Carnevale

Whilst in Venice last weekend, we were able to witness the start of Carnival Season.  This is the traditional festive season before Lent begins (the forty days of fasting before Easter).  Easter is late this year (Sunday 24th April), so Lent begins with Shrove Tuesday, 8th March.

Saturday Evening saw a Public "Toast" from the Wine Fountain in Piazza San Marco.  Its very rare that you get anything for free in Venice (Public Toilets cost €1.50, thats $2!!) so this was a good opportunity to have a glass of wine "on the house".

The theme this year is celebrating 150 years of Italian Unification, hence the costumes were from the 1860s, not so many of the traditional elaborate dresses.  However Carnival is a Marathon, not a sprint and there are plenty of events lined up between now and the 8th March.

AIFS Students, Jeanne, Jennifer and Lauren dress the part outside the Doges Palace.

Venice Carnival Opening Ceremony in front of the Wine Fountain.

On Sunday, the action moved to the Canareggio area of Venice (two blocks from our hotel) with a grand parade of boats along the Grand Canal.

The joys of confetti...

I'm still finding it in my pockets, almost a week later...

At Noon, there was a special ceremony, described as the "Svolo della Partegana".  Roughly translated as the release of the Giant Rat. If you look closely, you can see the fibre glass speciman, near the bridge.

All shapes and sizes of boats were present...

After such excitement, the only way to relax was to hop on a Gondola and cross to a quieter neighbourhood, avoiding the water buses of course.

The more traditional costumes were starting to emerge on Sunday afternoon.

This weekend will be a total contrast, as we are taking 90 students to Viareggio for the Carnival celebrations there.  Its well known around the World for its informal approach and huge parade floats.  Of course we will have pictures next week.