Skip to main content
CasaMiaHoliday

Martedì Grasso

By February 13, 2018October 26th, 2024No Comments

This year Mardi Gras falls the day before Valentine’s Day. That means observant Italians will be torn between eating chocolate and aphrodisiac foods with their significant other, and rubbing ashes on their forehead  in self-examination, prayer and repentance.

Martedì Grasso 2018

Also known as Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, or Martedì Grasso in Italy, today’s Mardi gras holiday marks the last hurrah before the the Christian Lenten fasting period. Before the forty days of fasting, the period of merriment known as Carnevale falling before Lent is replete with indulgent foods, zany costumes, and pranks. The saying, a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale means “During carnival season, all practical jokes are allowed.”

During Carnevale the best looking costumes are traditionally celebrated by tossing a handful of coriandoli which owe their name to coriander. In ancient times the coriandoli were sugar coated coriander seeds otherwise known as ‘confetti’. For a few weeks the streets of Italy will look like this:

Martedì Grasso 2018

Carnevale, and Martedì Grasso in particular, is celebrated all over Italy, but Venice is the city where this holiday puts on the biggest show.

Explore the Timeless Beauty of Venice & Veneto

Picture yourself wandering through the narrow streets of Venice, exploring secret piazzas while sipping on spritz, or venture beyond the city to the rolling hills of Veneto to indulge in some of Italy’s most unique cuisine visiting historic villas and medieval towns. From world-class art and architecture to local culinary specialities, every detail is tailored for an unforgettable Italian adventure.

Ready to discover the magic of this incredible corner of Italy? 

VENICE & VENETO TOURS
Known for the elaborate 1700s costumes and masks worn throughout the festivity, the world renowned Carnevale di Venezia first took place in the year 1162.

Martedì Grasso 2018

Italians celebrate the last period before the impending start of lent with very rich, indulgent dishes. The word “Carnevale” derives from the latin carnem levare or “farewell to meat.” Think meatball and sausage-studded lasagna; or frappe, chiacchiere and castagnole (fried dough topped with sugar) or the delicious cream-filled zeppole and bigné. In southern Italy, and in Naples in particular, Mardi Gras is celebrated with slices of Migliaccio, a semolina and ricotta pie.

Martedì Grasso 2018

Leave a Reply