During Carnevale, I lucked up and was able to catch a great horse show that took place in Piazza del Popolo. I felt as if I had been transported back in time to the Carnevale festivities of ancient Rome as I watched in amazement as the horses and stunt men performed. The trainers and performers are talented, but the horses are really something else.
Hope you enjoy the photos and the video at the end!
A few days ago, I wandered into the piazza just to stroll around, enjoy the afternoon and take in some of the entertaining sights the piazza is always sure to hold. I stumbled across this theatre company presenting a play titled Gli Innamorati Immaginari, or Imaginary Lovers. I was again transported back in time as I watched them ride around in a horse drawn cart and dance, sing and perform in the ever so lovely ancient piazza.
Heart pumping drums
More beautiful period costumes
A feather violin??? Not sure, but he was amusing.
These two scared me a little. I think they have been hiding out underneath the Vatican for the last century or two. 😉
The little ones riding small horses were too cute.
A beautiful, colorful flag throwing performance.
Shall we dance?
The silly horse man galloping about got plenty of laughs.
Jesters and fairies on stilts were standing ready for photo ops with all the Carnevale children.
Another colorful drum and flag performance.
A fire thrower entertaining the crowd.
Gluhwein simmering away. Warm, spicy, mulled wine was perfect for the brisk afternoon.
Enjoying the festivities in Piazza del Popolo.
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| Photo Credit: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters |
The origin of Mardi Gras (known as Carnevale in Italy) can be traced back to ancient Rome. A festival centered around rich foods, much drinking, music, performances, and all in all, much debauchery … is there any surprise it originated with the ancient Romans?
It’s nice to live in a city and take part in celebrations that originated here so many centuries ago. It’s kind of cool to think, “This is where it all began, and now I get to take part in the ancient celebrations.” The thing is, I have been able to claim that all my life. I’ve mentioned before that I’m from Alabama. I grew up in Mobile, Alabama, the city where Mardi Gras originated in the United States.
The Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States derived from French Catholic influence. King Louis XIV placed two brothers, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, in charge of an expedition to defend France’s claim on what are now known as the U.S. states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Bienville founded Mobile, Alabama, in 1702 and named it the capital of New France. The beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations and traditions were celebrated in Mobile in 1703 by the French settlers. The celebrations and traditions are still going strong today.
I grew up attending parades where decorated floats would slowly roll down the streets and the float riders would throw a variety of throws to the screaming crowd below. The throws are mainly beads, but you can also catch plenty of candy, stuffed animals, plastic cups, decorative coins and moon pies. Moon pies are pastries made from graham cracker cookies and filled with marshmallow. They’re awesome (especially the chocolate ones), and they are normally only eaten during the time of Mardi Gras festivities each year. Between the floats during the parades, you can usually see police riding along on horses and high school bands marching and performing along the parade route. The energy level is high, and it is always great fun to attend a parade.
As we say in the South, Laissez les bons temps rouler, or let the good times roll. I leave you with a song that is played often during Mardi Gras in the South. Eat, drink, be merry and enjoy this Mardi Gras/Carnevale season!
You could be a pirate or Captain Jack Sparrow, like this guy who we also found in Piazza Navona.
You could dress up as Michael Jackson, like this person we spotted performing in Piazza del Popolo. Or …
… you could go as a bush. This guy makes me laugh! He sits along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, and is very still until someone drops coins into his cup, then he moves and shakes. Confession: The first time I noticed him was after I was walking next to him and he suddenly moved. He almost scared me to death because he blended into the setting and I didn’t notice him as I approached his way.
