Carnevale in Maschera

Dust off your masks and Carnevale attire and join us for an early dinner at Sal & Tony’s, 48 Raupp Blvd. in Buffalo Grove.

To allow more menu choices, it was decided to allow each person to order off the menu. So eat whatever you like, but please bring cash in case we can't get separate checks.

Carnival in Italy is a farewell party to eat, drink, and have fun before the limitations and solemnity of Lent. About a month before Ash Wednesday, Italians celebrate over many weekends with parades, masks, and confetti. The origins of this event may be traced to ancient Greece and Rome, when they worshipped Bacchus and Saturn. Some think they date back to archaic winter-to-spring ceremonies. Despite its pagan origins, the event was so extensively celebrated and the tradition so powerful that it was swiftly altered to fit into Catholic rituals. Carnival in Italy is traditionally celebrated on Fat Tuesday, but the weekend prior features activities as well. The most famous Carnivals in Italy are those held in Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, Cento, Apulia, and Acireale. These Carnivals include masquerades and parades.

“Ciao Ragazzi!” is a Meetup group sponsored by the Contemporary Italian Cultural Society (CICS), its parent organization.