San Lazzaro Carnival in the Borgo
The historic carnival of Borgo Durbecco in Faenza, featuring allegorical floats, tortelli, and tradition
About San Lazzaro Carnival
A Borgo Carnival with Four Centuries of History
The San Lazzaro Carnival in the Borgo is one of the most cherished events in Faenza's calendar and, more broadly, in Romagna. It takes place in Borgo Durbecco, the historic district of Faenza (Province of Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna) that extends beyond the Lamone river, along the route of the ancient Via Emilia. The festival didn't start as a carnival but as a Tortello Festival: the first documented date goes back to 1626, when tradition dictated that the people of Faenza would go to the lazaretto, next to the church of San Lazzaro, to offer tortelli and saba (cooked grape must) to the sick.
From the Tortello Festival to a Historic Carnival
Over the centuries, the occasion transformed into a full-fledged carnival, with parades, masks, allegorical floats, and confetti. The decisive leap occurred in 1987, the year the organizing committee was formed, deciding to expand the festival and give it the form it has today. In 2026, the event received important recognition: the Emilia-Romagna Region officially included it among the funded Historic Carnivals, a testament to the growth of a festival that now attracts thousands of people.
The Parade on Corso Europa
The heart of the day is the grand afternoon parade along Corso Europa, in Borgo Durbecco. About thirty entities, including allegorical floats and walking groups, parade, with the participation of hundreds of masked students from Faenza schools. The procession is a riot of colors, confetti, and streamers, accompanied by flag-throwers, musicians, and masked groups also from outside the region.
The Tortello di San Lazzaro
The absolute protagonist remains the Tortello di San Lazzaro, a typical Faenza dessert made from flour with a chestnut filling, dipped in liqueur: a unique product, deeply linked to the identity of the Borgo. During the festival, the food stand allows you to taste this specialty that has given the event its name since its origins.
A Festival for the Entire City
With rides for children, stalls, entertainment, and related initiatives in the preceding weeks, the San Lazzaro Carnival is a popular and free festival, capable of uniting generations and celebrating one of Faenza's most characteristic districts. The new official mask of the city, Lovigi Gianfuzi, the eternal prankster of Faenza's dialect tradition, is now its recognized symbol.
San Lazzaro Carnival — edition 2026
The 39th edition of the San Lazzaro Carnival in the Borgo, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, marked a historic milestone: for the first time, the event received recognition as a Historic Carnival from the Emilia-Romagna Region, with dedicated funding. The highlight of the day was the grand afternoon parade on Corso Europa, featuring about ten allegorical floats and around twenty walking groups, enlivened by 600 masked students from Faenza schools. This edition also saw the official recognition of Lovigi Gianfuzi as Faenza's representative mask.
Programme San Lazzaro Carnival 2026
Sunday, March 22, 2026 — Borgo Durbecco
- 10:00 AM — Gathering at Ponte delle Grazie for the "Spassigeda de turtel", a walk in the green areas of the Borgo with the Volunteer Ecological Guards.
- 10:00 AM — "Staffetta del Pellicano" on the Corso Europa side, a running race for young athletes of Gioca Lo Sport, in collaboration with A.I.D.O.
- 2:30 PM — Start of the grand parade on Corso Europa: about ten allegorical floats and around twenty walking groups, with 600 masked students from Faenza schools.
- 3:30 PM — Award ceremony for students from the Torricelli Art High School, creators of ceramic works made possible by a grant supported by Conad and presented to the participating groups.
In the preceding weeks, an exhibition of creative drawings (February 23 - March 20) was held at the Sala delle Bandiere.
Highlights San Lazzaro Carnival 2026
Prices San Lazzaro Carnival 2026
Practical information — San Lazzaro Carnival
Where
The event takes place in Borgo Durbecco, along Corso Europa, in Faenza (Province of Ravenna). The parade affects the streets of the district beyond the Ponte delle Grazie.
How to get there
By car: take the Faenza exit from the A14 motorway, then head towards the center. By train: Faenza station on the Bologna-Rimini line, a few minutes from the Borgo. During the parade, traffic changes are expected in the Corso Europa area.
Tickets
Admission to the parade and events is free.
When
Traditionally during the carnival period/early spring (March-April), on Sundays, with the main parade starting at 2:30 PM.
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Where does it take place — San Lazzaro Carnival
Borgo Durbecco
Corso Europa, 48018 Faenza