From February 16 to March 4, the Carnival of Avigliano Umbro returns with the traditional masks of the Commedia dell’Arte.

This highly anticipated event celebrates the Umbrian Masks of the Commedia dell’Arte, rediscovered in 2015 by Oliviero Piacenti and Paola Contili. Inspired by an ancient nursery rhyme passed down orally, the masks Rosalinda, Nasotorto, Nasoacciaccato, and Chicchirichella will take center stage in a special edition marking ten years of artistic activity and introducing exciting new features.

This year, the event expands with the goal of making the celebration itinerant throughout the Umbrian territory, involving towns historically linked to the tradition of the Umbrian Masks.

The journey begins in Montecastrilli, the birthplace of the mask Chicchirichella. Here, two educational days will be organized, dedicated to the history and significance of the Umbrian Masks.

Another unmissable event takes place in Sant’Eraclio di Foligno, home to the oldest Carnival in Umbria. In this historic setting, a special gathering will be held to honor the Umbrian Masks, accompanied by the National Poetry Competition “History and Magic of Carnival”, which highlights the connection between art, tradition, and literature.

In the heart of Avigliano Umbro, the Municipal Library will host an exhibition showcasing the original costumes of the four Umbrian Masks, offering visitors a journey through costumes, colors, and stories. The exhibition will be enriched with historical video screenings, retracing a decade of artistic work and showcasing the cultural significance of this tradition. Meanwhile, at the Municipal Theatre, local school students will perform their own interpretations on the theme “The Umbrian Masks at Columbus Day in New York.”

The grand finale will be the evocative Burning of Pippinaccio, held in Piazza Piave in Avigliano Umbro. This ancient ritual symbolically marks the end of the Carnival, with a large bonfire lighting up the square in an atmosphere filled with emotion and celebration.

For more information, visit the OFFICIAL WEBSITE.