Gran Carnevale Portuense

The Gran Carnevale Portuense in Portomaggiore

The Gran Carnevale Portuense is one of the most cherished carnival events in the Bassa Ferrarese region: every February it transforms the centre of Portomaggiore, in the province of Ferrara (Emilia-Romagna), into a succession of colourful floats, costumes, and activities for children. The festival began in the mid-1980s on the initiative of volunteers from the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta and has grown to become an eagerly awaited event for the entire community.

The Salamatto Mask

The identity at the heart of the event is Salamatto, the typical Portomaggiore mask: a likeable character with a mischievous smile and hawk-like moustaches, holding a salami, nicknamed "king of the gluttons and sovereign of the carnival". The mask, linked to the area's gastronomic traditions, was restored after years of absence and today leads every edition, symbolically opening the float parade.

The Float Parade and Throws from the Smeraldo Theatre

The procession starts and ends in Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, where the stage and food stands are set up. The floats, built by local groups, parade alongside masks and costumed figures, while giant plush toys, games, and sweets rain down from the floats and the windows of the Cinema Teatro Smeraldo, much to the delight of the children. In the nearby town hall square, there is a baby funfair with carousels and inflatable attractions.

The "La Mascherina d'Oro" Competition

The second Sunday is dedicated to the traditional "La Mascherina d'Oro" competition: all children in costume receive a prize, while a jury selects the ten most beautiful and imaginative costumes, with special awards for the top winners. This is the most anticipated moment for families, who crowd the town centre with their costumed children.

A Community Festival

The Gran Carnevale Portuense is organised by volunteers from the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta with the patronage of the Municipality of Portomaggiore, the collaboration of the Pro Loco, and the participation of the National Association of Firefighters. Admission is free, and the squares are filled with stands offering typical carnival gastronomic products, from fritters to Emilian specialties.