Fano Carnival, 3 reasons not to miss it

The Fano Carnival, rightly considered the oldest carnival event in Italy, has been held continuously since the 14th century. A document, dating back to 1347 and kept in the municipal historical archive, records the expenses incurred by the Municipality to buy the necessities for "El giucho de Charnevale". One parchment, dated 11 July 1173, suggests that it may even be older.

Over the centuries, the event has undergone a number of changes and has become increasingly distinctive: the parade, which moved from the old town centre to the wider and more atmospheric viale Gramsci, was enriched at the end of the 19th century with parades on foot and with floats. In 1872, an organisational committee was established, called the Società della Fortuna, which today has become the "Ente Carnavalesca" (Carnival Entity), involving and inspiring thousands of people.

"Not confetti, chalk or streamers, but sweets: chocolates, goodies, candies. Tonnes and tonnes of sweet treats: caskets, boxes, fondant bars, pastries, gianduia, crunchies, nougat, cremini". (Fabio Tombari – Fanese writer)

The moment that makes this event unique is the "Getto", that is, the throwing of sweets from the floats during the parades. Entrusted to the company Rovelli, creator of the Boero, the "Getto" will consist of 80 per cent high-quality chocolate: 180 quintals of milk, dark, hazelnut and caramel pralines, cream and fruit-filled chocolates will rain down from the monumental papier-mâché floats onto the numerous visitors, armed with the colourful sweet bags designed by Fano artist Paolo Del Signore, bringing one of the most unique experiences of the year to a sweet conclusion.

A perfect play of improbable balance, bright colours and majestic figures that chase each other in a luxurious choreography. This is the spectacle that comes to life in the streets of Fano when the allegorical floats come out of the sheds and into the sunlight, a fascinating spectacle that never ceases to amaze.

The spectacular "animated sculptures", accompanied by dozens of masked groups and a completely new "Puppet", travel the route three times, recalling current issues and political satire. In the first round, the new creations are presented, in the second, there is the traditional "throwing of sweets" at the crowd, while the third, known as the"luminaria", takes place at sunset, with the floats illuminated in a thousand colours, creating a fascinating spectacle of lights that leaves you breathless!