This year, Italy has embraced the festive spirit as Carnival celebrations kick off across various cities. The renowned city of Venice, famed for its rich traditions, is once again at the heart of the festivities, with the theme of this year’s events dedicated to the legendary figure of Giacomo Casanova, the 18th-century Italian adventurer.
Grand festivities in Venice and Viareggio
On the opening night of Carnival, approximately 20,000 people gathered in the iconic Piazza San Marco, where the theme of love took center stage. The evening featured an engaging contest named “Scream Your Love,” allowing participants to showcase their affections in an extravagant manner. Hosted by well-known TV personality Marco Maccarini and radio host Chiara Perale, the event included performances by Principe Maurice and Manuel Bruttomesso, who portrayed Casanova and a quirky Don Giovanni, respectively. Additionally, artists Jacopo Sarno and Silvia Scartozzoni captivated the audience with excerpts from songwriter Red Canzian’s production “Casanova Operapop.”
On Sunday, the festivities will continue with over one hundred decorated boats and costumed rowers gathering at Venice’s Punta della Dogana. They will navigate the Grand Canal towards the Rialto, with a special boat carrying the papier-mâché “Pantegana,” a symbol of the Venetian Carnival. This boat will dramatically open the celebrations with a burst of colorful smoke and eco-friendly confetti, marking the official commencement of the carnival.
Cultural richness and historical parades
The celebrations will culminate in Campo dell’Erbaria, where attendees can indulge in traditional Venetian cuisine, wine, and lively music. Moreover, a preview of the Venice Carnival Street Show, titled “Casanova, che avventure da matti!” is scheduled to be screened at 11:00 am in Venice and 3:30 pm in Mestre. The show promises to entertain all ages with a vibrant mix of circus-theater performances, clowns, musicians, and parades.
This year’s cultural calendar is brimming with excitement, featuring a libretto by Francesco Maria Piava, Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” at the Teatro La Fenice, and Carlo Goldoni’s ‘La moglie saggia’ at Tetro Goldodini, which beautifully intertwines elements of tragedy and comedy.
In addition to Venice, the Tuscan town of Viareggio has also kicked off its Carnival celebrations, which began on February 9 with a festive masked parade. Over the coming weeks, five additional parades will take place until March 4, ensuring a spectacular display of creativity and tradition.
Meanwhile, Putignano is set to celebrate the 631st edition of the oldest Carnival in Europe, with its first parade of floats happening this Sunday, featuring musical performances by Eugenio Cesaro and a concert by Le Vibrazioni. Additionally, the commune of Civita Castellana is gearing up for the Civitonico Historical Carnival, expected to draw around 8,000 participants.
In Rome, the Cinecittà World amusement park is celebrating Carnival with an exciting program of animations, including parades, floats, costume contests, and shows dedicated to children, continuing until March 9.