Italians Celebrate Carnevale on Marco

By Natalie Strom

Frank Morgante of the Italian American Society of Marco Island decided it was time for islanders to celebrate the Italian tradition of Carnevale. Every winter, Carnevale festivals throughout Italy are marked by parades, masquerade balls, entertainment, music and parties. At Carnevale, anything goes!

On January 26th, the Italian American Society celebrated Frank’s vision of Carnevale at the San Marco Catholic Church.

An Italian-born, tall, handsome man with a big heart, Frank looked forward to sharing what he had seen as a child with his friends and family here on Marco. Frank and his wife, Amie, dilligently planned every detail of Carnevale.

Sadly, on January 2nd, the day Frank and Amie arrived back to Marco, Frank unexpectedly passed away. Amie, while still grieving, chose to

carry on Frank’s vision of Carnevale, and 24 days after his passing, his life was celebrated at the event he helped create.

From 6 until 10 PM, members of the Italian American Society ate, drank, danced and carried on in true Carnevale fashion. The group was treated to the musical stylings of Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca. Mary Mancini is a worldwide acclaimed

singer known for her versatile voice. She sang in eight different languages, featuring musical stylings of Broadway and Opera. Mario Tacca is an internationally recognized artist and award-winning accordianist.

According to Ann Barnes of the Italian American Society, “The entertainers were very good. The party was absolutely outstanding. One of the best, if not the best one we have ever had. This was Frank’s dream.”
Certainly, Frank Morgante would be pleased.