Casola Valsenio's 125-Year-Old Spring Carnival of Plaster and Thought
In Casola Valsenio, a hill town in Romagna, the Festa di Primavera (Spring Festival) has been celebrated for 125 years, interrupted only by the world wars and the Covid-19 pandemic. This unique event features only three allegorical floats, each measuring seven meters in length, six in width, and nearly nine in height. Made of plaster and wood, they are known locally as 'giganti di gesso' (plaster giants). The floats are designed and built by the town's youth, who also perform as figurants during the two parades—one daytime and one nighttime—scheduled for April 25 and May 1 this year. Unlike traditional Carnival, this spring celebration focuses on social and costume themes, earning it the title of Italy's only 'serious Carnival.' The tradition is deeply rooted in the local cultural identity, with the floats serving as both festive and thought-provoking allegories.
Key facts
- Casola Valsenio is a comune in the Ravenna hills, surrounded by the gypsum outcrops of the Faenza Apennines.
- The Festa di Primavera has been held for 125 years, with breaks only for the world wars and Covid-19.
- Only three allegorical floats participate, each 7m long, 6m wide, and nearly 9m tall.
- The floats are made of plaster and wood, built by local young people.
- The event is called Italy's only 'serious Carnival' due to its timing and thematic focus.
- Two parades occur: one daytime on April 25 and one nighttime on May 1.
- The floats address social and costume themes, not just carnivalesque fun.
- The tradition is maintained by the youth of Casola Valsenio to preserve local cultural identity.
Entities
Locations
- Casola Valsenio
- Italy
- Romagna
- Ravenna
- Faenza
- Appennino faentino