Two of the world’s finest carnival float builders and designers have been visiting the New Carnival Company this week to help design and build its signature Mardi Gras float for the Midsummer Mardi Gras Parade in Ryde on 29th June.
The float was officially revealed yesterday afternoon at Westridge Centre, Ryde in front of supporters and local media.
Umberto Cinquini and Silvia Cirri from Viareggio in Italy, home to the largest Carnival floats in the world, are experts in the traditional art of paper mache construction, animation and painting techniques and will be helping local artists reconstruct The New Carnival Company’s famous ‘Zeus the Bull’ float to represent The Boeuf Gras (the Fattened Bull) traditionally paraded in New Orleans on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) – a homage to the most famous Mardi Gras in the World.
The visit strengthens the bond between Viareggio Carnival and The New Carnival Company’s own event. In February 2012, the two organisations signed a formal Twinning Protocol at an Official Reception hosted by the Fondazione Carnivale Di Viareggio in Italy.
Frankie Goldspink, Participation and Learning Manager of The New Carnival Company said: “We are very privileged to have such accomplished world class artists visiting us to share their skills and knowledge and ensure our Midsummer Mardi Gras parade kicks off with a signature float of the very highest quality”.
