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WHERE: Cento, Italy
WHEN: 16th and 23rd February. 02nd, 09th, 16th March 2025
The one and only Italian carnival that can boast of participating in the most important carnival in the world: Rio de Janeiro!
Thanks to a twinning established over 30 years ago, back in 1993.
Starting from the following year, every Italian delegation was invited to participate in the parade at the Sambadrome!
This alone would be a source of pride for an entire community.
But the beauty of the Carnival of Cento goes far beyond the simple parade.
The great protagonist is the city with its enchanting medieval village, as elegant as it is fascinating and evocative. Especially during the holidays.
Corso Guercino is its true hub.
Tasi, with his fox on a leash, is instead its mask.
Today, the Carnival of Cento can be considered one of the Carnival celebrations not to be missed in Italy.
An event that has been able to innovate perfectly while maintaining its roots and tradition.
The theme of the 2025 edition of the Cento Carnival will be dedicated to “New Horizons“.
Photo © Stefano Liboni
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET THERE
The beautiful Emilian city is located about 35 km north of Bologna, and just over 200 from Milan.
CAR PARKING CARNIVAL OF CENTO
The city does not have a train station and can only be reached by car or bus.
The car allows you to move around independently but, during the carnival period, there are obvious parking difficulties. It is preferable to arrive before 12:00. Two parking areas (both paid) are located not far from Piazza Guercino, in Via della Libertà and Via IV Novembre.
SHUTTLE BUS
An official shuttle service is available on the Sundays of the parades.
There are 4 different lines: Bologna (central station), Ferrara, San Giovanni in Persiceto and San Pietro in Casale.
On the official website you can buy tickets for a return trip, and choosing the most convenient departure time. Tickets cost €7 and €16 (Bologna and Ferrara) and €5 and €8 (San Giovanni and San Pietro). The price differences refer to children and adults
CARNIVAL OF CENTO PROGRAM 2025
Five parades of allegorical floats will invade the streets of the historic center of Cento, always on Sunday, on 16th, 23rd February and 02nd, 09th 16th March 2025. Appointments starting at 2:00 pm.
The colorful and festive parades will be animated by the works created by the five competing Carnival Associations: I Ragazzi del Guercino, Toponi, Fantasti100, Mazalora and Risveglio.
Sunday 16th March 2025, from 5:00 pm, in Piazza Guercino, the winning float of the 2025 Cento Carnival of Europe Edition will be awarded. It will be his turn to parade next year at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival!
Music, as per tradition, will also be a major protagonist at the Carnival of Cento 2025. Among the great guests will be Dargen D’Amico (on 16/02) and Mr Rain (on 23/02).
TICKETS 2025
To attend the parades of the allegorical floats you must purchase a special ticket, valid for the single day, at a cost of €18.
Pass for all 5 parades are also available at a cost of €35 per person.
The price does not include any commissions.
Tickets and pass can be purchased on the official website or at the affiliated ticket offices.
*all information contained herein, including timetables and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered official. All names and trademarks herein belong to their respective owners.
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