Carnival in Ponte dell'Olio

The Carnival of Ponte dell'Olio

In the heart of the Val Nure, a few kilometers from the first hills of the Piacenza Apennines, the Municipality of Ponte dell'Olio (Province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna) celebrates its Carnival every year with a masked parade involving the entire town. It's not a grand parade of floats like those in nearby cities, but an authentic folk festival, made of DIY masks, children in costume, confetti, and a great desire to be together.

The parade from the Borgo to the Antiche Fornaci

The gathering is set for the morning at the Bar del Borgo (BDB), in the Cantarana area, the traditional starting point of the festival. From here, the masked parade begins, accompanied by the notes of the Corpo Bandistico Pontolliese, which crosses via Vittorio Veneto and the Giardini Pubblici (Public Gardens) to finally reach the Antiche Fornaci (Old Kilns), one of the most characteristic places in the town.

The Antiche Fornaci, heart of the festival

The arrival at the Corte delle Fornaci is the highlight of the day: in this reclaimed space, a testament to the area's ancient brick-making activity, the refreshments, entertainment, and creative workshops designed to engage young and old take place. The festival is made possible by the collaboration of numerous local entities, including the Gruppo Alpini, the Pro Loco, the Avis, and local volunteer associations.

A community tradition

The Pontolliese Carnival is an event cherished by the entire community of the Val Nure: families, schools, associations, and local businesses participate in its organization. It's the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the province of Piacenza, far from the main tourist flows, in a warm and genuine atmosphere where children's fun is at the center of everything.

Why participate

• A free Carnival parade suitable for the whole family
• The authentic atmosphere of a Val Nure village festival
• Entertainment, creative workshops, and refreshments for the little ones
• The evocative setting of the Antiche Fornaci of Ponte dell'Olio