Romagna Carnival of Gambettola

The Spring Carnival of Romagna

The Carnival of Romagna of Gambettola, in the heart of the province of Forlì-Cesena in Emilia-Romagna, is an event that stands out from all others in Italy. While traditional carnivals focus between February and early March, Gambettola's parades during the Easter period: the large allegorical floats travel through the town's streets from Easter Monday (Pasquetta) until the following Sunday. This is a unique feature on the national scene, making this event immediately recognizable.

A History Over 140 Years Old

Its origins date back to 1886, making it the oldest carnival in Romagna. The tradition is rooted in the area's agricultural and artisan culture: the symbolic mask is Gambino, the woodcutter, chosen in memory of the ancient sacred forest that covered the Gambettola area, accompanied by the female figure of Sgambetta. Over time, the carnival has become a source of pride for the entire community, capable of attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the region, despite the town having only about ten thousand inhabitants.

The Allegorical Floats and the Papier-Mâché Masters

The heart of the festival are the large allegorical floats, authentic works of ingenuity and craftsmanship created by local groups. In Gambettola, papier-mâché has always coexisted with creative reuse: the floats are built by assembling recycled materials and scrap parts, in a game of transformation that reflects the area's vocation (once famous for its scrap dealers) and brings spectacular, animated, and choreographed machines to life. Competing are the first-category floats, the most imposing, and the second-category ones, joined by masked groups, marching bands, and hundreds of costumed figures.

More Than Just Parades

During the festival weeks, the Municipality of Gambettola transforms into a Carnival Village with creative workshops, musical performances, exhibitions, and evening events designed for families, children, and enthusiasts. Poetry and visual arts competitions, as well as initiatives dedicated to inclusion and solidarity, are also an integral part of the event. Gambettola's recognition as European Capital of Carnival Culture 2027 confirms the cultural value of a festival that combines popular tradition, creativity, and Romagna identity.

How it Unfolds

• Three parades of large allegorical floats along the historic center
• Over a thousand costumed figures, masked groups, and marching bands
• Carnival Village with workshops, exhibitions, and shows
• Poetry and visual arts competitions, final awards
• Free admission and entertainment for all ages