From 19 to 24 February every corner of the capital will be in party costumes. Under the banner of “Rome Carnival 09” a myriad of events, games, dances, parades and firework displays will light up the centre and beyond.
The party starts in one of Rome’s most beautiful piazzas, Piazza Navona, on 19 Feb at 3PM with an event especially for children. The entertainment reaches its climax on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22.
In the past carnival was one of the city’s most awaited and loved celebrations and it even became more important than the Venice carnival in the Renaissance. The street festival lasted an impressive 8 days and was held primarily in Piazza Navona progressed to Monte Testaccio and ended in Via del Corso.
This year traditions have not been forgotten and can be enjoyed in the form of “The return of the horses on the Corso”, which is a parade of horses and equestrian arts. It recalls a race that until 1882 was the main event on each of the carnival’s 8 days. At sunset jokeless horses flew along the length of Via del Corso to the pleasure of the crowds.
In addition to the horses there are firework displays, comedy and artistic performances, parades of floats, all of which have an air of modernity about them.
The courtyards of Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne and Palazzo Sforza Cesarini will be especially opened to the public. Artists will show visitors the beauty and history of the buildings that will doubtlessly be made even more fascinating by the colours of the carnival.
The centre is not alone in putting on a great show because the festivities will also explode in the suburbs with costumed processions, group dances, music, entertainments and even displays on ice.
The 2009 Carnival will come to life along the streets Ostia, Rome’s most loved maritime neighbourhood. Come and admire the colourful floats with their music and games for children. Moreover the shops will be staying open on Sunday to add to the celebrations.
The programme:
21 February procession along the seafront
22 February roman cabaret festival at piazza dei Ravennati.
24 February procession around the port
To give the festivities due space a pedestrian area of over 5km has been created along the seafront – the longest in Rome.
Not to be missed is a magnificent fireworks display on Sunday 22 at 8:30 PM on the Pincio (The Spanish Steps / Pz. del Popolo)
The party closes on Tuesday 24 at 6:00 PM at the Tor di Quinto Park with a marathon carnival dance.
For further information call +39 060608 or visit www.060608.it
