![]() Meats, eggs, and milk were finished off in one day, giving the holiday its French title of 'Mardi Gras' which means Fat Tuesday.Īs Europeans crossed the Atlantic to colonize the Americas, they brought their religious practices with them. In France, the holiday became particularly popular as people feasted on foods that would be given up during the forty days of Lent. In fact, there are a number of ancient Roman traditions that persevere in the Roman Catholic Church to this day, where they continue to guide the faithful.įREE Learning Resources - Download Today - Printable PDF'sĪs Catholic Christianity spread throughout Europe during the first millennium, different cultures celebrated the last day before Lent in their own ways, adapting the practices to suit their cultures. The blending of tradition with new religious beliefs was a common practice in the ancient world and it helped people to transition away from paganism. However, with the rise of the Church in ancient Rome, Christian teaching and morals took root, but there always remained a strong need to blend ancient Roman traditional practices with the growing Christian faith. It involved feasting, drinking, and carnal behavior. ![]() This was a February holiday and it honored the Roman god of fertility. While the parties in Europe, South America, and parts of the United States have gained the most attention in popular culture, they seriously misrepresent and outright eclipse the Catholic intent of the holiday.Īccording to historians, the celebration of Mardi Gras has its roots in the pagan Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Fat Tuesday, as it is known in English, is a long-standing tradition of the Catholic Church and it marks the last day of ordinary time before the start of Lent, a time of fasting and repentance. ![]() If you are planning a trip to Italy at this time, you should check the dates for Carnevale as it varies from year to year.Mardi Gras is strongly associated with wild bacchanalia and debauchery, but the original intent of the holiday and how it's kept by the faithful is much different. Many other Italian towns also hold Carnevale festivals, some with very unusual events and influences. Italy has many Carnevale celebrations, but Venice, Viareggio, and Cento, a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region, hold the biggest festivals. People also wear elaborate costumes for the festival, and there are masquerade balls both in private and public. Masks, or maschere, are an important part of the Carnevale festival and are sold year-round at many shops in Venice, ranging from cheap versions to expensive handcrafted ones. The weekend before Fat Tuesday is usually the most packed with events and parties. However, in Venice and elsewhere in Italy, the celebrations and parties may begin a couple of weeks before. Carnevale is actually one date- Martedi Grasso or Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. ![]() Mischief and pranks are common during Carnevale in Italy, hence the saying "a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale," which means "anything goes at Carnevale."Ĭarnevale can trace its roots to pagan festivals, and, as is often the case with traditional festivals, it was adapted to fit into the Catholic rituals. Children throw confetti at each other-and sometimes toss flour and raw eggs, too. Italy celebrates Carnevale with a huge winter festival marked by parades, masquerade balls, entertainment, music, and parties. Think of Carnevale in Italy as a big final party before Ash Wednesday, the restrictions of Lent, and the more pious observances of Easter. as Carnival or Mardi Gras, takes place in the weeks leading up to Easter.
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