Lent begins next Wednesday but the Italian community of Youngstown celebrated their own Mardi Gras Friday night called Carnivale. At the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel social hall Friday night, guests indulged in traditional Italian dishes and drinks. Their goal was to try to persuade Youngstown State University to change its decision to end its Italian Studies program. Mardi Gras is known as a time of indulgence right before Lent.

“Since Lent season is a time of fast, especially Fridays — no meat at all,” said Monsignor Michael Cariglio, pastor at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica. “In Italian, it’s called Carnivale. Goodbye to meat.” Carnivale originated in Venice in 1162 and became more extravagant as time progressed. “Enjoy the night without anyone knowing their status,” Cariglio said. This celebration embodies that feeling of indulgence, but has another mission.