In Italy, what is Mardi Gras called?

In Italy, Mardi Gras is called Martedì Grasso, meaning “Fat Tuesday.”

It is the concluding Tuesday of Carnevale, the festive season that precedes Ash Wednesday and Lent. The name reflects the older practice of eating rich foods, including meat and other indulgent dishes, before the period of fasting and abstinence.

Italian Carnival traditions vary greatly by region. Venice is known for masked balls and elaborate costumes, Viareggio for giant parade floats, and Ivrea for its famous Battle of the Oranges. In many places, Martedì Grasso is the peak or closing day of the celebrations.

A common mix-up is Giovedì Grasso, or “Fat Thursday.” That is the Thursday before Martedì Grasso and is an important Carnival day in Italy, but it is not the Italian name for Mardi Gras itself. The broader Italian festival is called Carnevale.