Carnival or Carnevale in Umbria and Italy!

The period of carnevale, or carnival time, marks the beginning of the Lenten fast and derives from the Latin words "carnem levare" or "stop meat".

The origins of Carnevale date back to an ancient roman cult based aroud the Saturnalia, pagan rites of fertility which were celebrated in honour of the god, Saturn. During those celebrations everything was allowed, even disguising and change of rules.

During medieval times, with the spreading of Christianity, the carnival celebrations were modified substantially because of its magic and ritual, but it still was tolerated by the clergy. During the 15th and 16th century some traditions were recaptured and the use of masks and dressing up in costumes spread throughout Italy.

In Umbria and Terni parades with chariots take place every year in Montecastrilli and in Guardea on February the 15th and the 22nd. Throughout Umbria, you can find parades of chariots, plays and exhibitions of typical masks and costumes.

On February 26th in the medieval town of Città di Castello there are party games, plays in carnival clothes and music.

During the carnival in Umbria you may taste the struffoli, a sweet typical of Perugia made with honey, sugar and candied fruits. The most common are the frittelle and the frappe and castagnole.

The cicerchiata is another typical Umbrian recipe. This one, like the struffoli, is a traditional Umbrian sweet. It is made with small balls of pasta sunk in orange honey and garnished with candies and sugared almonds.

So, no calories involved at all! Come and join in the celebrations!