The Carnival of Ascoli Piceno is an extraordinary
manifestation that has been handed down for generations and involves
the entire population. The spirit has obviously changed in time; if
originally this festival was related to the propitiatory rites of
Spring, little by little it transformed itself into a theatrical or
performance event, with the emphasis on amusement, during which the
entire city becomes the stage and the citizens are the actors.
Protagonists or spectators of sketches that are almost always
satirical in nature, with important local personalities or facts
taken from current events as the stimulus.
The Carnival in People's Square
Between February and March, in the days of Thursday, Sunday and Fat
Tuesday, the favored stage is People's Square, which is decorated
for the occasion with enormous fin-de-siecle lamps, while in
establishments all over town masquerade balls and parties are
organized in which people of all ages and walks of life participate.
Masked groups
The days of Sunday and Fat Tuesday are dedicated to a local
competition of masked groups, placed into categories according to
the number of participants. Awards are given on the evening of
Tuesday by a jury that selects the most original theme, the beat
costumes and naturally, the most amusing subject.
The individual mask
Alongside the organized groups, the city is populated with
individuals in costume, who, with slim budgets - and a good dose of
irony - make the atmosphere of the manifestation almost surreal.
Courtesy of the Comune Ascoli Piceno
