen with songs and dances to protect them from looting.
Since then, the celebrations have been going every year with a funereal procession that takes place through the streets of the city for the Carnival. During this long period of celebration, this town in Puglia comes alive with many folkloric events that culminate in the famous "Giovedì dei Cornuti".
The rich calendar of events is completed by the inevitable parades of floats, whose beautiful sculptures are the result of the work of the master papier-mâché makers; real works of art that leave you speechless.
Behind the mask of the Venice Carnival
The Carnival of Venice is a real institution and is undoubtedly one of the unmissable events in the Lagoon. For over 900 years the city has been magically populated by elegant masks and sophisticated costumes that, concealing the identity of those who wear them, allow you to take off the uniform of everyday life to indulge in hedonistic entertainment.
Like every year, the 2020 Carnival will turn the streets, canals and squares of the city into an open-air stage. The event calendar is full of costumed regattas, the parade of the Marie, the competitions for the most beautiful mask, and the traditional closing ceremony in St. Mark's Square, the Piazza San Marco.
Immerse yourself in the fantastic climate of the Venetian Carnival and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this festival that for a few days a year transports us back to the charm of the past to remind us of the importance of lightness, joking and joy.
The Carnival of Cento
Cento, a beautiful town in the Italian province of Ferrara, boasts one of the most famous Carnivals in Italy and its festive, colourful and lively character has earned it the honour of being twinned with the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro.
Every Sunday of Carnival, the Corso Guercino and its square is invaded by masks, music and especially by the spectacular floats made by the specialist carnival societies. On the last Sunday is the proclamation and awarding of the winning parade float, which will have the honour of performing in the Sambódromo do Rio.
The grand finale of this exuberant festival takes place in the piazzale della Rocca where, as tradition dictates, the citizens of Cento celebrate the burning of the Tasi, a traditional mask and nineteenth-century character who really existed that now symbolises the conscience of the people of Cento, and closes the Carnival with a great pyrotechnic and musical show.
The sound of music at the Cádiz Carnival
For about ten days a year, Cadiz becomes an open-air theatre that hosts the festivities of its Carnival, which is one of the largest in the world.
In this beautiful town in southern Spain, music is the real star of the carnival celebrations. Numerous costumed musical groups which are divided into comparsas, coros and chirigotas perform in the open-air, singing about the themes of current events in sarcastic and ironic tones and there is even a competition for the best groups. In the streets of the city centre you can also find romanceros, traditional storytellers who tell irreverent stories with the help of illustrations.
The Carnival ends with the burning of a puppet, the Bruja Piti, and with spectacular fireworks to seal the beauty of this exciting festival which brings the whole city to life.
Colour yourself happy at the Tenerife Carnival
The Carnival of Tenerife is an explosion of vitality and joy, as well as being the most important festival celebrated on the Spanish island, a month of events that transforms the city into the capital of entertainment.
Dancing, singing, parades, colourful costumes and extravagant decorations are just some of the ingredients of this spectacular festival that attracts millions of tourists every year, thanks also to the mild climate that allows you to fully enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer.
Do not miss the annual crowning of the Carnival Queens and the ceremony of the "burial of the sardine", an event held on the penultimate weekend of Carnival which mixes the sadness for the end of the festival with irony, irreverence and play.
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