THE Vincentini nel Mondo, Circolo of Myrtleford invite you to join in the celebrations of Carnevale through a feast, festivities, masks and making merry with the whole family.

Carnevale is officially marked on Shrove Tuesday, but celebrations often start in the 10 days leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Originating around the Venetian area, Carnevale is traditionally a festival of unrestricted eating and drinking, excess, frivolity and fun before the austerity of Lent begins.

"Our Carnevale Dinner Dance is about creating something for the whole community to enjoy, not only the Italian descendants in the area," Mara Greco, secretary of Vicentini nel Mondo, Circolo di Myrtleford said.

"People can get dressed up if they want to by wearing a mask or drop in as they are to have a fun night out.

"We haven't really done anything since covid, so we thought it would be really nice to have a dance with a Carnevale theme.

"We had been talking about it, then the committee bit the bullet and started planning about six months ago.

"We're all quite excited about it: it'll be an evening full of fun and there's a prize for the best-dressed on the night.

"It will be good to involve some of the older members of the community as well."

Held at the Savoy Club on Saturday, February 22, the Carnevale Dinner Dance will open from 6:30pm, with a sit-down dinner starting promptly at 7pm and the whole family is invited.

Bookings are essential, with entry set at $85 per person and children under 5 years-old, free.

"Dinner will be a three course meal, followed by tea and coffee with frittelle, a traditional sweet treat we have during Carnevale," Ms Greco said.

"Although, there might probably be some debate amongst the different regions whether Carnevale is celebrated traditionally with crostoli instead of frittelle!"

RSVP by Friday, February 14:

- Mirella: 0414 228 593.

- Lili: 0409 521 617.

- Mara: 0402 857 388.