We don’t hear much about Lent in these modern, multi-cultural times. And no doubt few people actually abide by the strict rules stipulated by Christianity for the forty days leading up to Easter. (Fasting, abstinence and repentance doesn’t sound like much fun…)

While the folk in Freo are just as unlikely as the next person to cut out extravagances come Ash Wednesday, they’re certainly welcoming the period of traditional Italian celebrations leading up to Lent.

In traditional times Lent was preceded by festive ‘carnevales’, and the same has been happening in Freo over the past ten days. But don’t worry – the best is yet to come.

In true accordance with traditional Carnevale’s, the last day of indulgence will be celebrated by the ‘trial’ and wake of the reigning king. It’s all about turning social order on its head, and at 6pm tomorrow King’s Square will become a celebration of ‘misrule’.

The celebrations will continue after the trial with a Mardis Gras and ‘wake’ at Clancy’s Fish Pub. The local Junkaholic Roving Brass Band will be doing their stuff with a concordant celebration of their ten years together.

So don your best masquerade outfit and mask and party as though you wont be able to come Wednesday. And don’t worry, we wont tell the big guy upstairs if you don’t actually follow through on your fasting…

Where: Kings Square, Fremantle, 6160
When: 6pm Tuesday 21 February
Details: fremantlecarnevale.org

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