(photo: Carnevale in Reggio Calabria, thanks to Demetrio Bruno for the photo)
Carnevale, which means “farewell to meat”, is celebrated throughout the world including in the United States (known as Mardi Gras) and Italy. Carnevale usually takes place 40 days prior to Easter and in Italy the celebration includes food, parties, music, various entertainment, masquerade balls, and wild pranks! This year the Italians began celebrating officially on March 8th (today), but unofficial festivities began in February!
Fritelle, or fritters, with or without pastry-cream filling are the most common sweet associated with Venetian carnevale. Savory foods served in the North include pastas such as gnocchi, lasagna, and tortelli. In Calabrian towns such as Castrovillari, Lungro San Demetrio, Corone, and Saracena, the festivities vary widely as do the foods used to celebrate.
Here are some of our favorite Carnevale food, including recipes:
- Zeppole or Fried Dough
- Arancini or Rice Balls
- Cannelloni or Stuffed Pasta
- Lasagna
