How to celebrate the Carnavale ... Of course!
Far from the chaos, from deafening horns trumpeting, from quintals of confetti and pancakes at all costs: the Carnival you want to live it like this, in cheerful and happy company, without overdoing it and in a natural way, or in contact as much as possible with the environment and nature, perhaps immersed in local traditions and customs. Here are some ideas to spend Carnival days in an alternative way, alone, with friends and relatives or with your children.
Carnival yes, but natural
Where: Genoa, Doria Natural History Museum, Carnival 2018 at the Natural History Museum. It is not the only Alternative Carnival: there are many, in as many centers and museums, which can be visited on the Visitgenoa.it website
When: Sunday 18 February
Why natural carnival? It will be celebrated in the company of the most striking and colorful animals of the museum . And in the end a sweet surprise for everyone, with activities for children from 6 years.
Where: Sauris, The Sauran Carnival, Der Zahrar Voschankh (Sauris.org)
When: 10 February 2018
Why natural carnival? The masks are old and wooden and the protagonists of the festival are traditional and typical: the Rölar, a diabolical figure that continually shakes the bells that it brings to life, and the Kheirar, the king of the masks. But there's more: a surprise ending in the woods with the night of lanterns, with a suggestive walk up to the big conclusive bonfire.
Where: Ferrara, the Este Renaissance Carnival
When: from 8 to 11 February 2018
Why Natural Carnival? The historic center of the city will come alive with period costumes, flag-wavers, shows and dances that will recall the unique atmospheres of the time; the central theme will be "The Zodiac Signs" . Moreover, the Natural History Museum will be open for free on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February, where the "Natura in Maschera!" Event will be held by the Didò association, which will guide you through the frescoes of the Salone dei Mesi, discovery of the cycle of nature, between reality and illusions, with games and riddles in the rooms of the Museum.
Where: Naples Museum Center
When : 12 and 13 February
Why Natural Carnival? A carnival that winds between the mineralogical, zoological, anthropological, paleontological and physical museums, with recreational-educational activities aimed at children aged 5 to 11 years. The meetings, lasting an hour and a half, include laboratory activities in which the children, guided by the museum operators of the Naturalia Association, will spend the Cnnevale in the name of fun and science . Accompanied by museum officials, young visitors will take on the role of paleontologists, taking a virtual journey into the world of dinosaurs.
Where: Rocca Grimalda, Alessandria, "La Lachera" Carnival
When : between 3 and 4 February 2018
Why natural carnival? La Lachera, this is what the traditional Alexandrian carnival is called. The origin of this festival derives from ancient local propitiatory and wedding rites that have been enriched over time. These rites today take the form of an original festival, made up of dances, unique costumes prepared from fabrics and clothes collected by the people of the town and theatrical performances . The center will be animated by jugglers, artists, stilt walkers, with many shows for children.
Where: Busseto, Parma, Historic Grand Carnival
When: 4, 11 and 18 February 2018
Why natural carnival? the Great Carnival of Laughter and Music of Busseto relies on the craftsmanship of papier-mache and music, with special musical and folk groups from all over Italy. Thus, from tons of newspaper, flour glue, nails and wood, unique masks and floats are born. For sports fans on the occasion of the Sunday 11th carnival, the 35th "Strabusseto in Maschera" will be held, organized by the Croce Bianca marchers group.
Where: The Natural Carnival of Basilicata takes place at various points in this fantastic Italian region: from Tricarico, to Matera, passing through Montescaglioso and Satriano.
When: from 4 to 18 February, non-continuous dates differ from country to country
Why natural carnival? Protagonists of the Tricarico Carnival are zoomorphic characters, such as the Taurus and the Cow, linked to themes such as fertility, important in an agricultural context. In Satriano there are instead the Rumit, hermits disguised as trees that roam the country and knock on the doors of houses.
Where: Ladin Carnival of the Val di Fassa. This mountain carnival touches various localities: Canazei, Campitello, Pozza, Vigo and Soraga di Fassa, Mazzin and Moena
When: from January 17th to February 13th
Why natural carnival? Here we find the "Facères", that is the carved wooden masks of local sculptors and master craftsmen. All with street parties, dances, theatrical performances, festivals, snow races, sleds and parades of allegorical floats.
These and many other Natural Carnivals await you for the first days of February: the Carnival in the Woods of the Selva Reale, Alta Murgia Natural Park is still remembered; and in Sappada, in the splendid setting of the Dolomites, the Farmers' Carnival takes place.
A book to read with your children? "Carnival in the Enchanted Forest" by Silvia Corridoni, Andrea Giovannella.
