Alfonsine Carnival

The Alfonsine Carnival

The Alfonsine Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of the winter in Bassa Romagna. Every year, the center of the Municipality of Alfonsine, in the province of Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna), comes alive with a grand parade of masked groups that travels through the main streets of the town, transforming the squares into an open-air stage of colors, costumes, and joy.

The parade through the town streets

The masked procession traditionally starts from Piazza Monti in the early afternoon and winds through the streets of the historic center — including Via 28 Brigata, Piazza X Aprile, Via Terzo Lori, and Corso Matteotti — to reach Piazza Gramsci. This is where the heart of the festival is concentrated, with awards for all participating groups and concluding shows. The event involves local associations, families, schools, and ordinary citizens who prepare original costumes and decorations every year.

Shows and awards

In addition to the parade, the Carnival offers entertainment for the public gathered in Piazza Gramsci. In recent years, the festival has been enhanced by the aerial dance performance by the Compagnia Alterea, an acrobatic suspended show that provides thrills for both adults and children. The awards celebrate the creativity of all the masked groups, fostering a spirit of participation rather than competition.

A festival for the whole community

Organized by the Municipality of Alfonsine through its Culture Office, the Carnival is a free event open to everyone, designed primarily for children and families. Participation in the parade requires free registration, with a small expense reimbursement provided for each group. For the occasion, the historic center is closed to traffic, making way for the festivities.

Alfonsine and the Romagna Carnival tradition

The Alfonsine Carnival is part of the rich Carnival tradition of Emilia-Romagna and the province of Ravenna, where numerous towns celebrate the season with parades, masks, and floats. For those visiting Bassa Romagna in winter, it represents an opportunity to discover the authenticity of a deeply felt and rooted local festival, far from the major tourist circuits but rich in warmth and local identity.