Carnival in Fontevivo and Ponte Taro

A Village Carnival in the Duchy of Parma

When February is in full swing, the Municipality of Fontevivo, in the province of Parma, and its hamlet of Ponte Taro dress up for Carnival. It is one of those celebrations that tell the soul of the lower Emilia region: no grand, colossal floats, but an authentic and participatory festival, made of DIY masks, costumed children, plenty of confetti, and that community warmth that only village carnivals can offer.

Parades, Masks, and the Grand Bonfire Ritual

The heart of the event is the masked parades that wind through the streets and squares of Fontevivo and Ponte Taro, accompanied by shows and entertainment designed especially for families. There is also the award ceremony for the best masks, a much-anticipated moment that rewards the creativity of both adults and children.

To close the celebrations, the traditional grand bonfire takes place, an ancient propitiatory rite that symbolically burns away winter to make way for the warmer season. Around the fire, mulled wine is served for adults and hot tea for children, in a convivial atmosphere that harks back to the area's agricultural roots.

An Edition for Children, at the Library Too

The calendar doesn't end with the parades: the festival continues with an event dedicated to children, between a masked parade and storytelling for children at the library, organized in collaboration with the libraries of Fontevivo and nearby Fontanellato. It's a way to combine the fun of Carnival with the pleasure of books and shared reading.

Part of the Castles of the Duchy Circuit

The Carnival of Fontevivo and Ponte Taro is part of the large calendar of the Castles of the Duchy circuit, an association that brings together castles, historic palaces, and villages in Emilia between the provinces of Parma and Piacenza. During the Carnival period, the circuit transforms the territory into a widespread cultural experience, capable of combining play, knowledge, and participation among the squares and castles of the ancient Duchy. Experiencing Carnival in Fontevivo means connecting with Emilian folk traditions in a familiar and welcoming setting.