Like every year, the Segavecchia festival arrives in mid-Lent.
From 2 to 10 March 2024, the event takes place in Forlimpopoli which every year attracts thousands of people to this picturesque town in Romagna, located between Forlì and Cesena, at the foot of the splendid Bertinoro hill.
The name derives from the sawing in half of the Old Woman, a large papier-mâché puppet depiciting a woman full of sweets and toys that are distributed to children. According to tradition, the origin of this festival dates back to the Middle Ages when an old woman of dubious customs, guilty of having eaten meat, in contravention of the Lenten fast, was condemned to be sawn alive.
Although some documents attest to its existence as early as the 14th century, the roots of this tradition seem even more ancient and could even be found among the ancient Celtic rites of the life-death-life cycle and in the festivals of the rural world. The Old Saw would therefore represent the end of winter and the return of spring, full of fruits and gifts for people. The secret of Segavecchia's success lies precisely in the mystery and magic that hover around its symbolism.
The Carnival parade is eagerly awaited every year, culminating with the awarding of the most successful float; a tradition that involves the entire fabric of the city with the many volunteers from associations and groups of Forlimpopolesi engaged during the year in the preparation of always original and playful figures and sets.
And, like any self-respecting celebration, the food stands cannot be missing, which in this Artusian town are transformed into irresistible places for gourmets. Not to mention the fun of the amusement park, cotton candy, bingo, musical events and the inevitable Old Market.
The detailed program is available on the official website of the event.
