THE SICILIAN CARNIVALE
There is the time of the year again… Carnivale is in full blow this weekend and its pick (as well as the last day before Lent begins) is Tuesday, February 24, 2009. It is what Americans are acquainted with as Mardi Gras. However, living in Italy, and Sicily in particular, gives me a unique opportunity to experience a different side of the celebrations.
Acireale, a town in the north east of Sicily, is the island’s queen of the carnivale. The people of Acireale hold their festivities for two weeks, as if not to be outdone by the more famous folks in Venice. Thus, they have well earned to be named the best in Sicily. The floats displayed during lengthy parades are divided into three categories: allegorical, flower and miniature. The various cantieri (associations of artisans) work year-round on their floats since the competition for the best float in each of the three categories is a fierce one. And its culmination, accompanied by many musical shows and dances falls on the Fat Tuesday when the king of the carnivale is announced and the fire works are displayed.
The tradition of the allegorical floats began in the 15th century in Italy but it didn’t catch on in Sicily until two centuries later. And the word carnivale (a joining together of two Latin words carne and vale) means a farewell to meat (how appropriate since during Lent traditionally, you’re not supposed to eat meat too often). And of course a big part of the festivities is the traditional Sicilian food and drink, something which should not be omitted by anyone trying to experience the true nature of the carnivale.
So, if you’re ever in the proximity of Sicily during February you should not skip this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Sicilian Carnivale yourself.