iL CaRneVaLe in Rome

After a long long period of neglect in the Eternal City, comes back the REAL CaRniVaL! Starting just tomorrow: 6 - 16 Februar


From my magic book "Feste Romane":

'Intorno al 1550 un turco di religione musulmana, diritorno nel proprio paese dopo un lugo viaggio, riferi che in un particolare periodo dell'anno i cristiani IMPAZZIVANO, per poi riaquistare la ragione grazie ad una polvere che veniva loro casparsa sul capo' / Aroud 1550 a Turkish Muslim, after a long trip, coming back to his motherland, reported, that at the particular time of the year Christians go mad, to then regain their minds thanks to dust scattered on their heads'

Hector Berlioz in turn, in 1843 composed Roman Carnival Overture made up of material and themes form his opera Benvenuto Cellini, including some music from the opera's carnival scene - the overture's title. By the way...one of his bests.

In the middle of 17th century, Pope Benedict XIV gave of an encyclical letter abot the matter. He was very concerned, on Shrove Tuesday celebrations continued until late midnight. After a whole night of revelry, numerous were still wearing usherette at the church ash ceremonies, thinking of severe vita terrena, to spend then a major part of Wednesday sleaping...


Rome unfortunately lost the tradition of the Carnival, but hopefully starting with this year, will renew its long and FAMOUS tradition that could be compared to the one in Venice!

Well, talking about both... Venetian Artist will parade on Via del Corso during the inaugural parade on 6th February along with about 60 horses and vintage carriages!

Those 10 days the main city squares : Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna Piazza del Popolo will become the theater of comedy shows. From Thursday, 11 Piazza del popolo will host the "Village of Culture and Tradition"-rediscovery of the carnival rides of the Berbers, to enhance the relationship between a man and a horse. Even until 1870 the carnival was celebrated by the Roman at Piazza del Popolo, which was the starting point of a wild horse race through the streest of the city! So also 13 & 14 February - sempre a Piazza del Popolo - will be a horse show. And in the same place will end this 10day fun- 16 February is scheduled a concert by Angelo Barduardi followed by fireworks.