Carnevale, the Great Feast! Think of it as a big final Italian party before Ash Wednesday, the restrictions of Lent and its more pious observances. From north to south, Italy boasts dozens of unique Carnevale traditions, from the Battle of the Oranges in Piemonte to lasagna with tiny meatballs in Napoli, and the spectacular floats, parades and folk poets in Sicilia. During Carnevale celebrations, which can last from a day to a month, revelers are free. Free to eat, drink, and dance without reproof or regrets.  Elaborate masks worn by adults and children, mischief, “coriandoli”, jokes, and pranks are common everywhere during Carnevale. It is a boisterous and joyous time. Central to all the festivities is, of course, food.

At L’Arte we mark Carnevale with authentic handmade Venetian masks and of course, decadent fried desserts, all of which are long standing and traditional Carnevale foods. After the Epiphany until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday we enjoy Chiacchiere (crispy fried dough dusted with powder sugar or dipped in rich dark chocolate), Castagnole (fried soft dough filled with vanilla pastry cream or Sicilian ricotta), Frittelle (deep fried dough flavored with fennel seeds and golden raisins or chocolate chips) and Ciambella (our delicious bomboloni dough rolled in sugar and cinnamon perfect for dipping in Nutella). These treats help us and our customers get through the long winter months.

By the way, notwithstanding the rumors, Carnevale is not a continuation of any pre-Christian festivities or religious rites. The earliest recorded Carnevale celebration is the late 12th century in Venice. Today, the ancient town of Putignano, Puglia, is home to the oldest continuous and longest celebrations of Carnevale in Italy. I guess, the only real connection to antiquity is the eternal and universal human desire to be free of societal restrictions, to simply enjoy ourselves with good friends, good music, good food and good drinks. Remember “a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale,” which roughly means “anything goes during Carnevale”. Boun Carnevale!

Chef Andrea