No street parties or costume parades, the Olbia Carnival has been suspended. The "Amici del Carnevale Olbiese" association, the beating heart of the event for 40 years, announced this in a brief statement. Just last year, they relaunched "su carrasegare" with the presentation of the mascot "Cozza mascherata" (Masked Cozza). The funds are said to be insufficient to guarantee quality and safety.
"It is with great regret that this year's Carnival in Olbia will not take place," the statement reads. "A painful decision, made with great awareness and a sense of responsibility, driven primarily by economic reasons. The regional call for proposals for which the association could have participated was published just today. However, the expected contribution covers only 50% of the costs , a support that, while significant, is not sufficient to guarantee the launch and management of a complex organizational machine like that of the Carnival. The Municipality of Olbia, for its part, is providing a contribution of 70% , but even this percentage is insufficient to cover the costs necessary to organize an event that lives up to expectations and, above all, is safe for everyone.
Organizing the Carnival means much more than a parade—the statement continues—it involves safety, logistics, services, responsibility, and the protection of participants, families, and volunteers. Without adequate resources, carrying on an event of this magnitude would mean making compromises that the Friends of the Olbia Carnival are not willing to accept. Despite this decision, the association wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to all those who have confirmed their support and solidarity this year: Confcommercio Olbia, the Olbia Mare Shopping Center, IES Eventi, and the Isola Bianca Playground. This sign of confidence strengthens our hope that we will soon be able to return to bring the colors, music, and magic of Carnival to the city. The Olbia Carnival is not canceled, but merely postponed. The tradition remains alive, awaiting conditions that will allow it to be celebrated as Olbia deserves.
