(map) Acireale
Billed as “il piú bel Carnevale di Sicilia”, (the most exciting and fun in all of Sicily), this is purely and unabashedly a family affair. Everyone participates… from the little ones in their adorable costumes to high school kids, as well as parent-aged kids and grandparent-aged kids. An overall sensation of fun and excitement permeates the air.
Silly string and confetti are thrown with abandon, oversized jester hats in big bold colors abound. Music and laughter fill the air as elaborate floats with enormous, animated, allegorical, high-gloss papier-maché figures, glistening by 
day and lit dramatically by night, roll by, dominating the skyline, a sharp contrast against the 17th century baroque architecture.
An easy day trip from Catania, the Sicilian coast around Acireale is called “Riviera dei Ciclopi” in honor of the myth of the star-crossed lovers Aci and Galatea and of the jealous one-eyed giant Polifemo. Carnevale here is yet one more reason for a visit.
-- Contributed by Rosemary and Bob Connelly (see bio), artists who fulfilled their dream to "Live Cheap and Make Art" in Italy. Their website www.livecheapmakeart.com showcases their watercolors and photographs.
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Sounds a bit more G rated than New Orleans! Love the color in the photos-makes me feel I am there.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Being from New Orleans, La. USA Carnival if very familiar. The floats look just like ours. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:31 pm
The pictures are larger, and I enjoy that. Also being able to go back to the previous day’s notebook is good. Thank you. S. Ross
February 24th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Roma,
24 febbraio
Those little costumes are certainly adorable, and so are the children who wear them, until they spray foam all over you.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:15 am
my childhood days are filled with memories of Carnevale,the costumes,yes the parade,the long walk into the piazza duomo to see the sfilata and much much more…I am from Acireale,thank you ItalianNotebook.
Rosario Strano
February 25th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Rosario, I’m glad we could cover it!
Un sincero saluto,
GB, ed.
February 28th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
So glad the note about Carnevale was well received! It was really amazing to be a part of it – much more G rated for sure than New Orleans – a real family affair.
Saluti!
Rosemary
December 9th, 2009 at 6:56 am
When is the date of Carnevale??
December 11th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
“Carnevale, also known as carnival or Mardi Gras, is celebrated in Italy and many places around the world 40 days before Easter, a final party before Ash Wednesday and the restrictions of Lent” (from About.com) This year Ash Wednesday is February 17, so Carnevale would culminate on Tuesday the 16th, but celebrations begin before that.