Summer of the Zanni – A Historical Summer Carnival

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Participating in the Carnival of the Zanni (summer version) means immersing yourself in a unique experience, which combines fun, history and a sense of belonging.
It is an invitation to experience the magic of a tradition that continues to enchant and unite people, regardless of time and space.

The morning walk in the splendid gorges of the Laga mountains, towards the Prata and Volpara waterfalls, take the Italian-descendants back to the places of their ancestors’ life, among chestnut groves, beech forests and water games of rare beauty, and then end in the village of Umito.

Participants will be involved in the traditional Carnival of the Zanni, which for the exception will take place in the pre-autumn summer period, when the waters reach their maximum flow.
With traditional music and games, inviting them to participate with traditional hats prepared by those who remain in the mountain community together with local artisans.

Would you like to participate in such an event?

Imagine being immersed in the Carnival of the Zanni, where history comes alive and culture dresses up for the holidays.
Here, between laughter and dancing, you could meet Zanni who, with a mischievous smile, whispers jokes of yesteryear, and irreverent stornelli.
It’s not uncommon to see a confused tourist trying to use Google Translate to understand the jokes, while the locals laugh under their colorful hats.

The procession takes you through the alleys, where every corner reveals a new surprise.
Perhaps you will find a group of elders playing cards, arguing animatedly about who the real Zanni of the village is.
Or maybe you’ll stumble upon an impromptu dance lesson, where the steps are so intricate that they feel like a test of sobriety.

And then there is the food: tables set that defy the laws of physics with the amount of cheeses, cold cuts and desserts they can contain.
It’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate, and there’s no app that can hold it: here the only way to find out what you’re eating is… taste!

But the real heart of the carnival are the people: a community that welcomes everyone with open arms and even more open wine.
Whether you’re a descendant of emigrants or a curious traveler, you’ll feel like you’re part of something special, a bond that transcends time and space.

The echo of laughter that mixes with the sound of the accordions, you will find yourself thinking that, perhaps, the Zanni is a bit of all of us.
And as the sun sets over the Laga Mountains, you may wonder if it’s all a dream… until you find a piece of sugared almonds in your hat pocket.
Ah, the Carnival of the Zanni: an experience that will leave you with a smile and a slight headache.
Whether it’s for the wine or for the laughter, it doesn’t matter.
What matters is that you will return home with stories to tell and a desire: to return next year with more and more Italian-descendant relatives.

The organization is pouring to change the date of the event following the availability of the local and meteorological communities.