Carnival Float Competition: Rivani Aim for Arco d’Argento Trophy

The craftsmen of the Arcese group of parade floats for the big carnival are on edge. Once again this year, the coveted “Arco d’Argento” (Silver Arch), the prestigious prize awarded to the winner of the masked parade, is at stake. The Rivani, who for four years have participated as main characters in the Carnival parade, have already thrown down the challenge, confident of victory.

In 2000, they did not achieve the goal because, according to the Rivani, they were snubbed by the jury due to the usual localism (even though they won the “Sympathy Award” voted by the sea of spectators). The proclamation is made by Gian Carlo Aldo Maria degli Angelini de Stranforio, known to friends simply as Gian Carlo Angelini, who relies on artistic director Roberto Piazza and the Rivano event committee, including Ezio Buonaluce, Giuliano Miori, Laura and Renato Civettini.

The Parade Float Challenge

“This isn’t the usual carnival boast, but I am confident of bringing the ‘Arco d’Argento’ to Rocca as a trophy of conquest,” challenges degli Angelini. “Between us and the other competitors there is an abyss due to the different ‘class’ in float construction. Our design, themed around the fairy tale of Mary Poppins, is artistic and creative.”

“We work like the ‘masters’ of the prestigious Sanremo and Viareggio carnivals. Everything is assembled by hand, by meticulous craftsmen, and covered with pieces of glued newspaper to form the famous papier-mâché. Then comes coloring and decorating. Our rivals, on the other hand, have little artistic flair. They mostly use recycled pieces prepared elsewhere, and it says a lot that their suppliers are the Viareggio float builders with whom they have a well-established relationship, supported by periodic ‘work transfers’.”

The only concern is the jury; we hope, but doubt, that they do not suffer from the ‘local bias.’ For a more balanced judgment, they should consider how the floats are prepared.

Responses Between Rivals

The untamable bravado of the “admiral” of the degli Angelini de Stranforio has struck a nerve with the Arcese builders, and two of them, Mario Matteotti of the “Mattacchioni” group and Renzo Ischia, the popular “Gnochet” of the “Burloni,” have responded in kind.

“Every year, the Rivani propose the usual fairy tales tinged with ‘seaweed sickness,’ which means they lack ideas for challenging themes like ours,” the two respond. “So we wonder how they think they can win? Surely, even in 2002, the Benacensi will stick to their usual theme: a children’s story with the inevitable boat. In 1999, they built a sailing ship; now a small boat, and next year? A Gardesani barge? We’ll see.””