Modena Carnival - Fat Thursday and Sandrone's Speech

The Modena Carnival and the Sandrone Mask

The Modena Carnival, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, revolves around one of the most beloved masks in Italian folklore: Sandrone, a witty peasant with a sharp tongue, accompanied by his wife Pulonia and son Sgorghiguelo. Together they form the Pavironica Family, who according to tradition arrive in the city from the mythical village of "Bosco di Sotto" on Fat Thursday.

The festival is organized by the Società del Sandrone and takes place in the historic center of the Municipality of Modena, with its pulsating heart in Piazza Grande, in front of the Palazzo Comunale and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Duomo.

The History of the Pavironica Family

The character's origins date back to the Este Duchy era: it is said that at the Este court it was customary to invite a crude peasant to be mocked, but a certain Alessandro Pavironi surprised everyone with his wit and intelligence. From that episode, Sandrone was born, whose coarse nickname emphasizes his popular origins. His eighteenth-century costume - brown corduroy jacket, red and white striped socks, floral waistcoat, and sturdy peasant boots - has become a symbol of Modenese identity.

The Speech from the Balcony

The most anticipated moment is the speech: from the balcony of the Town Hall in Piazza Grande, Sandrone and his family deliver a speech strictly in the Modenese dialect that, with irony and "ancient wisdom" of popular common sense, comments on local, regional, and national current events of the year. It is a good-natured and biting satire that draws thousands of people, young and old, in costume under the balcony.

The Parade and Guest Masks

The day begins with the arrival of the Pavironica Family at the station and the parade that crosses the main streets of the center - from Piazza Dante towards corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Roma, via Farini, via Emilia centro, corso Canalgrande, corso Canalchiaro, and corso Duomo. Numerous guest masks from all over Italy parade alongside the Modenese masks, accompanied by musical bands, majorettes, and folk groups.

The Children's Carnival

The Sunday following Fat Thursday, the historic center of Modena comes alive with the Children's Carnival: a parade open to all children strictly in costume, with entertainment, dances, and a final show in Piazza Grande dedicated to the symbols of Modenese carnival tradition.