Opening Parade
Arrive early to watch the decorated floats depart the Rocca and procession proceeding along Corso Guercino; enjoy lively music and streets filled with performers.
~10:00
Cento Carnival of Europe
Cento Carnevale d'Europa
Cento, Italy
Jan 24 - Feb 21, 2027Expected
Each year, the town of Cento fills its medieval streets with towering papier-mâché floats for its famous carnival. Whole districts spend months building grand allegorical creations that parade amid costumed performers and revelry, in one of Italy's most celebrated historic carnivals.
Key moments
Day 1 · Jan 24
Day 5 · Jan 28
Final Parade and Awards
Cheer for the final procession on the main route; festive mood with music and confetti; find a vantage point early along Corso Guercino for best view of the floats.
~15:00 - 17:00
Day 33 · Feb 25
Burning of Tasi (Closing Ceremony)
Join locals in the square for this moving finale; watch the ceremonial burning of the Tasi figure (bring a coat for cold evening).
~20:30
Where it happens
Corso Guercino
Cento, Italy
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Respect local traditions (e.g. the Tasi character) and follow organizers' guidelines.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowds are dense near floats and parade route; vast spaces open during downtime
Weather
Cold weather (winter festival); bring rain gear for showers
Transport
Regional trains from Bologna/Ferrara to Cento; local buses (START Romagna) serve the city
Tickets
Ticket required: €0 - €19
Safety & access
Well-organized with police presence and crowd control; low crime rate
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Cento Carnival of Europe
Cento Carnevale d'Europa
Cento, Italy
Each year, the town of Cento fills its medieval streets with towering papier-mâché floats for its famous carnival. Whole districts spend months building grand allegorical creations that parade amid costumed performers and revelry, in one of Italy's most celebrated historic carnivals.
Access stepAccess needs a step
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 24 - Feb 21, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Cento Carnevale is officially recognized as a historical carnival and has been cited as one of the most important annual events in Emilia-Romagna. It reflects a local culture of papier-mâché craftsmanship and collective creativity, with local schools and artisans collaborating on float construction. It takes place annually in the weeks before Lent, anchoring Cento's cultural calendar with centuries-old traditions of masquerad...
Key moments to know
Day 1Jan 24~10:00Expected
Opening Parade
Arrive early to watch the decorated floats depart the Rocca and procession proceeding along Corso Guercino; enjoy lively music and streets filled with performers.
Day 5Jan 28~15:00 - 17:00Expected
Final Parade and Awards
Cheer for the final procession on the main route; festive mood with music and confetti; find a vantage point early along Corso Guercino for best view of the floats.
Day 33Feb 25~20:30Expected
Burning of Tasi (Closing Ceremony)
Join locals in the square for this moving finale; watch the ceremonial burning of the Tasi figure (bring a coat for cold evening).
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Respect local traditions (e.g. the Tasi character) and follow organizers' guidelines.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 24 - Feb 21, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Cento
Cento (Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna)
Access
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ) · 50 km from festival
Cost
€0 - €19
Book ahead if required
Atmosphere
Festive and colorful atmosphere, with music, dancing and playful mi...
Crowds are dense near floats and parade route; vast space...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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