The Caserta Carnival
2 minutes
The Carnival in Capua and Cellole has very ancient and deep roots, dating back to the late 19th century. The two municipalities of Caserta base the festival on community participation, with the parade of floats through the streets and neighbourhoods as the main event.
Beyond being an occasion for celebration and togetherness, Carnival is an important means of promoting and preserving local traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation thanks to the involvement of young people in schools and youth groups.
The Carnival of Capua
The Carnival of Capua is among the most historic in Italy and follows a ritual strongly linked to the city's history and traditions.
The festival is divided into three main stages: the first is the handing over of the keys to the city to the Carnival King, who mocks and derides all the misdeeds of the administrators. Then the procession sets off, crossing the historic centre, livened up by costumed groups performing comic skits and stock characters, and by bands playing cheerful, light-hearted tunes. The last act of the event is the Death of the Carnival King, which takes place on the evening of Shrove Tuesday, when the queen, dressed in mourning, announces his departure. The king's coffin, carried by performers wearing domino cloaks (long cloaks with hoods and face masks), is carried to the Volturno River and thrown into the water.
The Carnival of Capua involves the whole community: schoolchildren organise the parades, tailoring workshops make the costumes, and artisans design the sets. This spirit of sharing helps to build an identity-defining festival that is handed down from generation to generation.
The Carnival of Cellole
Between Monte Massico and the Garigliano river, the Cellole Carnival is celebrated every year. The festival is characterised by masked parades and floats, the real attraction of the festival.
Each district of the city presents its own float, designed and built by skilled construction teams and master artisans specialised in modelling papier-mâché. For the artistic staging of the event, which is deeply felt by the entire community, actors, set designers, and directors all contribute their expertise.
In addition to community participation, the Cellole Carnival involves actors, set designers and directors who help enrich the event and make it even more spectacular.
