Carnival with a camper: the 5 events not to be missed from Basilicata to Friuli

ROME - The camper, as we know, allows you to travel freely, to decide to leave even at the last minute and to benefit from a familiar and comfortable space, far from constraints and reservations. It is the ideal vehicle for a tourism dedicated to relaxation, outside the schemes and the most popular and beaten itineraries. So also for the Carnival, the Camper and Caravan Production Association (Apc), launches its proposal with 5 events to experience this celebration in a way to discover lesser-known but no less interesting events.

1. The Carnival of Trees in Satriano di Lucania (1st and 2nd March)

In the medieval village in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, the festival celebrates ancient traditions and ecological innovations. The event is characterized by the Rumita, tree-men covered in ivy who move through the streets of the town. In addition, the Satriano carnival is animated by the Zita, a tradition in which men dress as women and vice versa to celebrate a symbolic marriage with a role exchange. Attractions include concerts, parades, parties and food stands offering typical dishes and vegan options. Campers can park in the camper area, via Sant'Andrea. Reservations are mandatory and must be made in advance through the Carnevale di Satriano website.

2. The sweet Carnival of Fano (March 2)

In the province of Pesaro and Urbino, between the blue sea and the green hills, we find an event made unique by the tradition of the Getto, the throwing of sweets and candies from the floats. With an average of 180 quintals of sweets and chocolates raining down on the spectators, this festival involves young and old. The sweets thrown from the floats are all packaged and the public is given cardboard cones to catch them on the fly, thus becoming a magical occasion to live out your dreams, especially this year, with the theme "Dreams are wishes". There are two rest areas available to campers, one in Viale Ruggero Ruggeri and the other in Viale Kennedy, both equipped with water and a drain.

3. The historic Carnival of Ronciglione (March 2)

The village in the province of Viterbo hosts an extraordinary event that blends tradition and innovation. The Gala Courses stand out with parades of masks, floats and folk bands, the Soap Box Race, a parade of carriages that involves everyone, and the Charge of the Red Noses, an emblematic symbol of the event. During the celebrations, the bell announces a new event every day: the delivery of the keys of the city to King Carnival, the Barberi races, the saltarello, the floats, the ritual of the death of King Carnival with the final “moccolata” and much more. The municipal rest area is in via San Giovanni, 130, located in the city center.

4. The Carnival of the Sauris Forest (March 1st)

The small mountain village surrounded by nature in the province of Udine, stands out for the use of wooden masks and creative disguises. The masks, made with materials found in homes and attics, give life to an exciting nighttime procession. On Saturday, March 1, the masks will gather in the square in Sauris di Sopra to begin a nighttime walk together in the woods by lantern light, accompanied by music and a break with mulled wine and tea. The evening will end with a party in Sauris di Sotto, where you can taste typical products and dance. The free camper parking area at the Wolf ham factory will be served by a free shuttle bus that will allow you to easily reach the various events, with ad hoc stops.

5. The Carnival of the shipyards of Foiano della Chiana (1-2-4-7-8-9 March)

The initiative in the town in the province of Arezzo is distinguished by the competition between four "Cantieri" (Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli and Rustici), who create allegorical floats in secret workshops. The Sunday parades are accompanied by spectacular floats, masquerades, shows, DJ sets and street food. A final judgement decrees the winner and the celebration culminates with the burning of King Giocondo, the symbolic king of the Carnival. Camper drivers can use, upon reservation, a free parking area at the Valdichiana Village (AR) - via Enzo Ferrari 5, Farniole. On Sunday, free shuttles will take you conveniently to Foiano.