Villa Minozzo Carnival

The Carnival That Revives the Mountains

The Villa Minozzo Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of the winter season in the Reggiano Apennines. In the small municipality of Villa Minozzo, in the Province of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna), the parade of allegorical floats fills Piazza della Pace with confetti, music, and joy, attracting over a thousand people, including families, children, and curious visitors from all over the valley. The Pro Loco staff describes it as "an event that hadn't been seen in the mountains for decades": a popular festival brought back to life thanks to the collaboration of many local entities.

Allegorical Floats and the Verdeoro Mask

The heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats, handmade by groups from the hamlets who dedicate weeks of volunteer work to these artisanal and artistic creations. The floats parade "to the sound of confetti, smoke, and light and mechanical effects," competing for the Verdeoro mask, the symbol of the Villa Minozzo Carnival. A jury of three external judges decides the winning float, while the Pro Loco staff awards the prize for the most beautiful mask among the participants. In the 2026 edition, seven floats competed, with themes ranging from great cinema classics to fantasy.

Zero-Kilometer Taste and Tradition

Alongside the parade, the Carnival focuses on the flavors of the Apennines with zero-kilometer food stalls managed by local associations. You can enjoy polenta with sauces, fried gnocco with cured meats, sweet fritters, as well as mulled wine, cotton candy, and popcorn for the little ones. Every child in costume receives the traditional bag of candies with event gadgets, in a festive atmosphere designed for the whole family.

A Community Festival

The success of the Carnival is the result of a true organizational machine: the Pro Loco Villa Minozzo coordinates the event with the support of the municipal administration, social centers, the Alpini (mountain troops), the Croce Verde (Red Cross), Civil Protection, the Carabinieri, parishes, and numerous sponsors and volunteers. It is precisely this network of local forces that makes the Villa Minozzo Carnival an identity-defining event for the entire mountain community, capable of uniting the hamlets in one big village festival.

When and Where

The Carnival takes place in winter, between late February and early March, in Piazza della Pace in Villa Minozzo. Admission is free, and the parade starts in the early afternoon. An opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with popular traditions, good food, and the enthusiasm of a community that has managed to revive its most beloved festival.