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ITALY: ITALIAN FESTIVALS

Carnevale is one of the long standing traditions in Venice, Italy.  It started sometime around the 11th or 12th century and is similar to Mardi Gras with masks, parades, and lots of partying in the streets.  In 1436, a guild was formed by artists who did nothing but create masks for Carnevale.

Christmas Eve dinner is celebrated with a meal of 7 different fish dishes.  This originated mainly in central and southern Italy.  The number 7 represents the 7 sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.

La Befona is celebrated on January 6.  It is the day when children get most of their gifts.  It marks the end of the Christmas season and the day the 3 Wise Men arrived at the manger of Jesus.  For the children, it is more celebrated than even Christmas.  Legend has it that an old woman sets out each year looking for the baby Jesus and leaves gifts and treats in the stockings of good children and coal in those of bad children.  This is the origin of Christmas stockings and the Nativity Scene.

1. Mr. Angelo made masks for Carnevale.  He had 8 colors, 4 kinds of ribbon, 5 kinds of sparkles.  How many different masks could he make?

2. Who is sitting where at Christmas Eve dinner?
Angel Capellini has to set the table for dinner. Her Mom and Dad are at the heads of the table. She sets a place for her brother Tony. Angel's Grandmother and Grandfather Capellini (her father's parents) are also coming for dinner. Angel's mother's sister and brother-in-law, Aunt Rose and Uncle Vince, are coming with their children, Carmella and Pete.

Angel's Mom and Dad are at the heads of the table.
All of the children are on one side.
No one is sitting next to someone of the same sex.
No one is sitting next to one of their parents.

3. Mrs. Martino needed fish for Christmas Eve dinner.  She bought 3 pounds of shrimp at $8.99/lb., 2 pounds of smelts at $2.95/lb., 1 pound of calamari for $4.59, 2 pounds of scallops at $7.99/lb., 2 pounds of flounder at $6.39/lb., 6 crab cakes at $1.59 each, and 2 pounds of seafood salad at $4.69/lb.  How much did she spend on the fish?

4. How many days is it from Christmas Eve to La Befona?  Carmen saves 5,000 lira a day for each day from Christmas Eve to La Befona.  How much does she have by January 7 in lira and US dollars?  ( $1 = 2270 lira)

Italian Festival Solutions

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