San Grugnone Carnival

A Carnival Celebrated During Lent

The San Grugnone Carnival is one of the most unique traditions in all of Emilia-Romagna. Unlike all other carnivals, in Conselice, in the heart of the Bassa Romagna region in the province of Ravenna, the festival does not precede Lent but runs through it: it begins on Ash Wednesday - a day that in Conselice is precisely called "San Grugnone's Day" - and concludes on the second Sunday of Lent. The name derives from "grugno," the sulky expression typical of moments of melancholy, here ironically inverted to ward off the arrival of the penitential period.

A Tradition Dating Back to 1919

The origins date back to 1919, when a group of young people from Conselice created an imaginary kingdom, the "State of Boysten'land," ruled by the royal family of "Pangiagleba." Over the years, the event has been enriched with satirical proclamations, theatrical parades, and royal processions, evolving into an eagerly awaited event for the entire community. In 2019, the Carnival celebrated its centenary and is recognized as a foundational element of local popular culture, listed among the historical carnivals of Emilia-Romagna.

The Giro delle Colonie

The heart of the festival is the characteristic Giro delle Colonie (Tour of the Colonies): allegorical floats and masked groups leave the town center to reach the hamlets of the Municipality - including Borgo Serraglio, San Patrizio, and Chiesanuova - bringing the celebration to the peripheral areas with stops among houses, bars, and courtyards, accompanied by the itinerant music of the band. Along the route, candies, gifts, and balloons are distributed, while the return to the main square is the most anticipated moment, especially for the town's schoolchildren.

Allegorical Floats and Masked Groups

The parades feature allegorical floats, often inspired by current events and local life, and numerous masked groups. There is also the traditional royal procession with the King and Queens, godmothers of the edition. To complete the festivities, the evening Gran Veglione Mascherato (Grand Masked Ball) awards prizes for the most original masks and costumes, accompanied by music and shows.

A Free Popular Festival

Organized by the San Grugnone Carnival Committee with the Bianconiglio Conselice APS association and the support of the Municipality of Conselice, the Carnival is a free and participatory event, a true focal point for the town's social life and an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Ravenna plain.