Carnevale in Italy: A Festive Explosion of Culture, Costumes, and Cuisine

What is Carnevale Festival?

One of the most enjoyable and entertaining celebrations in Italy and around the world is Carnevale in Italy. It is the celebration of elaborated social satire, lot of chaos and mockery of authorities and we all know Italians are exceptionally well at it.

The festivities in Italy are not limited to just Mardi Gras; this is a large last party to eat, drink, and have good time before the fasting and solemnity of Lent.

How Italy Celebrates Carnevale?

The Carnevale is a time when individuals may forget about their normal lives and just have fun. Typically, people of all ages don elaborated masks and costumes and throw steamers and confetti at each other. It is in fact a serious matter for people of Italy as they challenge each other for the best CARRO every year. They also take part in entertaining parades, street parties, and other activities.

But how it actually works? Simple! People first get together in groups to select a theme for their float, typically late at night after work or school. After that, they begin making the machines.

Specifically, some assist in designing clothes while others deal with papier-mâché. They eventually exhibit their creativity during the parades which turn into a real contest to see who can build the greatest CARRO.

In a similar way, elementary schools often organize vibrant parades with various themes. For example they dress up children like animals, fairytale characters or cartoon characters.

Traditional Food Served during Carnevale

Food obviously plays a significant part in the Italian Carnevale. Without a doubt lasagna tops the chart of Carnevale in Italy. Nevertheless, a variety of mouthwatering meat dishes and many bottles of wine will also be there on the table. Don’t forget to save some place for dessert of course.

To be more precise every city and area has a traditional dessert that is served to guests after the lunchtime Carnival meal comes to an end. 

When is Carnevale Celebrated?

Carnival has roots in the pagan celebrations of the Romans and Greeks but it also has links to the Catholic community.

In reality, it is observed on Shrove Tuesday, the final day of permitted feasting before the fasting of Lent. As a result, there is no set date; instead, it depends on the day the Easter is celebrated.

Where to Enjoy Carnevale in Italy?

Even the tiniest towns in Italy have their own Carnevale parades despite the fact that everyone is familiar with the masks and parades of Venice. Children from schools will parade through the streets of small towns or ride on team-built floats while school bands play. While the larger cities assemble floats, musicians, dance groups and group costumes for parades.  

However, there are some cities that consistently outdo themselves. Here is the list of cities that biggest and most well-known Carnival celebrations in Italy:  

1. Venice, Vento – Full of intrigue, mischief and mystery.
2. Viareggio, Tuscany – Well known for impressive and elaborate floats curated with astonishing details and engineering.
3. Acireale, Sicily – The streets of Acireale are adorned with intricate floats that are decorated with fresh flowers.  
4. Ivrea, Piedmont – Carnevale celebrated in the most unique way, popularly known as battel of oranges.
5. Putignano, Puglia – Famously known for its longest Carnevale celebrations starting from 26^th of December with the Festa delle Propaggini till the fat Tuesday where poets recite the local dialects. 
6. Fano, Le Marche – Celebrated by throwing loads and loads of chocolates, candies and sweets from the masked floats to crowds standing below.
7. Cento, Emilia Romagna – Soft and inflatable objects are thrown into the crowd while circling the city several times.
8. Milan, Italy – After the Italian Carnival has concluded, the Ambrosian Carnival, which is named after Milan’s patron saint throws its closing celebration.

Understanding the Italian Visa UK Process

You must first choose what type of visa to Italy you need based on your requirements and the purpose of your travel. Decide your itinerary, plan your trip, identify how long you will stay in Italy, then book an appointment and submit your application with the help of an experienced Italy visa appointment experts.

You have to schedule an in-person appointment in order to apply and obtain a visa. You will need to download a visa application form, pay the applicable visa fee, provide reasons for travelling to the Italy and furnish other relevant information if requested. 

When you attend your appointment the visa officer will need your completed application form and supporting documents. Your application must be filed at least 15 days before the commencement of your intended trip to attend Carnevale event but it cannot be submitted before six months of your planned trip.

Sounds difficult? Well yes, it is a time consuming and daunting task. Especially when you don’t know the process. But you need not to worry at Italy visas, we have a world class and experienced team of professionals who have been handling online Italy visa appointments for years and have helped thousands of clients with the entire process so that all they have to do is focus on enjoying their holidays rather than worrying about the documents and visa process.

How to Apply for Italy Visa Appointment?

“Read More: How to Apply Italy Visa from UK – Types, Details & More“

So, let us now understand the Italy Schengen visas appointment process that we follow for a successful visa application:

• We help you complete your visa appointment form and submit it after filling up all your details like your date of birth, passport details, date of travel, date of return, employment details, marital status, contact number, email etc.

