Italy’s culture is all about living the good life. Good food, wine, and company are huge parts of everyday life. That means that when it’s time to celebrate, they have to take it to a whole new level. For example, Carnival is a two-week-long string of parties and feasts before Lent, the time when Catholics traditionally give up rich food and fun things for 40 days.
a string [ strɪŋ ] of...一連串的…… feast [ fist ] n. 盛宴，筵席
本圖提供 Luciano Mortula - LGM / Shutterstock.com
Prior to their sacrifices for Lent, Italians have many traditional ways to live it up. The Venice Carnival is probably the best example of Italy’s Carnival season. It’s noted for its masquerade balls, feasts, and public performances, including street entertainment, parades, children’s games, and even fireworks shows.
prior [ ˈpraɪɚ ] to...（時間上）在……之前 live it up享樂 masquerade [ ˌmæskəˈred ] balln. 化裝舞會∕派對
People prepare traditional snacks for Carnival, especially deep-fried pastries and desserts. Aside from being delicious, fried pastries date back to a time when families didn’t have their own ovens and fried treats were the easiest snacks to cook at home.
The modern event began back in 1974. Since then, the Venice Carnival has become an international celebration that brings in tourists from around the world. It’s the most well-known of Italian carnivals, but it is certainly not the only noteworthy event of the season.
