Become a member so you can attend this event at a discounted rate! 

Alliance Française of Hawaii and the Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii present "Mardi Gras & Carnevale"!

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the rich, fatty foods—meat, eggs, milk, lard and cheese—that remained in their homes, in anticipation of several weeks of eating only fish and different types of fasting. The word carnival, another common name for the pre-Lenten festivities, also derives from this feasting tradition: in Medieval Latin, carnelevarium means to take away or remove meat, from the Latin carnem for meat. Excerpted from: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

What is Carnevale?

Like France's Mardi Gras, Carnevale is the final hurrah before the restrictions of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday. During the celebrations, which can last from a day to a month, revelers are free to eat, drink, and dance without reproof. From north to south, Italy boasts dozens of unique carnival traditions, from the Battle of the Oranges in Piemonte to the spectacular folk poets in Sicilia. 

Read about more ways Carnevale is celebrated in Italy here: https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/culture-and-tradition/carnevale-from-north-to-south

Menu & chef
At PAI Honolulu, Chef Kevin J. Lee will combine his skill in French and Italian cuisine to create a 3-course menu reflecting his culinary appreciation for both cultures! Chef Lee, the creative force behind PAI Honolulu, first discovered his love for cooking in the heart of San Francisco's Chinatown, under the tutelage of his grandmother and mother. He further honed his skills and knowledge at the University of California at Davis, where he earned a degree in Food Science, and at the renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, from where he graduated with honors. Seeking diverse culinary experiences, Chef Kevin apprenticed at some of New York's most recognized restaurants and chefs. Read more about him at Chef Kevin Lee — PAI Honolulu

Parking: There is a municipal parking lot with great rates and it’s open 24 hours. The parking is on the 5th-7th floor. We suggest to first check out free street parking during weekday evenings. For detailed instructions, visit: PAI Honolulu Directions & Parking — PAI Honolulu

Price: Members $95/non-members $105. Tickets are very limited so make sure you sign up right away! Become a member so you can attend this event at a discounted rate! 

Members: Don't forget to log-in in order to receive discounted pricing! 

Costume Contest: Please come in your Mardi Gras/Carnevale mask or costume and enter our contest! There will be prizes for Best Overall Costume, Most Original, Most Authentic, & Best Mask!! 

Entertainment: A French Jazz Duo composed of Nikki Dee (vocals) and Kalei Yamanoha (accordion, steel guitar, and/or trombone - some combination, depending on the song) will be performing! Their repertoire includes a lot of what's known as "jazz manouche" or "gypsy swing"; these are mostly American standards sung in French, with a few originally written in French (Seule ce soir, etc.), including a combination of French singer/songwriter music (Francis Cabrel, Serge Gainsbourg, etc.) and what's called "chanson" (think Edith Piaf, so Under Paris Skies falls under that category), as well as some Italian tunes! See some of their performances with their full band Gypsy 808 here: Nikki Dee & Gypsy 808 - J'attendrai

Note: The Alliance Française of Hawaii and the Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii are not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

Questions: Email us at info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.