Burgundo Carnival

A Mask That Tells the Story of a Village

There is only one protagonist when Carnival arrives in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, in the province of Pavia: the Burgundo. Half Lombard warrior, half peasant from Lomellina, this mask, born from the creativity of the local Pro Loco, has been the symbol of one of the most beloved and original carnival celebrations in the Pavese region for decades. He is no ordinary character: his name evokes the Burgundians, the people who gave the town its name, and he ironically recounts the encounter between the invader and the people of this land of rice paddies.

The Sunday Parade

The heart of the event is the Sunday parade. Since the early eighties, the Burgundo has led the procession aboard a carriage, accompanied by the faithful Mondina Rosetta, the other typical figure of the Sannazzaro carnival who represents the indigenous women linked to the history of the Burgundian invader. Behind them, allegorical floats, costumed groups, and masked children parade, while confetti and streamers color the streets and squares of the town center.

The Popular Games of the Burgundiade

What truly makes this Carnival unique are the Popular Games of the Burgundiade: a series of lighthearted challenges that revive the games of yesteryear. These range from tug-of-war to the greased pole, from the egg-and-spoon race to the apple-in-a-tub race, and the frog game. These are moments of pure collective fun, where districts and groups compete in front of a cheering crowd.

A Celebration for the Entire Community

The Burgundo Carnival is organized by the Pro Loco of Sannazzaro in collaboration with the municipal administration and the volunteers of the San Giovanni Bosco Oratory. It is one of those festivals where an entire town gets involved, with an energy that is rarely matched in Lomellina. For visitors to this corner of the province of Pavia, it's an opportunity to discover an authentic Carnival, far from the big names but rich in identity.