The Village Carnival (Borgo Mascherato)
Fidenza's Carnival with masks, floats, and music in the heart of the city
About Village Carnival
Fidenza's Carnival, a festival for the whole village
The Village Carnival is the event that, every February, enlivens the historic center of Fidenza, a city on the Via Francigena in the Province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna. For a few days, the streets and squares of the ancient core fill with confetti, masks, and music, in a celebration designed primarily for families and children, but capable of engaging the entire city community and its hamlets.
The heart of the festival: the "Borgo Mascherato"
The most anticipated moment is the "Borgo Mascherato" parade, held in Piazza Garibaldi: costumed groups, masks, and participants parade to the award ceremony for the most original and creative masks, accompanied by the city band "Città di Fidenza" and entertainment for all ages. Along the route, on the main days, there are stalls with typical Carnival sweets, such as chiacchiere and fried tortelli.
The Castle of Fantasy and events for children
Throughout the event, Piazza Garibaldi hosts the Castle of Fantasy with the "Castello Baby Balls", an area dedicated to the youngest. Completing the program are the "Children's Carnival" events, held in the city's oratories and parish halls, as well as theatrical performances and concerts that animate the Girolamo Magnani Theater.
A tradition that unites the city and its hamlets
Organized by the Municipality of Fidenza in collaboration with local associations, the Village Carnival is one of those popular festivals that are part of the city's identity: schools, hamlets, and families participate in the mask contest, transforming the pedestrianized center into a large space for shared celebration for a few days. It is the ideal opportunity to discover Fidenza, its Romanesque Cathedral, and the Carnival traditions of the Parma plain.
Village Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Village Carnival took place in Fidenza from February 7 to 17, with the theme "Valentine's Day at Carnival: a story of love and fantasy". Throughout the event, the Castle of Fantasy with the Castello Baby Balls dedicated to children was set up in Piazza Garibaldi. The highlight was the "Borgo Mascherato" on Saturday, February 14, with a parade and mask awards, accompanied by the "Città di Fidenza" band. The program also included "Children's Carnival" events and shows at the Girolamo Magnani Theater.
Programme Village Carnival 2026
Saturday, February 7
- 3:30 PM — "Children's Carnival" (Oratory Hall of San Giovanni Bosco, Via Don Minzoni)
- 5:00 PM — "Trio Aeraclavis", concert at Teatro G. Magnani (reduced seating) — ticketed
Sunday, February 8
- 4:00 PM — "The Empress's New Clothes" (Teatro G. Magnani) — ticketed
February 7-17
- "The Castle of Fantasy" — Castello Baby Balls (Piazza Garibaldi)
Saturday, February 14 — "Borgo Mascherato"
- 2:30 PM — "Borgo Mascherato": parade and mask awards, with entertainment and music by the "Città di Fidenza" band (Piazza Garibaldi). Postponed to February 17 in case of bad weather
- 5:00 PM — "Mousiké Brass Quintet", concert at Teatro G. Magnani — ticketed
Sunday, February 15
- 12:30 PM — "Èl Ciàccri 'd Cränväl" (Circolo San Lorenzo Fornio) — by reservation, ticketed
- 3:30 PM — "Children's Carnival" (San Michele Hall)
Highlights Village Carnival 2026
Prices Village Carnival 2026
Practical information — Village Carnival
How to get there
Fidenza is easily reachable by train (Fidenza station on the Milan-Bologna line) and by car from the A1 motorway, Fidenza-Salsomaggiore Terme exit. During the parade days, the historic center is pedestrianized: it is advisable to use the parking lots in the surrounding areas.
Admission
The "Borgo Mascherato" parade and the activities in the square are free. Some theater performances and specific events may be ticketed.
When
The Carnival takes place in February. In case of bad weather, the main parade may be postponed. It is advisable to check the updated program on the Municipality of Fidenza website.
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Where does it take place — Village Carnival
Centro storico di Fidenza
Piazza Garibaldi, 43036 Fidenza