Let’s Get Packing! Tips for Carnevale in Roma

If you love to dress up, February is an excellent month to travel to Rome for its carnival. From February 11th until the 21st the Carnevale Romano will take place in the Eternal city. Admittedly, the Carnevale di Venezia is much more known worldwide, however what little you may know is that the Roman carnival was more popular than the Venetian one during the Renaissance period.

But Roman authorities banned the festivities for about a century and only a couple of years ago the Carnevale returned to Rome. If you’re visiting Rome during the Carnevale there are a couple of things that you simply have to pack to be well-prepared for the celebrations.

During the days of the carnival, the city turns into a public street party. Everyone is dressed up in costumes and although the winter in Rome might not be as tough as for example in Berlin, it might not be a bad idea to pack a good winter jacket and some gloves.

If you are planning on participating in the celebrations, a costume can’t be missing either, and since carnival lasts a couple of days maybe various costumes are in order. If you don’t feel like bringing a whole separate suitcase only for your costumes, there are ways to improvise various costumes with a few accessories.

• You can never go wrong with a wig and/or a mask of some sort.
• You can change the hairstyle, wear a hat, glasses, do something with your make-up etc. You see where I’m going with this.
• Wear your PJs on the streets and pack a red nose for a clown-like outfit.

Carnival is an opportunity to let loose and alcohol is no stranger at these festivities. You will be spending most of your day outside, so pack a flask so you don’t have to carry around much.

Fill your pockets with confetti. It is an absolute essential for carnival celebrations and throwing confetti around strangers can be a great ice-breaker to make some new friends and start a conversation.

During the Carnevale de Roma, old traditions come to life again. The event program includes many traditional events: performances by the Commedia dell’arte, street parades, and horse races. Most of the events will take place around the city’s popular squares Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. The festivities end with grand fireworks. If you find Rome apartments close to Piazza Navona you will see it from your window.