The Grand Carnival of Maiori in 2023 is even more attractive than usual, thanks to the simultaneity with the Choco Italia in Tour which for the occasion stops in the municipality of the Amalfi Coast with the Chocolate Fair. There are not only the parades of allegorical floats and musical and dance events, masks and competitions between 16 and 26 February, but also the festival of artisan chocolate with an attached market, from 18 to 21 February.
Gran Carnevale Maiorese: program of the 49th edition
The theme of the 49th edition of the Gran Carnevale Maiorese is the protection of the oceans and the planet. The scheduled events take place on the seafront, in the marquee and in the amphitheater of the port of Maiori.
On 16 February at 10:00, at the marquee, the Citrea Company staged the Musical “Pinocchio” for kindergarten and primary schools. On the 17th at 20:30 Silvia Mezzanotte, former voice of Matia Bazar, performed in concert.
On the 18th at 18:30 there is the cosplay competition, which wins whoever best wears a costume interpreting a character from films, comics or cartoons.
On February 19, the parade of allegorical floats and dance groups is scheduled both at 11:30 from via Nuova Chiunzi street and at 15:30 from the intersection of via Nuova Chiunzi street to the tourist port, with a fireworks display on the avenue to the sea; at 20:30 performance of the dance groups on the stage of the amphitheater.
On 20 February at 3.30 pm masks and bubble show by Stefano Mauriello “The Bubble Artist” in the marquee, where at 11.00 pm there is the paid party “Carnival Party“.
On 21 February at 15:00 the floats and dance groups parade from Lungomare Capone to the port.
On the 24th at 8.30 pm in the same location the “Disco Music Revival” takes place with group dances (special guest Daniele Vitale Sax).
Day 25 at 5.30 pm the Disney-themed event takes place with free comics “If you know, answer – Let’s save the planet” at Palazzo Mezzacapo; at 20:30 there is the song theater show with Paolo Caiazzo in “Terroni si nasce, ed io lo nacqui… modestamente” in the marquee (free admission with reservation on eventbrite.it).
On 26 February at 11:30 the parade of allegorical floats and dancing groups starts from via Nuova Chiunzi street, while at 15:30 it moves from the crossroads to the port; at 20.30, at the amphitheater, there are performances on stage by the dance groups and the awards.
Download the program in pdf format.
The floats that parade in this edition are entitled “Neptune can be saved”, “Neverland”, “The master trash, starred chef in gourmet waste”, “A future to be saved” and “Don’t be surprised Alice”.
In line with the UNESCO celebrations for the Decade of the Sea, it intends to contribute to scientific research, sustainability, environmental protection and collaboration between sectors. In fact, the United Nations has declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Marine Sciences for Sustainable Development.
History of the event
The first edition of the Gran Carnevale Maiorese took place in 1971. The allegorical floats were scenic representations, with choreography and music that embodied the popular spirit of the festival, fully involving the public in an event characterized by folklore and tradition. From the mid-seventies iron and papier-mâché began to be used in the creation of the wagons. Currently the works made by hand by the tanker craftsmen, papier-mâché masters, have reached a high quality level. There are four building groups, each with its own dancing body.
Choco Italia on Tour in Maiori
The Artisan Chocolate Fair is held on the Maiori seafront on 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 February from 10:00 to 24:00, where you can appreciate the creations of master chocolatiers from all over Italy, the Ciokofabbrica, the first cultural factory of traveling chocolate, sweets and Italian specialities, pralines, cremini, nougats and chocolates for all tastes.
What the Fair has in common with the Maiorese Carnival is not only the quality craftsmanship, but also the local gastronomic culture; aubergines with chocolate are in fact a typical recipe of the place.
