Second part (years 1949 - 1954)

Year 1949

The first edition after the forced interruption, due to the Second World War, took place on 24 February 1949 and was particularly festive: people wanted to quickly forget the war and its painful consequences and did not want to miss the opportunity to attend the renewed event. All the car parks in the city were full of cars from different regions and there were also numerous buses carrying groups of spectators.
A large crowd crowd crowded along the barriers and on the grandstands, while from the balconies along the Via Roma route hung banners and elegantly decorated flowers.
During the flowered course, some tourist planes, departing from the Nervia airfield, launched thousands of flyers to announce the next official inauguration of the structure, during which parachutists, aerial acrobatics and other promotional events were planned.
Despite the fear of bad weather, a splendid sun welcomed the start of the parade, which was opened by a motorcaravan, set up by the florist Anfossi, topped by a large butterfly, a motif taken from two little girls wearing a costume with two butterfly wings.
Some cars and carriages decorated by Giuseppe Carbonetto followed: "Pergolato di glicini", "Peschi in fiore", and "Fiori romantici": the figures wore local folk costumes.
The Sanremese Workers' Federation presented the car "I funghi" with some peasant girls. Presented by the Arts and Traditions Committee, it paraded a car called "Cornucopia d'oro", set up by the florist Cassano, with pink carnations and four young and beautiful girls. The same florist also prepared the "Corbeille" car, which contained three other young beauties.
Then came the "La Coppa d'Argento" car decorated by Giuseppe Carbonetto, all in white carnations; the same fitter followed an unnamed "Carrozza fiorita" covered with precious pink carnations; another "Vettura Fiorita" fitted out by Giuseppe Carbonetto and decorated with particular grace by "Anita" pink carnations: the figures wore the folkloristic costume foreseen by the organizing committee.
Next came the "Sveglia Mattutina" car by Repetto and Ricci, with a marigold arch supporting a bell and a multicoloured cockerel: the figures all wore classic country clothes.
Immediately afterwards there was the "Leone Rampante" cart, also by Giuseppe Carbonetto, which had the city coat of arms with the palm and the rampant lion made of carnations, marigold, palm leaves and a large tuft of calle: on the top of the cart waved two flags with the colours of the Municipality of Sanremo. It should be noted that the driver of the vehicle on which the structure was mounted (an old FIAT 501 adapted to a small truck) had serious visibility problems, so two people had to accompany him standing on the steps to give him the appropriate directions.
Some of the cars decorated by Lindita Biggio for the organising committee were very much applauded: a white broom fan, a sea of pink carnations and elegant 18th century ladies' costumes.
Then came the "Chinese Pagoda" wagon, by Lindita Biggio, with a classic flowering almond tree shading a pagoda with colourful flowers.
Warm applause for the "La Campagnola" car, designed by Rosella Minaglia and designed by Lindita Biggio, which featured a large hat covered with cornflowers, buttercups and hyacinths.
The "Aeroplano" car, presented by Aereo Club Riviera dei Fiori and built on a Mickey Mouse, designed by Daniele Moro and decorated by Rolleri, was much applauded; from the flowery nacelle of an aircraft some pretty "pilots" in blue overalls came out.Then there was the great "Pozzo senza fondo" (bottomless well) wagon, made by Nino Rodi on behalf of the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno di Sanremo, which housed some young people dressed as peasants.
The "Corbeille" wagon, presented by the Municipal Casino, was made by the florist Cagnacci with "Radio" carnations of the Sostegni company: a coachman with an elegant tailcoat was a cassette of the splendid corbeille/car.
Another wagon set up by Mrs. Cagnacci was "Ventaglio", with precious strelitzie and silk tulle; the fluffy costumes worn by the figures were very much in tune.
Then came the "La Barca" wagon, with sails made of silver ficus leaves: the project and the realization were by Giovanni Pistone and Mario Piras.
Another chariot of Pistone and Piras was "La Belle Sulamite" with a female figure under whose belly there were some figurants with oriental costumes.
A small motor coach, set up on behalf of the Moto Club Sanremo, housed a "Winged Wheel" and some graceful peasant girls.
The "Primavera" wagon, made by the Casino's gardener, Bestagno, had a strawberry tree with two pretty young ladies in matching costumes, sweetened by graceful butterflies.
It was then the turn of another magnificent "Corbeille" and some cars decorated by Bestagno himself with pink, white and bright red carnations that aroused much admiration.
The "Carte in Libertà" cart, set up by Adami and his partners, followed, where hundreds of corollas of red and above all white carnations gave shape to beautiful and original playing cards, while a "poker d'assi" of young girls attracted the spectators' eyes.
Again by the Adami group, a prestigious wagon entitled "Pergolato" paraded, which presented a great variety of flowers and colours.
Warm applause accompanied the passage of the "Louis XIV style Landau", designed by the Buontemponi company "La Cravatta", made with ingenuity and flowered by Panizzi and Parodi with an abundance of daisies and mimosa. The costumes and the attitude of the figures also attracted the public's gaze.
The wagon presented by ENAL of Ospedaletti, a project by A. De Gregori, represented the musical instruments of a jazz orchestra, decorated with mimosa, carnations and broom.
The wagon "Il Ventaglio", by the florist Anfossi, with some young ladies wearing elegant and seductive Spanish costumes, was very appreciated. Followed a flowery car, of the same Anfossi, with perfumed violets and some young peasant girls.
Another carriage set up by Anfossi and entitled "Paris 2 Secoli fa" with pretty young girls in the guise of Pompadour, Mimì and a charming knight.
Then came a successful "Pagoda", obtained with precious carnations and violets, which hosted two kind and nice Chinese women.
Much applauded was a "Mickey Mouse" car decorated by the florist Cattini with mimosas and red carnations which hosted two enchanting blue fairies, while beautiful strelitzie decorated a "Corbeille" set up by the florist Bestagno.
Whispers of approval and admiration aroused the "La Slitta" cart designed by O. De Maria for the Villa Italia hotel and set up by G. B. Panizzi. On the wagon a splendid blonde lady with a silk and velvet costume made by the famous Milanese tailor Grippa, while the white wig was provided by the wardrobe of the "Scala" in Milan.
An original carriage covered with pink carnations housed a famous count, perfectly made up by a Persian prince, accompanied by two attractive and mysterious odalisques.
He followed the "Cestello" car adorned with carnations by the florist Gallino di Bordighera on behalf of the Sanremo Hotelier's Association.
Then came the "La Farfalla" wagon, made by Troja for the Pro Loco of Vallecrosia, with a large butterfly placed on a meadow of ornamental greenery and carnations: two pretty little farmers completed the spring picture.
It was the turn of the "Pearl of the Riviera" wagon, prepared by Pistone and Piras on behalf of the female ENAL of Sanremo; on the front part two temptress sirens were showing off.
Particularly nourished applause welcomed the majestic "Trionfo" wagon designed and built by Mario Raimondo and Agostino Giraldi on behalf of the Pro Loco of Dolceacqua. In the centre there was a large cup with a pretty little girl inside, framed by a group of young people looking out from a flowered balustrade.
Donetti da Bussana's cart was also very much admired, depicting a colourful and lively "Peacock" above a flower garden animated by several young girls.
Very simple but elegant and in good taste, the "out-of-print" car of the Cerri couple decorated with two magnificent bouquets of almond and peach trees and which also housed their little daughter.
Following the "Motoscafo" presented by Arrigo di Arma di Taggia was full of mimosa and swayed on white flowery waves: the crew consisted of two young sailors and a small mascot.
The cart "La Racchetta" set up by the Bestagno brothers on behalf of the Tennis Club of Sanremo was covered with peach blossoms and violets and housed the young hopefuls of Matuziano tennis, strictly dressed in white and holding small flowery rackets.
Immediately afterwards came the car "Le venditrici di Palloni", garnished with 6,000 "Nizzardo" carnations of a beautiful coral pink. The wagon was designed by the Bordighera Tourist Board with the organization of the Società Esercenti and made by the florist Conte and Mrs. Monica. Some pretty young ladies were showing you off among the applause of the spectators.
The car "Le Quattro Stagioni", designed by Mrs. Gauzzi and fitted out by the Adami group, was original and tasteful. The decoration was made with fruit and flowers of every season, the occupants wore elegant costumes and interpreted the four seasons. Once in front of the grandstands a pretty little girl got off the wagon to offer a basket of fruit to the authorities present.
The parade was closed by a "Lambretta" motorcaravan and a richly flowery "Ape" motor-van.
The event continued with songs and sounds until the jury made all the cars and wagons stop, with the exception of the ten competitors chosen to be awarded prizes.
The jury, composed of the president, Dr. Pastorino and the members: Count Paolo Orsi Mangelli, the painter Alberto Beltrame, Mrs. Podestà and Mr. Sogliano awarded the following prizes:

1st prize : "Landau Stile Luigi XIV" - Soc. bontemponi "La Cravatta" - Panizzi e Parodi 2nd " "Trionfo" - Pro Dolceacqua - Raimondo e Giraldi.
The remaining eight cars completed another lap of the route at the end of which the other prizes were also awarded:
3rd prize : "La Venditrice di Palloni" - Az. Autonoma Bordighera - Count and Mrs. Monica
4th " : "Fan" - Municipal Casino - Cagnacci
5th " : "La Slitta" - Hotel Italia - O. De Maria and Grippa tailor's shop
6° " : "La Campagnola" - Company Rosella - Lindita Biggio
7th " : "La Racchetta" - Tennis Club Sanremo - F.lli Bestagno
8° " : "Vettura Fiorita" - Mr Cerri - Bestagno
9th " : "Motorboat" - Arrigo
10° " : "Pozzo Senza Fondo" - Az. Autonoma Sanremo - Nino Rodi.

