The tradition of the Carnival is very old. The first official record of the Carnival of Muggia dates back to the municipal statutes of the year 1420, in which reference is made to a reimbursement of one ducat for the Companies that would have spent at least three times as much for hiring musicians during the Carnival.

In the past, the Carnival of Muggia or Carneval de Muja was characterised by several traditions such as the Bull Hunt, which was of Venetian origin, and the Ballo della Verdura (literally the »vegetable dance«), which took place on Shrove Tuesday in today's main square Marconi. Some old traditions are brought back to life on Shrove Thursday, during the official opening of the Carnival of Muggia. Women and men wear festive green wreaths and dance, holding golden arrangements of branches and oranges. An other very interesting tradition is called »andar a ovi« (»begging eggs«) and is still practised today.

The distinctive characteristic of the Carnival of Muggia is the complete abscence of face masks.

The purpose of the celebrations is to show oneself and be recognised by the public, not to hide behind a different identity. Furthermore, the Companies play a very important role. Each company chooses a different topic to develop through the creation of costumes, sets and coreographies that results in unique performances of »street theatre«. 

The most higlhy anticipated moment of the  Carnival is definitely the parade of allegorical floats. Each float is the result of a long process of preparation, to which Company members dedicate their spare time. Of the many companies that have followed each other over the years, eight are still active today: Bellezze Naturali (Natural beauties), Bulli e Pupe (Guys and Dolls), Bora, Brivido (Shiver), Lampo (Flkash), Mandrioi (Beetles), Ongia (Nail), Trottola (Spinning top).