Italian cuisine varies by region, and February is a great time to try traditional winter dishes. In the north, hearty stews and soups made with local ingredients like polenta and game meats are popular. Pasta dishes with truffles or mushrooms are common in the central regions, while in the south, seafood dishes and hearty vegetable stews are popular. Additionally, many regions celebrate Carnevale with sweet pastries and fried foods, like frittelle and castagnole.