(News extracted from "L'ECO DELLA RIVIERA" of 26.02.1949)

Year 1950.

The edition of the flowery course of 1950 took place on Sunday 19th February. For the occasion the starting time, normally fixed for 3 p.m., was delayed by about half an hour, to allow the spectators of the Sanremese - Rivarolese match, which started at 1.45 p.m., to attend the event.
A total of 55 cars took part, divided into three categories, on the Via Roma route, with a round trip, starting from the gush to the intersection with Via Verdi. Numerous bundles to be used for the "battle", mainly made up of violets, carnations and mimosas, were distributed to the occupants of the cars, the authorities, spectators in the pay stands and also to the tenants of the houses facing the route.
The cars made a first presentation lap, without any flowers, while the "battle" took place in the next two laps.
At the end of the parade, in the unquestionable judgement of three separate juries, the respective prizes were awarded to the best cars in each category.
The previous evening all the hotels and guest houses were sold out, while other guests arrived on Sunday with buses, urinary and overtime trains and private vehicles.
As early as 2 p.m., all the stands and pavements were packed to the rafters: despite the length of the route, many people had to miss the parade due to lack of space. The total number of spectators was estimated at between thirty and forty thousand.
Finally the parade of cars began, preceded by the band Pasquale Anfossi of Taggia.
The first was "Passa la Gioventù", a project by Eugenio Ferrari and made by the florist Vanni Pesante, with a pounding horse in white carnations pulling a colourful shell with violets, yellow daisies and strelitzie.
This was followed by an evocative "Fontana", by the Adami group; a jubilation of red and white carnations surmounted by a strawberry tree of strelitzie.
Then came the "Chante Clair" wagon designed by the Buontemponi company "La Cravatta", decorated by Conti, G.B. Panizzi & C. who presented a rooster of red carnations in the act of launching its "chicchirichì": in addition, chickens and chicks, impersonated by pretty girls and lively children, cheered and enlivened the scene.
A delicate pink-lilac-pink "Big Fan" in pampas and violets by Mr. Bud Speiser made by the florist Cagnacci; on the cart, driven by an elegant coachman, ladies in eighteenth-century costumes and white wigs.
Much admired the wagon of the Colombofila Sanremese Society, entitled "Messaggeri", presented a turret made with violets and ornamental green, from which some travelling pigeons took flight, while some elegant and nice girls appeared from the top.
The next cart was "I Mori di Venezia", designed by Vittorio "Mandy" Semiglia and made by G.B. Moreno and the Ferrandini brothers. Two "Moorish" scapigliati beat a large bell with flowered mallets, surrounded by numerous figures in matching costumes.
This was followed by "Dalle Palme ai Pini", a wagon designed and built by a group of florists from ENAL Villetta, directed by Giuseppe Capponi: a large pine tree was the background for palm trees, cyclamens and carnations and a group of joyful peasants throwing flowers, candies and chocolates.
The car "Sole, Bellezza, Armonia" (Sun, Beauty, Harmony), belonging to the Adami group, showed a huge sun overhanging a greenhouse of violets, carnations and callas; next to it, a flowery harp and some young girls in appropriate costumes.
It was then the turn of the car "Gli Svaghi della Nonna", presented and set up by Lena Molonaro; bright and smiling "grannies" in period costumes made by Vilma Fusi animated the cart, while a pretty little girl was swinging on a swing hanging from an elegant wisteria pergola.
Much appreciated was the wagon, by Mrs. Cagnacci, "Ombrello Campagnolo", made with yellow daisies and freesia, which gave shelter to two sweet bridesmaids.
The wagon, out of competition, entitled "Apoteosi del Fiore" (Apotheosis of the Flower), presented by the Association of Merchants of Sanremo and set up by the florist Cagnacci, followed: a beautiful pergola enriched with "Saffo" carnation corbeilles with some kind maidens dispensing flowers and smiles.
The "Sponsali Carnevale e Fiori" wagon, by Giuseppe Carbonetto, depicted a large basket decorated with "Anita" and "Nizzardo" carnations and decorated with tulle ribbons; in the centre, on red velvet armchairs, the two "brides and grooms": King Carnival and the Rose, with suggestive and rich costumes, surrounded by a group of elegantly dressed bridesmaids.
The car presented by ANPI based on a design by Col. Musso (Sumi) was "Lo Scarpone", made with Finnish moss, carnations and daisies. At its feet an applauded group of very young people dressed as partisans.
Very significant was also the "Catarinette" cart presented by the Carrara Cutting School and set up by Nino Rodi, with a soft basket of laces and buttercups peeped out some beautiful young girls, while next to a symbolic scissors, from a nest of flowers came out all alone a little girl a little scared dressed as "Madame Pompadour".
The out-of-competition car presented by the Azienda Autonoma Soggiorno e Turismo di Sanremo, decorated by Mrs. Cagnacci, was much admired: an elegant little carriage with a sea of precious "Edith Helen" roses, among which two pretty little girls dressed as a damsel and a pageboy were showing off.
The "Vettura Fiorita" presented by Mr. Arrigucci was adorned with "Giovinezza" roses and purple orchids: the elegant ladies on board distributed orchids and violets to the authorities and the public.
The title of the car presented by Mr. Peverello di Poggio e Monteventi (Bologna) was "Triumph of the Sun": a huge sun of yellow daisies surrounded by bright strelitzie hosted the queen of the sun and a lively crowd of delightful girls.
Then came "La Barca Fiorita", set up by Mr. Rambaldi: the sail was artistically made with white carnations and some sailors enjoyed singing accompanied by the sound of the accordion of Mr. Giuseppe Arena.
The "Magnificenza Floreale" car presented by the Adami group was followed by a triumph of pink carnations and violets: a group of cheerful peasants made up the crew.
It was then the turn of the car out of competition "Harem" presented by Franco Chierico di Baiardo, with a large sun umbrella and a group of noisy girls.
Much admired was the "Vettura Fiorita" presented by Giuseppe Carbonetto, decorated with red carnations and hosting three pretty young ladies.
Remarkable interest and favour also aroused the "La Tartaruga" cart of the Adami group, made with carnations and violets, which carried on its back some pretty young girls.
Then there was the "Dutch Hoof" car, still belonging to the Adami group, equipped with carnations, daisies and violets with effective shades of colour. On board a large group of girls in folk costume.
The "Albero Fiorito" wagon, made by Gina Cagnacci with white and pink bettonica (wild herbaceous plant) flowers, double hyacinths on an Irish moss meadow, with buttercups and anemones. The idyllic picture was completed by two girls dressed in vaporous pink and blue tulle dresses.
The "Mercato Floreale" car, designed by Giovanni Lupi di Taggia, was decorated with mimosa, carnations and daisies; there were some young peasant girls in characteristic costumes.
Admired the "Primavera", by Giuseppe Carbonetto, with "Anita" and "Nizzardo" carnations, as well as branches of delicate peach blossoms: pleasant the presence of a group of smiling beautiful girls.
Another car very appreciated by the public followed: "Cineserie" by Signora Cagnacci, with a dragon made with evergreen flowers, tufts of anturium and coloured pampas. On board there were two attractive "chinoiserie" and a driver dressed in Chinese style.
Then came another car entitled "Fuochi d'Artificio" (Fireworks), also made by the florist Cagnacci, decorated with strelitzie and evergreen flowers; two lively "devils" dressed in red and black stood out for their vivacity.
The car "Asperu Surdu" (mythical animal) by Giuseppe Ziliani, with carnations and daisies, softened by the presence of four very pretty and nice girls.
The car "Damigelle XV Secolo", by Andrea Costamagna of Ventimiglia, housed two ladies in powder-coated suits matching the subject, while in the box of the successful flowery realization there was the same outfitter with a collaborator, both in appropriate costumes.
It was the turn of "Trine e Violette" to close the series of first category cars; set up by Mrs. Cagnacci, with evergreen flowers and violets, enriched with very fine lace and featuring two umbrellas of stipa (graminacea - n.d.a.) that sheltered two attractive young girls dressed as bridesmaids of the eighteenth century: the same style for the driver sitting in a box.
The Arts and Traditions Committee presented a "Tavolozza Fiorita", created with a profusion of carnations and peach blossoms: a beautiful young brunette emerged from its centre while a large group of lively little townspeople were also on the wagon.
The Moto Club of Sanremo presented "Centauro", an aerial depiction of a motorcyclist on a motorbike-van together with some mechanical vispe in blue overalls.
The "Fontana Fiorita" wagon of the florist Cagnacci showed a particular care in its preparation: "Franca" carnations of the Ghersi company, peach blossoms, broom, violets and medeola, all this was gladdened by the presence of some young beauties.
The "Terra Mia" car presented by Mr. Donetti di Bussana hosted the famous "rock" with a variety of local flowers: red and white carnations, first choice violets and daisies. Some pretty, bold young girls made up the crew.
Then "Gondola Veneziana", by Vittorio "Mandy" Semiglia, was paraded, enlivened by splendid marigolds: some young gondoliers escorted a "fairy" and other kind ladies.
It was then the turn of "Landau Chic", made by Mrs. Cagnacci with "Radio" carnations from the company Sostegni and a lot of white and pink tulle.
Then followed a "Vettura Fiorita", set up by Giuseppe Carbonetto with red and white carnations, with two pretty girls on board.
Then came the "La Perla" Flower Carriage by Vittorio "Mandy" Semiglia, made with carnations and mimosa, with a group of young and attractive and very elegant young ladies in the middle.
Another wagon, entitled "La Primavera", by Agostino Repetto, decorated with peach blossoms, anemones and daisies, of great effect and made even more suggestive by the colourful costumes worn by three nice girls.
The "Corsa ciclistica" cart, by Luigi Perotti, evoked the challenges between Bartali and Coppi, with bicycles mounted by tireless cyclists and surrounded by a crowd of young girls and boys.
Two other "Vetture Fiorite" by Giuseppe Carbonetto were paraded; one was adorned with pink carnations and hosted three nice little peasants; the other was decorated with "Nizzardo" carnations and had two smiling girls and a young "Pierrot" on board.
The car "Pergolato Cinese", from ENAL of Bordighera, was fitted out by Cesare Scotti; under the pergola two moustached "mandarins" surrounded by charming "geishas".
A "Vettura Fiorita" from Semeria di Taggia followed, with a profusion of violets and some young ladies together with a skilled accordionist.
Two cars out of competition were set up by Mr. Conte. The first one, for the AAST of Bordighera, was really valuable, decorated with peach blossoms and coral carnations and housed four very graceful little farmers.
The second one, on behalf of the Sanremo Hotelier's Association, was decorated with high quality red carnations and had some pretty girls on board.
Two more "Corbeilles Fiorite" made by Giuseppe Carbonetto on behalf of the Organizing Committee using beautiful carnations and perfumed violets were paraded.
There still followed a "Cestello Fiorito", by Orlando Semiglia, with two beautiful girls.
Finally, the parade was closed by the great "Music" wagon of the Banda Pasquale Anfossi of Taggia, with a turret adorned with musical notes, from the top of which a young harpist and some lovely bridesmaids threw bunches of violets wrapped in cellophane bearing a greeting from the city of Taggia.
After the course had already started, the characteristic "Garden City" wagon made by Orlando Semiglia for ENAL of Val d'Olivi has been added to the parade.
Once the presentation tour had been completed, the real battle began between the spectators and the people on the wagons with a large throwing of bunches of flowers, candies and chocolates. According to the data provided by the Organising Committee, more than 150,000 bundles were distributed to the public, in addition to about 300,000 bundles supplied to the people on the wagons.
The event ended at about 4.30 p.m. with a last thick throwing of flowers by the most shameless spectators who targeted the prettiest girls, while others tried to grab some flowers torn from the floats to take home and keep a colourful and fragrant memory of the flowery course.
As the crowds thinned out to the ground, all that remained was an expanse of bunches trampled on to close an unforgettable day of beauty and fun.
Among inevitable shortcomings, taking into account the not slight difficulty of judging and classifying with equanimity so many and so valuable cars and that it would have been appropriate to have more time to better evaluate some achievements worthy of greater consideration, the three juries, one for each category, have drawn up the following rankings:

