Carnival and Bugie

While walking home last week I noticed star shaped paper confetti all over the sidewalks near our building. “Someone must have had a party,” I think. I soon find out that all of Italy as well as many Catholic countries are “partying” for Carnival. I knew of Carnival in Brazil but did not know much else about it. The good ole internet is such a great tool when it comes to researching. Here is what I found:

The Carnival Season is a holiday period during the two weeks before the traditional Christian fast of Lent. What is Lent? It is a 40-day period of fasting and sacrifice right before Easter. What is Easter? An important Christian holiday that celebrates when Jesus was resurrected after his crucifixion. When is Easter? This year is it on April 16th. How Easter is calculated is complicated and involves the full moon, vernal equinox and the Gregorian calendar.

In February, Italians get ready for the Carnival. The most famous one is in Venice, which usually takes place between February 9 and 16. I have always loved the Carnival masks of Venice; they frighten yet intrigue me. After approximately two to three weeks of fun, the celebration of Carnival ends on "Mardi Gras" (French for "Fat Tuesday). Think New Orleans and trumpets.

In many parts of Italy, special treats are made for Carnival. My favorite is bugie, (pronounced boo-gee-eh) not budgie like the parakeet: this flat, crisp elephant ear dusted with a bit of sugar. Yummy.




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