Piacenza Carnival "Folle di Natura"

A "crazy" Carnival in the heart of Piacenza

The Piacenza Carnival "Folle di Natura" is the Carnival celebration that enlivens the historic center of the Emilia-Romagna capital. Promoted by the Municipality of Piacenza together with the Quartiere Roma Association and numerous city organizations, the event brings a large masked procession to the square, designed for everyone: children, families, schools, and vintage bicycle enthusiasts. The theme is declared in the name itself: a green, musical, and vintage celebration, where Carnival fun meets attention to the environment and creative reuse.

The parade: from Piazza Cavalli to Giardini Merluzzo

The meeting point is the scenic Piazza Cavalli, under the arcades of the Palazzo Gotico, where the celebration opens with a concert. From here, the procession begins and crosses the city's main streets, passing through via XX Settembre, Piazza Duomo, via Legnano, and via Roma, to reach the Giardini Merluzzo, the heart of the Quartiere Roma and the location for the final entertainment. Along the entire route, the parade is accompanied by music, while the historic center is closed to traffic to make way for masks, colors, and joy.

Music, recycled floats, and vintage bikes

The procession is led by city bands, with the Banda Ponchielli accompanying the entire route and the young musicians of the Orchestra Cinque Quarti starring in the opening. Among the most characteristic elements is "La nave dei folli" (The Ship of Fools), a float made entirely of recycled materials, a symbol of the event's sustainable vocation. The bicycle parade organized by Velolento also makes the celebration unique: those who wish can parade with their own vintage bicycle or choose one provided, strictly in vintage attire.

A celebration for families and schools

"Folle di Natura" is first and foremost a community Carnival. Numerous Piacenza schools—kindergarten, primary, and the Cassinari art high school—participate with nature-themed masks and costumes. At Giardini Merluzzo, the Family Center organizes workshops, entertainment, and activities for children, with music and fun that conclude the afternoon.

Why it's worth being there

Conceived as a major city event, "Folle di Natura" represents the official Carnival of Piacenza in its new guise: a free, participatory, and sustainable event, capable of combining Carnival tradition with creativity and environmental awareness. An ideal day to discover the historic center of Piacenza, its historic buildings, and its squares, in an atmosphere of colors and music.