Carnival
Carnival is a time right before the season of Lent, which allows people to party and have a good time before they observe Lent for forty days. The main events usually take place between January and February. With parades, outdoor activities, parties, and costumes you bet that this is not a holiday to miss out on. Originating in Venice, Italy, Carnival is now celebrated in many sectors of the world; particularly Christian areas. Each country has its’ own ways of celebrating, however the main theme is the same: party, party, party. Carnival has a rich history attached to it and some pretty funny traditions. If you are in Europe studying abroad during this time, it is definitely worth the stop in Venice to see the authentic celebration take place. People wear decorated masks to “disguise their identity”. The whole weekend is a lot of fun and you must go there to see it.
Carnival Pictures
History
In Catholic religions, during Lent, parties and indulgence of any sort are strictly forbidden. One is to give up something as a sort of sacrificial practice during this time. However meat is not to be eaten on Fridays and sweets, alcohols, and gluttony are to be abstained from. Carnival was established as a sort of last final party before Lent. The traditions started in Italy, home to the Catholic Vatican City. Venice took on main party responsibilities and for many years was the most famous city for this. The parades and masquerading date back to medieval times when such customs were normal for large, formal parties. They adapted into the festivities and themselves became staples of Carnival. The celebration has since spread to other Christian countries, including Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France. As well as of course America.
Traditions
In India there are two states that celebrate Carnival; Goa and Kerala. Goa is a former Portuguese colony. They wear colorful masks and make floats. They also stand in the streets and beat large drums. In Croatia the city of Rijeka hands over the key to the city to Carnival. Carnival is practiced all throughout the city and surrounding cities. And it is also very important for anticipation for Lent. Just before the end of Carnival, everyone burns a man-like doll, which symbolizes all the bad things done in the past year and preparing for a new beginning after Lent. Germany celebrates with lavish costume balls in all of its major cities. In England you will see Pancake races and football games along with the traditional parades and parties. In Hungary they dress up in costumes and scary masks to celebrate Carnival. Children run around city streets with loud noise makers. Italy does the largest show. Since the first Carnival in Venice in 1268, masks and makeup are worn all weekend. With parties, drinking, and fun excitement in every street. Russia parties with snowball fights, sleigh rides, vodka contests, and sledding contests before Lent.
Activities and Events
Since Venice is where it all began and is still the largest party of them all, it has the right to claim dibs on the hotspot for Carnival. This city practically shuts down for the four day event and caters to the ever growing number of tourists who come to see the spectacle. The Friday in the middle of February kicks off the opening ceremonies in Venice. On Saturday you can go to Moon Masquerade at the Luna Hotel Baglioni. Serenissima Gran Ball, Duets of Love, Homage to Romeo & Juliet, Gala Dinner & Entertainment, and The Ridotto for dancing. Sunday hosts Marie’s Parade, Gran Ball of Colombina, with extravagant Masks, a parade with Sound & Pictures, and a Gala Dinner and live entertainment. Diner Dasant Le Menuet is a costume dress up dinner with musical entertainment and Carnivalesque performances. And of course all clubs and bars are full of lively people having a good time and celebrating to their fullest.
Accommodations
The best idea is to get a place closest to the city center as you can. You will want to be right in the middle of all the action. Plus it will make it easier for you and your friends to go back and forth through the crowds if you’re not going too far. Keep in mind during Carnival the prices spike and places fill up fast. It’s a good idea to book sooner rather than later on your hotel and airfare. The places you will want to check out for location and safety are Hotel Bucitoro, Hotel Nuova Mestre, Hotel Al Vagon, Hotel Giorgione, and Hotel Ca’ Nigra (which overlooks the Grand Canal). If you are studying for the semester nearby you may want to make this a day trip to save a few dollars. You can purchase eurostar train tickets on studentuniverse.com ahead of time to save some money and effort later.
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