Around Lake Como, Carnival is celebrated with great passion.

Carnival, one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional festivities, has its roots in ancient Rome and has evolved over the centuries. This historical significance connects us to our rich cultural heritage.

Every corner of the Earth celebrates Carnival in its way, and in many places, including some Italian locations, it is deeply felt and, therefore, celebrated in the most varied ways.

But when was Carnival born?

As we anticipated, Carnival has been traced back to ancient Rome, as attested by studies on the Saturnalia, a Roman festival dedicated to Saturn from 17 to 23 December. These were days of joy, feasting, and jokes; banquets were organized in which enslaved people were served by their masters, and the Rex Saturnaliorum was elected.

The king of Saturnalia has been associated with the “king of Carnival,” a burlesque authority who personifies the festival and appears in many carnivals. Some scholars also consider the reversal of social roles a common element. However, Saturnalia was not characterized by masks, which appeared in the Middle Ages. 

Winter disguises, characterized by comedy and the grotesque, and popular festivals were rampant everywhere, despite the aversion of the Church, which therefore tried to put a limit on them: Lent. Carnival was thus circumscribed as a time of binges and excess instead of fasting and penance.

Carnival in Lombardy and on Lake Como

Lombardy, a land of lakes, mountains, and cities of art, hides a cultural treasure revealed yearly in the most colourful and festive period: Carnival. This celebration, deeply rooted in history and local traditions, transforms the squares and streets of Lombardy’s villages and cities into a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and flavours. 

The Carnival in Lombardy, and above all on Lake Como, is not just a time for fun and revelry. It also holds significant cultural and historical value, reflecting the region’s rich heritage and community spirit. 

Carnival takes on a unique character in the Lombard context, combining folkloristic and historical elements. This uniqueness is what makes our Carnival so intriguing and worth exploring.

The typical masks of Lombardy tell stories of historical figures, legendary figures, and social archetypes. Among the most famous, we acknowledge Meneghino, a symbol of Milan, for his witty character and popular wisdom. Gioppino, originally from Bergamo, is no less critical, recognizable by his three goitres and jovial spirit. These masks, together with many other less-known but equally fascinating ones, are the soul of the Carnivals of Lombardy, bringing local stories and legends to life.

Other events near Lake Como not to be missed: the historic Carnival of Schignano and Milan.

Hidden in the mountains of the Intelvi Valley, in the province of Como, the Schignano Carnival is an explosion of creativity and tradition. This Carnival is distinguished by its wooden masks, true masterpieces of local craftsmanship. The main characters are the belli (beautiful people)  and the brutti (ugly people), representing the country’s rich and poor.

The belli paraded in elegant clothes and finely decorated masks, while the brutti wore worn clothes and grotesque masks. This contrast symbolizes the ancient social divisions of the country but also the cycle of life and nature. A curious anecdote tells that in the past, during Carnival, the young people of the country used masks to court girls without being recognized by their parents, creating comical and sometimes embarrassing situations.

The main parade, which takes place on Shrove Tuesday, is a riot of colors and sounds, with the bells of the brutti ones ringing through the streets of the town and other folkloristic elements that make it unique.

Finally, the Ambrosian Carnival of Milan is a unique celebration that stands out for its duration. 

According to tradition, Sant’Ambrogio, the city’s patron, asked to postpone the Carnival to complete a pilgrimage. Since then, the Milanese Carnival ends on the Saturday after Ash Wednesday. The most anticipated moment is the parade on Fat Saturday, when the Meneghino, the symbolic mask of Milan, parades through the center streets, accompanied by masked groups and allegorical floats.

It is an event rich in traditions that you should not miss if you are in Lombardy!

In an era when traditions risk being lost, the Lombard Carnivals represent a precious cultural heritage that must be preserved and enhanced.

The most fascinating Carnivals on Lake Como and its surroundings

Around Lake Como, towns like Menaggio, Cernobbio, and Bellagio host fascinating Carnivals with parades, balls, and concerts that draw countless tourists and locals annually.

This time of year represents a fusion of tradition, culture, and fun, which involves everyone. Carnival’s inclusivity makes everyone feel welcomed and part of the celebration.

One of the most famous events is the “Carnevale a Menaggio”, the town where our Hotel Loveno, which stands out for its allegorical floats and the participation of local schools. Several events will be hosted this year, ending with the historic parade of allegorical floats that pass through the town’s streets.

The Cernobbio Carnival is rich in history and famous for its masquerade parties, where participants show off elaborate and colorful costumes, often inspired by historical figures or the commedia dell’arte. The “Festa dei Costumi” is one of the most popular events, with parades and theatrical performances that enliven the center of the town. Children also play a central role in the Carnival, with games, shows, and creative workshops tailored for them, making it a perfect family-friendly event.

We also remember the Bellagio Carnival, famous for its dance and music performances that blend with the lake landscapes’ beauty. The squares and streets of Bellagio are transformed into a living stage for dance, music, and animation shows that attract people of all ages.

Tremezzo, another fascinating town on the shores of the lake, organizes a series of events throughout February. Among the main events are the allegorical floats that animate the squares, the masked competitions, and the musical performances.

Lenno and Lierna are other towns that host Carnival events, with masked parties and shows of various kinds. Lenno will host events for children and adults this year, with allegorical floats, dances, and traditional games. Lierna, on the other hand, organizes its Carnival with folkloristic events and theatrical shows that tell the history and local legends.

Contact us to discover more info@hotelloveno.com.

– Sara