Carnevale, also known as Carnival, Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday, is celebrated throughout the Christian world 40 days before Easter. It is the final party before Ash Wednesday and the restrictions of the Lenten season. With roots in pagan rituals, the Carnevale celebrations include parades, masquerade balls, music and mischief. In February, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum will offer Carnevale celebrations for adults and children.
About the event: On Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m., Professor Louis Leonini will present “A Carnevale Ogni Scherzo Vale” (“Anything Goes at Carnevale”), bringing to life the history of this tradition. He will focus on the festivals in Venice, Italy, which feature beautiful, ornate masks that are worn by celebrants throughout the city. Originally used to hide the identity, and social class, of the wearer, the masks allowed everyone to celebrate unencumbered by societal conventions. Today 30,000 people come to Venice for Carnevale, and the high point of the festivities is the awarding of “La Maschera piu bella” prize for the most beautiful mask. Admission of $10, $5 for members, includes a light reception.
Next up: On Tuesday, February 21 at 4:30 p.m., our Education Department will offer “Carnevale for Kids.” Based on our popular program for school children, this presentation will be a “festa in costume” where children will learn about Carnevale while making a mask of their own. Scout groups are especially welcome. Admission of $5 includes a light reception.
For more information, visit www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org or call 718-442-1608. The historic Italian landmark on Staten Island, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and administered by the Order Sons of Italy in America.
The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.
Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation, and by grants allocated by New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.
