Children's Carnival (Family Carnival)

The Children's Carnival of Casalecchio di Reno

Every year, in February, the center of Casalecchio di Reno dresses up for the Children's Carnival, also known as the Family Carnival. It is one of the most beloved events for families in the Metropolitan City of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna: a joyful and free occasion that puts children at the center, with confetti, masks, sweets, and lots of outdoor fun.

Three days of celebration in the city center

The event enlivens the streets and squares of Casalecchio di Reno's center for an entire weekend. The focal points of the celebration are Piazza del Popolo, Piazza dei Caduti (Square of the Monument to the Fallen), Via XX Settembre, Via Pascoli, and Via Marconi. Here, stands, kiosks, and entertainment corners come to life, accompanying adults and children throughout the day.

Gastronomy, games, and entertainment

The Casalecchio Carnival is above all a festival of flavors and joy. Among the offerings, you'll find:

• Street food and Carnival specialties, with typical sweets from the Emilian tradition;
• the cotton candy kiosk and the crêpe stand, irresistible for children;
• games and entertainment in the squares, with volunteers from the Red Cross and local associations;
• face painting and confetti distribution;
• stands for reuse and creative recycling curated by local organizations.

The parade of allegorical floats

The most anticipated moment is the grand parade of allegorical floats that starts from Via Marconi in the early afternoon. Masks, costumed participants, music, and colorful floats cross the center in a festive procession that involves the entire community, often in collaboration with the Pro Loco Pianoro. It is an event that attracts families from all over the Bologna area.

An event for the community

The Children's Carnival is organized by the association Casalecchio Insieme Pro Loco, with the patronage of the Municipal Administration and the collaboration of numerous local volunteer organizations. Admission is completely free: a choice that reaffirms the popular and inclusive nature of a festival designed for children's fun and community gathering. In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to a recovery date communicated by the organizers.

Casalecchio di Reno and the Emilian Carnival

A few kilometers from Bologna, along the Reno River, Casalecchio di Reno offers the ideal setting for a family Carnival experience. The Carnival tradition, deeply rooted in Emilia-Romagna, here takes on the colors of childhood: no excessive pomp, but authenticity, participation, and that small-town festival spirit that makes the Children's Carnival an unmissable event of the Bolognese winter.