VENICE - The Carnival celebrations begin all over the world from 4 February: there are many events not to be missed including processions, shows and parades through the streets of the cities until 25 February, and in some cases until 5 March.
Among the most popular festivals is that of Venice, which attracts onlookers from all over the world, and of Viareggio which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary with many novelties.
But there are also extravagant and colorful ones from the Canaries and the Dominican Republic.
Here is a journey through the most fascinating Carnivals, to be discovered and experienced in Italy and abroad.
Venice.
Elegant, sumptuous and cultured: the Carnival of the lagoon city opens with the historic "Venetian Festival on the water" with Rio di Cannoregio hosting a masked parade on board the gondolas.
Among the most awaited events, the Festa delle Marie, the election of the most beautiful mask and the scenographic show on the water at the Arsenale, as well as masked balls in historic buildings and parades between bridges and calli.
On the stage in Piazza San Marco there are theatrical performances and concerts and the Flight of the Angel.
the most awaited and scenographic event.
The title of this year's edition is "Take your Time for the Original Signs", inspired by the signs of the constellations and the four symbols of earth, water, fire and air.
Info: carnival.venezia.it Viareggio.
From 4 to 25 February, the Tuscan city hosts the celebrations of the 150th Carnival.
Born from a parade of festively decorated carriages in 1873, the irreverent, satirical and allegorical tradition of Carnival is still alive in the creativity of the papier-mâché masters.
This year's artistic works concentrate the dreams and desires of a better world, without war, economic crises and where the pandemic is a distant memory.
On the 9 first category floats and 4 of the second category of the 6 masked processions, 3 of which at night, which participate in the Carnival, there is only the desire to have fun and joke.
The exhibitions related to the festival are worth a visit.
Info: viareggio.ilcarnevale.com One hundred.
The Carnival in the province of Ferrara, the only party in the world twinned with the celebrations in Rio de Janeiro,
it is very colorful and full of masquerade shows, concerts, fireworks and games.
In the evocative Piazza Guercino, giant papier-mâché creatures, masks and groups in costume, dancers and percussionists parade until 5 March.
There are five carnival associations competing: the Toponi, reigning champions;
the Boys of Guercino, the Fantasti100, the Mazalora and the Awakening.
This year the festival is dedicated to the arts, crafts and traditions of Cento.
At the end of the party the winner is proclaimed and Tasi is set on fire, which symbolizes the death of the carnival.
Info: Carnevalecento.com Ivrea.
After three years of absence, the historic Carnival of Ivrea returns, recognized as an "Italian event of international importance".
Here juicy oranges take the place of confetti in the famous "
Among the most awaited events, the gala for the election of the queen, the one with the most beautiful and imaginative dress;
the "cavalcade" which announces the beginning of the Carnival and the "sfilata del Coso", a large parade of floats on Shrove Tuesday which ends with the traditional "burial of the sardine".
Info: carnavaldetenerife.com Alabama.
It was here, in the city of Mobile, that Carnival was celebrated for the first time in the United States in 1703: more than 40 parades are held in the port city in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, which falls on February 21st.
During the carnival you can admire the themed floats, manned by members of historical societies, from which gifts and sweets are thrown towards the spectators.
During the fashion shows, the Excelsior Band plays, the oldest jazz marching band in the United States, which turns 140 in 2023.
In the evening, the locals offer alternative events to the traditional masquerade balls.
Also worth visiting is the Carnival museum to admire the collection of allegorical floats and sumptuous dresses.
Info: mobile.org Dominican Republic.
It is the oldest carnival on the American continent: the first celebration took place in 1520, shortly after the discovery of the Americas, but in the country this merry festival also celebrates independence on February 27th.
Until March 5, masks and costumes parade every Sunday in the various cities with processions led by the most famous character,
the Diablo Cojuelo (the lame devil), typical of Santiago and La Vega.
Other characters include the Taimáscaros of Puerto Plata, the Guloyas of San Pedro de Marcorís and Los Pintao of Barahona;
all together they parade on the Malecón of Santo Domingo with allegorical floats.
This year it is Punta Cana that opens the parades with 1,500 costumed characters, including the "Musas de Punta Cana", a group of women of all ages.
Info: godominicanrepublic.com Cologne.
The Carnival of the city overlooking the Rhine turns 200 and invites you to discover the fun party with its parades and goliardic dances.
During the Carnival festivities it is imperative for everyone to dress up and even speak a special language, Kölle Alaaf.
On Shrove Thursday, February 16, "the women's carnival" is celebrated, but the most spectacular moment is the "
Info: cologne-tourism.com (ANSA).
