If you are planning a holiday in a property in Italy and want to experience some of the vibrant local culture then heading off on a break during carnival time is a great idea.
The week leading up to Shrove Tuesday – and the beginning of Lent – is usually the best time to visit if you want to take in some of the celebrations, a spokeswoman for the Italian State Tourist Board advised.
"Some cities or towns have got special celebrations with [a] procession of floats that represents either political satires or famous personalities as well as traditional carnival costumes," she revealed.
And anyone staying in a property in Italy during the carnival should also make sure that they sample some of the festive delicacies, with the representative making particular mention of sweet treats such as Bigne di San Giuseppe – custard cream-filled doughnuts – and Castagnole, fried dough balls coated with sugar.
Those who want to attend a historic carnival should consider looking for property in Tuscany, according to Essential Italy, with the village of Foiano della Chiana hosting a celebration that first took place in 1539.
