Manerba Carnival Floats Contest Picks Top Ranks Amid Festive Atmosphere
The jury will be responsible for untangling the knot created yesterday in Manerba at the end of the first voting for the floats participating in the contest. In fact, four out of the seven floats are tied in second place with 95 points each: “Sturmstruppen” by Ragazzi del Perlino, “The Magic Flute” by Moniga, “Play Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow” by Puegnago, “Live Life” by Amici di san Bernardo. The provisional first position (96 points)—a lesson from Sanremo—is currently held by the float “Asterix and Obelix against Caesar” presented by the Pieve di Manerba del Garda district. At the bottom with 87 points is “The Adams Family” proposed by Ragazzi di Montinelle. Meanwhile, with 91 points, is “Venetian Masked Scene with Wedding in a Gondola” from Crociale di Manerba.
Organization and Atmosphere
Everything, or almost everything, went according to plan for the opening day of the 16th edition, the 4th Trofeo Pro Loco, of the Manerba del Garda Carnival, organized by the local Pro Loco in collaboration with the Town Administration of Manerba. Crowds, good weather, and most importantly, beautiful carnival floats parading and competing—this festive event always attracts several thousand people to the town of Valtenesi.
A gathering filled with joy and entertainment appreciated by both adults and children. A couple of hours that brought happiness to everyone. Kudos to the two announcers alternating in hosting both the floats and the entire event.
Two exceptional announcers, as under their disguises, masked, were Father Paolo the current priest and Don Claudio, who were the priest and host a couple of years ago. Compliments were also extended by the Mayor of Manerba, Isidoro Bertini, for the care dedicated to making the floats, two of which come from different localities in Valtenesi. Their presence bodes well for an expansion to all seven municipalities within the Valtenesi territory.
Special Moments and Future Projects
A particular mention goes to Clara Merici, secretary of Pro Loco and municipal councilor, who, despite celebrating her wedding on Saturday afternoon, February 26, decided to postpone her honeymoon until after Carnival. Truly commendable: congratulations! Well-deserved applause also went to the bands of Manerba and Muscoline, and to the majorettes from Bovolone, accompanied by their Band Corps.
Next Sunday, March 5, will be the second and final event, with the proclamation of the winner of the 2000 edition of the Manerba Carnival. The same route, the same protagonists, and guests, the “Sbandieratori del Palio di Montagnana”.
On Saturday afternoon, March 4, the day will be entirely dedicated to the children’s Carnival with the awarding of the “Silver Mask 2000”. Six floats are competing, but the number might nearly double, as each theme is often developed with two or three allegorical floats, complemented by many people in costumes.
This situation arises because the route through the historic center’s streets limited the width of the floats. Therefore, the organizers decided to extend the parade by adding more floats linked to the main theme.
