Parma Carnival – Beyond the Water

The City Carnival of Parma

The Parma Carnival "Dedlà da l'Acua" is the grand masked festival that colors the historic center of the Emilian capital every winter. It is the diocesan city carnival, organized by the ANSPI Zonal Committee of Parma with the patronage of the Municipality of Parma, and represents one of the most cherished and participated events in the city's popular tradition.

The Meaning of the Name

The curious name "Dedlà da l'Acua" comes from the Parmesan dialect and literally means "beyond the water." The expression refers to the location of the Oltretorrente district relative to the historic center: the popular neighborhood located beyond the Parma stream, the waterway that crosses and divides the city. A name that tells the popular and identity-driven soul of this event, deeply linked to the neighborhoods and community life.

The Masked Procession

The heart of the festival is the grand masked procession, which winds its way on foot through the city streets. The gathering point is in Piazza Duomo, in front of the splendid Romanesque cathedral and the Baptistery, from where the parade starts to reach the Ducal Park, the large historic garden on the opposite bank of the stream. Along the route, masked groups, allegorical floats, and themed participants parade, animated by local clubs, associations, parishes, and schools.

A Festival Open to All

Participation in the Carnival is completely free and open to anyone who wishes to parade: organized groups from clubs, associations, schools, and individual masked participants from Parma and its province. At the end of the procession, in the Ducal Park, participation diplomas are awarded, and a jury assigns prizes to the most beautiful masks, including the overall first prize, the prize for best costumes, the originality prize, and the sustainability prize.

Carnival in Parma, in Emilia-Romagna

Although it is an event linked to the local and diocesan dimension, the "Dedlà da l'Acua" Carnival is an unmissable event for families and children from Parma and the Emilia-Romagna region. Confetti, streamers, music, and costumes transform the city center into a large open-air stage for an afternoon, in one of the most beloved Carnival traditions of the Parma area.