The colorful world of Carnevale

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Gregory
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (USAFENS) --  With its old crumbling buildings and misty piazzas, Venice is the perfect setting for the colorful and mysterious costumes of Carnevale.

Almost everyone has heard of Carnevale, a spectacular festival where people let loose one last time before the restrictions of Lent. Held in Venice for the two weeks prior to Ash Wednesday, Carnevale is a time of extravagance in food and fun. This year, Carnevale runs through Feb. 28.

Living near Venice affords Aviano members a great opportunity to visit Venice during Carnevale without having to worry about hotel or travel reservations.

“If you are going to Carnevale, I would recommend you give yourself a lot of time to get around and back to the train,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Holzworth, 31st Communication Squadron. “It’s very crowded and it can get a little confusing, but keep an open mind and you should have fun.”

Tourists from around the world flock to Venice to see the costumes and experience the revelry of Carnevale. Although the city is packed, the crowds are friendly and well-behaved. Many people are there to see the spectacular costumes and take in the festival atmosphere. Because of the mass of people, it’s a good idea to use camera straps put wallets in a front pocket. If carrying a purse, bring one with a long strap that can be draped across the body.

No matter what time of the day you get to Venice, there is always something to see. People dressed in elaborate costumes walk the streets and will kindly pose for pictures. These people are posing for free and are stopped by photographers frequently, so be sure to thank them.

“I liked the fact that so many people from different cultures could be celebrating without political differences being involved. It was a great example of peaceful celebration among many different cultures,” said Sergeant Holzworth.

Other Carnevale events include live music, street performers, children throwing confetti and people dressed as imps and devils playing tricks on tourists. A popular one is a devil scaring people with his pitchfork while an angel pulls him back just before he “attacks” a group of people.

“I would recommend everyone stationed at Aviano go to Carnevale at least once because it’s a chance to see a city come alive,” said Sergeant Holzworth. “I witnessed a group of people dressed as a pack of penguins squawking and waddling through one of the oldest cities in Italy. It was weird, but cool and definitely something I wouldn’t have seen if I didn’t go.”