Pieve di Cento Carnival

The historic Carnival of the Bolognese plain

The Carneval d'la Piv, or the Carnival of Pieve di Cento, is one of the most beloved events in the Province of Bologna and throughout Emilia-Romagna. Its origins date back to the mid-nineteenth century, when the historic Sozietè dal Zàss initiated the first carnival festivities in the village. Since then, the tradition has never been interrupted, transforming the Corso del Guercino and the historic center of Pieve into a grand open-air stage every year.

Allegorical Floats and Carnival Societies

The heart of the event is the grand allegorical floats, authentic papier-mâché works built in the preceding months by the twelve carnival societies of the town: Bastacsìa, Miserabel, Puc e Bon, Sumaren, Caval bon, Avgnir-Cagnon, Barcon, Pink Lady, l'Ottavo Nano, Magnagat, La Busa, and i Galli. During the parades, alongside the floats, you'll see:

• throwing machines loaded with confetti and gadgets;
• costumed groups, dancers, and musical bands;
• jugglers, stilt walkers, and face painters;
• entertainment and baby dance for the little ones.

Barbaspein, the Mask of Pieve

The absolute protagonist is Barbaspein, the official mask of the Pieve Carnival: a popular character, part philosopher and part bon vivant, with an unkempt beard and a fondness for good food and good wine. Originally a figure actually carried around on a litter during 19th-century festivals, it was artistically reinterpreted in the 1980s by the painter Pirro Cuniberti, becoming the recognizable symbol of the festival.

A Festival for Families

The Carneval d'la Piv is an event tailored for families and children: the parades wind along Corso del Guercino, starting in the early afternoon and continuing until sunset. Admission is by free donation, supporting the activities of the carnival societies and the Pro Loco of Pieve di Cento, which organizes the event together with the Municipality and with the patronage of the Emilia-Romagna Region.