Strabusseto in Maschera

A masked walk in the town of Verdi

Strabusseto in Maschera is one of the most beloved events of the Busseto Carnival, in the heart of the Bassa Parmense, in the province of Parma (Emilia-Romagna). It is not a parade of floats nor a race, but a non-competitive masked walk designed primarily for children and their families. The meeting point and start are set in Via Cilea, from where the colorful procession winds through the streets of the historic center of the city that was the birthplace of Giuseppe Verdi.

A party for the little ones

Born in 2019 with a formula entirely dedicated to young people, Strabusseto in Maschera has grown year after year, attracting several hundred children accompanied by their parents. Along the route, there are plenty of confetti, balloons, music, and lots of fun: the experience is structured to be enjoyed all together, making it suitable even for the youngest. At the end of the walk, the party continues with games throughout the town, dancing, and snacks, in a spirit of participation that involves the entire community of Busseto.

Inside the Historic Carnival of Busseto

The initiative is part of the broader calendar of the Busseto Carnival, a tradition documented since 1879 that transforms the Verdi village into an open-air theater made of papier-mâché floats, marching bands, and folk groups. Included in the circuit of the Castles of the Duchy, the Busseto Carnival combines satire, music, and artisanal mastery, and Strabusseto in Maschera represents its most playful and family-friendly soul.

How to participate

Participation requires mandatory booking, to be made on the dates indicated by the organization at the ticket office of the Teatro Verdi in Busseto. The event takes place even in case of bad weather. Costumes and imagination are welcome: each edition proposes a different theme to inspire your costume.