• We provide you list of documents you need according to your specific visa type and reason of your travel to Italy.

• Once you provide us with all the required information we will get back to you and ask for your preferred date of appointment and time.

• Pay the relevant Italy Visa appointment fees online using a secure payment method, then wait for your visa.

•  We will notify you about your appointment details via email.

Understanding the Italy Visa Process

Following is the Italy Visa UK process:

1. First identify the type of Italy Visa you need. There are several different types of visas available (Tourist Visa, Italy Business Visa, Cultural/Sport Events Visa, Student Visa, Official Visit Visa, Airport Transit Visa, Medical Treatment Visa, Italy Family Visa) based on your reason of traveling to Italy from UK.
2. Choose the suitable time & date to apply for your visa. The earliest you may submit your visa application is six months before your planned trip and the latest is at least 15 working days before your expected departure from the UK.
3. Gather all the required documents based on the specific visa type you are planning to apply.
4. Schedule appointment for Italy visa with the help of best Italy visa service provider like Italy Visas.
5. Arrive at the scheduled appointment on time with all the required documentation. Always remember that showing up for the appointment is important to successfully submit your visa application.
6. Provide your biometric details like digital photo and finger prints.
7. Pay your Italy visa fees.
8. Wait until the decision on your visa to Italy is made.

Remember your appointment for Italy visa plays a vital role in getting a visa as there is no separate visa process. When you attend your appointment with all the relevant documents and validate the reason of your Italy trip, there is no reason of your visa denial. Hence, prepare well and get assistance from experts for appointment.

Documents Requirement for Italy Visa

Here is the list of documents you have to submit to apply for Italy visa from UK successfully.

1. Application Form – Completely filled (either in English or Italian language) and duly signed by the applicant.
2. Passport – Your passport issued within the last ten years and must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave Italy and have two blank pages for visa stamping.
3. Photo – Two similar passport size photos according to the Italy visa requirements.
4. Medical Insurance – Insurance which will cover emergency medical costs, accepted by Italy and provides at least EUR 30000 coverage.
5. Hotel Booking – Proof of hotel reservation where you will be staying during your Italy trip.
6. Flight Booking – Proof of round trip flight reservation. If in case you are not flying you have to provide other relevant details like vehicle registration and insurance if traveling by car or otherwise bus/train ticket confirmation.
7. Bank Statement – Bank letter stating your current account balance and bank account statement detailing transaction history of last three months. 

Documents Requirement for Non-EU Nationals

1. UK Residency permit valid for at least three months after you come back from Italy or otherwise a document proving that you have applied for the renewal of the same.

Documents Requirement for Minors

1. Birth Certificate
2. Passport copy of both parents.
3. If child is traveling by himself or none of his/her parents are accompanying then a translated (either in English or Italian language) authorization letter signed by both of the parents.
4. Copy of Italy visa of parents traveling with the child if visa application for all is not submitted together.
5. Financial documents of the parents.

Other Documents Requirement for UK Employees/ Self Employed/ Students

1. Employment letter with salary details, start date, designation details and holiday dates approved by the organization.
2. A recent letter with last three month’s professional activity, date of business registration, VAT certificate and Income tax return file of your business.
3. An enrolment letter from college or University in the UK with type of course, attendance record & course details. 

FAQ

Q. Why Carnevale is important in Italian culture?

A. In Italy Carnevale is a final celebration before the Solemnity and restrictions of Lent. It is a time to eat, drink, and have fun. It holds weekends-long celebrations with parades, masks, and confetti about a month before Ash Wednesday.

Q. What is most commonly worn during Carnevale in Italy?

A. The Carnival in Venice has long placed a high value on masks. People may wear them historically from the Santo Stefano celebration (St Stephen’s Day, December 26) to the conclusion of the carnival season at midnight of Shrove Tuesday (movable, but in early February or February).

Q. What is the history of Carnevale?

A. The Latin phrases carne and vale which indicate “farewell to meat” are the origin of Carnevale. Tradition has it that the triumph against the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162 gave rise to Venice’s first Carnival celebrations. 

Q. How long Italy tourist visas are valid for?

A. You will be given a single-entry or multiple-entry visa depending on the purpose and number of times you plan to go to Italy. The number of days you mention on your visa application form as the days you wish to spend in the Italy will determine the validity of your visa.

Q. How long will it take to get my Italy Visa from UK?

A. You may get your Italy visa within as quickly as 72 hours and in some rare cases it may also take 15 to 45 days to process.

Q. What is the best time to apply for Italy visa from UK?

A. A month or two prior to your intended departure date is the ideal time to apply for your Italy visa.