Do you know what the origin of Carnival is?
Carnival celebrations originate from ancient festivals such as, for example, the Dionysian Greeks dedicated to the god Dionysus, also known as Bacchus, and the saturnalia , Roman festivals dedicated to Saturn. On such occasions, obligations, order and strictness temporarily gave way to jest, play and chaos.
During these festivities in Greece, even criminal proceedings were suspended to free prisoners and allow them to participate, the roles of nobles and commoners were reversed through masks, and large banquets were set up. Enjoyment and debauchery were the watchwords, in a kind of symbolic renewal of society, over a cycle corresponding to the calendar year.
It seems that the term carnival comes from the Latin word
carnem levare,
meaning to eliminate meat, standing for the custom of feasting and ending all meat on the last day of the festivities, Shrove Tuesday, before the fast of Lent, a period when eating meat was precisely forbidden.
What about the Masks?
It is certainly not the etymology of the term
mascara
. There are three hypotheses of its origin. A first related to the pre-Indo-European word masca ( black ghost or soot). A second, however, associated with the late and medieval Latin term
masca
(witch). Finally, a third, would have it derived from the Arabic expression
maschara
or mascharat (prank, mockery).
The mask takes on various meanings throughout history, from ritual to theatrical or goliardic, united by the desire to lose one’s identity. In primitive peoples, masks were worn at ceremonies and propitiatory rites or to connect with the energy of nature and spirits.
In Dionysian and Saturnian festivals it was a means of subverting social hierarchies in Greek and Roman theater it was worn by actors to highlight the features of the characters they played.
In the context of Carnival, the mask represents man’s virtues and vices. Just think of Pulcinella, who embodies the impertinent, madcap Neapolitan spirit, or Pantalone, the lustful merchant of Venice, or Harlequin, the cunning servant from Bergamo.
6 Carnival Festivals in Emilia-Romagna
Carnival of Cento
From Feb. 5
At last the famous Carnival of Cento is back, the only one twinned with the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, which in addition to the inevitable parade of floats offers various food and wine, cultural, musical, literary and sports initiatives.
Find out all the details:
www.carnevalecento.com
The Carnival on the Water of Comacchio
Feb. 12-19
A unique Carnival that sees the Borgo di Comacchio transformed into a magical and enchanted place, where boats are transformed into allegorical boats that parade along the canals of the historic center, creating a decidedly evocative setting.
An absolutely unmissable event, where there is also no shortage of shows, music, dancing and various types of entertainment, involving the many visitors from all over Italy.
Find out all the details:
www.carnevalecomacchio.it
The Imola Carnival of Fantasy Vehicles
From Feb. 19
Among the most fun carnival events in Emilia-Romagna, the Carnival of Fantavehicles attracts visitors from all over Italy. On this occasion, there is a parade of extravagant vehicles decorated with great originality and imagination, according to the principles ofeco-sustainability, which the Carnival has been inspired by for years. Children and teens from 0 to 14 years old will also be able to decorate their own bicycles, unleashing their creativity and ingenuity by using reclaimed materials.
Find out all the details:
www.comune.imola.bo.it/argomenti/cultura/fantaveicoli
The Carnival of San Giovanni di Persiceto
Feb. 12-19
It is a historic carnival event that has been repeated for nearly 150 years and culminates with the Pin show and the parade of floats. The opening of the Carnival is by King Bertoldo, the Persicetan mask, who will read a dialect composition, the Speech of the Crown, in People’s Square, center of the town.
The Persicetan Carnival is distinguished by a unique feature: the Spillo. In dialect it is said
Spéll
which, in Bolognese dialect, means a transfiguration, a change of figure. It is said that something “l’ha fat spéll” when, although it is in front of our eyes, suddenly we no longer see it. The spectacle of the Spéll corresponds to the moment when the allegorical float is transformed into something else and reveals to the jury and the audience the meaning of that allegory, showing things hidden within it or taking forms that differentiate it from the original one. The float has 15 minutes to tell its story, through actors, music, figures and movements.
Find out all the details:
carnivalpersiceto.it
Carnival in Sant'Arcangelo
February 19
Carnival returns to the beautiful town of Sant’Arcangelo with a parade of floats, toy trains, masked parades, dance schools and more to provide moments of merriment and fun.
Find out all the details:
www.comune.santarcangelo.rn.it
The Estense Carnival of Ferrara
Feb. 12-19
In the magnificent setting of the Este city of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a very special carnival event with a Renaissance flavor is staged. Ladies, nobles and knights parade through the streets of the historic center, bringing back to life the evocative atmosphere of bygone eras, enlivened by dancing, banquets and performances.
Find out all the details:
www.ferrarainfo.com
And where will you spend Carnival 2023?