I CATEGORIA (jury: Donna Anita Gismondi, Ing. B. Fenoglio, Mr Ermanno Moro)

1st class: "Sponsali Carnevale e Fiori" by Giuseppe Carbonetto
2° " "Grandma's Leisure" " Molonaro
3° " "Chanteclair" " The Tie" Company
4th " "Pass the Youth" " Ferraris
5th " "Turtle" " Adami Group
6th " " Dutch hoof " " "
7th " "Spring" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
8th " "Fountain" " Adami Group
9° " "Catarinette" " Carrara Cutting School
10th " "Floral Magnificence" " Adami Group
11th " "Chinoiserie" " Lady China Dogs
12th " " "Trine and Violets" " " "
13th " "Big Fan" " " " "
14th " "Fireworks" " " " "
15th " "XV Century Bridesmaids " " Costamagna di Ventimiglia

II CATEGORY (jury: Prof. Charles Henry, Ing. S. Canepa, Dr. G. Nobbio)

1st class. ex aequo "Triumph of the Sun" by Adelio Peverello di Poggio
"Music" " Band P. Anfossi di Taggia
3° " " "Asperu Surdu" " Ziliani
"Sun, Beauty, Harmony" " Adami Group
5th " " " "Flowery Fountain" " China Cagnacci
"Messaggeri" " Soc. Colombofila Sanremese
7th " "Centauro" " Moto Club Sanremo
8° " "Auto Fiorita" " Gino Arrigucci
9th " "Flowering Tree" " China Dogs
10th " "Blooming Palette" " Sanremo Arts and Traditions Committee
11th " "Terra Mia" " Donetti di Bussana
12th " "Corbeille" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
13th " "Country Umbrella" " China Cagnacci
14th " "Venetian Gondola" " Vittorio "Mandy" Semiglia
15th " "Landau Chic" " China Dogs

III CATEGORY (jury: prof. A. Beltrame, arch. S. Gabrielli, dr. G. Taggiasco)

1st class. "Scarpone" by ANPI Sanremo
2° " "Barca Fiorita" " Rambaldi di Poggio
3° " "Corbeille Fiorita" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
4th " "The Moors of Venice" " Vittorio "Mandy" Semiglia
5th " "Spring" " Agostino Repetto
6th " "Flower Car" " Nobbio
7th " "Cycling Race" " Luigi Peretti
8th " "From Palms to Pines" " ENAL Villetta
9th " "La Perla" " Vittorio "Mandy" Semiglia
10th " "Floral Market" " Wolves of Taggia
11th " "Vettura Fiorita" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
12th " "Flower Car" " " "
13th " "Garden City" " ENAL Val d'Olivi-Orlando Semiglia
14th " "Vettura Fiorita" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
15° " "Flower Car" " " "
16th " "Pergola" " ENAL Borgo
17th " "Flowery Basket" " Orlando Semiglia
18 " "Vettura Fiorita" " Giuseppe Carbonetto"
19th " "Flower Car" " " "
20° " "Flower Car" " " "

Honorary Jury Chairman Arnaldo Fraccaroli; Acting Chairman Eng. Bartolomeo Corradi.

(News extracted from L'ECO DELLA RIVIERA of 16.2 - 19.2 - 23.2.195

Year 1951.

