Campagnolo Carnival

A historic carnival in the heart of the Southern Pontine

The Campagnolo Carnival in Santi Cosma e Damiano, in the province of Latina, is one of the oldest and most iconic carnivals in the Southern Pontine area and the entire southern Lazio region. Born in the late seventies, it traces its roots back to the post-war carnival parades, when village streets came alive with trailers loaded with masked revelers eager to celebrate. In 2005, the event was included in the list of Italy's Historic Carnivals, a recognition that certifies its cultural value and the continuity of its tradition.

The floats: papier-mâché, iron, and hydraulic movements

The heart of the festival lies in the allegorical floats created by master papier-mâché artists from the local districts: imposing sculptures on iron structures, many of which are animated by a PLC-controlled hydraulic movement system, a technique considered unique in Italy. The floats stand out for their grandeur, originality, satire, and scenic quality, and every year a technical jury appointed by the Municipality evaluates the works and draws up the final ranking. Alongside the large floats, the traditional "Eat and Drink" floats parade, representing the most convivial and popular side of the festival.

Angiolella, the Pacchiana and King Carnival

The godmother of the carnival and symbol of the village is Angiolella, a figure inspired by the Pacchiana, the smiling peasant woman of local tradition. Her embroidered dress tells the story of Santi Cosma e Damiano: the tower from the municipal coat of arms, ears of wheat, bread, olive trees, and the flowers typical of this hillside village. Seven satin ribbons in rainbow colors—a symbol of hope and renewal—descend from her black silk skirt, held by seven children, the Ninni, who represent the future of the village. Beside her parades Don Antonio, King Carnival, wearing a black silk velvet cloak embellished with astrakhan inserts and rainbow-colored rays.

The festival: parades, competitions, and community

The procession, opened by the banners of the Municipality of Santi Cosma e Damiano and the Carnival flag featuring the Pacchiana, traditionally starts from Via Ausente to reach Piazza Campomaggiore, the heart of the event. Along with the floats, masked groups, cultural associations, folk bands, kindergartens, and organizations working with people with disabilities parade in an inclusive event suitable for all ages. The spectacle is completed by jugglers, stilt walkers, flag-wavers, fire-eaters, and street bands, while the "Most Beautiful Mask" and "Most Beautiful Shop Window" competitions involve families, groups, and local businesses.

A living heritage of the community

Organized by the Municipality of Santi Cosma e Damiano through a dedicated organizing committee, the Campagnolo Carnival is, in the words of Mayor Franco Taddeo, "not just a party, but a living heritage of our community," one of the most authentic moments of participation, creativity, and belonging. For the public arriving from the Gulf of Gaeta, the rest of the Latina province, and Lazio, it is an opportunity to discover a village where rural culture transforms every year into street art, papier-mâché craftsmanship, and a collective celebration.