2021 began as 2020 left us, in full pandemic. If the hope of all is that - with the summer - gradually we can return to normal, for a few more months we will have to endure various limitations. Prohibitions and constraints that will also affec Carnival celebrations 2021: for this year the parades of allegorical floats and masks will be abolished.
As in all of Italy, also on the shores of Lago Maggiore - both in Lombardy and in Piedmont - there are numerous traditional initiatives organized in this period. So how to celebrate this Carnival on Lago Maggiore? Here are the events to live in streaming and the walks to enjoy alone or in company.
Each year the crucial dates of Carnival fall on different days, and are calculated on the basis of Easter, a religious holiday celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon of spring. This year Easter will be April 4th. For the highlight of the Carnival, you have to go back six weeks. The time window of the 2021 Carnival therefore embraces the days between 11 and 20 February.
Traditionally, the hottest days are those of Shrove Thursday (11 February 2021) and Shrove Tuesday (16 February). The Ambrosian Carnival, celebrated in Milan and in many areas of Lombardy (including the shores of Lago Maggiore), ends with Fat Saturday, which this year falls on February 20.
The street initiatives have been officially canceled, throughout Italy. Even the biggest Italian holidays had to take a sabbatical, Venice like Viareggio.
One hour from Lago Maggiore every year one of the most heartfelt events of this period takes place. It is the famous Carnival of Ivrea, the historical event that ends with the spectacular Battle of the Oranges. For the first time in this case we will see a virtual edition, all played on the thread of the memories of past editions.
Despite everything, and always respecting the rules in force, the Carnival period can be the right occasion to spend a few days in the splendid setting of Lago Maggiore. Because its tranquility, combined with its microclimate that offers mild days even in winter, represent excellent conditions for a walk in the greenery, or along the lakeside of the villages.
Take a stroll with a mask, of course, and then tantalize the palate with some traditional sweets, such as bugie (or frappe, or chiacchiere: every area of Italy calls them differently) or delicious pancakes.
Lun - Ven 9/13 - 14/18 Sab 9/13 Domenica - Su appuntamento
Mon - Fri 9/13 - 14/18 Sat 9/13 Sunday - On appointment
Mo - Fr 9/13 - 14/18 Sa 9/13 Sonntag - Nach Vereinbarung