Bologna Carnival

Carnival in the heart of Bologna

Every year, between late January and February, the Bologna Carnival enlivens the historic center and districts of the capital of Emilia-Romagna with a series of events that combine tradition, entertainment, and typical sweets. It's not a single large parade of floats, as in Venice or Viareggio, but a widespread celebration involving squares, parks, and associations throughout the city, promoted by the Municipality of Bologna along with numerous local entities.

The Carnival Fair in Piazza Maggiore

The heart of the celebration is the Carnival Fair, which during the key days fills Piazza Maggiore, Piazza del Nettuno, and Via Indipendenza with stalls selling sweets, toys, and specialties typical of the Emilian carnival tradition. A stroll among the stalls in the historic center has become a much-loved event for families and children in costume.

The Grand Ball and Historical Re-enactment

In Piazza Minghetti, the Grand Ball of Dances takes place, part of the historical Bologna Carnival re-enactment: a costume choreography that traces the evolution of dances from the Napoleonic era to the early twentieth century. An elegant and evocative moment that recalls the atmosphere of the city's nineteenth-century balls.

Carnival in Montagnola

The Parco della Montagnola hosts a large, widespread celebration organized by Arci Bologna, dedicated to the theme of the circus: a circus school for children, parades, clown shows, Brazilian rhythms, face painting, workshops, and DJ sets liven up the afternoon until evening. A free, participatory event designed primarily for families.

Bolognese Masks and Tradition

The undisputed protagonist of the celebration is Doctor Balanzone, the symbolic mask of Bologna, a figure of a loquacious and pedantic scholar born from the Commedia dell'Arte tradition. Puppet shows, creative workshops for making masks and costumes, and street animations revolve around him, making the Bologna Carnival an occasion to rediscover the popular and cultural identity of the city.

A Carnival for the Whole City

With its free admission events spread across the historic center, parks, and neighborhoods, the Bologna Carnival is one of the most cherished winter events in Bologna: a mosaic of costume parties, traditional sweets, and live performances that involve the entire community of the Emilian capital.