Pinocchio is best known as one of Disney’s early animated films, however the story of the lying wooden puppet was first penned by Carlo Lorenzino – better known by the pen name Carlo Collidi – in Le avventure di Pinocchio. To commemorate the birthday of Pinocchio on the 25th May many gather in the Parco di Pinocchio, the innovative theme park in Florence which first opened in 1956 in the village of Collidi, the birthplace of Lorenzino’s mother.
The Collodi Foundation promotes the cultural education of children through national competitions. Pinocchio’s party is organised by the foundation and has now become part of the Italian school diary, helping keep the fable of Pinocchio alive. Children create projects for the event based on different themes and the lucky winners receive prizes and books at a ceremony which takes place at the Pinocchio Museum. Birthday cake is shared with the children and there are live puppet shows as well as concerts.
The Parco de Pinocchio is an original space, unlike the theme parks we are so familiar with today. There are no high speed rides; it relies on imagination rather than technology. The concept of the park is exploration; it is filled with statues of different characters from the book. Most notable is the large whale that splashes water, which visitors can even climb inside!
Spring Festivals
PINOCCHIO’S BIRTHDAY
The Parco de Pinocchio is an original space, unlike the theme parks we are so familiar with today. There are no high speed rides; it relies on imagination rather than technology.
by laura williams
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in Italy
CULTURA E SOCIETA