by InTrieste
Get ready for a carnival extravaganza like no other as neighborhoods across Trieste gear up for a week-long celebration packed with vibrant parades, masked revelry, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, February 8th, with an electrifying debut: the first-ever Parade of the Schools from the San Giacomo district at 10:00 AM, followed by San Giovanni’s schools at 10:30 AM. And don’t fret about the weather – if it rains, the show goes on indoors! The procession winds its way to the II Giulia Shopping Center, where the fun continues with games, music, and dancing courtesy of Be Nice starting at 10:45 AM.
But wait, there’s more! Servola joins the party with its own parade featuring preschools and elementary schools from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
As the afternoon sun sets in Servola, the time-honored “Corso delle Serve” takes center stage at 3:30 PM, a nod to carnival traditions of yore. Think caretakers parading aristocrats’ children, but with a hilarious twist! The procession, led by the Refolo Band, kicks off from the Gentilli Recreation Center.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Thursday also marks the opening of registrations for the Fat Tuesday Masquerade. Individuals, couples, and groups of all ages can sign up via WhatsApp or in person at the Carnival Infopoint located at Sala Veruda, Piazza Piccola 2, on Saturday, February 10th, and Sunday, February 11th.
On Friday, February 9th, the Barriera Vecchia district keeps the momentum going with its school parade starting at 10:00 AM from Gaspardis School. With the Refolo and Arcobaleno Bands in tow, the procession wraps up with a lively celebration at the San Vincenzo de’ Paoli Oratory.
Meanwhile, in Borgo San Sergio, the party kicks off at 10:00 AM with a school parade accompanied by the tunes of the Tritono Association and the Drum Squad. The day ends with prize-giving and festivities at the San Sergio Martire Parish field.
Friday afternoon sees the San Giovanni district come alive with its neighborhood parade at 4:00 PM, starting from the VI District headquarters. Masked revelers can strike a pose with Elena Bastiani before heading to the IlGiulia Shopping Center for more fun and dancing with Be Nice.
Valmaura adds its own flair with a neighborhood parade starting at 3:00 PM, accompanied by the Tritono Association’s musical ensemble. The parade kicks off at Bar Moreno and ends at the Pantaleone Street football field.
At 5:00 PM in Servola, the Municipal Recreators take to the streets, starting and ending their procession at the Gentilli Recreation Center.
Saturday, February 10th, brings more excitement to Roiano with a neighborhood parade at 3:00 PM, featuring the Santa Barbara Philharmonic. Following this, the 24th Annual Free Theme Masked Contest takes place, with awards presented at the Youth Center on Moreri Street.
Children can enjoy festivities in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring entertainment, music, and animations by Mauro Manni and Carol Miloch. And let’s not forget the creation of the largest mask circle in the region!
Sunday morning, February 11th, promises music and entertainment for the little ones in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, featuring Gianpaolo Bevitori.
Sunday afternoon, February 11th, in Servola, all are invited to participate in the neighborhood Masked Parade with masks and floats, accompanied by the Refolo Band.
And then comes the moment everyone’s been waiting for: Tuesday, February 13th, with the 30th Annual Masked Parade, a highlight of the “Palio di Trieste” competition. Starting at 2:00 PM, the parade route will wind through the streets of Trieste, concluding with awards ceremonies in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia.
Eight districts will vie for the coveted “Palio di Trieste 2024,” each with its own theme:
- Servola: “Servola Unwrapped”
- Roiano: “Everything Makes Music”
- Barriera Vecchia: “Pinoceto”
- San Giovanni: “The 4 Elements + 1”
- Valmaura: “Aperiland”
- San Giacomo: “Barbyeland”
- Cittavecchia San Giusto: “Night Street”
- Borgo San Sergio: “Who Gets Cleaned Up?”
Entertainment in Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia before and after the awards will be provided by Trieste’s own Mauro Manni, assisted by the Mami Staff: Alessandro Blasi and DJ Katta. Special guests include the TimeforYOU section of the TimeforTango Association, showcasing choreographies by professional dancer Carol Miloch, who will also lead group dances.
The festivities will continue into the night in Servola with the Funeral Vigil for poor Cornelio at midnight.
Wrapping up the carnival spectacle is Ash Wednesday, featuring the traditional Funeral Rites in both San Giovanni and Servola.
In San Giovanni, the Carnival Funeral organized by Proloco San Giovanni-Cologna will commence on Wednesday, February 14th, with a gathering at 2:30 PM in front of Bar San Giovanni in Piazzale Gioberti, bidding farewell to the mythical “Cianeto” or “El Mulo Maledeto.”
In Servola, the Funeral Procession will kick off at 3:30 PM, with a sorrowful display of wife, mistress, and grieving children culminating in the customary and picturesque bonfire.
