Carnevale!

Michael was a wonderful Jolly...I loved my feathers!

Carnevale is the period before Lent begins (a liturgical season of repentance and preparation for Easter) during which time you are to consume all the rich foods you have so you can have a clear-out and nothing goes bad. The actual "day" of Carnevale ("carne" = meat and "vale" is an older form of "eat") is what Americans would know as Mardi Gras, but is also known in English as Shrove Tuesday; to "shrive" is to confess one's sins...historically, one would go to confession in order to enter Lent with a penitent heart.

Waiting to be let into the main hall

This year, the LOOP group (they're the ones who also did the ice rink and have been involved in planning a number of fun events) put on a Carnevale party in the municipal theatre. Masks were optional but encouraged, and for 50 euros a head (minimum 4 people) you got an assigned theatre box with a bottle of prosecco, live big band music (turning into live pop music later in the evening), a multiple-course dinner, and open bar.

There were different
variations, as well.

Many came in 17th- and 18th-century costume (complete with white wigs, makeup, etc) and there were a lot of Venetian masks. We were very fortunate that our friends loaned us their amazing full-face masks.

 

James in our box

View of the open bar

Mingling!

The cake!!! So enormous... 

They pulled out the disco lights; it was hilarious to see 18th-century dress sporting modern dance moves

The food was of amazing quality, and they were clever enough to have servers bring out the individual servings. This avoided the buffet feast-or-famine which happens so often, and allowed everyone a chance at it.

The chairs had been removed from the main floor of the theatre to allow dancing, space for the open bar, and food service, and the musicians were onstage.

It was so much fun to see everyone all dressed up in their finery, and Michael and I really enjoyed dancing despite the fact that it wasn't really set up well for foxtrotting!

Only a few more days, and Ash Wednesday will be here.

Love,

Alexandra