Venetian masks, Carnival in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

History of the Carnival

The Carnival attracted thousands of people to the city during the carnival hey day.  The streets were full of people wearing masks and people could not distinguish between the commoners and the nobility.  In the squares there would be street artists and singers.  People wanted to party in Venice and came from all over Europe.  There were theaters, cafes, restaurants, gambling dens, brothels where the visitors could spend their money.

Events

There is a lot of entertainment during Carnival, there are food stalls and costumed characters, theatre shows, gondola and boat parades along the Grand Canal.  The main events take place around the St Mark’s Square such as the Mask parades but each Sestiere will also have their own celebrations.  There is also a Carnival for children in the Cannargio district.  The last day of Carnival there is a fireworks display in St Marks Square, but you do not have to be there to see it, you can view the fireworks from anywhere in Venice.

Accommodation

If you are thinking of heading over to Venice during the carnival, do so, just book your flights and accommodation well in advance.  Be expected to pay more for your accommodation, as hotels will be charging a higher rate.  You could also check out the cost of renting one of the apartments in Venice, it may work out cheaper if there is a large group of you going.

Masks

Masks have played an important part in the Venice carnival.  People were allowed to wear the masks between St Stephen’s day and the start of the carnival season (Shrove Tuesday). There is a new theme each year for Carnival but everyone will be wearing a mask. There are many different types, there is the bauta mask that covers the whole face, the Columbina, a half mask normally decorated with silver, gold, crystals and feathers, the Plague Doctor mask which has a long beak and is one of the most recognisable Venetian masks.

More than 30,000 people visit Venice each day during Carnival, making it one of the busiest times of the year for the city.  If you are thinking about going, it is well worth booking one of the short-term rental Venice apartments 6 to 8 months in advance. The celebrations start 40 days before Easter and last for 2 weeks.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by rebekah.grmela

Attend the Taste of Dublin

The Taste of Dublin is an annual event that takes place at Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens in the early summer. The Taste of Dublin is Ireland’s premiere summer food festival and attracts up to 30,000 visitors each year. A score of Dublin’s restaurants take part in this gastronomic feast. There are live acts entertaining on a variety of stages, and more than 100 vendors. You can actually take part in the cooking, as some of the sites offer interactive cooking classes. There will be some of the most famous chefs in Ireland on hand as well as internationally known chefs answering cooking questions in an intimate setting.

Enjoy a Trip to a Coastal Town for Gourmet Greystones

This festival takes place at a variety of venues in the coastal town of Greystones. It is a gala celebration that takes place in cafés, restaurants, and gourmet food outlets. You can enjoy eating at cafés on the street or spend time attending workshops, cooking demonstrations, or any number of other food-related events. You will be able to feast on the gourmet offerings of numerous local and regional chefs as they prepare local, seasonal creations.

The Irish Craft Beer Festival Is the Place to Be

This Irish festival takes place over five days surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. You can enjoy the best of Irish cuisine as you listen to music and dine on the offerings of various food vendors. The festival takes place at St. George’s Dock at the International Financial Services Centre, in Dublin. Of course, you can wash down the delicious meal with some of Ireland’s finest beer.

The Waterford Harvest Festival for Fall Fun

For nine days in September, in the Kilkenny section of the Republic of Ireland, you can enjoy fine food and loads of fun at the Waterford Harvest Festival. As you might expect, the event revolves around food. You can see food-related movies, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and go on food tours. You will be able to taste a variety of succulent foods and follow a restaurant trail. Entertainment will be ongoing throughout the festival and you will be treated to a variety of musical performances, including street musicians.

Go to the Limerick Riverfest for BBQ

The Great Limerick Riverfest is a treat for barbeque lovers. Nearly 100 teams will compete to see who can offer visitors the best combination of flavor, texture, and presentation of barbeque. The festival is a showcase for Limerick City. It highlights the arts, culture, music, and sports of the area as well as the food. Riverfest takes place at venues throughout the city. In addition to the BBQ competition, there is also a Continental Food Market, fireworks, open air concerts, and a plethora of other events designed to stimulate your appetite and help you enjoy the experience.

See the Beautiful Dingle Food and Wine Festival

For three days in October, the Dingle Food and Wine Festival will take place in Dingle, in the Republic of Ireland. It gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the very best the Dingle Peninsula has to offer in respect to food and fun. One of the things you should consider taking part in is the Taste Trail, which has more than 55 vendors. The Dingle Food and Wine Festival is also home to the National Irish Food awards.

The Taste of Carlingford Is Fun

Near the end of May the historic Medieval Village of Carlingford, the Republic of Ireland, is engulfed in visitors and locals alike. The area is literally covered with food vendors in tents and stalls. In addition, the local restaurants, bars, and cafés offer a large assortment of food and drink. There will be music and other entertainment, as well.

Enjoy the Wexford Strawberry Festival

This festival takes place early in the summer and has been going on for more than 4 decades. It features street music, an outdoor marketplace, and a craft fair. The Wexford Strawberry Festival also offers an assortment of events to keep you busy, including amusements for the kids–and, of course, the Strawberry Queen. Strawberries are available everywhere, as you might expect.

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Marsascala history dates back to the 17th century, when there was a small and insignificant fishing village. It had a strategic position, which in 1614 was used by Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John – Fra Alof de Wignacourt. He rebuilt the town into a defensive fortress St. Thomas Tower, which protected this part of the island against the Turkish invasion. The village suddenly became a closely guarded place. Now, the fort does not fulfill its function any more, but it’s just a restaurant.

The Coast of Marsascala Bay is lined with a long promenade, where you can find many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops – it is a centre of all social life. In the vicinity of the city there are constantly growing new villas and weekend houses. Especially the residents of the capital – Valletta, which is quite far away, use to spend a peaceful end of the week here.

Coast is flat and rocky. You can find sandy beaches in the neighbouring St. Thomas Bay. It offers ideal conditions for swimming, relaxation and water sports. The landscape around the city is made up of fields of orchards and vineyards, which give the place a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.

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