8th Annual Little Italy Carnevale

Carnevale is an evening event modeled on pre-Lenten festivities that take place in Venice, Italy. Carnival merriment fills the piazzas of Venice for two whole weeks before Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent). Carnevale dates back to the twelfth century. It was a celebration that was enjoyed by rich and poor alike and the tradition of wearing splendidly ornate--frequently bejeweled or gilded-- masks effectively disguised the wearer?s social rank. Austerity, abstinence and fasting were-- and to a lesser degree still are--practices associated with Lent, so pre-Lenten festivals such as Carnevale and Mardi Gras are the last chance to indulge and imbibe in all manners of pleasures and revelries before the onset of the required forty days of chastity and abstemiousness.

This year, on March 5th, Little Italy will celebrate its 8th annual Carnevale. Last year the event brought over 12,000 revelers?many in full masquerade?to the streets of Little Italy to eat, drink and as local merchants hoped, shop. To encourage participants to visit as many local establishments as possible, earlier in the day (9:00 AM to 1:30 PM) Passaportos di Carnevale can be picked up and visitors can get the passports stamped at each place. After visiting the requisite number of places, the ?passport? can be handed back in for a chance to win ?A Big Day in Little India?. Description from

Saturday, March 5 - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

For more information, please visit: www.littleitalysd.com