I had the pleasure of attending my first soccer game, not just in Rome but ever (my apologies Meredith, your 6th grade league doesn't count) and it was an unforgettable experience. A friend of ours invited us to go with him a few days before, so we bought the "cheap tickets," and went to the olympic stadium. There, we picked up some sandwiches and ate out on the street with the rest of the Roma fans, then proceeded to the inside of the stadium. For this particular game there were many empty seats, but we were right there alongside the fans; so surrounding us, the bleachers felt full. Italy has not caught on to the "no smoking" policy or even the "smoking is bad for your health" campaign yet, smoking is allowed everywhere and a soccer game is no exception. Along with cigarettes, small fire balls and smoke bombs are allowed as well. Before the game began the Roma fans sang a number of Roman tunes and then for the final song they really let loose. Everyone in the stadium had a team Roma scarf, except for me and Elizabeth. They all lifted up their scarves, the die hard fans waved their massive flags and set off their team colored smoke bombs and torches while belting out the team anthem. There were fireman standing everywhere to put out flames that got out of hand. It was both magical and surreal. I thought to myself, "this is amazing" and "this is crazy", and then I thought, "this would never ever be allowed in the U.S" which made it all the more fun. Fortunately, I videoed the song and all the enthusiast's glory, it is long, but wait until you see the smoke and really take in the authentic, Italian soccer game.

Good lookin bunch 

When a player scored, the crowd yelled out a little chant and shouted the player's name 3 times.  

Yea, Roma won 

     Before Easter begins, there is a season of Carnevale. This holiday is preceded by several days of celebration and festivities, beginning on Epiphany, January 6, and leading up to the Holiday which falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, Quaresima  (which begins the 40 days leading up to Easter and literally means “40 days”). During this time Children dress up in costumes and throw confetti at each other and on the streets. Both adults and children have costume parties, the pastry shops sell special treats that they only make this time of year, and there may be parades on any given day. Historically this was a celebratory season for the catholic church and those who would be abstaining from meat for 40 days. The Italian word for meat is Carne so this “meat” festival was a time where one would indulge in all things meat and have a month long party before their season of Lent and fasting began. Today, though many Italians celebrate these long-time religious holidays, they do not participate in the practices of the catholic church themselves because catholicism is more about one’s Italian heritage and the church’s influence on the culture rather than a personal decision to follow Christ and be a part of the church. It is still however, a time enjoyed by all and I too thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and all the special treats and funny sights to see that come with it. 

The Batman Float 

Aladdin gone wrong...

The other side of the Batman Float filled with, well old Batmen

So much confetti! 

Almost Everyone is Happy