Mid-Lent Parade

A Carnival Out of Season

In Bergamo, carnival is celebrated at Mid-Lent, following a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages: halfway through the period of fasting and penance, it was allowed to interrupt the Lenten rigors for a day of socialising, satire, and celebration. Since then, the Mid-Lent Parade has been one of the city's most cherished events, drawing tens of thousands of spectators.

The Ducato di Piazza Pontida

For generations, the organisation has been entrusted to the Ducato di Piazza Pontida, a historic association that preserves Bergamasque traditions and dialect. The procession is led by the city's masks – Duke Smiciatöt, Giopì, and Margì – who embody the popular and ironic spirit of Orobic Bergamo.

Allegorical Floats and Harlequins

The stars of the parade are the large allegorical floats, the result of the work of groups and associations, which animate Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII and the Sentierone with music, confetti, and masks. Harlequin, the famous mask from the commedia dell'arte closely linked to the Bergamo area, is also present. A jury awards prizes to the most beautiful floats and groups at the end of the procession.

The Rasgamènt de la Ègia

The celebration culminates with the Rasgamènt de la Ègia, the "tearing of the old woman": a puppet representing winter and the year's troubles is symbolically destroyed, according to a propitiatory rite of archaic origin. It is the most anticipated and evocative moment, beautifully concluding the day of celebration in the heart of Bergamo.