European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - February 5, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Carnival inf Taly Story and sketches by Alba Braco Mediterranean Bureau Lily s craziest parly of the year is set to begin. For iwo weeks before Lent Lunatic Carnevale festivities sweep Italy. Commonly accepted behaviour is Tat aside excesses become inc Norm authority figures Are scoffed at and everyone can pretend to be anyone or anything. Italy s carnival has is roots in the roman festival of Saturn. On that Day the world turned upside Down. Slaves pretended to be masters of the House and gorged themselves on he riches food. When darkness fell masked actors roamed the streets reminding everyone Llinat the old season was about to die and they must alone for their past misdeeds. After a Day of licentiousness rebellion was cast aside and a new harmonious Cycle began. Over the centuries the festival has moved in time changed its fume and acquired new rituals. Nevertheless italians still feast on Rich foods mock the powerful and masquerade As fantasy creatures. Carnival delicacies Are Rich to excess and every italian Region has a specially. Bui All Over the Peninsula Crunchy ribbons of pastry called Bugie  gossip of in Fiaoni mischief Fry noisily in Iron skillets. Most towns stage parades. Artists make sketches carpenters build frames mechanics work on the moving parts and painters. Decorators and seamstresses contribute the finishing touches. Their work progresses in secret until the finished floats Are paraded through town. In the weeks before carnival via Reggio. A resort Lawn in Tuscany Springs into frenetic activity to prepare the biggest Parade held in Italy. The favorite subject Nutter of via Reggio s floats is political satire and no one is spared. This year favorite targets for the biting tuscan in sarcasm Are expected to be Ronald a Pagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The first Parade will be held on feb. 15 and repeated on feb. 22, March and March 3. Via Reggio s festival is led by Burla Micco the King of pranks Jovial masked fellow whose duties Tori part Oulu let pc injury 5, 19tf