Eurocarnival in Pisa

On Friday 23 January, Pisa will host a stage of Eurocarnevale, the great international gathering of Guggen Bands, bringing over 800 musicians and performers from numerous European countries.

The bands are expected to arrive in the city at around 10:00 a.m., with performances in the main city squares. At 12:00 noon, under the Logge di Banchi, the Municipality of Pisa will offer the 800 musicians a welcome dish based on a local product: baked pasta with Pisan beef.

The programme will continue in the afternoon with the bands gathering at 1.30 p.m. in Piazza del Duomo. At 2:00 pm, the grand parade will begin through the city streets (Via Santa Maria, Via l’Arancio, Via San Frediano, Lungarno Pacinotti, Borgo Stretto, Via Ulisse Dini), ending at 3:30 pm in Piazza dei Cavalieri. Here, the “Monster Konzert”, the final concert with all the bands together, will be held.

Guggen Bands, which originated in Basel in the mid-20th century, are musical groups that perform famous folk, rock and pop songs in an ironic and dissonant style, accompanied by a theatrical component. Spectacular costumes, colourful masks and a powerful wind and percussion section transform each parade into an engaging experience that appeals to an international audience.