Despite the uncertain weather, with an abundant splash of rain that accompanied part of the parade, the Corso Fiorito of 1951 took place regularly on Sunday 4th February.
Already before the beginning, an overflowing crowd, well over twenty thousand people, crowded the stands and behind the barriers along the route on Via Roma.
From the loudspeakers poured the cheerful and catchy notes of the song of the "Carnevale Matuziano", composed expressly for the occasion by Natale Andreini, which alternated with a new and lively song, the "Oca della Riviera", set to the rhythm of samba by Maestro Andracco on the words of Dr. Rosa Scattina.
At 3.00 p.m. on the dot, Nello Ferrua, director of the parade, kicked off the municipal music band "Giuseppe Verdi" who opened the parade to the sound of cheerful pieces of music sung at Carnival.
Welcomed by warm and repeated applause, the 30 cars and 20 floats in competition, to which some cars out of competition were added, began to parade along the route.
The festive and colourful carousel of the "floats" category "Fontana Profumata", by Gino Barla, opened with a rich decoration of pink carnations and violets, while some smiling and elegant maidens looked out among the garlands of flowers.
Followed by the "Sanremo Eterna Primavera" cart, by Giovanni Pesante, with an enormous corbeille garnished with straelitziae, carnations and almond blossoms; a group of pretty girls sweetened it all.
Then came the cart "Sul Belvedere", by Alessandro Donetti di Bussana, with a profusion of precious roses, violets and carnations; on board young ladies completed the picture.
Below is the "Carlin's Boys" wagon, presented by the football club of the same name based on a project by Sergio Lana; set up with very good taste and abundance of flowers, with a prevalence of the social colours blue and black. A large cockerel, ready to take flight, waved its wings over a group of lively fans: a balloon built with flowers opened at the passage in front of the stands, releasing a flight of auspicious pigeons. It fed the jet of flowers, candies, candies and 5,000 pingpong balls coloured black and blue.
Made and finely decorated with pink carnations and broom, the "La Caravella" cart by Lindita Biggio paraded with four elegantly dressed girls.
Two floats made by the florist Cagnacci followed: "L'Altalena dell'Amore", with a swing decorated with harmony of colours and "La Primavera", which had three arches covered with splendid roses.
It was then the turn of the "Fiorito Asil" wagon by Nino Rossi, on which five inviting and smiling "chinese" stood out.
Then came "L'Aurora", by Eugenio Ferrari, which represented a rising sun covered in marigold and pulled by three flying horses made of white carnations: three beautiful girls wearing Roman costumes completed the allegory.
The "Colori ed Armonie" wagon, designed by Ernesto Tonon for the Ventimiglia Tennis Club and made by P. Baldizzone, T. Visiani and A. Cipriani with the supervision and collaboration of A. Gatti,A., followed. Maccario and A. Giansoldati. It presented palettes, lithers and harps carefully decorated with flowers and was entertained by five enchanting girls.
The "Soap Bubbles" cart by Domenico Ziviani, presented a series of coloured balloons made with carnations of the most different colours, with an excellent visual effect, and was animated by three cheerful girls and four pretty young ladies.
Immediately afterwards the "La Vispa Teresa" wagon passed by, set up with remarkable good taste by Rino Ceriolo, who hosted a group of pretty little girls and a pretty young lady.
The next wagon was "Colombofila" of the homonymous society, of Sanremo, from which about 700 carrier pigeons took flight in successive launches. It had a raised structure, obtained with cloth and intertwined wooden strips, which housed a nest made of rushes and twigs: peach blossoms, carnations and roses were the floral decoration, while a dozen young ladies and young men completed the wagon.
Much admired and sumptuous was the "Galà bianco-lilla" wagon, by Marchini and Ricci, for its elegant costumes and rich floral decoration, with delicate garlands of carnations and wisteria: on board stood out the presence of a large group of pretty girls.
The "Zampillo Fiorito" wagon, by Giuseppe Carbonetto, was paraded below. It presented a rocaille with succulent plants, rich tufts of strelitzie and borders of carnations and was surmounted by a reproduction of the famous Sanremo fountain "lo Zampillo", made with violets and carnations. The splashes of water were made with corollas of hyacinths and lilies of the valley on wire supports. Six pretty little peasants threw bunches of flowers to the public.
The next float was "Ippica Floreale", by Nino Rodi: it featured a large stylized horse and a lucky iron with some pretty horses.
It was followed by "The Kingdom of Satan" with figures dressed in devils' red and black costumes.
Much applauded was the "Cronaca Rosa" wagon, presented by the Unione Provinciale Giornalisti to a design by Sergio Lana and made by Ebe Flora dei f.lli Bestagno with the collaboration of "Millino" Biga. It combined the grace and floral elegance required by the organisation with the humorous character typical of carnival courses: at the back of the wagon there was a little house in bloom, while further on a large stork covered in white carnations held a garland of roses with its beak to which a soft cradle of pink carnations was attached. In the cradle, wrapped like a newborn baby, there was the popular "Barba" Triulzi" with a pink bonnet, a bib with the words "Don't kiss me" and a big bottle.... connected to a big Barbera bottle. Some pretty "nurses" crowned the "newborn".
Then came the "Santa Cecilia" wagon, of the Banda Filarmonica di Poggio, very imposing and noisy, hosted a group of beautiful girls and the whole band.
Then came the "La Dea Fortuna" wagon, presented by Domenico Ziviani, with a roulette made with red carnations and violets; a pretty brunette lady impersonated the Goddess Fortuna and was surrounded by other girls and young men as croupiers.
At this point began the parade of the "cars" category, opened by two "Carrozze fiorite" by A. Anfossi, the first was decorated with pink carnations and violets, while the second was decorated with mimosa and red carnations.
The next car was "Ricsciò", by the Semiglia brothers: the classic "calessino" housed an elegant "cinesina" and Orlando Semiglia, by the well-known "Careghéti".
Four "Carrozze Fiorite" presented by Giuseppe Carbonetto followed: the elegant and tasteful decorations were made up of carnations, violets, marigolds, daisies and ornamental greenery. Pretty maidens and lively boys made up the crews.
Then it was the turn of three cars decorated with flowers by Marchini and Ricci, who had already been appreciated as the crews of some wagons: "Fuochi di Artificio", "Coppa Fiorita" with pink carnations and tulle, "Aeroplano Fiorito" with white hyacinths and lilacs, while pretty young ladies made the decorations more refined.
Then came the "Passeggiata del Galletto" car, presented by Gino Carrara and the local Moto Guzzi dealer: among the pink and white carnations there were some bright children.
The following car, entitled "Damine del 700" by Count Bellentani, was fitted out by Ebe Flora dei f.lli Bestagno: on board the car, the little girls of Count Bellentani with their large, tall crinolines were smilingly greeting the public.
The "Black and White" car, also decorated by Ebe Flora, was then paraded on behalf of the Unione Provinciale Giornalisti (Provincial Union of Journalists): a landau with attention to detail, pulled by a parable of white horses, skilfully covered in a profusion of white lilacs with two exuberant young ladies in elegant evening dresses on board. The admired public applauded it for a long time, considering it the most elegant car on the course.
It was then the turn of the car "L'Oca Della Riviera" presented by Giovanni Rissone, director of the newspaper Eco della Riviera, which was enhanced with pink and ornamental green carnations: in the crew were Mr Rissone's children, dressed in little dresses printed with the characters of the newspaper, who sang the nice ditty:
"We are the beautiful geese / of the City of the Sun / we pour ink on the rivi / we write with head and heart / ....".
echoing the loudspeakers along the path that spread the cheerful little tune. He nurtured the launch of candies, sugared almonds and fondants that he competed with the Carlin's Boys' cart for originality and abundance.
The florist Antonio Bestagno presented three cars on his own: "Carrozza Fiorita" decorated with 18 dozen strelitzie and enlivened by some cheerful "harlequins"; "Farfalle", with red carnations and peach blossoms and another "Carrozza Fiorita" decorated with pink carnations and peach blossoms.
The "Fantasia Marinara" car, by Eugenio Ferrari, with seahorses and starfish in red carnations and some cheerful "sailors".
Also by Ferrari himself is the "Omaggio Floreale" car, richly decorated with red and pink carnations.
Then came the "Rosso di Sera" car, set up by the well-known designer for numerous Lindita Biggio flower courses and adorned with red carnations: on board some figures in red and black costumes.
Also by Lindita Biggio were the cars "Primavera", with pink carnations and peach blossoms, and "Serenata Spagnola" decorated with red and white carnations: the crews' costumes were elegant and admired.
The cars presented by China Cagnacci were also very successful: "La Pompadour" with a large crinoline made with a pinnacle and small roses; "Orchid" with a luxurious car surmounted by an original tree trunk, decorated with precious orchids catleje, roses and fragrant peas; "Chanteclair", with a mysterious Minerva carnation egg that opened in front of the jury revealing the presence of two pretty children; "Carrozza Fiorita" all covered with roses; "Ranuncolo" with yellow and red buttercups and three girls with perfectly matching costumes; finally "Corbeille", made of Saffo carnations.
The "Cocchio" car by Lena Molonaro was very much appreciated and applauded, presenting an elegant chariot adorned with roses, preceded by a valet in costume, who hosted some children in period costumes: at first intimidated by the roaring applause, but soon smiling and cheerful.
It was then the turn of the "Panne alla Roma-Pechino" car, an original and cheerful creation by Luciano Salvo and Armando Anselmi, with an ox towing a car perfectly modelled on those used by the pioneers of car travel. The occupants all wore late 19th century clothes and were equipped with telescopes and indecipherable maps; clouds of talcum powder and lavender were blown over the public.
To close the parade were two cars out of competition: one, presented by the Associazione Commercianti, was decorated with delicate roses, the other, by the Associazione Albergatori, was decorated with red and white carnations.
After the traditional presentation round, a thick throwing of candies, sugared almonds and bouquets made mainly of violets began: the organizing committee reported that about 150,000 were made available, while it is estimated that about 600,000 bouquets were thrown in all.
During the event a light rain had begun to fall, but towards the end it became progressively thicker, causing the juries to speed up operations to designate the winners of the prizes.
The juries consisted of: Prof. Charles Henry, Engineer Stefano Canepa and Mr. Giovanni Bottini for the floats; for the cars by: Prof. Antonio Beltrame, Prof. Silvio Gabrielli and Mr. E. Conte. The honorary president was Mr. Arnaldo Fraccaroli and Eng. Bartolomeo Corradi.

The verdict was as follows:
Category Wagons:
1st class "Colombofila" by Soc. Colombofila Sanremo
Ex-aequo "Cronaca Rosa" " Unione Prov.le Giornalisti 3° classif. "Gala Bianco-Lilla" " Marchini e Ricci
4th class. "Fiorito Asil" " Nino Rossi
5th " "Zampillo Fiorito" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
6th " "Soap Bubbles" " Domenico Ziviani
7th " "Carlin's Boys" " A.C. Carlin's Boys
8th " "Santa Cecilia" " Poggio Philharmonic Band
9th " "Colours and Harmony" " Tennis Club Ventimiglia
10th " "The Swing of Love" " China Dogs
From 11th to 20th classified on equal merit.

Category Cars
1st class "China Pumpdour" of China Dogs
2nd " "Black and White" " Unione Prov.le Giornalisti
3° " "Carrozza Fiorita" " Antonio Bestagno
4th " "Damine del '700" " Count Bellentani
5th " "Coppa Fiorita" " Marchini e Ricci
6th " "Carrozza Fiorita" " Antonio Bestagno
ex-aequo "Orchid" " China Dogs
8th " "Chanteclair" " China Dogs
9th " "Butterflies" " Antonio Bestagno
10th " "L'Oca della Riviera" " Giovanni Rissone
From 11th to 30th classified on equal merit.

