The night of Cucibocca
This is an ancient tradition marking the end of the Christmas libations and festivities. The mysterious figures taking part in the ceremony go around the alleyways of the town centre wearing a dark cape and a monstrous hat, their faces rendered…
La Tradizione del Carnevale in Basilicata
Il suono cupo dei campanacci, maschere dalle forme singolari e rievocazioni della transumanza contraddistinguono i carnevali antropologici e antropomorfi della tradizione lucana. Colori, suoni e danze pervadono i borghi lucani trasformandoli in…
”l’Mash-kr”, The Masks of Tricarico
The masks of Tricarico, “l’Mash-kr” in local dialect, epitomise the "bull" and the "cow". A wide-brimmed hat covered with a scarf and a veil, both white, decorated with multicoloured ribbons down to the ankles, is the "cow". A black headdress…
THE MONTESE CARNIVAL AND CARNEVALONE
The dynamic, colourful displays feature a procession of masked figures and floats created by young, local papier mâché craftsmen, who are custodians of this secular tradition, which move along the city streets. The Montese Carnevalone and Carnival…
The “Horned” Masks Of Aliano
Every year on Shrove Tuesday, characteristic figures roam the streets of Aliano: they are the "horned" masks that enliven the carnival. “They were jumping and shouting like maddened beasts, drunk with their own hue and cry These were peasant…
“The Festival of the Cowbell” in San Mauro Forte
On 16th January the dull but deafening sound of "cowbells" (‘Campanacci’) breaks the quiet of the village in the province of Matera during Carnival, resounding along the streets and alleys, to the Norman Tower, in an atmosphere of captivating…
The “Rumit” Tree Man Of The Carnival Of Satriano Di Lucania
A tree man covered with ivy, the plant that covers the forests of Satriano di Lucania. The "Rumit" is the protagonist of the Carnival, but also a tree ritual of the municipality which falls within the Parco Nazionale dell'appennino Lucano. The rite…
The Bear and The Carnival Of Teana
Improvisation, instinct, and curiosity characterise the Carnival of Teana, one of the best known and attended in the Basilicata region. The main protagonists are the Bear and the Carnival, and the latter, on the last Saturday, hosts the "trial", a…
”The Four Seasons and The Twelve Months of The Year” in Cirigliano
".. .but if the comrades are with me, a flask of wine, a piece of sausage, I shoot a woodcock, kill the thrushes, I look at beautiful girls, and live through my memories". So reads a passage from the part of “Inverno” (Winter), one of the…
The “Domino” in Lavello
Every Saturday night during the period from 17th January to the Saturday after Ash Wednesday, the Carnival in Lavello is animated by “festini” (parties). In these attractive locations, staged for the celebrations of the most anticipated period of…
The Carnival of Straw in Viggianello
Floats and ‘Pagliarino’, the typical mask, are the protagonists of the "Straw Carnival" of Viggianello. Willow branches modelled by nimble hands take shape until gigantic structures which are covered with newspaper and paper mache. The parade of…
The Clown and The Floats in Stigliano
Fun and traditional, the Carnival of Stigliano has ancient roots and over time has undergone radical developments especially in the construction of floats. One month in advance, groups of young people, with the help of experienced adults, endeavour…