Castignano Historical Carnival

A Carnival with Ancient Roots

In the heart of Piceno, perched on a spur of travertine, the medieval village of Castignano (in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region) preserves one of the region's oldest and most distinctive carnivals. The first documentary evidence dates back to at least 1615, when municipal archives already contained regulations on carnival celebrations. But what truly makes this carnival unique is its continuity: after the Unification of Italy, the tradition died out everywhere except here, where it has been passed down uninterruptedly at least since 1861. This is why Castignano proudly calls its event a Historical Carnival.

Li Moccule, the Heart of the Festival

The absolute symbol of the event is the procession of Li Moccule, a direct descendant of the famous Roman "moccoletti" that concluded carnival in the Papal States. The moccoli are handmade lanterns built on bamboo canes, ending in faceted rhomboidal shapes, covered with colored tissue paper and lit by a candle inside. To the sound of the Catubba, the traditional drum, the first lights gather in the alleys and invite everyone to join the procession with the famous dialect cry: "Fora fora li moccule!".

A river of colored lights floods the narrow streets of the historic center amidst folk songs, music, and merriment, culminating in the main square. Here, after the traditional singing, the "battle of the moccoli" erupts: the destroyed lanterns feed a purifying bonfire symbolizing the release from the sins of the past year. The youngest jump over the flames for good luck, and fireworks conclude the festivities as Carnival gives way to Lent.

Masked Balls, Floats, and Masks

In addition to the procession, the program unfolds over several days with the Grand Opening Ball, the Masked Ball, the "pizza onta" (greasy pizza) in the square, the proclamation of King Carnival on Fat Thursday, and the Children's Carnival. Shrove Tuesday is the highlight: the parade of groups and allegorical floats winds through the town before the evening descent of the Moccoli.

A Living Tradition

Organized by the Pro Loco Castignano along with the entire community, the Castignano Historical Carnival has gained increasing national and international attention in recent years, while remaining true to its popular and authentic dimension. Visitors to Castignano during this period are not witnessing a show for tourists but are entering a collective ritual that the town has proudly celebrated for centuries.