L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 10 L'Italo-Americano T h e t e r m C a r n e v a l e s t e m s f r o m t h e Latin expression c a r n e m l e v a r e , which roughly translates to an urging to abstain from eat- ing meat. Indeed, the day after Mardi Gras, the climax of Carnival, marks the begin- ning of Lent, a period extend- ing until Easter, when one c a n a g a i n i n d u l g e f r e e l y . Meanwhile, Carnival is cele- b r a t e d w i t h f e s t i v i t i e s designed for fun, masquerad- ing, and the joy of breaking away from the winter chill. The celebrations are charac- terized by pure joy and revel- r y , i n c l u d i n g p a r a d e s o f floats, the distribution of food (especially meat), and various side events all aimed at enter- tainment. In Sicily, as in the rest of Italy, many towns celebrate Carnival, some boasting the oldest traditions. For several days, towns such as Acireale, Misterbianco, Paternò, Bel- p a s s o , a n d B r o n t e i n t h e province of Catania; Sciacca in the province of Agrigento; Mezzojuso, Corleone, and Termini Imerese in that of Palermo, along with the capi- tal city itself; Palazzolo Acrei- de in the province of Syra- cuse; Chiaramonte Gulfi in that of Ragusa; and Taormi- na, Novara di Sicilia, and Francavilla di Sicilia in that of Messina, come alive. Their streets fill with grand floats, children, and adults in cos- tumes throwing confetti and streamers, creating a colorful c a r p e t a l o n g t h e p a r a d e routes. Jokes, merrymaking, and loud and obnoxious nois- es - which might be intolera- ble at other times of the year - are not only accepted but wel- comed during these days. The heightened sense of being a central part of the festivities means that the noise is seen as a key element of the cele- bration. Each of these Carnivals has its own iconic mask, dating back to its inception. In Sci- acca, as well as in Palermo, t h e c e n t r a l c h a r a c t e r i s known as Peppe Nappa. Considered one of Sicily's old- e s t a n d m o s t s i g n i f i c a n t masks, its roots trace back to the days of the ethnologist Giuseppe Pitrè, who men- tioned it in his Biblioteca delle Tradizioni Popolari Siciliane in 1889. However, some speculate its origins m a y r e a c h a s f a r b a c k a s 1616. Sciacca Carnevale, ini- tially, was a popular costume party, abundant with various masks, where indulgence in food - sausages, cannoli, and copious amounts of wine - was the norm. Later, elabo- r a t e f l o a t s a n d p a r a d e s t h r o u g h c i t y s t r e e t s w e r e introduced. On Fat Thursday, the day when Carnival begins, Peppe Nappa takes the lead in the float procession, sym- bolically receiving the keys to the city. It's a time-honored tradition that, throughout the p a r a d e , w i n e a n d g r i l l e d sausages are distributed from Peppe Nappa's float. On Fat Tuesday evening, the cul- mination of the festivities, Peppe Nappa's float is cere- m o n i o u s l y b u r n e d i n t h e town square. Recognized as Sicily's oldest - though this claim is debated - and Italy's most vibrant, the Sciacca Carnival has been designated as a Historic Carnival of Italy by the Ministry of Cul- ture. During Carnival, Sciac- ca transforms into a stage for artistic performances, featur- ing floats, dancers, actors, and musicians, all comple- mented by the enthusiastic participation of locals and visitors alike, who become integral to the festivities. T h o s e a c q u a i n t e d w i t h Termini Imerese know that the town is divided into lower and upper sections. As such, the Carnival festivities traverse both areas, offering a diverse range of events and concerts in addition to tradi- tional celebrations. This year, it all started on Sunday, Feb- ruary 4th, at 4:30 pm, when the customary handing over of the Keys to the City to u Nannu cá Nanna - typical Carnival masks of Termini - kicked off the scheduled fes- t i v i t i e s . T h r o u g h o u t t h e w e e k , v i s i t o r s c a n e x p e c t school visits, musical perfor- mances, and entertainment shows, culminating in the arrival of the "Nanni" on Sat- urday afternoon, leading the p r o c e s s i o n o f f l o a t s a n d marching groups, followed by choral performances in the evening. S u n d a y a f t e r n o o n w i l l once again see the grand pro- cession of floats and "foot- walkers," led by the tradition- al U nannu e a Nanna. The evening will crescendo w i t h c a p t i v a t i n g p e r f o r - m a n c e s b y s h o w m e n a n d singers, treating the audience to a lively concert, followed by a DJ spinning Carnival tunes. On Tuesday the 13th, the climax of the festivities, the spirited foot-walkers and the iconic Nanni float will wind their way through Upper Ter- mini, converging at Piazza Duomo, the city's bustling heart. Here, a vibrant specta- cle of music and entertain- m e n t w i l l u n f o l d o n t h e grand stage. Later, from the steps of the Town Hall, the crowd will gather to hear the time-honored Testamento r e a d a l o u d , b e f o r e t h e evening concludes with daz- zling performances and a spectacular fireworks display. In the 2024 edition, the cherished tradition of bring- ing the Nanni to Palermo for a special visit will be revived. On Fat Tuesday, symbolic of the Carnival's essence, the central mask will ceremoni- ously meet its fate in flames, marking a symbolic farewell to the old year. Notably, the f e m a l e p r e s e n c e o f t h e Nanna, unique to Sicilian Carnivals, symbolizes fertility and the enduring cycle of life, immortalized by these origi- n a l p a p i e r - m â c h é m a s k s crafted in the late 19th centu- ry by an anonymous Carnival artisan. Today, these cher- ished vestiges of the past continue to grace the Carni- v a l p r o c e s s i o n w i t h t h e i r timeless charm and tradition. While Carnival is a cele- b r a t i o n d e e p l y r o o t e d i n Catholic and Christian tradi- tions, its origins trace back to pagan r itual s such as the Roman Saturnalia or the Dionysian festivals honor- i n g t h e g o d B a c c h u s i n ancient Greece. Neverthe- l e s s , i t s e s s e n c e r e m a i n s unchanged: a quest for care- free joy, a sentiment that seems increasingly elusive in today's world. It's easy to reflect on the myriad chal- lenges we face today, perhaps more numerous than even fifty years ago: from global conflicts to the scourge of bullying and the sadly fre- quent occurrence of femi- cides in Italy. Let us then embrace these few days of wholesome revelry, let us all don disguises and revel in the sheer joy of living. In this spirit, let us recall the words of Lorenzo de' Medici from a 15th-century p o e m : Q u a n t ' è b e l l a giovinezza/ che si fugge tut- tavia!/ Chi vuol essere lieto sia/ Di doman non c'è certez- za. (How beautiful is youth/ fleeting though it may be!/ L e t t h o s e w h o w i s h t o b e happy, be so/ for tomorrow holds no certainty). TERESA DI FRESCO Carnem Levare: Sicily and its Carnevale Locals in costume at the Carnevale di Sciacca (Photo: Antonio Veraldi/Dreamstime) HERITAGE HISTORY IDENTITY TRADITIONS

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