Carnivale & Chiacchiere

February 9, 2026

February has begun, and with it, Carnivale celebrations across Italy. In cities like Venice and Viareggio, the season is marked by masquerades, grand parades, and the return of traditional sweets, including chiacchiere. At its heart, Carnivale has always been a food holiday, a time when indulgence takes its place at the table before the quiet of Lent.

Chiacchiere trace their origins to ancient Rome, where strips of dough known as frictilia were prepared in large quantities for public festivals and shared in the streets. Over centuries, the pastry evolved and spread across Italy, taking on different names and shapes from region to region. In the nineteenth century, during a visit to Naples, Queen Margherita of Savoy is said to have requested a pastry to serve her guests, and her chef named them chiacchiere, meaning “chatter,” meant to be enjoyed while talking and laughing.
 

At Emporio Rulli, we honor this tradition by preparing them each year and calling them chiacchiere. Made in the traditional way and enjoyed only during this brief season, they connect us to centuries of history and celebration. We hope you enjoy the story behind them and invite you to give them a try.

Made from a delicate dough of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, then fried to perfection, a defining sweet of the Carnivale season. Now available in-store, you can enjoy them by the piece or in a pack of 12.