It should be noted that the jury's verdict was disappointed by some of the competitors, since in awarding the prizes, the provisions of the competition were not taken into account, according to which the predominant element had to be the fresh flower, with preference for the loose one, while the wagon and the car declared the winners, did not comply with these rules.
While the prize-giving ceremony was going on, the battle of the flowers continued to be fuelled and remained very lively, but the persistence of the rather heavy rain led the organisers to make the wagons and cars flow towards the "Zampillo" to get out of the route, being surrounded and literally assaulted by torches of spectators trying to snatch the most beautiful flowers in memory of an unforgettable day.
To close the chronicle a special praise for the organizing committee that was able to create the prerequisites for the success of the event and for the wagon fitters who created the wonderful works admired during the parade, contributing to the best success of the event.

(News extracted from: "L'ECO DELLA RIVIERA" of 01.02, 04.02, 08.02, 11.02.1951)

Year 1952.

Particular attention was paid to the organization of the carnival festivities, which included masked night courses and the traditional flowery course. The lighting was completely revised, with the installation of 30 metal arches, to which the wooden panels painted by the talented sketch artist architect Enrico Tavaglieri were fixed, representing the most famous Italian masks, while the lights were placed according to the indications of the scenographer engineer Enrica Cattaneo.
The subject of the carnival courses was the clash between cowboys and redskin, animated as always by the indomitable Luciano Salvo with the contribution of other well-known goodtempons and with the participation of the two musical groups "Fregamusoni" from Cantù and "Gate Avenue Straw Hatters" from Genoa.
The committee had the publication "Sanremo, Carnevale Fiorito" (Sanremo, Carnevale Fiorito) printed in good time, with the cover by Vittorio Buttafava, whose originality was reminiscent of the inspiring motifs of the city's decoration, while inside there were some funny second-hand writings by Achille Campanile, Alberto Cavaliere, Dino Falconi, Clara Grifoni, Giuseppe Marotta, Riccardo Morbelli, Giovanni Mosca and Angelo Nizza: pleasant illustrations and interesting reproductions completed the booklet, of which 3 were sent all over Italy. 000 copies to publicize the event.
The flowery course was scheduled for Sunday 24 February with the participation of 24 wagons and 30 cars: the entrance of the vehicles was scheduled from Via XX Settembre and they had to repeat three times the route on Via Roma from Zampillo to the station square and back.
The crowds of spectators greatly exceeded 30,000 people, and the security service and barriers left something to be desired, causing some inconvenience.
The parade was opened by musical groups and four carriages carrying some of the most famous and typical Italian masks: Meneghino and the Cecca from Milan, Doctor Balanzone from Bologna, Gianduia and Giacometta from Turin and Arlecchino from Venice.
The route was then invaded, amid applause and laughter, by cowboys and red-skinned leather goods who performed a series of funny little pictures in perfect western style under the name "Arrivano i Nostri !", with assaults on the stagecoach, chases and shootings that covered the spectators with a cloud of lavender talc from the Biggi company of Imperia.
After a rather long interval, the flowery course finally began, with the passage of the wagon out of competition "Messaggio d'Amore", set up by the Conte di Bordighera company on behalf of the Sanremo Hoteliers Association, which presented a profusion of carnations, irises and daisies, among which some pretty bridesmaids could be noticed.
The first float in the competition was "Alice in Wonderland", designed by Mario De Carli and made by Domenico Ziviani with cyclamens, hyacinths, carnations and anemones: the architectural motif was graceful and well cared for and the costumes were very rich and appropriate.
The next chariot was "Fantasia", by Mario Piras and Rino Ceriolo, made of violets, carnations and roses with two smiling young girls.
Immediately afterwards there was "Serenata alla Luna" by Carla De Fabianis, with a big moon made of white carnations, while the couple were wearing rich Seville costumes.
The Young Workers of the Patronage of St. Vincent presented the "Bi-Bo-Bu Re Bantù" wagon, which actually had few flowers even if the good will had obtained an appreciable result.
The wagon "I Genietti del Bosco", by Giovanni Bensa, presented a Walt Disney style landscape, but the floral decoration was insufficient to make it more appreciated, even though it was animated by the presence of a group of cheerful young people.
The "Fonte Viva", a chariot by Alessandro Donetti di Bussana, decorated with violets and red carnations and enlivened by four elegant ladies, followed.
The next float was "La Casa dei Nani", by Felice Dore di Poggio, while on board a group of children and a young lady impersonated Snow White and her little friends.
Then came Mery Moraglia and Wilmo Donzella's "North Pole" wagon of excellent effect, much admired: a large deer pulled a giant sleigh, made of white carnations, while three pretty maidens, wrapped in soft white furs, held the reins.
The "Primavera a Sanremo" wagon by Giuseppe Carbonetto, one of the best creators of the Sanremo flower courses, was paraded: among carnations and delicate peach blossoms the beauty of some "paesanelle" stood out.
The next float was "I Fiori di Sanremo nel Mondo" by the painter Ferdinando Lemme, with four young girls on board.
Immediately afterwards you could see the "Frantoio" wagon by comm. Antonio Nuvolone, Anfossi and Anselmi, which presented a gigantic oil mill covered with carnations, mimosas and violets, with the presence of a large number of young men and young ladies who animated the scene.
The "Fungo Fiorito" wagon by Liliana Monti and Rino Ceriolo with a large mushroom covered with buttercups and violets, around which a large group of girls could be seen.
Then followed the "Giardino all'Italiana" wagon of the expert Lindita Biggio, who had reproduced a large flowerbed decorated with strelitzie, violets and carnations, on which stood a lady of the court escorted by two heralds.
Next came the "Scarpette Rosse" wagon of the Provincial Union of Journalists, already winners on equal terms of the previous edition, which presented a fine and original subject, although not very flashy, made by the florist Scarpellini. A group of pupils of the ballet school directed by Germaine Casassa, elegant in their white tutus, mimed some steps of the famous ballet, among the applause of the public.
The chariot "Il Campiello Veneziano", also designed by the painter Reni Peretti, showed a valuable architectural achievement. On the chariot a small group of people in tune.
A large group of young people wearing the classic Matuziano costume composed the crew of the cart "La Colombiera", designed by Carlo Alberto and presented by Vincenzo Liberatore. Once in front of the grandstand of the authorities, among the carnations, peach blossoms and hyacinths, a flight of carrier pigeons of the Colombofila Society took off.
The "Queen of Flowers" wagon by Lena Molonaro presented a very good subject, a good realization, both for the flowers and for the very appropriate costumes.
Some floats presented by Cina Cagnacci of the "Jardin Fleurì" on a project by Reni Peretti followed.
"Venetian Serenade", with a gondola, well modelled, rich in carnations and blonde plumosus, resting on a bed of blue-blue leaves, which housed a gondolier and two very elegant ladies.
Fine and well cared for "Geishe", set up with yellow carnations, multicoloured evergreen carnations, buttercups, peach blossoms and decorative leaves of sterilised magnolias and dyed green and burgundy, while four "japanese" and some children accompanied the wagon.
The "High Speed 1800" wagon featured a large antediluvian locomotive made with over 5,000 carnations.
Then Domenico Ziviani's "Fiori e Beghe" (flowers and caterpillars) wagon paraded, alluding to the problem of caterpillars that can infest and ruin our carnations.
Then came "Sorpresa della Pesca" by Jeannot Gastaldi, "Mulino della Felicità" by Bramé and Khanemann, and "Giostra Fiorita" by Mario Battistotti. Unfortunately, an accurate description of these wagons is missing, as their fitters did not present the expected technical data sheet in time.
Among the thirty competing cars, it is worth mentioning the six set up by Ebe Flora, authentic jewels of good taste and floral art, prepared by artistic hands: "Cinguettio" in white carnations and peach blossoms, "Tropical" with a wealth of strelitzie, "Fantasia" in yellow daisies and strelitzie, "Spring" in peach blossoms, "Haway" in Radio carnations and blue hyacinths and finally "Fedora" with red carnations.
The cars fitted out by China Cagnacci of the Jardin Fleurì company, "Landau chic" in white lilac, little greenhouse pompoms and white lace, "La Casina delle Rose" with Virlandia Vandergon roses and creepers, "Carrozza Fiorita" in Corallino carnations, are also very much admired and set up with particular care.
To follow the cars, beautifully set up, presented by Giuseppe Carbonetto: "Nido" with a large bird in multicoloured pampas, violets, broom and carnations, "Pergola" with white carnations, plumosus, violets and broom, "Fontana fiorita" with white carnations, ornamental green and strelitzie, and a superb "Arco Fiorito", in violets and carnations Meraviglia, with the figures wearing the costumes of Othello and Desdemona.
Lindita Biggio and the Bernocchi brothers skilfully worked carnations, roses and violets to set up the cars: "Armonie di Fiori", "La Cometa", "Falene", "Sombrero y Mantilla".
Mrs. Annetta Anfossi has set up four laudatory cars: "La Tavolozza", "Bianco e Nero", "La Rosa e la Farfalla" and "La Cappelliera".
Giovanni Bonfante, with Zanfi and Ricci, presented three cars decorated with orchids, carnations, violets and roses: "Sua Maestà l'Orchidea", "Abbondanza" and "Il Trionfo del Garofano Rosa". Perhaps the careful work would have deserved more consideration from the jury.
Other cars followed, all decorated with carnations, daisies, roses and violets. The Italtours Travel Agency presented the car "Il Globo", Alessandro Donetti from Bussana set up "Cuori fra le Nevi", Secondo Marchini and Viacava "Sogno", Emilio Nobbio and Rolleri "Serenata a Margherita", Rosa Carbonetto and Lindita Biggio presented "Notturno" and Giorgia D'Emarese "Penicillina Floreale".
Finally, out of competition, the "Gioia dei Bimbi" car, set up by Angelo Diamante with carnations and roses.
At the end of the first round of the presentation, a lively battle was waged between the crews of wagons and cars and the public that crowded the entire route. Among all of them, the launch of bundles by the floats set up by Cina Cagnacci of the Jardin Fleurì and Ebe Flora appeared particularly rich.
The event met with considerable success among the spectators and unanimous approval by experts in the sector. Unfortunately, confused in the crowd, many pickpockets scored several hits, despite the precautionary measures taken previously and the assiduous surveillance of the police.
At the end of the event, the juries, with honorary president Arnaldo Fraccaroli, made their decisions known, which perhaps, according to some opinions, would not all have been fully shared.

