Celebrating Martedì Grasso and the Death of Carnevale in New York City

A rustic Carnevale figure was put together from old packing straw

In anticipation of Lent, we concluded our edacious Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday) celebration with a sumptuous repast and traditional funeral for Carnevale, a straw effigy personifying the indulgent season. Reduced to ashes in an expiatory pyre, the ritual marks the end of the festive season and the beginning of the penitential season of Lent.

(Above & below) After dinner, the effigy was placed
in a makeshift coffin and paraded around the pyre

Stephen committed Carnevale to the flames

(Above & below) Carnevale is immolated in the expiatory pyre