Masks ‘Carnevale di Venezia’
The festivals of Italy are borne out of a history rich in tradition and folklore. Festivals celebrate identity, custom and historical events. We are going to explore a range of festivals which punctuate the lives of Italians.
The links below will take you to various websites, videos and pictures where you can explore these festivals.
We are going to look into four festivals in detail
Palio di Siena
The Palio di Siena is a horse race held twice each year on July 2 and August 16 in Siena, Italy. It is dangerous, exciting and very colourful.
Carnevale di Ivrea
Carnevale d’Ivrea dates back to medieval times. The carnival celebrates a peasant revolt against a tyrannical baron. Participants pelt oranges at each other in wild, citrus scented battles.
The Carnevale di Venezia is a world famous festival held in Venice. The origins of the carnival are in the 13th century. In an attempt to instil law and order and stop ‘moral decline’, laws were passed which prohibited the wearing of masks except during the carnival. At other times, drums and dancing were also banned. Another famous festival is called “la giostra del Saraceno”. This is a medieval jousting festival full of colour and excitement. Follow the links below to explore other Italian festivals. You will be amazed at the diversity, colour and rich history celebrated in these pages.Calcio Storico – a combination of rugby, football and boxing!Carnevale di Viareggio – a moving festival of huge painted papier mache floats. Explore videos of past festivals.Scoppio del carro – distribution of the ‘Holy Fire’ at Easter.Corsa dei Ceri – the Race of the Candles