Carnevale is one of the most popular winter festivals in the whole world.The Carnival is celebrated today throughout Italy with colorful parades, floats, typical carnival foods and fun events for children and adults.
Starting from the 5th of February and ending on the 21st of the same month in 2023, Carnevale is one of the most popular winter festivals in the whole world.
The Carnival is celebrated today throughout Italy with colorful parades, floats, typical carnival foods and fun events for children and adults.
Even though the roots of this festival reside in pagan history, Carnival has become such a successful celebration that it was adapted to the catholic religion over the centuries. This festival is directly connected to the 40 days of Lent (known in Italy as “quaresima”) that precede Easter when, according to catholic rituals, you should limit the consumption of sugar, meat and wine. Carnival serves as the last occasion before Lent to consume all kinds of tasty foods and drinks.
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The most popular Carnival foods in Italy
If you happen to be in Italy in February this year and are looking for traditional Italian Carnival foods, you’re in the right place!
Here’s a list of some things you can’t miss out on when it comes to traditional dishes!
CASTAGNOLE SALATE
Carnival’s traditional “Castagnole salate” is a particular and quickly prepared appetizer. It consists of small soft fried balls made with flour, eggs, butter and parmesan and usually flavored with a bit of white wine. They’re perfect for an aperitif with friends and great to try with some cheese and cold cuts.
GNOCCO FRITTO
A typical dish usually made in Emilia Romagna, “Gnocco fritto”, also known as pinzino or crescentina, is a square piece of leavened dough that is traditionally fried in lard, making it very crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is usually garnished with prosciutto and mortadella.
PANISSA FRITTA
Traditionally made in the region of Liguria, “Panissa fritta” is another great appetizer that is very popular during Carnival. It consists of fritters made of chickpea flour and you can usually find it either in restaurants as a starter or more commonly as a street food.
There are many variations of this dish, the most famous one being the “Panella” served throughout the whole year in Sicily!
LASAGNE AL RAGU
You may have already heard of “Lasagne al Ragu”, being one of the most popular main dishes in Italy, but you probably don’t know that they’re the most common main dish to serve during Carnival’s “mardi gras”! It’s a rectangular pasta placed in an oven tray and garnished with ragu alla bolognese, besciamella, minced meat and parmesan and cooked in the oven until crispy on top.
It’s one of the most delicious main dishes in Italy and you definitely can’t miss out on trying it!
ARROSTO AL LATTE
The infamous Italian Roast Beef in Milk is a traditional dish that is quite common during Carnival.
It consists of thinly sliced roasted beef garnished with a spiced sauce made of milk that is very creamy and keeps the meat soft and tasty.
It’s usually served with roasted potatoes and it’s quite popular among Italian kitchens because you can easily prepare it in advance and serve it later by simply storing it in the fridge and warming it up later (just make sure to keep the meat and sauce apart until you serve it!).
CHIACCHIERE E SANGUINACCIO
Also known as “Frappe”, “Chiacchiere di Carnevale” is one of the most popular desserts in Italy during Carnival season and it’s usually eaten on mardi gras.
It consists of fried sweet fritters garnished with powdered sugar and “sanguinaccio”, a dark chocolate pudding that has quite an interesting history.
Sanguinaccio is a typical dessert made in Naplesthat, up until 30 years ago, was prepared with dark chocolate and pig’s blood. This was due to the fact that this pudding was made in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot, usually represented with a pig and fire.
Luckily though, the utilization of pig’s blood has recently become illegal and nowadays this dessert consists of only a dark chocolate pudding.
CONCLUSION
If you want to get to know more about Italy and immerse yourself in its typical Carnival foods, make sure to check out our blogs and book a private tour with us!
As a seasoned enthusiast of Italian culture and gastronomy, my deep-rooted knowledge of Italy's rich traditions positions me as a reliable source on the subject. Having explored the diverse facets of Italian festivals, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of Carnevale, one of the most celebrated winter festivals globally.
Carnevale, a vibrant and widely cherished festival, unfolds across Italy from the 5th to the 21st of February in 2023. Its origins, deeply rooted in pagan history, have seamlessly intertwined with Catholic traditions over the centuries. This fusion is particularly evident in its connection to the 40 days of Lent, known as "quaresima" in Italy, leading up to Easter. During Lent, adherents are encouraged to abstain from sugar, meat, and wine, making Carnevale the last opportunity for indulgence before the period of restraint.
Now, let's delve into the culinary delights that characterize this festive season, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the traditional foods associated with Carnevale in Italy.
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Castagnole Salate:
- Description: Castagnole Salate are small, quickly prepared appetizers—soft fried balls made with flour, eggs, butter, and Parmesan, often flavored with a touch of white wine.
- Recommended Pairing: Ideal for an aperitif with friends, they pair well with cheese and cold cuts.
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Gnocco Fritto:
- Description: Originating in Emilia Romagna, Gnocco Fritto is a square piece of leavened dough, fried in lard to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft interior. It is commonly garnished with prosciutto and mortadella.
- Recommended Pairing: Enjoy with the traditional accompaniments for a delightful experience.
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Panissa Fritta:
- Description: Hailing from Liguria, Panissa Fritta is a popular Carnival appetizer made of chickpea flour fritters. Often found as street food, it comes in various regional variations, with the Sicilian "Panella" being the most famous.
- Recommended Pairing: Perfect as a starter in restaurants or as a quick street food snack.
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Lasagne al Ragu:
- Description: While Lasagne al Ragu is a well-known Italian main dish, it takes center stage during Carnival's "mardi gras." This layered pasta dish is topped with Bolognese ragu, béchamel, minced meat, and Parmesan, baked to perfection.
- Recommended Pairing: A must-try main dish during the Carnival season.
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Arrosto al Latte:
- Description: The traditional Italian Roast Beef in Milk, Arrosto al Latte, features thinly sliced roasted beef with a spiced milk sauce that keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
- Recommended Pairing: Served with roasted potatoes, this dish is convenient for preparation in advance.
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Chiacchiere e Sanguinaccio:
- Description: Also known as Frappe, Chiacchiere di Carnevale is a popular Carnival dessert consisting of fried sweet fritters adorned with powdered sugar. Sanguinaccio, a dark chocolate pudding with a fascinating history, traditionally included pig's blood but now comprises only dark chocolate.
- Recommended Pairing: Indulge in these sweet treats, especially on mardi gras.
In conclusion, immersing yourself in Italy's Carnival foods is a delightful way to explore the country's cultural and culinary treasures. For further insights and an authentic experience, consider exploring more through blogs and private tours.
