Drums, laughter and squeals of pleasure saturated the square. Confetti and the brilliant lights of fireworks filled the night with smoke and flashes of color. It was a time of sweets, oranges, masquerade balls, Commedia Dell Arte and opera at its most lavish. Everywhere there were entertainments and amusements. Jugglers, astrologers, puppet shows, strolling musicians, portable menageries of wild animals and booths offering anything and everything possible were set up across the piazza. There was little time for sleep, particularly during the last week...