Project Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership – 2015- 2017 “YOUTH BRIDGES TO REACH EFFICIENT EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP AWARENESS” Project Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership – 2015- 2017 Project code: 2015-1-RO01-KA219-015153 Liceo “Vittorio Emanuele III” Patti (ME) Sicily- Italy Deliverables:

Carnival in Italy

What’s Carnival? In February, every Italian city is invaded with masks, confetti, colors and lights: it’s Carnival! It is an event with ancient roots, and today has become a folkloristic rite that attracts thousands of visitors. Carnival is set for between Epiphany (January 6th) and the start of Lent. Its origins date back to the Roman Saturnalia. The term "carnevale" derives from the Latin "carnem levare (take away the meat)”: indeed, in Antiquity the term indicated the banquet held the last day before the period of abstinence from meat, the Christian Lent. Of course the protagonist of Carnival is the costume or the mask that allows those who wear it to transform themselves into whomever they wish to be – at least for a few days

THE MOST FAMOUS CARNIVALS Venice The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival held on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso). The festival is world famous for its elaborate masks.

This Carnival was started from a victory of the "Serenissima Repubblica" against the Patriarch of Aquileia, in 1162, when people started to dance and gather in San Marco Square. The festival was a reason of prestige for the city, until the King of Austria in 1797 forbade it. It reappeared gradually in the nineteenth century, encouraged by the new Italian government. One of the most important events is the contest for “la maschera più bella” ("the most beautiful mask") which is judged by international costume and fashion designers. Winners of “la maschera più bella” in 2016

Viareggio The Carnival of Viareggio is held in the Tuscan city of Viareggio. It is considered amongst the most renowned carnival celebrations in both Italy and Europe. The tradition Its main characteristic is given by the parade of floats and masks, usually made of paper-pulp, depicting caricatures of famous people; the parade is held on the Viareggio avenue located alongside the local beach. The origins The first parade was held in 1873, when some wealthy middle-class men decided to organize a parade of floats adorned with flowers; a number of local citizens, as a sign of protest, then decided to put on masks in order to show their refusal of high taxes they were forced to pay.

The mascot The official mascot of the Viareggio carnival is Burlamacco, depicted by Uberto Bonetti. He had chosen the red and white for the outfit from the traditional colours of the umbrellas on the beach. The name is from the Burlamacca river. Burlamacco still remains a feature of the carnival and there is a statue of him on the Lungomare in Viareggio.

acireale The tradition of this Carnival  grounds its roots in the Renaissance (1594), which makes it  one of the most ancient Carnivals Parade are organized and acclaimed by huge crowds. Some floats are decorated with cascades of flowers and embellished by lighting systems – which is why night parades are the most attended. A special mention must go to the miniaturized floats that represent the small-size version of the papier-mâché ones. The traditional “Abbatazzu” (ironically representing the clergy) and “Baruni” (mocking the aristocracy) masks are the protagonists. They come from the 17th Century, when poor people used to make fun of powerful people. The Carnival of Acireale ends with the burning at stake of “Re Carnevale” (King Carnival)

OUR LOCAL CARNIVALS PATTI Every year, artists make fantastic carnival floats, assemble numerous groups with costumes and masks and show their spectacular art works in amazing parades for three days, with a final award ceremony for the most beautiful carnival float. Also different clubs organize theme nights with good music and fun.

GIOIOSA A figure of Carnival feature was the "MURGA" orchestra, formed by a group of returning emigrants from Argentina who played old musical instruments. It was directed by "MURGO“ dressed in top hat and tails, personified by Captain Turi Zampino. U Murgo is still the symbol of the Carnival as the typical mask. Another orchestra was the Racchietta, composed by university students. Nowadays this Carnival continues to be one of the most famous in Sicily. On February 3rd 2017 the Ministry of Culture submitted it in the 'list of Italian historical carnivals.

SOME FLOATS AND MASKS IN GIOIOSA THIS YEAR (2017)

MASKS: SYMBOL OF CARNIVAL During  Carnival our traditional masks become protagonists. Everyone, regardless of their age, love them. In the last few years, Carnival has been more about dressing up like celebrities, politicians and cartoon characters, but our traditional Italian masks are the true essence of Carnival itself, as they have been representing this time of the year for centuries.   Here are some of the most famous!

ARLECCHINO Arlecchino is traditionally linked to the town of Bergamo. In fact, he is from Bergamo bassa, south Bergamo, but he tries to change his dialect into the Venetian one.  He is perhaps the best known and the oldest mask. He is connected to the tradition of court jokers and theatre comedians. At first he wore a total white costume that has then become multicoloured due its numerous patches.  Arlecchino is an extravagant person playing tricks on those he works for, but he often does not succeed. He is usually lazy and enjoys chatting a lot.

COLOMBINA Colombina (little dove), is a female mask, representing a servant. The name was given to her when the actress who played the role, brought a basket containing two doves on stage. Colombina is often vain and coquettish. At times, she also tells white lies. She is often associated to Arlecchino, who is considered her eternal fiancé.  

BRIGHELLA Brighella is a character born in Bergamo. He is often associated to Arlecchino, as they both come from the same city, although Brighella is from North Bergamo.  Brighella works not always honestly, as he tries to deceive others also without a real need. He is intelligent and smart, but without scruples. Brighella often tells lies and he does it very well. He is also very good at singing and dancing.

PANTALONE Pantalone is linked to the Venetian tradition. Some say his name comes from Saint Pantaleone, while others maintain it derives from the Piantaleoni, the merchants who "planted" San Marco's lion, symbol of Venice, in the towns where they would start making business. Pantalone is an ambiguous character: sometimes he is a rich merchant admired by the nobility, other times he is an old merchant on the edge of ruin. Either way, he is constantly unlucky with women.  He represents the symbol of that sense of trade and business animating Venetian middle-class' tradesmen in the past.

BALANZONE The origins of this mask are in Bologna. He is a creation of the Commedia dell'Arte and represents the stereotype of a wannabe educated man, who likes to show off knowledge he often does not have.  Balanzone is also known as Dottore, doctor, as he studied a lot, or so he maintains! He peppers his long conversations and monologues with invented Latin quotes, and other people  seem to trust his opinion on all matters. Most of the times, he gives useless advice.