Carnival in Italy: Why It’s More Than Just Costumes

When people think of Carnival in Italy, they imagine masks and confetti — and yes, that’s part of it. But Carnival is much deeper than that.

Carnival, or Carnevale, has roots that go back centuries. It’s traditionally the period before Lent, when people celebrated freely before a time of restraint. Even today, that spirit of freedom remains.

In Venice, Carnival feels elegant and mysterious. In Viareggio, it’s bold and satirical, with giant floats that often comment on politics and society. Every region has its own tradition.

From a language perspective, Carnival introduces wonderful vocabulary: maschera, costume, carro allegorico, sfilata, chiacchiere (a traditional Carnival dessert!).

What I always tell my students is this: cultural events are perfect opportunities to practice Italian. Describe a mask. Explain a tradition. Share your opinion about celebrations.

Culture makes vocabulary stick.

And if you’d like to explore Italian culture while improving your speaking skills, that’s exactly how I structure my lessons.

👉 Book your Italian lesson and learn through culture.