4th Photography Contest ‘Mezza Quaresima Parade’

Telling the Story of the Mezza Quaresima Parade Through the Lens

The Ducato di Piazza Pontida, in collaboration with the Circolo Culturale Fotografico Bergamo77, promotes the 4th “Mezza Quaresima Parade” Photography Contest, an initiative dedicated to photographers and enthusiasts who wish to capture through their images one of the most distinctive events of Bergamo’s local tradition.
The contest invites participants to photograph the Mezza Quaresima parade, its allegorical floats, folkloric groups, and the emotions of the celebration, while also highlighting the urban and cultural context of the city of Bergamo.
Participation is free and open to all photographers.

When It Takes Place

Photographs must be taken during the Mezza Quaresima parade in Bergamo on March 15, 2026, approximately between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Contest Themes

The contest is divided into three categories, designed to capture the event from different perspectives.

1. Bergamo and Its Parade

Photographs that portray the parade within the urban context of the city, including recognizable architectural elements of Bergamo.

2. Life and Movement of Floats and Folk Groups

Dynamic shots capturing allegorical floats and folkloric groups, highlighting movement, interaction, and spontaneous moments during the parade.

3. Faces and Emotions of the Parade

Portraits and expressions of the protagonists of the celebration: performers, musicians, and participants, focusing on emotions, smiles, and audience engagement.

How to Participate

Number of Photographs

Each participant may submit a maximum of three photographs in total, with no more than one photo per category.

Image Format

Photographs must be submitted:

  • in JPG format
  • with a minimum size of 1000 × 1500 px
  • with a maximum file size of 2 MB
  • without signatures, watermarks, or identifying marks

Submission Method

Images must be sent by 11:00 PM on March 22, 2026 via email to:
concorso.bergamo77@gmail.com
If the parade is postponed due to bad weather, the submission deadline will be extended to 11:00 PM on April 4, 2026.

Required Documentation

Together with the photographs, participants must attach a signed declaration including:

  • participant’s personal details
  • contact information
  • chosen category
  • title of the photographs
Photographers under 18 years old must also submit a declaration signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Rules and Conditions

Photographs must be taken using digital devices (DSLR, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, or smartphones).
Images generated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are not allowed.
Participants are required to maintain respectful and responsible behavior during the event.
Each author guarantees that they hold the rights to the images submitted.

Jury and Evaluation

A jury composed of photography experts will select the winning images.
The jury’s decision is final, and the anonymity of the photographs will be guaranteed during the evaluation process.

Prizes

For each category, three photographers will be awarded:
🥇 1st place: €150 Gift Card
🥈 2nd place: €100 Gift Card
🥉 3rd place: €50 Gift Card
The gift cards can be used at stores within the Oriocenter Shopping Center.

Exhibition and Award Ceremony

The winning photographs will be exhibited in a photography exhibition at the Oriocenter Shopping Center, where the award ceremony will also take place (date to be confirmed).
Selected images will also be displayed at Residenza Specht Living Bergamo.

The Contest Flyer