Decima Carnival

The Decima Carnival, a Heritage of Emilia-Romagna

The Decima Carnival is one of the most unique and deep-rooted carnival traditions in Emilia-Romagna. It takes place in the hamlet of San Matteo della Decima, part of the Municipality of San Giovanni in Persiceto, in the Province of Bologna, and its roots date back to the 19th century: the festival will reach its 137th edition in 2026, preserved and organized by the Re Fagiolo di Castella Carnival Association.

The "Spillo": Floats That Transform

The element that makes the Decima Carnival unique is the "spillo". Each allegorical float enters the square with an initial scenic configuration and, at a moment awaited by everyone, completely transforms before the public's eyes thanks to ingenious mechanisms and handcrafted theatrical solutions. It's a true surprise twist, combining craftsmanship, engineering, and popular theater.

The floats are built throughout the year in "Corte Castella", the complex of sheds nicknamed "the carnival factory", where the carnival societies give shape to their creations.

The Zirudelle and King Bean

Alongside the spillo, the heart of the festival is the zirudelle: satirical rhymes recited in dialect, which tell the theme of the float and prepare the audience for the transformation, with an ironic and biting tone on current events. The local mask of King Bean of Castella, a symbol of the carnival since the late 19th century, leads the event, delivering its speech at the opening of the masked parades.

The Competing Societies

The historic carnival societies of the town compete in building floats and reciting zirudelle, including Gallinacci, Volponi, Qui dal '65, Strumnè, Pundgaz, Cinò, Sandròn, and Macaria. A jury awards prizes at the end of the second day of parades.

An Event for the Entire Community

The Decima Carnival attracts numerous spectators every year, drawn by a formula that blends masks, satire, popular tradition, and spectacle. Admission to the parades is free, and the festival involves the entire hamlet, animating the streets and squares of San Matteo della Decima with colors, music, and fun for families and visitors.