Carnival is the event of the year dedicated to happiness and lightheartedness. It has very ancient roots in the Italian tradition. Each city of our peninsula has a particular history linked to this holiday. And it is a real struggle between those who boast ancient traditions and claim recognition. In Sicily, then, there is a long history connected to the Carnival. One of the most visited places during this event is in the province of Catania. The Carnival of Acireale boasts of being considered "The most beautiful Carnival in Sicily". And without a doubt it is a much awaited appointment.
The history of the Carnival of Acireale
The Carnival of Acireale has one long tradition. It would even date back to 1500 to be rediscovered in the modern age. In 1700 some masks appeared that mocked the various social classes. And then again in the nineteenth century, when the popular dances in Piazza Duomo and the Carnival cremation ceremony began, a custom still alive today. In the 1880st century, the parade of the carriages of the nobles who threw multicolored confetti at the people was carried out. While the construction of the first papier-mâché floats dates back to XNUMX.
From then to the present day Acireale has maintained this tradition. There are numerous construction sites carried out by artisans who have made more and more well-kept wagons. Since the seventies of the last century, Carnival has become increasingly important. The floats have become more and more sophisticated and colorful, like the beautiful and majestic flowered ones. And it is in 1996 that Acireale, for the first time, has the national lottery together with Viareggio and Putignano.
The Carnival of Acireale lasts three Sundays
Those wishing, then, to go and admire the floats are spoiled for choice. Because given that it is one of the most beautiful and anticipated events, that of Acireale is a Carnival really long. The workers of the tankers who prepare with the ancient art of cartapesta the allegorical floats work for months. And, in fact, there are many visitors who take advantage of the various Sundays to go to this city and attend the events. And there is something for all tastes and for all ages.
At the race start the 8 February. The inauguration of the Food Village, with the Chef Natale Giunta of "La Prova del Cuoco" e valeria raciti, winner of MasterChef Italia 2019. In the afternoon there will be the inauguration of the exhibitions, miniature floats, The Carnival - Switch on art, postcards and then the exhibition of the floats. At 16 pm in Piazza Duomo, the mayor of Acireale will deliver the key to the city to the godmother of the Carnival, Giulia Arena, Miss Italia 2013 and protagonist of the soap opera "Il Paradiso delle Signore" on Rai 1. Following the grand opening parade, official presentation and parade of the eight allegorical-grotesque floats. And then shows and music until the evening. Even Sunday shows and music.
The second weekend of celebration
But it doesn't stop on the first Sunday. Carnival resumes on Friday 14th. And again parades and exhibitions on Saturday and Sunday. Space also for the comic fair and art exhibition on the Sicilian Cart. Sunday morning from 9 there will be the Trophy of the Carnival road race "Correndo per Aci". The fun returns on Wednesday 19 with a dance show with the participation of the Acesi dance schools. Thursday 20, Shrove Thursday, masked school parade and tribute to Disney music for a moment dedicated to the little ones, with the participation of Giorgio Vanni and the theme songs of the cartoons.
The third Sunday of Carnival
Last days, starting from February 22nd, with the float displays and parades. Exhibition, in the afternoon, also of flowered floats which will then parade. In the evening Daria Biancardi in concert. On Sunday and Monday still parades and music. The grand finale will be on Tuesday with the closing and awarding of the competitions.
Not just floats and groups: side events at the parades
For those who reach Acireale there will be the opportunity to admire the Miniature floats from 8 to 25 February by the Cultural Association Free Artists - Corso Umberto, 114 / A. And then the eighteenth championship of team chess "Carnival Trophy 2020 City of Acireale". Monday 24 February at 16 pm at the Frecce Tricolore Club - Via A. Raffaele, 4. Following, an exhibition of the sketches of the Carnival floats. XXII Carnival exhibition.
Then a Drawing competition on post card by the Acese Philatelic Numismatic Association and a Commemorative postmark. Sunday 9 the Rally Motor Show Trophy of the Carnival from 9 to 12 in the Tupparello area. Then The confetti factory ", Journey into the transformation of white paper into colored confetti, at Tipografia Massimino - via Cavour, 50. Also included Cultural Encounters at the Sala Pinella Musmeci - Villa Belvedere from 10 to 14 February.
The images are taken from the official Facebook page of the Acireale Carnival
