Valtenesi Carnival Launch Highlights Strong Viareggio Carnival Ties

There was also Battista Ceragioli, a member of the Organizing Committee of the Viareggio Carnival, present at the launch of the XVII^ edition of the Manerba Carnival, which from this year has been redefined as Carnival of Valtenesi. The event took place at the Da Vittorio restaurant in Manerba del Garda. This notable presence from Viareggio is significant as it symbolizes the reciprocal desire for twinning between the renowned carnival of Versilia and the only remaining carnival on the Gardesana shores, that of Valtenesi.

But this will not be the only real representation of the Viareggio Carnival in Manerba. On Saturday, February 17, on the eve of the first allegorical float parade, along the streets of the historic center and within the tasting pavilions featuring typical Valtenesi products—including Maöl, Pestüm, and Chisöl, which from this year will be part of the gastronomic court of Re del Carnevale di Manerba, the Re del Maöl—there will also be Miss Carnevale di Viareggio 2001, Delia Degl’Innocenti, and the official mask of the 2001 Viareggio carnival.

These characters will set off for Viareggio during the night to participate in the official parade scheduled for Sunday, February 18. However, their presence in Viareggio will not be merely symbolic or motivated by commercial or promotional interests. In future years, the twinning will continue through other initiatives such as, for example, a mask-making course in papier-mâché, an art where Viareggio is a master.

This proposal was immediately welcomed not only by the local authorities present, including Mayor Isidoro Bertini and President of Pro Loco Pierino Santagiuliana, but also by Brescia Provincial Sports and Leisure assessor Alessandro Sala. He promised his direct involvement to bring a similar experience to Valtenesi.

To Bruno Lusenti, known as “Brunetto” to the Brescia public, musician, singer, and, why not, comedian, the task of illustrating the dense and interesting program already partly announced, as artistic director of the carnival event.

The festivities will kick off as mentioned on Saturday afternoon, the 17th, with Delia Degl’Innocenti, 18 years old from Calcinaia (Pisa), chosen among 62 participants to represent the Carnival of Viareggio in various events, photo shoots, television appearances, masked parades, and all activities tied to the Viareggio Carnival.

In the streets of the historic center, there will be performances by the Brazilian musical group Copacabana Show and the Dixieland Band Show. Sunday afternoon, at 2:30 pm, a parade of floats and masked groups, now expanded compared to previous editions thanks to a new route outside the historic center, allowing for larger setups.

Leading the allegorical floats will be a welcome return: the Majorettes of Vigonovo. Throughout the streets and squares, there will be various entertainments including jugglers, street performers, clowns, magicians, etc.

Saturday the 24th afternoon is reserved for children, with the Silver Mask 2001, and on Sunday, February 25, the second parade of floats with the Sabandieratori of the Palio di Montagnana and the Bicimatte of San Tommaso.

Following the parade, there will be voting and the awarding of the V° Trofeo Pro Loco di Manerba. In the evening, a “Grand Carnival Feast” will be held with Brunetto Trio and magician Gian.