CARNEVALE DI VENEZIA
In February if you are in Venice, you can’t help but involved in the colours and beauty of the Carnevale di Venezia (Venice Carnival), one of the most beautiful in the world. Its ancient origins take us back to the year 1094 with the first document where the word Carnival appears, and later with the edict in 1296 when the Venice Carnival officially became a public holiday. The modern Carnival as we know it dates back to 1979, and thanks to the great media coverage it’s obtained international resonance attracting tourists who arrive every year from all over the world to admire the beautiful and sumptuous masks.
FESTA DELLA SENSA
The FESTA DELLA SENSA (SENSA FAIR) is the CELEBRATION of the Ascension, and as well as the religious festival, it also symbolizes the bond of the Venetians with the sea. On May 8th in Venice up to this day the mayor launches a gold ring at sea to celebrate the marriage of the city with the sea. This custom dates back to the twelfth century when it was the Doge who threw a gold ring into the lagoon.
CARNEVALE DI VENEZIA
THE VOGALONGA
In May Venice holds LA VOGALONGA, a race started in 1974. Since then a 30 km long trail is the setting for rowboats moving along to visit the most beautiful sights of Venice, including the Grand Canal, Burano and Murano. This great race sees the participation of more than 1,500 boats from Veneto and many other Italian regions, and it keeps its initial intent to preserve and prevent the deterioration of the surrounding lagoon.
REGATA DELLE ANTICHE REPUBBLICHE MARINARE
In June the Venice lagoon is the setting for the REGATA DELLE ANTICHE REPUBBLICHE MARINARE (REGATTA of the ANCIENT MARITIME REPUBLICS). This race saw its first edition in 1955 and is held every year on rotation in the respective cities of Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice. The rules for the four republics are very precise when it comes to defining the route, about 2 km, and the structure of the boats, and everything is done under the patronage of the President of the Republic. Before the race a beautiful parade takes place, with customs representative of the four Maritime Republics.
PALIO DI CASTELFRANCO
PALIO DI CASTELFRANCO
The PALIO DI CASTELFRANCO takes place in the first week of September in Castelfranco Veneto. Also called Palio Castel d’Amore, it was conceived two decades ago as a re-enactment of the period between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. It includes impressive tournament of the ancient game of football, so beloved by the inhabitants of Castelfranco that the town square was called Piazza del Pallone (Ball Square), because that’s where ball games played. You can also take a look at the fascinating medieval markets, and the parade in historical costume.
FESTA DELL’UVA
On last weekend of September Conegliano hosts the FESTA DELL’UVA (GRAPE FESTIVAL). During the event you will discover and enjoy more than 300 wines, representatives of the rich Venetian production that care part in the Wine Competition EnoConegliano. It’s indeed a great celebration that annually attracts thousands of visitors who will be able to sip wine together with excellent delicacies of the region.
ZOGO DE L’OCA
On November 14th in Mirano you can take part in the ZOGO DE OCA, Goose game. For the occasion a fair re-enacting one from the early twentieth century is presented to visitors with market stalls, clothing theme, artisans, and of course the star of the event, the goose, which features in delicious recipes of local gastronomy. The popular saying ” Chi no magna l’oca a San Martin no fa el beco de un quatrin”, “those who do not eat goose on St. Martin’s day won’t earn a penny,” well represents the tradition of the place.
