Raviöö and Turtei

Carnevale is definitely the best-known festivity celebrated in the winter period. In Ticino some would argue Carnevale is just as important as the celebration of the Christmas festivities. There are processions in mask, bingo games, greasy poles, jokes, confetti, and it goes without saying, an abundance of food.

In occasion of the Carnival, eating in abundance was mandatory: the term stems from "carne levare" (take away meat), which refers to the fasting period or Lent, which starts on the Ash Wednesday, the first day following Mardi Gras, which closes the Roman Carnival.

The typical items of this winter celebration are luganighe (pork sausages), risotto, polenta, and chiacchiere (fritters). But have you ever heard of raviöö da San Provin (San Provino sweet ravioli) or turtei da San Giüsèpp (San Giuseppe tortelli)? These are sweets cooked in a generous amounts of oil, butter or lard and are eaten in February/March (March 19th is San Giuseppe) on festive occasions, both in Tesserete and Sorengo and in many other region of Ticino. Let us know how you like them.