Lots of places the world over have carnival celebrations and Italy has plentiful options when it comes to wanting to enjoy this crazy annual party. However, if you find a vacation rental in Sardinia you will find that the island's most vibrant carnival celebration might just be the only one in the country to be seen at on Shrove Tuesday.
Taking place in the town of Tempio Pausania over the course of several days around Shrove Tuesday, the carnival celebrations in the town date back to around 800AD and are deeply rooted in local history and tradition. It is an especially colourful iteration of the festival, due to the incredible parade and floats that were first conceived and added around 60 years ago. Locals eagerly await and participate in the event, taking over the whole town and flooding the streets with people in incredible costumes and elaborate masks, music, sound, and excitement.
Taking place in the town of Tempio Pausania over the course of several days around Shrove Tuesday, the carnival celebrations in the town date back to around 800AD and are deeply rooted in local history and tradition. It is an especially colourful iteration of the festival, due to the incredible parade and floats that were first conceived and added around 60 years ago. Locals eagerly await and participate in the event, taking over the whole town and flooding the streets with people in incredible costumes and elaborate masks, music, sound, and excitement.
The central figure of the event was previously a puppet stuffed with straw and placed on a pole called Jolgliu Puntogliu but is now His Majesty King Giorgio, a huge masked figure on a throne, who is cheered, honoured and flattered for six days before going on trial as a symbol of evil. On Shrove Tuesday, at sunset, King Giorgio is found guilty and burnt at the stake in the public square in an ancient rite that symbolises the end of winter. The massive bonfires are key to the celebrations but there are lots of others events and shows that take place all over the town for adults and children. In addition there are nightlong parties throughout the six days of the event.
Come taste the food, watch the spectacle, have your face painted, dress up, grab a drink, join the party and welcome the coming Spring in Italy next year!
Come taste the food, watch the spectacle, have your face painted, dress up, grab a drink, join the party and welcome the coming Spring in Italy next year!
