Entertainment

Civita Castellana is preparing to host its annual Carnival, a vibrant celebration transforming the Italian town into “La città che balla” – “The City That Dances.” The 2026 edition promises a spectacle of masked revelers, elaborate floats and a deep dive into local tradition, attracting both Italians and international tourists alike. The event, deeply rooted in the community’s history, is poised to be one of the most beautiful and engaging carnivals in Italy.

More than just a parade, the Civitonico Carnival is a collective ritual, a cornerstone of the town’s identity. Each year, the celebration unfolds through artistry, satire, and a playful spirit, engaging families, associations, and volunteers who dedicate months to its creation. The carnival has too become a significant draw for tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience not only the festivities but also the rich historical, cultural, and culinary heritage of the region.

A Centuries-Old Tradition

The Historical Carnival of Civita Castellana boasts a history stretching back over a century, with the earliest documented evidence dating to a municipal statute from 1566. VisitLazio notes that even during the Middle Ages, jesters and clowns animated the event, fostering a sense of collective euphoria. Today, the tradition continues as young and old parade through the streets, dancing alongside the allegorical floats.

These floats are true works of art, meticulously crafted by local artisans using papier-mâché. Over the years, they have grown in size and sophistication, becoming a central feature of the carnival. The celebrations officially begin on January 17th with the arrival of O’Puccio in Piazza Matteotti, accompanied by the folk band “La Rustica,” known for their distinctive red and blue uniforms.

Carnival Highlights and Schedule

The heart of the Carnival lies in the allegorical float parade, a vibrant procession winding through the historic center. Thousands of participants, both masked and in costume, contribute to the lively atmosphere. MSN reports that the main gala parade is scheduled for February 8th, 15th, and 17th, 2026, expecting to draw thousands of masked participants and visitors.

The festivities extend beyond the parades, encompassing live music, animation, and special events for children. Civita Castellana embraces the spirit of the carnival, inviting everyone to participate, not just as spectators but as active contributors, donning masks and immersing themselves in the contagious energy of the celebration. The 2025 edition, as showcased in a YouTube video, featured over 7,000 masked participants, highlighting the scale and enthusiasm of the event.

“La Città che Balla”: More Than Just a Slogan

The slogan “La città che balla” – “The City That Dances” – encapsulates the very essence of Civita Castellana during Carnival. As stated in Civita Explorer, it’s not merely a phrase but the heart of the experience. The culmination of the carnival is the burning of O’Puccio, a giant papier-mâché figure, on Shrove Tuesday night, marking the end of the festivities.

The Carnival of Civita Castellana is also celebrated with traditional recipes, such as the Frittelloni, thin fritters sprinkled with pepper and Pecorino cheese.

As the 2026 Carnival approaches, Civita Castellana is preparing to once again welcome the world to experience its unique blend of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. The event promises to be a memorable occasion, solidifying Civita Castellana’s reputation as a premier Carnival destination in Italy.

What are your favorite Carnival traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help spread the word about this exciting event!

The coaching lineup for the upcoming season of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ is stirring debate, with television personality Tina Nijkamp publicly questioning whether Dinand Woesthoff will remain a coach following the addition of Dutch artist Joost Klein. The speculation arises from Klein’s perceived lack of engagement and unconventional approach to the competition, traits that Nijkamp suggests wouldn’t be well-received on the Dutch version of the show.

Nijkamp’s comments, shared on Instagram Stories, followed the release of a promotional video for ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ featuring Klein. In the video, Klein appears surprised to learn that turning his chair during blind auditions automatically adds a contestant to his team, prompting the question, “How does this work now? Now she’s automatically on my team?” This moment, captured and shared widely, fueled Nijkamp’s observation that Klein’s apparent disinterest might not align with the expectations of ‘The Voice of Holland’.

Joost Klein is set to join Koen Wauters, Mathieu Terryn, and Laura Tesoro as coaches on ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen,’ which is scheduled to begin on February 13th, 2026. The format mirrors that of ‘The Voice of Holland,’ starting with blind auditions. Yet, Klein’s past behavior has raised concerns about potential disruptions.

The addition of Klein to the coaching panel has already been described as a “risk” by entertainment commentator Evert Santegoeds, who expressed concerns about potential backstage conflicts. Santegoeds pointed to Klein’s disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and an incident where he aggressively approached a camerawoman backstage as evidence of his unpredictable behavior. He suggested that Klein’s “free spirit” and tendency to surround himself with a close-knit group of friends could lead to difficulties in maintaining a stable working environment.

This isn’t the first time questions have arisen regarding the coaching lineup of ‘The Voice’ franchises. The Dutch version of the show is returning after a hiatus with Ilse DeLange, Suzan & Freek, Willie Wartaal, and Dinand Woesthoff as coaches. Notably, this season will not feature live shows, with the finale being pre-recorded months in advance, a decision that has drawn criticism from some industry observers.

Nijkamp’s pointed remark – “Well, I understand why they didn’t choose him in the Netherlands. That apparent disinterest of Joost doesn’t quite fit with ‘The Voice’ in the Netherlands” – highlights a broader discussion about the suitability of certain personalities for the talent show format. The contrast between Klein’s style and the expectations of the Dutch audience is central to the debate.

The situation also comes after a period of scrutiny for ‘The Voice’ franchises. The show has faced challenges and controversies in recent years, leading to increased attention on the behavior of coaches and the overall production environment.

As ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ prepares to launch, all eyes will be on Joost Klein to see how he navigates his role as a coach and whether his unconventional approach will resonate with viewers and fellow judges. The dynamic between Klein and the existing coaching panel, particularly Dinand Woesthoff, will be a key element to watch as the season unfolds.

The upcoming season promises to be a closely watched one, not only for the talent showcased but also for the interactions and potential conflicts among the coaches. The show’s producers will likely be monitoring the situation closely to ensure a smooth and successful run.

What remains to be seen is how Klein’s presence will impact the overall tone and direction of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen.’ The show’s success will depend on finding a balance between embracing Klein’s unique personality and maintaining a professional and engaging environment for the contestants.

Share your thoughts on the new coaching lineup and what you expect from the upcoming season of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ in the comments below!