Nabuzardan — Mantua Carnival for Families
The children's carnival in the heart of Mantua
About Nabuzardan
A Carnival for the Little Ones
Nabuzardan is the carnival that Mantua dedicates to families and children, organized by the Segni d'Infanzia Association, the same one that curates the renowned Segni New Generations Festival. More than just a simple parade, it's a travelling theatrical story that engages the audience along the route, featuring masks, characters, and a narrative that changes each year.
The Procession in the Historic Centre
The heart of the celebration is the travelling carnival procession that crosses Mantua's historic centre: from Lungorio IV Novembre, passing through Piazza Martiri di Belfiore, Via Roma, Piazza Marconi, Piazza Mantegna, and Piazza Erbe, finally arriving in Piazza Sordello. A festive walk of about an hour, marked by music, entertainment, and shared games.
The 2026 Theme: Diversity
The 2026 edition, the twenty-eighth, has chosen diversity as its theme, celebrating it as a community value: the dragon Soqquadro, a symbol of uniformity, is contrasted with Arlecchino, a symbol of colourful differences. The narrative key for this edition is mismatched socks: the public is invited to bring one to participate in the game and contribute to the celebration.
Mantua and Childhood
Mantua (Province of Mantua) has made attention to childhood and theatrical languages for young people one of its cultural hallmarks. Nabuzardan is its carnival expression: a free and participatory event that, every winter, fills the historic centre with colours, masks, and a healthy desire to be together.
Nabuzardan — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Nabuzardan, the twenty-eighth, takes place on Sunday, February 15. The travelling carnival procession starts at 4 PM from Lungorio IV Novembre and crosses Piazza Martiri di Belfiore, Via Roma, Piazza Marconi, Piazza Mantegna, and Piazza Erbe, concluding in Piazza Sordello after about an hour.
This year's theme is diversity: the dragon Soqquadro (uniformity) is contrasted with Arlecchino (colourful differences), and mismatched socks become the narrative key of the celebration. In the preceding days, from February 9 to 13, an art workshop open to the public is held under the Portici delle Pescherie, where visitors can observe the construction of the sets.
Programme Nabuzardan 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026
- 4 PM — procession start from Lungorio IV Novembre
- Route: Piazza Martiri di Belfiore → Via Roma → Piazza Marconi → Piazza Mantegna → Piazza Erbe
- Arrival in Piazza Sordello after about an hour
The 2026 Story
The dragon Soqquadro, symbol of uniformity, clashes with Arlecchino, symbol of colourful differences. The public is invited to bring a mismatched sock to participate in the game.
Pre-event Workshop
From February 9 to 13, under the Portici delle Pescherie, an open art workshop to observe the construction of the sets and choose costume elements.
Highlights Nabuzardan 2026
Prices Nabuzardan 2026
Practical information — Nabuzardan
When
Sunday, February 15, 2026; the procession starts at 4 PM from Lungorio IV Novembre.
Where
Historic centre of Mantua: the procession ends in Piazza Sordello after about an hour.
Admission
Free event and open to all; registration on Eventbrite. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and bring a mismatched sock to participate in the game.
How to Get There
Mantua is reachable by train and car (A22, Mantova Nord/Sud exits). The procession takes place entirely within the historic centre.
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Where does it take place — Nabuzardan
Centro storico di Mantova
Lungorio IV Novembre, 46100 Mantova