A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale. Before Christian period of La Quaresima (Lent), 40 days before Pasqua (Easter) Carne = meat, vale = farewell Mardi Gras = Marted Grasso Can be any date from 3 febbraio 9 marzo 9 febbraio 2016 Across Italia, it is a time for great celebration! Children dress up as they do for Halloween in the USA. Costumes are festive and bright. Pulcinella Arlecchino Pantalone Colombina Commedia dell'Arte Parade with elaborate floats of flowers or paper mache allegorical, often satirical of current events or people Making of the floats in Viareggio Making of the floats in Viareggio Burlamacco La Battaglia delle Arance Dates back to middle ages and celebrates the revolt against the duke of then Holy Roman Emperor. Violetta, a young newly-married woman refused to be the emperors lover. The townspeople then took up arms and revolted against the mistreatment and abuse. Nine teams divided up by neighborhood Winners determined by a judging panel Battaglia delle Arance Battaglia delle Arance The most famous of the Carnevale festivals in Italy Elaborate masks and costumes Masquerade balls Bauta Colombina Medico della peste (The Plague Doctor) Moretta / Servetta muta Volto (Larva) Le Maschere Carnevale di Venezia