CATEGORY CARRI (jury: ing. Bartolomeo Corradi, Mr Ermanno Moro, arch. Renato Camus and Dr. Elvio Bracci)

The "Geishe" award by Jardin Fleurì
II " "Flowers and Beghe" " Domenico Ziviani
III " "Venetian Serenade" " Jardin Fleurì
IV " "Alice in Wonderland" by Mario De Carli
V " "The Mill of Happiness" by Kahnemann and Bramé
VI " "Giardino all'Italiana" " Lindita Biggio
VII " "Red Shoes" " Journalists' Union
VIII " "Primavera a Sanremo" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
IX " "La Colombiera" " Vincenzo Liberatore
X " "High Speed 1800" " China Dogs
XI " "I Genietti del Bosco" " Giovanni Bensa
XII " "North Pole" " Mary Moraglia
XIII " "Queen of Flowers" " Lena Molonaro
XIV " "Il Fungo" " Liliana Monti
XV " "Frantoio" " Antonio Nuvolone
XVI " "Bi-Bo-Bu" " Patronage S. Vincenzo
XVII " "La Casa dei Nani" " Felice Dore
XVIII " "Campiello Veneziano" " Reni Peretti
IXX " "Moon Serenade" " Carla De Fabianis
XX " "Fishing Surprise" " Jeannot Gastaldi
XXI " "Giostra Fiorita" " Pietro Battistotti
XXII " "Fantasy" " Mario Piras
XXIII " "The World" " Ferdinando Lemme
XXIV " "Fonte Viva" " Alessandro Donetti

VETTURE CATEGORY (jury: Mrs. Ada Novaro, painter Bernardino Palazzi, Dr. Ludovico Ronco)

I " "Landau Chic" " Jardin Fleurì
II " "Spring" " Hebe Flora
III " "Arco Fiorito" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
IV " "Tinguettio" " Ebe Flora
V " "Fedora" " "
VI " "Tropical" " " "
VII " "Fantasy" " "
VIII " "Haway" " "
IX " "Penicillin Floral" " Giorgia D'Emarese
X " "Nido" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
XI " "S. M. the Orchid" " Giovanni Bonfante
XII " "Triumph" " " "
XIII " "The Comet" " F.lli Bernocchi
XIV " "Dream" " According to Marchini
XV " "Fontana Fiorita" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
XVI " "Carriage in bloom" " Jardin Fleurì
XVII " "Pergola" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
XVIII " "La Cappelliera" " Annetta Anfossi
IXX " "La Casina delle Rose" " Jardin Fleurì
XX " "Abundance" " Giovanni Bonfante
XXI " "La Rosa e la Farfalla" " Annetta Anfossi
XXII " "Black and White" " " "
XXIII " "Moths" " Lindita Biggio
XXIV " "Globo" " Italtours Agency
XXV " "Night" " Carbonetto Pink
XXVI " "Serenade at Margherita" " Emilio Bobbio
XXVII "Harmony of Flowers" " F.lli Bernocchi
XXVIII" "Hearts in the Snow" " Alessandro Donetti
IXXX " "Palette" " Annetta Anfossi
XXX " "Sombrero y Mantilla" " Lindita Biggio

(News from L'ECO DELLA RIVIERA of 21.2 - 28.2.1952)

Year 1953.

