Bologna and surroundings: from the historic carnival to that of children, many traditions - old and new - to be discovered!
The carnival a Bologna and surroundings every year provides many initiatives to celebrate while having fun in masks. There are many more traditional initiatives but there are also many contemporary and recent ones.
A historic Carnival
Carnival in the Bolognese area has a much older tradition than one can imagine.
Among the various initiatives, the oldest is that of Persicetan historical carnival, which takes place in San Giovanni in Persiceto, about 20 minutes by car from Bologna and which, with its masks and large allegorical floats, is one of the most important carnivals in Emilia Romagna. Its main feature is the execution of the Spillo (“al Spéll” in local dialect) which indicates the special effects through which the chariot undergoes a “transformation” during the parade that discovers its meaning. Other important carnivals in the Bolognese area are those of S. Pietro in Casale and Pieve di Cento, up to that of Imola.
The Imola Carnival
The latter, or the Carnival of Fantaveicoli, takes place in Imola since 1998, and is one of a kind. It is these Fantaveicoli, or works of fantasy, ingenuity but above all irony, which are born by assembling vehicles and pieces of various kinds, ranging from bicycles, propellers, wheelbarrows, sails and what can come to your mind, all obviously non-polluting.
Children's Carnival
But also Bologna has its Carnival, whose most important moment is the Children's Carnival that at the weekend, with a great parade, the traditional route that crosses the three main Bolognese squares, starting from Piazza VIII Agosto, to continue along Via Indipendenzto, through Piazza del Nettuno, to then arrive in Piazza Maggiore.
The Carnival in Montagnola
Another Bolognese Carnival but of more recent constitution is the Carnival in Montagnola, which includes a masked parade, games and many activities, in the Montagnola Park which is located close to Piazza VIII Agosto.
For more information on dates, parades and events dedicated to Carnival in the Bologna area, you can consult the website of the Municipality of Bologna.
