Once again, Carnival brought fun and entertainment for adults and children, with dancing, costumes, music and spectacular floats of all kinds.
In 2023, many towns in the province of Como returned to celebrating Carnival in their streets. This marked a change from the previous year, when some towns had decided not to organise celebrations despite the lifting of restrictions.
Here are some of the main Carnival 2023 events near Lake Como, along with useful information about their programmes.
Cantù
The Cantù Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most famous and eagerly awaited celebrations in the province of Como.
In 2023, it celebrated its 97th edition, keeping the tradition alive with its spectacular floats. Moreover, the event had recently received recognition as a “Historic Carnival”.
The dates and programmes were as follows:
- Sunday, February 5, 2023 – FIRST PARADE: Gates opened at 1:30 PM, entertainment began at 2:00 PM and the parade started at 2:30 PM.
- Sunday, February 19, 2023 – SECOND PARADE: Gates opened at 1:30 PM, entertainment began at 2:00 PM and the parade started at 2:30 PM.
- Saturday, February 25, 2023 – GRAND PARADE: Gates opened at 1:30 PM, entertainment began at 2:00 PM and the parade started at 2:30 PM.
The parade route included:
Piazza Volontari della Libertà
Via Damiani
Corso Unità d’Italia
Via Manara
Via Carcano
Entrance points to the parade circuit were located at:
Via Milano
Corso Unità d’Italia
Via Armando Diaz
Via G. Carcano
For further information, visit the official Carnevale Canturino website.
Schignano
The traditional Schignano Carnival is known for its unusual and distinctive celebrations.
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the small village of Schignano hosted the famous parade featuring the traditional masks of the “Brutti” (Ugly) and the “Belli” (Beautiful).
Another highlight took place on Tuesday, February 21, with the traditional escape of Carlisepp, the figure representing Carnival. During this entertaining ritual, Carlisepp attempted to escape the bonfire by running through the village’s narrow streets.
In addition, Sunday, February 12, featured a special Carnival parade for children.
Admission was free for both the main Carnival celebrations and the children’s event.
For the detailed programme, visit the Schignano Carnival website.
Cermenate
After a three-year break, the Cermenate Carnival finally returned in 2023 for its 28th edition, with a programme full of activities.
The official opening took place on Friday, February 17, at 9:00 PM, when participating floats received their registration numbers.
The main Carnival parade followed on Sunday, February 19, at 2:00 PM.
Floats travelled through Via Matteotti, Via Garibaldi, Via Scalabrini, Via Diaz and Via De Gasperi, where the parade both started and finished.
Capiago Intimiano
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Municipality of Capiago organised a Carnival celebration involving several parish youth centres and local associations.
The event took place from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Castello di Ariberto Park.
Visitors enjoyed music, group dancing, face painting for children, souvenir photo stations and many other games.
Furthermore, the castle’s Sala Camini hosted a special “Carnival Exhibition”, created in collaboration with local schools and kindergartens.
Brenna
Brenna Carnival took place on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Participants gathered at the parish youth centre at 2:00 PM, before setting off on a parade through the village streets.
After returning, the celebrations continued with traditional Carnival fritters, confetti and an award for the best costume.
Erba
On Saturday, February 25, 2023, the Erba Carnival parade returned after a three-edition break.
The procession started in Piazza del Municipio in the early afternoon.
Animated groups and puppets then travelled through the streets of Erba, eventually reaching Piazza Mercato for the final celebration.
Local schools, parish youth centres and kindergartens also participated with groups in costume.
Tavernerio
In Tavernerio, the Carnival celebration took place on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Starting at 2:00 PM, Centro Livatino hosted dancing, games and a costume competition to reward the most impressive disguises.
At the end of the festivities, Pro Loco Tavernerio offered refreshments to everyone.
Orsenigo
The Orsenigo Carnival was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
Participants gathered at 2:30 PM in Piazza del Filatoio, where the parade through the village streets began.
At 3:30 PM, the procession arrived at the parish youth centre for a celebration with games and entertainment.
The event ended at approximately 5:00 PM.
Montorfano
In Montorfano, Carnival was celebrated on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
The festivities began at 2:30 PM in Piazza Roma, with music, games and group dancing.
One of the highlights was a giant soap bubble show.
Finally, everyone could enjoy refreshments at the end of the celebration.
Appiano Gentile
On Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 3:00 PM, the Carnival float organised by “Amici del Carnevale di Cirimido” departed from Via Milano.
The procession then brought music, dancing and entertainment to Piazzale Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa.
Rovenna
In Rovenna, the 2023 Carnival featured a football theme in honour of the famous Brazilian footballer Pelé, who passed away on December 29, 2022.
The celebration took place on Sunday, February 19, at 2:30 PM, starting from the Rovenna parish youth centre.
Visitors watched the Carnival float parade through the village streets, accompanied by music from the Corpo Musicale di Rovenna.
Afterwards, the festivities continued with refreshments in Piazza Vittoria and the traditional burning of the witch effigy.
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