This year's edition was particularly noteworthy.
For carnival courses at night a magnificent luminous decoration was set up along Via Roma, consisting of a series of flowered arches with a female and a male figure at the top that seemed to pour cascades of flowers: the panels of the arches were designed by the painter Albertarelli.
For the first time the Municipality, accepting the requests of the tank drivers, granted the use of the bus station in Piazza Colombo, still under construction, for the fitting out of wagons and cars.
The parade was scheduled for Sunday 15th February, but unfortunately on that very day a violent blizzard with gusts of wind over 100 km per hour broke out over the city, putting the safety of spectators and parade workers at great risk, as some elements of the illuminations or other material fell from nearby buildings.
Given the extremely dangerous situation, the organisers were forced, for the first and only time, to postpone the event due to the adverse weather conditions, while the loudspeakers placed along the route repeatedly invited the public not to stop at dangerous points and to move away from the streets.
The fact created considerable difficulties for the fitters to keep the floral decorations already installed in good condition, but, thanks to the use of a lot of ice, the problem was overcome and the course took place regularly the following Tuesday.
It should be underlined that the jury, in order to express a more correct judgement, examined the floats already on Sunday, keeping the verdict reserved until the end of the event.
As per tradition, after the blizzard on Sunday, the sun finally passed and warmed up all the participants.
The parade was opened by the folk band "Matussia Canta e Sciuscia", accompanied by master conductors Ferrari and Bruzzone and a large group of pretty girls in Sanremo costumes, to the sound of the new song "Canta è Carnevale", composed by master Bruzzone. Impeccable and elegant were the new uniforms prepared by Loraschi's tailor's shop: lively interest and hilarity aroused the funny musical instruments greeted by warm applause.
The route was round-trip along Via Roma and Corso O. Raimondo up to the music kiosk; the spectators were calculated to be about 35,000 people who arrived in Sanremo by all means, despite the weekday.
The first to start the flowery carousel of the car category was "Canestro di Viole Mammole" presented by Ebe Flora di Antonio Bestagno, with an elegant basket of violets from which a pretty girl emerged wearing a fluffy white dress.
Other works by Ebe Flora were the cars:
"Carrozza Fiorita", decorated with pink carnations and peach blossoms and with five very pretty young ladies; "Meraviglia" with yellow carnations and callas together with three beautiful maidens;
"Sinfonia Rosa", still in pink carnations and peach blossoms, to which the four elegant young ladies harmonised their costumes;
"Souvenir de Lillà", with a luxurious landau and a profusion of pink and white lilacs.
"Fior di Loto", "Fanny", "Rosellina", "Auto Fiorita" and "Iris", as well as the out-of-competition car presented by the Azienda Autonoma Soggiorno e Turismo with a lively harlequin and two gentle maidens amidst superb strelitzie and shining violets.
The Semiglia brothers presented the "Black and White" car, with a huge cylinder pulled by a nice penguin driven by a child accompanied by two figures wearing elegant tailcoats.
Followed the car "Culla Fiorita" by Giorgio Ricci with pink carnations and anemones: inside it were two young girls.
A characteristic street lamp in anemones, carnations and violets was the subject of the "Luci della Città" car, fitted out by Paola Battistello, and two young people in seductive costumes made up the crew.
Then came "Vettura in Giallo e Rosa" by Oreste Peri, with three little peasants distributing flowers and smiles.
It was then the turn of Stefano Bobone's "Natura Morta" (Still Life), but the two young women painters were very much alive, juggling palettes and brushes.
Ferrari's car "Sulla Spiaggia di Sanremo" (On the Beach of Sanremo) was home to characters in swimming costumes despite the winter season, an eloquent demonstration of our mild climate.
Next up was "Forza Milan", a car presented by Vilmo Leo Donzella, with abundant red carnations skilfully arranged and four attractive "soccer players".
"Dolce Sogno" was the car fitted out by Alessandro Donetti, inspired by the fairy tale of Snow White and Prince Charming.
The well-known and talented florist Lindita Biggio presented the cars:
"Violetera" with a harmonious basket of violets containing two cute little girls;
"Danubio Bleu" in red and bluet carnations;
"Il Trionfo delle Rose" with precious "Impero" roses produced by Vincenzo Asseretto.
The Bernocchi brothers made the cars:
"Canto d'Amore" decorated with strelitzie and carnations,
"Jealousy", flowered with mimosa, from the colour of which the yellow dress of the figure was inspired.
"Egyptian", and finally "Tulip Perroquet".
The "Giuliana" car presented by Emilio Nobbio adorned with pink carnations was then paraded.
Another "magician" of the flowery course, Giuseppe Carbonetto, presented a large group of magnificent cars:
"Il Mulino" with a broom windmill, carnations and two hollanders;
"Gondola Fiorita" with a gondola bow decorated with pampas and many white carnations;
"Il Pozzo dei Fiori" with white and ornamental green carnations covering a well and its arches;
"Tavolozza" with a palette made of moss and decorated with stains of coloured pampas; "Arcobaleno" with a large arch decorated with multicoloured pampas, as well as peach flowers, garlands and garlands of carnations;
"Chiar di Luna" with a smiling half moon in yellow pampas as well as violets and tufts of pink carnations;
"Cestello Fiorito" with a basket garnished with carnations and ornamental greenery;
"La Prima Sveglia" with a chanterelle in multicoloured pampas, white carnations and plumosus.
Another "Mulino Olandese" was presented by Rosa Carbonetto with two charming "Dutch girls".
By A. Anfossi the cars:
"Semprevivo" with a soft border of broom and white carnations while two pretty maidens wore elegant white skater costumes;
"Portafortuna", with three elegantly dressed girls and a decoration of carnations and plumosus;
"Carriage in bloom", with two young villagers: the decoration was of carnations and anemones;
"Pink Wonder" with pink carnations and three beautiful girls.
"Sun in a cage" with two little ladies powdered and painted in the middle of white and pink carnations.
Then came a series of cars set up by Domenico Ziviani:
"Corallino" with roses and red carnations: two ladies and two girls were swinging on the flowery swing;
"Van der Gen" in yellow roses with three pretty girls;
"Lilacs", a rich lilac with white lilacs and roses and two young ladies in period costumes;
"Meilland" made with red roses of the same name and two young girls;
"Gloria di Roma" also in red roses with the same name.
Then came Renato Peretti's "Orientalismo" car, with two seductive odalisques and a nice black man on board;
An anonymous vehicle, without the prescribed number, made with pink carnations, was then paraded;
Below are the cars: "Campane a festa" by Isacco Agrifogli, "Margherita della Riviera" by Emanuele Cichero.
Finally "Libellula" by Bestagno and "Promenade des fleurs" by Pier Luigi Pizzi.
Then it was the turn of the vehicles in the wagon category.
One of the most original was "L'inviato speciale", designed by Renato Peretti and made by Nino Rodi for the Unione Provinciale Giornalisti: in the centre, a sketch of a globe and a large papier-mâché duck, on which stood the popular yeller "Barba" Triulzi, who for the occasion had shaved half his face and unleashed the children's laughter, winking funny with his flashy paper hat; around him there were three beautiful girls impersonating "the worldly chronicle", "the sports chronicle" and "radio chronicle". Unfortunately, such an original and well-crafted subject was not accompanied by an adequate floral decoration.
"Mars chose the flowers" was the wagon presented by Lindita Biggio, decorated with brooms and carnations: it presented three beautiful "Martians" and a flying saucer hosting a pretty little girl.
"Mio-Mao" was the title of the wagon by Prevosto and Kahnemann, with a big cat and a mocking mouse made of pampa, marigold, violets and white carnations: five young and pretty "kittens" attended the sketch.
By Pier Luigi Pizzi "Les Amours d'Arlequin" of carnations and other colourful flowers, animated by a Harlequin and some dames.
Barla and Lentisco di Taggia presented "Pappagalli maldicenti", with yellow carnations, buttercups and a small group of cheerful girls.
Then came "La Campagnola" by Giuseppe Benso, with a noisy and numerous crew accompanied by guitar and accordion.
"Favola fiorita", a charming Bassilana's wagon, decorated with white and pink carnations, presented a tiny little house in bloom, a pretty Snow White and seven children as dwarfs.
It was followed by "Melodie floreali" by Liliana Monti.
"The Goddess of flowers" was a splendid chariot by Giuseppe Carbonetto: in the midst of four large balloons on flowery columns richly adorned with pink and white carnations there was a tall chariot, also made of pink and white carnations, with the goddess of flowers elegantly dressed in white satin and tulle driving a flight of white doves and accompanied by four pretty handmaids wearing white satin dresses.
Rino Ceriolo presented "Masks and flowers", with a sort of small theatre decorated with images on the theme: the decoration was in multicoloured carnations and the figures wore the costumes of some famous masks.
Following was the wagon "L'arca dei comici" by Renato Peretti in bloom with carnations, while on board there was the author with his wife and some friends.
It was then the turn of "Fantasia Mexicana" by Mario de Carli, very colourful and admired.
Very beautiful was "The King of Music" by Giovanni Pesante, which represented a great saxophone decorated with carnations of various colours, from which a young girl in a dinner jacket peeped out, as well as a small group of girls who had costumes decorated with musical notes.
The "Mostra del fiore" wagon, by Mary Moraglia and Vilmo Leo Donzella, had a staircase where some of the most important varieties of carnations were "exhibited" together with elegant maidens dressed in the colour of flowers.
Finally, here is "Faster than sound" by Domenico Ziviani, depicting a large snail in the midst of a profusion of hyacinths, anemones, buttercups and cyclamens. On the cart a group of girls and two lively children.
Out of competition, a Flormenta's car and a strange vehicle were paraded out of the competition, dispense delicious pancakes.
After the end of the course, the group led by Luciano Salvo took a small circus with acrobats, clowns, a fake monkey and a tamer to entertain passers-by. For the record, the group had presented a project for the docking and landing in Piazza Colombo of two pirate galleons, but it did not obtain the approval of the Municipality, and they were forced to fall back on another alternative.
Finally, the result of the votes of the jury was diffused, which was composed of: Mrs. Elena, Mrs. Mimma Bobba, Mr. Bernardino Palazzi, Mr. Fenolio, arch. Camus, Mr. Pietro Farina and Mr. Massimo Boeris. Probably the response wanted to take into account the problems faced by the tank drivers following the difficulties caused by the wind storm and many ex-aequo prizes were awarded.
They were awarded:

For the WORKS category

1 ex aequo "The King of Music" by Giovanni Pesante
" " " Faster than sound " " Domenico Ziviani
" " " Flower fairytale " " Bassilana
2 ex aequo " Goddess of flowers " " Giuseppe Carbonetto
" " " Mio-Mao " " Prevost and Kahnemann
" " " The Special Envoy " " Provincial Union of Journalists
3 ex aequo " Floral melody " " Liliana Monti
" " " Parrots slandering " " Barla and Lentisco
" " " Mexican Fantasy " " Mario De Carli

For the VEHICLES category

1 ex aequo " Basket of violets violets " by Ebe Flora
" " " The triumph of roses " " Lindita Biggio
" " " Corallino " " Domenico Ziviani
2 ex aequo " Souvenir de lilac " " Ebe Flora
" " " Wonder " " Antonio Bestagno
" " " Lilac " " Domenico Ziviani
3 ex aequo " Glory of Rome " Domenico Ziviani
" " The mill " " Giuseppe Carbonetto
" " " Flowering Car " " Antonio Bestagno
" " " Violetera " " Lindita Biggio
" " " Promenade des fleurs " " Pier Luigi Pizzi

(News from L'ECO DELLA RIVIERA Thursday 19 February 1953)

Year 1954.

This year's edition took place on Thursday 25th February, after a troubled eve, with some fears that the event might be compromised by bad weather or very high flower prices due to poor flowering, a consequence of a particularly harsh winter.
Luckily the flowering course, the most characteristic and kindest of all Italian carnival events, a source of pride and pride for Sanremo, which has the exclusive right to hold it, was held regularly.
The Organizing Committee was composed by Ing. Bernardo Corradi (president), Mrs Codoni, D.ssa Stresino Amoretti, Bruno Tamponi, Roberto Lardera, Edoardo Morandi, Dr. Squarciafichi, Mario Sogliano, Mario Cupisti, Pietro Conti (secretary).
The flowers were used sparingly: tens and tens of thousands, including strelitzie, carnations, violets and other varieties were used for the decoration of carts and carriages and no less than 300,000 bunches were made available for the battle between crews and the public. The expenditure was estimated at around 13 million: a real record!
Every apprehension, after a drizzly morning, has been dispelled and the weather has finally set in and in the early hours of the afternoon an overwhelming crowd, estimated at over 30,000 people, crowded the route of the parade making wing to wing to the passage of wagons and cars.
The parade started at 3 p.m. sharp, under the direction of Nello Ferrua, with the characteristic complex "Rumpe e Streppa" of Finalmarina; at a distance also the "Cau de Noli" and the local "Canta e Sciuscia", directed by maestro Demo Bruzzone, paraded: reinforced in its number and "instruments", with its bright uniforms and plumes, it can stand up to any similar band.

