During the winter, Italian cities host some pretty fantastic parties! February is a particularly special month if you're looking to take part in some unique festivities!
The popular Carnival that takes place in Venice is a favorite amongst tourists and locals. Beginning 40 days before Easter, Piazza San Marco floods with people looking to party. Venice and its party-goers undergo a major make-over during this time. Go prepared with a mask and a costume and you can purchase tickets into one or all of the special events including extravagant balls and hot cocoa socials. Live music is constant in all parts of the city, offering everything from classical music performed by a renowned orchestra in front of the Basilica San Marco, to raging, techno dance parties frequented by the resident college students in smaller squares throughout the city. The most surprising and ornate decoration you'll encounter on your visit is the enormous lion in Piazza San Marco a representation of Saint Peter, constructed entirely from various fruits!
The Venetians are not the only ones bringing massive amounts of fruit out into the town square. For something truly different, take the trip over to Ivrea to participate in Italy's largest food fight! Jump in with the thousands of locals on Sunday, Monday, and "Fat Tuesday" to hurl oranges at your perceived enemies. This celebration is believed to commemorate the courageous act of a young bride-to-be resisting rape from a tyrant and, ultimately, winning her struggle to fight him off by decapitating him. It is a gory story, but a great reason to celebrate!
For more information on planning your trip to Venice for Carnival or the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, visit:
Venice Carnival http://www.venice-carnival-italy.com/
Ivrea Orange Festival http://www.aranceripanteranera.com/home.aspx?lan=eng
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