Great Carnival of Felino

The Carnival of Felino, between bonfires and pyromusical fireworks

The Great Carnival of Felino is one of the most cherished Carnival events in the province of Parma. It takes place in Felino, a town in the first hilly area of Emilia known throughout Italy for its salami, and transforms the "Bonfanti" Sports Center into a large space for popular celebration for an entire afternoon, with masks, floats, music, and fireworks. The event is organized by the Cultural Association Carnival of Felino with the patronage of the Municipality and the collaboration of numerous local associations.

A tradition born between the Mosca and Russia districts

The origins of the festival date back to the late 1960s, when a group of friends from the Mosca district formed a committee to create a large bonfire and enrich the celebrations with tables of cured meats and "nun's whispers" (chiacchiere di suora). From there, a lively rivalry was born with the neighboring Russia district, which had already been celebrating Carnival by burning its own bonfire for some years: for years, the "arlia" between the two districts was keenly felt, and each tried to outdo the other. Over time, the Mosca district's bonfire remained the only one, and the festival was enriched with new entertainment, eventually becoming the Great Carnival we know today.

The Poiana bonfire

The symbolic heart of the event is the Poiana bonfire: a rag doll, called "Poiana" (or "Vecchia" - Old Woman) in dialect, representing the spirits of the cold winter to be banished, is placed on the pyre. It is an ancient rite, common to many towns in the Parma Apennines, which symbolically marks the end of the cold season and the wish for rebirth. In Felino, this traditional gesture is combined with the modern spectacle of musical fireworks, synchronized with music, which make the evening particularly evocative.

Floats, masks, and fun for families

Over the years, the Carnival of Felino has come alive with numerous attractions: the parade of masked floats, the award ceremony for the funniest masks, and plenty of entertainment designed for children. It is a festival suitable for all ages, from children (recommended from 4 years old) to adults, in a cheerful and family-friendly atmosphere. To close the day, a rich lottery with 48 prizes offered thanks to local sponsors.

Felino and its Food Valley

Visiting the Carnival is also an opportunity to discover Felino, a village in the province of Parma famous for its Salame di Felino IGP and its medieval castle which houses the Salami Museum. Located in the heart of the Emilian "Food Valley," the town combines gastronomic tradition and popular identity, of which the Great Carnival is one of the most genuine expressions.