COMPETITIVE CABINETS category.
The parade was opened by a series of cars designed and built by Ebe Flora and inspired by each of the four seasons:
"Spring", presented a profusion of delicate peach blossoms and Liliana carnations. A flight of colourful fake butterflies and a mosaic of flowers recalled the constellations in the sky of the season, completing the allegory, while a young girl in a fluffy and elegant costume smiled at the audience.
"Winter", in white carnations and lilacs with a pretty skier.
"Summer", with a seductive fisherman in a sea of brightly coloured flowers and gilded ears of wheat, a hint of beach with a mermaid and a large umbrella.
"Autumn" featured Bacchus riding a vat, among wine coloured Cattleya vine leaves and carnations, while two peasants offered grapes from Dolceacqua. The constellations of the respective seasons were still recalled by mosaics of flowers.
Also by Ebe Flora was the car "Arlecchinata", with strelitzie and carnations Orfeo: on board the nice and well known "Gaietto" was unnecessarily made up as a woman because he was betrayed by his size and physique.
On the part of Giuseppe Carbonetto, another appreciated veteran of the flowery courses, six highly admired cars were fitted out:
"Campana di Viole", a splendid and fine creation, decorated entirely with violets, with two nice children on board, one dressed as a violet and the other as a Parma violet, much applauded by the whole audience.
"Peach Blossom Pinwheel", with two "chinesinesine" and a bold young man.
"Bersò", in bloom with red and pink carnations, with three girls wearing elegant pink satin dresses.
"Pergola", also with pink carnations, with two smiling little townspeople.
"Butterfly", with a big yellow pampas butterfly and matching carnations, as well as two girls wearing satin dresses and pink tulle.
"Umbrella" adorned with carnations, violets and peach blossoms, with three pretty girls.
The car "Triumph of the carnation Begum" by Domenico Ziviani, with as many as 1,500 flowers of the variety dedicated to the consort of the Aga Khan, pink while pink satin was the dress worn by the young girl in the centre of the bouquet.
The "Conchiglia", another successful car fitted out by D. Ziviani, with Anita pink carnations and
plumosus. A pretty and smiling "pearl", elegantly dressed, completed the scene.
Two cars set up by Lindita Biggio followed, much applauded:
"Il Sogno" with blue irises, fragrant peas and pink carnations and two girls in rich costumes.
"Caterina De' Medici", a flowery chariot with 2,000 white and pink carnations, medeola (ornamental green) and 100 dozen little pink and white roses: two very young girls, wearing costumes from the 18th century, impersonated Caterina and her pageboy.
Then came three cars of the brothers Piero and Carlo Bernocchi:
The "La Mexicana", with red and white carnations and squeezing green carnations.
"Le Stelle Stanno a Guardare", violets, marigold and variegated carnations.
"Allegri Cinesini", with three children in Chinese costumes, adorned with carnations and lilacs.
Then they paraded Ada Moirano's car: "La Paloma", in white carnations and "Incanto", with an attractive gypsy in the middle.
"La Postina della Val Gardena" was the title of a car richly equipped by Vito Casazza with over 1,500 carnations; on board a very pretty young woman was wearing a dress matching the whole subject. In front of the stage of the authorities a flight of pigeons took off.

Two charming ladies animated Nicodemo Bruzzone's "Chiquerie" car.
Ada Moirano's "Campane a Sera", an elegant creation embellished by two young girls.
The "Occhio di Falco" (Hawkeye) car designed by Rino Ceriolo, with two young men wearing appropriate redskin costumes, was evocative.
It was followed by "Cestello Fiorito", by Piera Potenti, where two pretty young girls were watching.
Then "Spring Walk" presented by Ida and Vanna Tani, while Elda Pescialli set up "Olandesine" with two very pretty girls.
The last two cars in competition were presented by Liliana Monti: one was "Ventaglio", decorated with Fiume carnations; the other was "Idilio di Primavera" with three beautiful young ladies.

Category COMPETITION CARS
Of particular importance "QuoVadis Pinocchio? ", by Giovanni Pesante, which represented a large whale with its mouth wide open, in which a couple of children could be seen; on the head of the cetacean another child impersonated Pinocchio, while two children had taken their place on the caudal fins. The decoration was of 3.500 Fanny carnations and green plumosus: the elegant costumes were of the Carrara Cutting School.
Anchor by G. Pesante "Giant Turtle", covered by a fluffy and multicoloured mantle of skilfully arranged carnations, which carried on its back a basket containing three peasant mink.
Another very happy creation was "Giostra Spagnola" by Domenico Ziviani: on a large flowered wheel, surmounted by a triumph of strelitzie, three beautiful gypsies slowly turned and two others completed the crew, all wearing elegant Spanish costumes.
Another chariot of Ziviani's was "Triumph of the Strelitzia", with as many as 45 dozen of this superb flower that overlooked a green pergola in which there was a group of beautiful maidens.
Another very appreciated wagon was "Ore Liete" by Liliana Monti, made with a profusion of carnations, buttercups and peach blossoms. Two girls were swinging on a flowery swing surrounded by a small group of young people in elegant costumes.
Next was "Calamita Fiorita", by Gino Barla; it had a big sun attracted by a giant U-shaped magnet on which there was a group of peasants' faces: the floral decoration was carnations, marigolds and green plumosus.
Much interest was aroused by Amedeo Moreno's "Seafaring Fantasy", both for the richness of the floral decoration and for the beautiful girls engulfed in flowers who wore white blouses and multicoloured striped skirts.
Renato Fusi's "Butterfly Garden" also aroused admiration, a fairytale setting with a group of elegant and charming geishas.
Followed the "Triumph of Flowers" float by Giuseppe Carbonetto: an imposing subject, which presented a group of converging flowered arches and a trophy of flowers, perfectly made with white and ornamental green carnations and animated by six lively and pretty girls.
It was then the turn of the floats set up with positive results by Lindita Biggio.
"Minuetto" decorated with 50 dozen roses, 100 dozen fragrant peas and 3,000 coral carnations: on board an elegant lady with pageboys and bridesmaids, all in 18th century costumes.
"Moulin Rouge" of remarkable effect, designed and set up with originality and perfect adherence to the theme: a child impersonated the famous painter Toulouse Lautrec while "gigolò and gigolettes" completed the scene.
The "Imprisoned Winter" chariot was designed by Rino Ceriolo and made with Spring carnations, ornamental greenery and peach blossoms: it had a large sun among whose rays sat the Spring, which was watched over by two pages and two armorers, represented by a white puppet wrapped in chains.
Nino Rodi presented "CanzoneFloreale" on a sketch by Prof. Rambelli of Rome and "Dragone di Gala" with a large Chinese dragon placed on a bed of white carnations and broom, surmounted by an oriental style pavilion containing a group of young "Chinese".
Wagons and Cars OUT OF COMPETITION.
Unusually large number of wagons and cars, out of competition, presented by Sanremo Bodies and Associations.
"I Folletti del Gioco", designed and set up by Lorenzo Musso on behalf of the Municipal Casino; the wagon, pulled by four horses mounted by as many valets, presented a subject made in an accurate and richly decorated manner, with the four aces, impersonated by beautiful girls, while two little girls in tight red and black costumes represented the jokers. In addition to the small bunches of flowers, chocolate and perfume bottles were thrown to the public without sparingly.
The Hoteliers' Association presented an elegant car decorated with patience and skill by Cesare Cullino di Bordighera with tulle, pink carnations and strelitzie; on board two pretty girls and a bold young man.
The Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno presented a wagon, entrusting its preparation to the Goliardi Sanremesi Associati and the F.U.C.I. who set up, with the support of Nello Ferrua, "Noi Siamo le Colonne" animated by a group of nice and noisy students.
Nino Rodi set up the admired "Furandoles" wagon on behalf of the Associazione Commercianti, with a group of beautiful girls on board.
Cesare Cullino also prepared the "Trionfo del Fiore" car for the Provincial Floriculture Association, decorated with Villafranca red carnations and Minerva white carnations and carrying on board three very admired young ladies in elegant white satin evening dresses.
In addition, four cars of the event organizing committee paraded: "Pergolato", "Bouquet" with carnations and strelitzie, "Haway" and finally a carriage surmounted by the coat of arms of the Belgian town of Knokke carrying a group of lively and graceful "ambassadors" much applauded at their passage.

Advertising wagons.
Finally, some advertising vehicles also passed by.
The Lane Rossi presented a wagon inspired by their advertising motif, executed by Ebe Flora with 20,000 carnations and with the collaboration of the "Compagnia dei Scassagoti" of Ventimiglia. The occupants wore red and black costumes and threw a pair of red and white carnations joined together with a tag bearing the company's initial "R".
Nello Ferrua set up the cart of the Gillette and Campari companies that offered the public, respectively, razor blades and bottles of the well-known Campari Soda aperitif.

This was the end of the presentation of the flower vehicles that were quickly plundered of floral decorations by the raptors hands of the spectators and reduced as wrecks of ships swept away by a storm.
The event was greatly appreciated with the full satisfaction of the Organizing Committee who could finally forget their fears about the threat of bad weather.
The verdicts of the juries for the categories in competition were awarded to the following vehicles:

VETTURE CATEGORY (Jury: Mrs Flora Elena, prof. Luigi Enrie, dr. Renzo
Compound - Presid. Arnaldo Fraccaroli)

I prize - "Spring" by Ebe Flora
II " "Summer" " " "
III " "Caterina dé Medici" " Lindita Biggio
IV " "Autumn" " Hebe Flora
V " "The Triumph of the Carnation Begum" " Domenico Ziviani
VI " "Arlecchinata" " Ebe Flora
VII " "Spring Idyll" " Liliana Monti
VIII " "Winter" " Hebe Flora
IX " "Il Ventaglio" " Liliana Monti
X " "La Postina della Val Gardena" " Vito Casazza

CARRI CATEGORY (Jury: Miss Alberta Rispoli, Painter Bernardino
Palaces, Agr. Stefano Bensa - Presid. Arnaldo Fraccaroli)

The "Giant Turtle" Award by Giovanni Pesante
II " "Imprisoned Winter" " Rino Ceriolo
III " "Ore Liete" " Liliana Monti
IV " "Triumph of Flowers" " Giuseppe Carbonetto
IV ex-aequo "Dragon of Gala" " Nino Rhodes

(News from l'ECO DELLA RIVIERA on Sunday 28.02.1954)