Carnival of the Four Houses
Lugo's Carnival festival animated by the four districts of the Estense Contest
About Carnival of the Four Houses
The Districts' Carnival in the Heart of Lugo
The Carnival of the Four Houses is the grand Carnival festival that enlivens the historic center of Lugo, an important city in Bassa Romagna in the Province of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. It is organized by the Municipality of Lugo, which for the occasion involves the collaboration of all the city districts and the organizational experience of the Contesa Estense, the famous Lugo palio. For one day, the four districts become as many "Houses," hence the name of the event, and divide the tasks to offer citizens an afternoon entirely dedicated to masks, children, and fun.
The Four Houses and the Estense Contest
The protagonists of the festival are the four districts that compete each year in the Estense Contest, the historical re-enactment that commemorates Duke Borso d'Este's passage through Lugo in 1471. Each district brings its symbol and colors to the square:
- Rione de Brozzi — the green serpent;
- Rione Cento — the golden griffin;
- Rione Madonna delle Stuoie — the black crow;
- Contrada del Ghetto — the red badger.
The district structure, established in the 1960s and consolidated with the Associazione Palio Estense, thus puts the same organizational machine at the service of Carnival that every May brings parades, palios, and shows to the center of Lugo.
Parades, Masks, and Entertainment
The highlight is the parade of masked school groups, accompanied by drummers and trumpeters, which crosses part of the historic center to reach Piazza Baracca, the heart of the city under the famous Pavaglione. Numerous themed entertainment and workshops come to life in the squares, designed to involve adults and children in an afternoon of games, music, and imagination.
A Festival for Families
The Carnival of the Four Houses is a popular and free event, deeply rooted in the identity of Lugo and Bassa Romagna. It brings together schools, associations, and families in the square, and represents one of the most anticipated events of the Lugo winter, capable of transforming the historic center into a large open-air stage. For environmental respect, only biodegradable paper confetti is allowed during the festival.
Carnival of the Four Houses — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Carnival of the Four Houses took place on Sunday, March 8, in Lugo, with a theme entirely inspired by the Harry Potter saga. For one afternoon, the four city districts became "Houses" of magic, enlivening the historic center with parades, workshops, and fantastic characters.
The festival was free and open to the whole family, with a refreshment stand managed by the districts and live musical accompaniment. An opportunity to experience the Lugo Carnival in a fairy-tale style, among wizards, dragons, and talking hats.
Programme Carnival of the Four Houses 2026
Sunday, March 8, 2026 — Historic Center of Lugo
Edition theme: Harry Potter and the world of magic. The entertainment was curated by the four districts: Rione de Brozzi (green serpent), Rione Cento (golden griffin), Rione Madonna delle Stuoie (black crow), and Contrada del Ghetto (red badger).
- 2:30 PM — Departure of the parade of masked school groups from Piazza Savonarola, accompanied by drummers and trumpeters, with a procession along part of the historic center to Piazza Baracca.
- Procession of the great wizard Dumbledore, emerging from the Rocca to the rhythm of drums and trumpets.
Themed Entertainment and Workshops
- Platform 9¾ photo booth;
- Workshop to make "magic potions";
- Olivander's shop to choose your magic wand;
- Divination corner with a crystal ball;
- Sorting Hat, dragon's path, and face painting area;
- "The Magic Cauldron" refreshment stand, set up between the Baracca wing and Credit Agricole and managed by the four districts.
The entire event was accompanied by music from the Kimera trio.
Highlights Carnival of the Four Houses 2026
Prices Carnival of the Four Houses 2026
Practical information — Carnival of the Four Houses
Where
The Carnival of the Four Houses takes place in the historic center of Lugo (RA), with the parade starting from Piazza Savonarola and ending in Piazza Baracca.
How to get there
By car: Lugo is accessible from the A14 Bologna-Bari highway (Bagnacavallo or Cotignola-Lugo exits) and the Adriatic state road. By train: Lugo station is on the Lavezzola-Faenza line, with regional connections. The historic center is easily walkable.
Costs
Admission and participation in the entertainment are free. There is a refreshment stand managed by the districts.
Tips
Event suitable for families with children. Only biodegradable paper confetti is allowed; plastic confetti is prohibited.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of the Four Houses
Centro storico di Lugo
Piazza Baracca, 48022 Lugo