In Italy at this time of year – in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday and culminating in martedi’ grasso – it is the season of Carnevale.  It is possibly the most festive time of the year when children wear costumes and left over colorful coriandoli (confetti) dot the streets.  Some towns, like Viareggio, celebrate with processions of allegorical floats.  Venice is well-known for its carnival masks and festivities.  Many special sweets, like the Roman frappe and the Neapolitan zeppole, are made at home or sold in pasticcerie at this time.

The origins of Carnevale are ancient:  there were various pagan festivals in which masks were donned to ward off evil spirits.  The Romans also celebrated holidays such as the Saturnalia, a period when masks were worn, class order was overturned and street festivities abounded.  In Christian times these rites evolved into the pre-Lenten forms of popular entertainment.  In the courts of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance the festivities became more sophisticated and were tied to theater, music and dance.  Still today the festive aspect of costumes and masks and parties endures before the start of a (supposed) more sober season.