The weekend of March 1st and 2nd, 2025, will see Italy come alive with vibrant celebrations of Carnival, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to revel in joyous events across various cities. From parades and art exhibitions to cultural showcases, this weekend promises to be rich with tradition and community spirit.
Starting with Pavia, the city gears up for "CarnevALL," a community-driven carnival celebration aimed at revitalizing local traditions. On Saturday, March 1st, the colorful parade will march through the streets, starting at 3 PM from Piazzale Ghinaglia and culminating at the gardens of the historic Visconti Castle. Those attending can expect spectacular performances by jugglers, stilt walkers, and various marching bands, adding to the festive atmosphere. Special shows featuring music and acrobatics are set to entertain the masses, alongside food and refreshments for both young and old. This event is spearheaded by community organizations promoting inclusion and creativity.
Also noteworthy is the international art exhibition "Al Momento, Qui" at Galleria L2ARTE, running from March 1 to 16. The exhibition highlights contemporary Palestinian artwork by eight artists, exploring themes of identity, memory, and freedom through original pieces. This exhibition coincides with other historical displays, contributing to Pavia's vibrant cultural scene.
Moving south to Bari, Saturday will host the much-anticipated Carnival parade in the Old Town. Kicking off at 6:30 PM, the event will feature costumed performers moving through the Old Town's narrow streets, culminating at the seaside Chiesa di San Giovanni Crisostomo, where visitors can indulge in traditional local fare, including calzone di cipolla, all set against the backdrop of folk music and local celebrations.
Adding to the excitement, famous Italian singer Francesco Gabbani will hold an instore event at Gran Shopping Molfetta the same evening, promoting his latest work and engaging with fans. This unique opportunity allows attendees to connect with the artist after his recent success at the Sanremo Music Festival.
Meanwhile, both Saturday and Sunday will be filled with family-friendly events as the "Cartoon Carnival Show" at the Santa Fara auditorium showcases beloved characters from animated series, engaging children and promoting anti-bullying messages. Each performance is crafted to be interactive, rendering it unique and memorable for families.
Heading over to Torino, the weekend will host "Cioccolatò 2025," celebrating all things chocolate. This sweet festival will run from February 27 until March 2, offering tastings, workshops, and cooking demonstrations. It’s perfect for culinary enthusiasts eager to explore the local chocolate-making art and savory delicacies.
Among the traditional Carnival events is the Carnevale di Ivrea, characterized by its famed orange-throwing festival, which transforms the town square with colorful floats and activities encouraging involvement and festive fun. The celebration will stretch until March 5, featuring various events, including performances and tastings reflective of local heritage.
Lastly, the capital city, Rome, prepares for major traffic changes due to the Carnival festivities. On Sunday, March 2nd, expect road closures and public transport modifications around key event locations, especially during the big parade starting at Piazza dell’Esquilino around 1:00 PM. The lively Carnival atmosphere contributes to city vibrancy, prompting changes to bus routes as parts of the city transform with the spirit of celebration.
Overall, this weekend is not just about fun; it emphasizes community, culture, and history, with millions of Italians participating across cities. So whether you're indulging in chocolate at Cioccolatò, observing the spectacular floats of Ivrea, or joining the joyous squalor of Pavia's parades, there's something for everyone—a true representation of Italy's rich cultural DNA!