Italian Clubs, Events, Lifestyle; Travel Italy

Venice hosts the most important Carnival festival in Italy. (http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/ , http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/official_programme_en.pdf).

Below is a video of the starting day of this 2010 edition.

A quick guide to most impressive Carnival festivals held in Italy

- Cento Carnival of Europe

Since 1993, the historic Cento Carnival of Europe is twinned with the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro. It features five consecutive Sundays of samba dancers and hosts collateral events such as street performance and the samba schools parade. (http://www.carnevalecento.com/)
when: Jan 31 - Feb 28, 2010
where: Cento (Emilia-Romagna)

- Putignano Carnival (Apulia)

The Putignano Carnival is both the longest — it starts in December/January — and one of the oldest carnivals in the world — researchers have found records dating the event back to December 26, 1394. Find out more of Putignano Carnival at http://www.carnevalediputignano.it/
when: Jan 31 - Feb 14 2010 (various dates)
where: Putignano (Apulia)

- Ivrea Carnival

Best known for its orange fights involving the whole town of Ivrea, Piedmont. Because of that, it’s one of the funniest and most and enjoyable Carnival festivals in Italy.
The orange battles take place all over town with the main events held on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday running up to Shrove Tuesday. (http://www.carnevalediivrea.it/) .
when: Feb 13 - 16, 2010
where: Ivrea (Piedmont)

- Viareggio Carnival

Viareggio Carnival features most spectacular carnival parades in Italy. It is famous worldwide for its incredible floats, which satirise public and political figures. (http://www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com/ )
when: Jan 31 - Feb 21, 2010 (various dates)
where: Viareggio (Tuscany)

- Carnival festivals in Sardinia

La Sartiglia, held in the town of Oristano, is a Carnival festival re-enacting a medieval tournament. Find out more of La Sartiglia at http://www.sartiglia.org .
when: Feb 14 2010 (annual - Carnival Day)
where: Oristano

Samugheo Carnival, is an unusual Carnival festival, re-enacting ancient pagan rites. It’s an unique spectacle. Details at http://www.mamutzones.it.
when: Feb 11 - 16, 2010
where: Samugheo

- Carnival festivals in Sicily

Termini Imerese Carnival The oldest in Sicily, held near Palermo, it is a colourful Carnival focusing on allegorical floats inspired by political themes .
Where: Termini Imerese (Sicily)

Acireale Carnival With its origins dating back to the 16th century, the Acireale Carnival, is one of the oldest in Sicily. It features amazing carts, colourful parades, folkloric performances and re-enactments. ( http://www.carnevaleacireale.com/ )
Where: Acireale (Sicily)

Sciacca Carnival One of the oldest Carnival festivals in Sicily, the Sciacca Carnival is a testimony to Sicily’s rich cultural heritage. It also features many collateral folklore exhibitions.(http://www.carnevaledisciacca.it/ )
Where: Sciacca (Sicily)

- Venice Carnival

It is the king of Carnival festivals. “Sensation” is the theme for the 2010 Venice Carnival. It aims to suggest visitors to discover, see, feel, touch, smell and taste the six districts of Venice.
Details and programme of Venice Carnival at http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/
when: Feb 6 - 16, 2010
where: Venice

- Verona

The Valentine festival “Verona in Love” offers you a week-end filled with Valentine and romance events in the city of Romeo and Juliet. Find out festival programme at http://www.veronainlove.co.uk/program.html .
When: Feb 9 - 14, 2010 (annual);
Where: Verona

- Camogli (tourist resort on Ligurian Riviera)

“Lovers in Camogli” is the Camogli’s Valentine festival. Those who are visiting Cinque Terre area around Valentine’s Day, can take the chance to visit Camogli, located just a few km away from there. The Valentine festival offers a chance to ttry the special Valentine menus the local restaurants offer, in the land of pesto sauce.
Festival programme is available at http://www.sanvalentinocamogli.it/.
when: Feb 12 - 14, 2010 (annual)
where: Camogli, Liguria

- Terni (Umbria) 90km North of Rome

To celebrate St. Valentine Day, a four-day chocolate tastings is held in the city of Terni.
St. Valentine — Saint of Love –is patron Saint of Terni.
The event, “Cioccolentino”, celebrates love, desire and passion with tons of finest crafted chocolate.
when: Feb 11 - 14, 2010 (annual)
where: Terni.

The town of Viareggio, located on the Versilia coast, is known not only as one of the most appreciated sea resorts. It also hosts a Carnival festival featuring the most spectacular parades in Italy, famous for its incredible floats satirizing political figures.
Below is a video of one of the parades held in 2010.