I'm in the early stages of planning a week or so in Rome in 2017, sometime late February or early March. I see that Carnevale ends on February 28th next year. I realize it's not like being in Venice during Carnevale, but I was wondering if this was a time to be avoided in Rome due to an increase in crowds, a time to definitely go because of the unique activities, or something that shouldn't play into my decision one way or the other. As some background, I'll be travelling solo, and this isn't my first trip to Rome, so I am planning on spending plenty of time just wandering about, as well as looking for photo ops--photography is a big part of my travel. Any input is appreciated!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15598 posts
I was in Rome during the last week of Carnevale in 2010 and 2012. Both years on Sunday morning there was a parade down La Nazionale with some (just okay) floats, mostly for kids, many in costume and lots of confetti. My notes say that Sunday (2010) was the last day of the children's market in Piazza Navona that usually goes on until dawn - didn't get there. In 2012 I happened upon another parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali, got to Trajan's Column around 2.15 in the afternoon headed toward the Colosseum (don't know the whole route) that took about 1.5 hours to pass. It was group after group of South American dancers, singers and musicians from different counties, performing traditional songs and dances, in elaborate and very colorful costumes. I don't know if it's an annual thing or I just lucked out.
Those were my only 2 visits Rome, both in mid/late February, so I can't compare with other times, but the city didn't feel particularly crowded and room rates were definitely low season. Carnevale is pretty low-key outside of Venice, and mainly for kids. The only lines I encountered on either visit were at the Colosseum (it was a warm sunny Saturday) and at St. Peter's. The Vatican museums were crowded, but aren't they always??
Posted by
OP
Dana Point
1190 posts
Chani, I appreciate your taking the time to give such detailed information. Thank you!