Holidays of Italy
Regardless of the fact that are relatively few national holidays in Italy, it would be difficult to sustain that Italians spend little time celebrating and having fun. This is because every city and town in Italy has holidays in honor of a protector or saint in addition to the national holidays. Both national and local holidays in Italy are accompanied by parades and carnivals on the streets. In addition to the above, many holidays in Italy are dedicated to various historical events and even legends. Also, there are regular fairs with young talents shows and holiday sales of fruits and farm products.
Many towns have local holidays that became very famous and popular, like Palio (horse race) in Sienna, for example. Palio is being held twice a year: on July 2nd and August 16th. The race takes place in the city square, Piazza del Campo, and the horses are supposed to make three laps around the square. During each Palio there are 10 participants, each representing a separate region of the city (contrada). The race has no analogies in the world. The horses are the main participants of the event.
February is the month of carnivals in Italy, which take place in every city or town. The most famous carnivals in Italy are the carnival in Venice and Viareggio. During the mask carnival in Venice people wear masks made from papier mache, even though authentic Venetian masks are supposed to be made from thin animal skin processed in a special way. But, unfortunately such Venetian masks are impossible to find in stores these days. There are several masters in Venice who manufacture authentic Venetian masks following the old technological process. These masters think that the masks are pieces of art and the prices are very high. One can easily rent a mask and a costume for the ball, to wear during the carnival in Venice, paying approximately 50-250 thousand liras. And if you choose to have a custom made dress there is practically no price ceiling.
The mask carnival in Venice is one of the most famous as well as one of the oldest, original, and expected carnivals in Italy: a kingdom of masks that resembles a life of theatre between the bridges and canals. People are dancing in the city squares, dressed in luxurious gold threaded clothes, decorated with precious gems. Passion is born and dies under the cover of masks while the actors in the Italian "Comedia del Arte" come out into the city streets and become the main participants of the carnival. Like a bright ray of light coming from the sun, the carnival breaks into the dull and foggy Venetian winter. And suddenly the air is filled with the spirit of golden costumes, silver laces, and the bright spots of the masks. Only the carnival in Venice has the mystery and magic, the mysticism and sorcery blended together.
The Viareggio carnival has a tradition dating back to the end of the previous century and was intended as a walking theater. The show lasts during four Sundays as giant carriages move along the seafront streets of Viareggio with big figures on top and a "cheerleading squad" dressed in fabulous costumes. Carnival processions and parades, fireworks, concert and popular celebrations, a football tournament and a beauty contest – this is what the Viareggio carnival is all about. Unstoppable fantasy, outstanding fun, constant music, and sleepless night are also part of the carnival tradition. And don't forget the grief when it's over.
The catholic Christmas in Italy is certainly the single most important holiday. The hero of the holiday is Bobbo Natale - the local Santa Claus, who brings different presents to children. On Christmas in Italy it is customary to give a special kind of flowers, called Christmas Stars, which symbolize the star of Bethlehem. Every Christmas in Italy must be accompanied by a Milano pie, Panettone, which looks like an Easter cake. The cake is decorated with fruits, raisins, dried fruits, candied fruits (especially oranges and lemons). This food specialty was invented Milano bakers in 1490 and soon became extremely popular all over Italy, from the Alps to Sicily. There are many legends related to the Panettone. According to one of them a young nobleman fell in love with baker Toni's daughter and went to work as the bakers helper to be closer to his beloved. In the name of love he invented a wonderful bell shaped sweet bread. The customers liked the new bread, "pane di Toni", very much and it became sold out in large quantities. Business people in Milano are known to give famous Panettone to their clients for Christmas.
