Carnevale
Generally celebrated during the week before Lent
Carnevale is the season of the last hurrah just before the 40 day fasting period of Lent. You can start to find Carnevale style treats in the shops immediately after the Epiphany, but the true festivities in towns across Italy generally take place in the week just before Lent.
At our house, we celebrate the season of indulging by frying up batches of cenci (CHEN-CHEE) which is the local way to call these delicately fried pieces of rolled out pastry. The dough includes flour, water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and orange zest. Cut into thin strips, the golden brown cenci are dredged in sugar as soon as they come out of the hot oil, a decadent snack!
The nearby coastal town of Follonica plays host to a notorious Carnevale parade which includes larger-than-life floats designed and constructed by local organizations, musicians, street food, and lots of fun and games for children. If you find yourself in this area during the Carnevale celebrations, a trip to Follonica is a must! And while Follonica is generally seen as a summer town, this coastal area is blessed with very mild winters, so you just might luck out with the weather! This time of year typically has the most beautiful sunsets! If all of the action of the parade is too much, opt for a walk on the beach!
