Canneto sull'Oglio Carnival

A Carnival with 15th-Century Roots

The Canneto sull'Oglio Carnival, in the heart of the province of Mantua, is one of the oldest traditions in the area. A document preserved in the State Archives of Mantua attests to the symbolic arrival of 'Messere Carnevale' in the village as early as 1468. In the 20th century, especially in the seventies and eighties, the festival was revived with figures in 15th-century costume, keeping a deep connection with local history alive.

The Parade of Floats

The heart of the event is the grand parade of floats and costumed groups that crosses Canneto sull'Oglio. The procession starts from the municipal gym, runs along Viale Europa and Via Garibaldi, and concludes in Piazza Matteotti, where the party continues with music and a DJ set. A jury awards prizes to the three best floats and the three most cheerful and fun groups, in a competition involving the village associations.

The Carnival of the Hills

Canneto sull'Oglio is part of the Carnival of the Hills, an initiative that coordinates Carnival events in several municipalities between the provinces of Mantua, Brescia, and Verona. This territorial link enriches the calendar and allows visitors to follow a real circuit of parades during the Carnival period.

A Village to Discover

Besides Carnival, Canneto sull'Oglio is known for its doll-making tradition and its connection to the Oglio River. The festival is the ideal opportunity to discover this corner of the Mantuan plain, amidst history, crafts, and conviviality.