Carnival in Saponara
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The Carnival in Saponara is famous for the Pantomima of the bear and the princely court which takes place on Shrove Tuesday each year to crown the organized Carnival celebrations.
It is a historical re-enactment of an event that really happened in the eighteenth century when Prince Alliata managed to capture a bear that had caused massacres in the village and for to celebrate the incident he paraded the bear in chains through the city streets.
During the parade of the bear and the princely court, the bear walks imprisoned by ropes and chains governed by the tamers, and is accompanied by two hunters, by the Prince, the Princess and the entire Royal Court. During the parade, the bear invites the women he meets on his path to dance, alternating, however, with this graceful invitation of his, moments in which he becomes aggressive and threatening.
A very particular rite that accompanies the parade is the ritual some shells. The shells are used as musical instruments and give rise to a sound that accompanies the procession. This sound follows a determined rhythmic sequence punctuated by the sound of two snare drums which dictate the tempo and which combine their sound with that of the shells.
Dates and Scheduling
3 Mar 2025
15:00 - 17:30 “The Saponara Carnival in the Classroom”
Conference dedicated to discovering the traditions of the Saponara Carnival and the way in which these can be integrated into school teaching.
Speakers:
Helga Corrao, Roberta Faustini, Rossana Bonfiglio.
Aula Consiliare
4 Mar 2025
14:00 Historical re-enactment of the over one hundred year old"Parade of the Bear and the Princely Court".
8 Mar 2025
Two carnival traditions come together in an extraordinary event. The Bear of Jelsi will host the Bear of Saponara and the entire Princely Court, creating a unique occasion for celebration and cultural celebration.
17:00 Masquerade games for children with entertainment.
Piazza Umberto I
17:00 Parade of the Bear and the Princely Court of Saponara. The streets of the town will come alive with colours, music and dance.
19:00 Representation of the Bear of Saponara and the Sicilian Princely Court.
Largo Giurista M. Testa
19:30 The ballad of the BEAR-MAN.
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References
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