Things to Do in Italy: the Carnival

One of the fun things to do in Italy in February is participate to the Carnival festivity. The cities of Fano, Ascoli and Offida celebrate the Italy Carnival with unrestrained abandon.

Offida

This lovely small town of Le Marche region, celebrates the Carnival for the whole month of February with some of the most ancient and extravagant Italian customs.

‘Lu bov fint’ is a fake ox that twists and turns stirring people around the historical center and into the main square. The game reminds of a ‘corrida’ until at the end of the day the ox is ritually killed and the remains are paraded around town accompanied by chants and laughter.





The ‘Vlurd’parade is one of the most unusual Italian customs. Vlurds are flaming bundles of canes carried around by hundreds of masked people. At sunset the vlurds end up in the main square in a big bonfire. As soon as the fire is out, the end of the carnival is celebrated with wild dances.

Ascoli

The whole city gets involved in this popular celebration. The historical town and the beautiful main square become the stage for singles and groups in fancy dresses.

The Mardi Gras is dedicated to a parade and group competition for the most creative disguises.

Fano

Fano can boast the oldest Carnival in Italy, documents trace it back in 1347. The parade is very elaborate and involves a year of preparation.


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