Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico
Edition 2026 Brass band Street arts Gastronomy

Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico

The historic carnival for the little ones in the heart of the Bassa ferrarese

Poggio Renatico — Ferrara (038) Since 1970
Dates 22 Feb โ€” 01 Mar 2026
Location Poggio Renatico (038)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Children's Carnival

The Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico is one of the most beloved traditions of the Bassa ferrarese: every year, between late February and early March, the streets of the town and Piazza del Popolo fill with allegorical floats, masks, music, and snacks. Born in the seventies and registered in the Register of Historic Carnivals of the Emilia-Romagna Region, it is a free event designed for families, enlivened by schools, volunteer groups, and local associations in a joyful and participatory atmosphere.

A carnival dedicated to the little ones

The Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico is one of the most heartfelt events in the Municipality of Poggio Renatico, in the province of Ferrara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. For over fifty years, between the end of February and the beginning of March, the town transforms into a large party space where children are the true protagonists: parades of allegorical floats, colorful costumes, music, and lots of cheer fill the streets of the center and gather in Piazza del Popolo.

Allegorical floats and local groups

The heart of the Carnival is the parade of allegorical floats, patiently built by a large group of volunteers, associations, and local groups. Each float carries a different and original theme, the result of the work of entire neighborhood communities and the primary schools of Poggio Renatico and the hamlet of Gallo. Alongside the floats, marching bands, dance groups, masks, and entertainment involve both adults and children.

A tradition recognized as a Historic Carnival

In 2026, the Children's Carnival celebrated its 56th edition, the first since the event was officially registered in the Register of Historic Carnivals of the Emilia-Romagna Region. This recognition confirms the strong territorial roots of an event that, generation after generation, has managed to keep alive a community tradition entirely built on volunteerism and the participation of schools and families.

An event for the whole family

In addition to the parades, the Carnival offers numerous activities: magic shows, the characteristic miniature train for children, performances by dance groups, historic bicycles, and electric karts, as well as the unmissable food stalls and refreshment points where you can enjoy local specialties and snacks. Admission is free, with the possibility of a free-will offering to support the organization.

An event on the Ferrara calendar

Included in the calendar of carnival events in the province of Ferrara, the Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico represents a moment of gathering that attracts families and visitors from neighboring towns in the Bassa ferrarese. Organized by the Carnival Committee with the patronage of the Municipality of Poggio Renatico, it is a demonstration of how a small community can renew the magic of a child-friendly carnival every year.

Children's Carnival โ€” edition 2026

The 56th edition of the Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico took place on Sunday, February 22, and Sunday, March 1, 2026, with parades starting at 2:00 PM along the town's streets and in Piazza del Popolo. It was the first edition after its inscription in the Register of Historic Carnivals of Emilia-Romagna, featuring five allegorical floats, children's entertainment, and food stalls.

Children's Carnival 2026 โ€” 56th Edition

The 2026 edition of the Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico was held over two Sundays, February 22 and March 1, with parades starting at 2:00 PM. It was the first edition celebrated after its official inscription in the Register of Historic Carnivals of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

The five allegorical floats

  • Primary schools โ€” "A world of colors"
  • Il Grillo Group โ€” "One for all, all for Neptune"
  • I Macaron Group โ€” "The rebellion of the seas"
  • In Amicizia Veritas Group โ€” "Pedalingโ€ฆ through time"
  • I Mollamai Group โ€” "Nothing to laugh about"

Entertainment and guests

The program included an opening by the San Carlo Philharmonic Band, parades of children in costume, magic shows by the Il Noce group, the miniature train for families, the dance group "Eight + One" from Vigarano Danza, the Poggio Renatico Moto Kart Club, and the historic bicycle group "I Bicicloni". Both days were accompanied by food stalls with local specialties.

Programme Children's Carnival 2026

Sunday, February 22 (2:00 PM)

  • Opening with the San Carlo Philharmonic
  • Float of children from the primary school and the Il Noce Center
  • Dance group "Eight + One" (Vigarano Danza)
  • Food stalls

Sunday, March 1 (2:00 PM)

  • Dance group "Eight + One"
  • Poggio Renatico Moto Kart Club
  • Historic Bicycle Group "I Bicicloni"
  • Food stalls

Highlights Children's Carnival 2026

First edition after inscription in the Register of Historic Carnivals of Emilia-Romagna. Five allegorical floats, magic shows, miniature train for children, and entertainment for the whole family.

Prices Children's Carnival 2026

Free admission with a free-will offering.

Practical information — Children's Carnival

When

Between the end of February and the beginning of March, on two or more Sunday afternoons. In case of bad weather, the parades are postponed to the following Sunday.

Where

Piazza del Popolo and the streets of the center of Poggio Renatico (FE), 44028.

How to get there

By car: Poggio Renatico is accessible from the SS16 and is a few kilometers from the Ferrara Sud highway exit (A13 Bologna-Padova). By train: Poggio Renatico station is served by the Ferrara-Bologna line.

Admission

Free, with a free-will offering to support the Carnival Committee.

Contacts

Phone: +39 346 4939971 โ€” Email: [email protected]

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Where does it take place โ€” Children's Carnival

Piazza del Popolo e vie del centro

Piazza del Popolo, 44028 Poggio Renatico

Contact Children's Carnival

Children's Carnival in brief

Brass band Street arts Gastronomy Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Outdoor Free Ferrara

History of Children's Carnival