Night Carnival for Children of Poggio Renatico

The Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico

The Children's Carnival of Poggio Renatico is one of the most beloved events in the Municipality in the province of Ferrara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. In 2026, it reached its 56th edition, an event that puts children at the center: they are, in fact, the true protagonists of the parades, with floats, masks, and lots of cheerfulness. The 2026 edition went down in history because it is the first since the Carnival was officially registered in the Registry of Historic Carnivals of Emilia-Romagna, a recognition that rewards decades of passion and work of the territory.

The Night Parade on May 16

After the daytime parades at the end of winter, the Poggio Renatico Carnival concludes with its most evocative moment: the night parade. On the evening of Saturday, May 16, 2026, the town center lit up with colors and lights, with floats parading through the streets, enlivened by music and masks. The main square, Piazza Castello, also hosted a large funfair for the occasion: the rides were installed from Wednesday, May 13, to Monday, May 18, transforming the historic center into a pedestrian area dedicated to families.

The Floats and Masked Groups

The 2026 Carnival procession featured five papier-mâché floats, the result of the work of local groups and associations:

• Primary Schools — "A World of Colors"
• Gruppo Il Grillo — "One for All, All for Neptune"
• Gruppo I Macaron — "The Rebellion of the Seas"
• Gruppo In Amicizia Veritas — "Cycling... Through Time"
• Gruppo I Mollamai — "Nothing to Laugh About"

Accompanying the parade were also the dance group Eight+One of Vigarano Danza, the historic bicycles of I Bicicloni, and the magic shows of the Centro Il Noce. Opening each procession, as tradition dictates, was the Band of the Filarmonica San Carlo.

A Celebration Designed for Children

The Poggio Renatico carnival is not like others: children can ride on the floats as "float builders for a day," have fun with the miniature train, electric karts, and magic shows with choreography. The event, organized by the Carnival Committee with the support of the Municipality and local associations, also embraces the hamlet of Coronella, where a night parade was held on May 9. A free and participatory event that renews the bond between generations in this corner of the Ferrara plain each year.