The long-awaited new edition of the Cento Carnival of Europe, the only one in the world twinned with the famous Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, is back.
Cento is thus preparing for a month of great celebration, which will take place in the period Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 2026 and will see the paper mache "Giants" competing for the title of best float 2026 along the striking straightaway of Corso Guercino.
The Carnival of Cento, one of the 15 historic carnivals in Emilia-Romagna, has been known since the 1600s thanks to some frescoes by the famous Cento painter Gian Francesco Barbieri known as Guercino.
The festival maintained the connotations of a typically local event until the late 1980s when it became an international event.
The Cento Carnival is not just a parade of floats, but a month-long celebration in which folklore, traditions, sports, art, culture, flavors, fun and mere entertainment intertwine in a great festive atmosphere. There will be many side events to cheer locals and tourists alike. The historic center of Cento will be colored with cultural, literary, sports, food and wine, music and folklore initiatives. On the stage in Guercino Square there will be, as every year, great testimonials and the rhythm of samba marked by the beautiful Brazilian dancers.
A tradition that will continue in the name of celebration and entertainment and will close, after the proclamation of the winning float, with the customary burning of the Rocca, the grandiose fireworks display that greets the end of the event every year.
The five parades will kick off at 2 p.m. and will see the paper mache "Giants" walk the entire kilometer of Corso Guercino, out and back.