The Foiano Carnival (AR) in Tuscany features "Paper Mache"

    History and Curiosities  Although the Foiano della Chiana Carnival, as it is known today, is relatively recent (1930s), its celebration as a pagan festival of the city is very ancient. Its existence in ancient times seems to be confirmed by a provision in the Community Statute of 1539, which, regarding festivities, designated ”Carnival day with one day before and one day after...“, assigning three days to the celebration. Determining the ”form“ of the celebrations is still not easy: documents from 1809 reveal that even at this time, the Foiano Carnival was not celebrated with any particular ceremonies, but that the period was nevertheless considered a festive one, given that Podestà Vulpillot issued an ordinance permitting the wearing of masks. Carnival celebrations were mostly held indoors, in the form of vigils organized in the large kitchens of farmhouses, accompanied by shortcrust pastry ”cenci“ (a typical dessert still present in the culinary tradition of this period) to be passed around among the guests along with Vinsanto. In the village, these celebrations gave way to veglioni (ballet dances) in the local ”Garibaldi“ theater, which since 1826 had been reserved for large parties involving young and old, featuring music and dance. The theater's opening, although it required considerable expense, was always guaranteed because there was an awareness of the value of the event which, in addition to offering ”legitimate entertainment to the public, is also of no small benefit to them since it diverts many idle people from places of vice and educates the masses.“ With these and other arguments, in 1863 the president of the Theatre Academy asked the Municipality "to grant it a sum to offset the amount approved by the higher authorities as a dowry for the opening of the theatre. " Today, the Foiano della Chiana Carnival, the oldest in Italy, having reached its 477th edition in 2016, is considered among the most important events of its kind in Italy, both for its spectacular choreography and its historical tradition. Four large competing floats, belonging to the Azzurri, Bombolo, Nottambuli, and Rustici shipyards, parade before a jury of nationally renowned art experts. These colossal floats are crafted by true papier-mâché masters and mechanical technicians. Their dimensions, which must strictly adhere to the regulations, reach a maximum of 17 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 13 meters in height. The atmosphere created during the holidays is lively and surreal, in a topsy-turvy world where everything is permitted and the mask becomes a symbol of desecration and transgression. Dominating the Carnival crowd is the figure of King Giocondo, a symbol of Carnival in this small village and the absolute monarch of a kingdom that, despite its short duration, offers its citizens moments of escape and hope. King Giocondo opens the parades every Sunday, followed by the larger floats, masquerades, and bands. On the last Sunday of the festival, after making a public will, he is burned at the stake in the spectacular rificolonata ceremony. Due to its centuries-old history, the Foiano Carnival has been the subject of several important publications, photographic collections, and cultural and artistic events. The reasons for such interest are to be found in the uniqueness and brilliance of such a unique event: gigantic floats, crafted by expert hands, majestic and original creations are the protagonists of an event that winds through villages and narrow passages.