Historical Night Carnival of San Pietro in Casale

The Carnival That Returns at Night

The Historical Carnival of San Pietro in Casale, in the heart of the plain of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, is one of the longest-standing carnival traditions in Emilia-Romagna: it was founded in 1871, when about thirty local pranksters established the first carnival society. Alongside the classic daytime parades in January and February, for some years now the Carnival has also conquered the warmer season with its night edition, an evening event that brings the floats and masks to the streets of the center when darkness has fallen.

A Celebration of Lights, Music, and Masks

For one evening, Piazza Martiri della Libertà and the streets of the historic center of San Pietro in Casale transform into a large open-air stage. The floats, the same ones that liven up the Sundays of Carnival, parade illuminated and accompanied by masked groups who dance and throw sweets and confetti to the public. The atmosphere is typical of Emilian village festivals: joyful, popular, and perfect for families.

• Evening parade of floats with walking masked groups and costumed groups
• Shows and live music in the square
• Food stalls with local specialties and good wine
• Reading of Sandròn's will and final burning of the mask

King Sandròn Spaviròn, the Soul of the Carnival

The absolute protagonist of the event is Sandròn Spaviròn, the traditional mask of San Pietro in Casale, of Modenese origin and borrowed from puppet theater. For over a century, Sandròn has entertained the public with his biting satire: the highlight of the festival is the reading of his will, in which the King of Carnival good-naturedly mocks the characters and events of the past year in an ironic way. After the reading, tradition dictates that the mask is burned in a evocative bonfire that symbolically marks the end of the festivities.

A Carnival of the Territory

Organized by the Associazione Cranvel ed San Pir in Casel with the patronage of the Municipality of San Pietro in Casale, the event is a landmark for the entire Province of Bologna and the Emilian plain. The night edition, in particular, combines the strength of historical tradition with the charm of an outdoor festival evening, less than thirty kilometers from the regional capital. Admission is free: just show up at the square to be swept away by colors, music, and joy.