Parade of Pullicinelle Cellara

The "Pullicinelle" project represents a consolidated project that the municipal administration has been promoting since the second half of the 1800s every year, on the Friday before the last Sunday in August, on the occasion of the feast of San Sebastiano, protector of the town. "Pullicinelle" is defined by the atlas of cultural heritage of the Calabria region as an intangible demo-ethno-anthropological asset and the administration with the request in question intends to enhance the overlapping of numerous and primitive traditions presumably connected to the cycle of the seasons for the purpose of valorisation and the carnival, as well as promoting local products, food and wine, culture, art and traditional Calabrian music. An eagerly awaited appointment that aims to enhance the territory and its specificities, with reference to agricultural and food and wine products. The pullicinelle are large puppets, about three meters tall, created on a structure of bamboo cane and chestnut wood covered with colored tissue paper that change every year and take on the appearance of famous characters of the moment. Those who carry the Pullicinelle along the streets of Cellara are called "Tummarinari". Once inside, the puppets start the party, to the sound of drums and bass drums. Along the way these huge puppets perform in jumps, dances and runs. From time to time small stops are made at the houses of some of the fellow citizens who offer wine to the Tummanari. The point of arrival is the church of S. Sebastiano, in front of which the Pullicinelles engage in some dances before reaching the tanks where the fire begins. In addition to enhancing the tradition of the place, the event will be characterized by moments of discussion and debate, artistic exhibitions and music concerts