Castelbelforte Carnival — Spring Pageant

The Spring Pageant

The Castelbelforte Carnival, known as the "Spring Pageant", is the grand Carnival parade of Castelbelforte, a municipality in the Province of Mantua. Unlike winter Carnivals, it takes place in early March, as the cold season gives way to spring. In 2026, it will reach its 55th edition, a milestone that confirms its deep roots in local tradition.

The Court of Madam Favetta

The protagonist of the festival is Madam Favetta, the town's historical mask, who in 2026 received official municipal recognition. The theme of the parade is built around her court, giving identity to the entire event and distinguishing it from other Carnivals in the Mantua area.

Floats, Participants, and Traditions

The parade features ten floats and over six hundred participants, including dancers and costumed groups. Traditional sounds are not missing: the festive bells of the Giovani Campanari della Torre, the drums and clarions of the Gruppo storico Tro.Ta, and the dances of the Gruppo Caporales San Simon, who come from Bolivia. Floats and groups from other regions also participate in the parade, demonstrating the event's appeal beyond municipal borders.

The 'Favette', a Ritual Since 1959

The most characteristic element is the distribution of the famous 'favette', a popular ritual documented since the 1959 edition, which makes the Castelbelforte Carnival recognizable throughout the Mantua region. The day concludes with music, entertainment, and an outdoor disco finale with lights and rhythm.