The Spring Festival is an ancient carnival that has been enlivening the streets of Casola Valsenio since 1891 with allegorical floats, contemporary narratives, and folk culture.
The Giganti di gesso (Gypsum Giants) are "serious" floats, unique for their subject matter. They originated during Mid-Lent, a carnival day that interrupted Lent, presenting themes of history and current events.
The performers remain motionless in sculptural poses throughout the parade: the human body is molded as if it were plaster, merging with the float itself in a folk language that makes the Casola floats akin to medieval frescoes. The plaster is tied to the history of the area, a landscape dominated by the Romagna Chalk Vein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the 125th edition, the center of Casola Valsenio comes alive with music, entertainment, exhibitions, markets, and the essential food stand, where you can enjoy the best of Romagna cuisine.
In the evening, the Segavecchia, the "mascherone" (large mask) float representing all the evils of winter, is put on trial with a show of dancing, singing, and games before being set on fire in a great bonfire, acting as a purification and a propitiation for the new season.
The day concludes with a big street party, which runs from 10:00 PM until late at night, featuring live music and a cocktail bar.
In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to the following day.
