Good Things From Italy - Le Cose Buone d'Italia

Le Marche’s Carnivals are renowned for being spectacular, fun and full of tradition. One Carnival, celebrated on Fat Tuesday (as many are), starts with huge and colorful floats by the shore, and then moves inland for the real party. There is more food than you could imagine, and so many people in costume, just enjoying the frivolity of having a good time.

There is also the Offida Carnival, which consists of men moving a giant fake ox through the streets, then a crowd of young people in robes move it swiftly, in attempt to show the ox’s nature. This used to be performed with a live ox and then it was ritually slaughtered, whereas now they just do so symbolically.

The Fano Carnival, Italy’s oldest, is a huge and beautiful affair, with entertainment, food, exhibits and so much more. They try every year to make it better than the last, with more color and excitement to give people an experience not to be forgotten. It is one giant party, each day different and new with a lot of great things to do free of charge.

The carnival of Macerata has chariots, music, dancing, cake and a whole lot of fun. With all of its colorful displays and confetti everywhere, it truly is a wonderful celebration.

The Ascoli Carnival is a traditional festival of dancing, music, masks, confetti and fun. With so much to do and see it is another carnival worth attending. The Carnival of Ascoli Piceno, starting on January 17th each year, consists of people in masks, doing skits and impersonating celebrities, local government and other well-known people. The city is lit up with beautiful lights, as the streets become theaters and the spectators become participants.

Lastly, the Amandola Carnival is celebrated with two large events. First there is a parade with people in masks everywhere. Then there is what is called the beacon of King Carnival, during which people in old costumes throw wheat and poppy in honor of Blessed Antonio. There are also actors and theater afterwards during this one as well.

Six days surrounded by masks, colors, music and especially entertainment. It’s the historical Carnival in Offida: for its 2013 edition, this awaited moment of the year has a rich calendar of events ant things to do. And it’s an appointment that you cannot miss during a weekend in the province of Ascoli Piceno.

The Offida historical Carnival 2013 starts on February 7 with the event Bambini in maschera (“Masked children”), set in the Serpente Aureo Theater (the entrance is free for children). While February 8 it’s the day of the Lu bov fint: an ox-shaped outline will parade through the streets of the city, carried by a cheerful cortège.

On February 9 and 10 there will be two all-night dances: both of them will start at 10pm in the halls of the Serpente Aureo Theater. And this theater will be the location for the Veglionissimo di Carnevale (“Big Carnival all-night dance”), on February 11: at Midnight the historical Congreghe (“Clans”) of Offida will enter in the stage and in the parterre.

Lastly, on February 12, there will be the main event of the Carnival 2013 in Offida: it’s the Mardi Gras, in Piazza del Popolo: at 3pm will occur Maschere in festa (“Maks in the feast”); at 7pm there will be the Vlurd, a giant pyre.

For the complete program of the historical Carnival 2013 in Offida, visit the official website Inoffida.it.

Image source: www.flickr.com/photos/giaky88  

Santa Maria della Rocca è uno dei più importanti monumenti, non solo di Offida ma delle Marche. Inizialmente, al suo posto si trovava un castello di età longobarda con annessa una chiesa di piccole dimensioni, appartenente a Longino D’Azzone, signore offidano di origine franco-tedesca. [...]