The Carnival season has begun. Parties, floats, parades, crostoli and pancakes. There is no country in Italy that does not have its own tradition during this holiday, but what will be the most beautiful Carnivals in Italy not to be missed?
Get ready for a journey through masks, traditions and folklore that will make you fall in love with the cultural richness of the Bel Paese.
Did you know that the oldest carnival in Italy dates back as far as 1094? It is the Carnival of Venice, created to celebrate a military victory of the Serenissima. But it is not the only one with a fascinating history!
Let’s discover together the most beautiful carnivals in Italy, each with its own uniqueness and irresistible charm. Because among the things to do in February, you must attend a parade.
Table Of Contents
The Ambrosian Carnival
Dates: February 16 through Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Among the most beautiful Carnivals could not miss ours of course, that of Milan. Here Carnival is a “serious thing,” which is celebrated with all the pomp of tradition, amid colors, confetti and the sweet smell of chiacchiere and tortelli. From Feb. 16, the city is all a party among acrobats, parades, clowns, masks, shows and children dressed up in costumes in the streets.
Remember that the dates of the Ambrosian Carnival are slightly different from those of the traditional carnival: here we celebrate until March 8, instead of March 4!
Ivrea Carnival
Dates: March 1-2-3-4, 2025.
Not far from Milan we find a Carnival celebration that is definitely worthwhile, we are talking about that of Ivrea, the oldest in Italy. From January 6 the city is in turmoil with lots of events related to this holiday. The most folkloric part is definitely the Battle of the Oranges: it is celebrated over 3 days, starting March 2.
The full program can be found on the website if interested. Between shows, parades, pyrotechnic performances you will witness something unique and sensational.
The Carnival of Venice
Dates: February 14 to March 4, 2025.
Historic and ancient, apparently dating back to 1094. Among the most beautiful carnivals could not miss him, that of Venice. A festival that attracts people from all over the world, that fascinates and bewitches. The Carnival of Venice is a truly unique event among the most fascinating in our country. Masks all over the city, parade of floats, processions on the water and many events that you can discover here.
The one in 2025 will be a special edition, entitled “Casanova’s Time” and dedicated to the iconic figure of the world’s most famous Venetian. Among other things, it could be an original plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Find the full schedule of this year’s edition here.
The Carnival of Manfredonia
Dates: February 23 to March 8, 2025.
This beautiful Apulian carnival, recognized as a “Historic Carnival” by MiBACT, will amaze you with its Grand Parade of Floats. Along two kilometers of route, you will witness a breathtaking spectacle of creativity and merriment. Don’t miss the typical mask “Ze Pèppe,” a cheerful peasant who embodies the festive spirit of the event. And for those with a sweet tooth, “farrate” and “scagliozzi” will give you a taste of the true flavor of the Manfredonian carnival.
If you’re looking for a nice activity for the little ones, you can’t miss the event “Il Veglioncino dei Bambini,” scheduled for Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m., at the C. Serricchio Auditorium of Palazzo dei Celestini (Corso Manfredi 22).
The Viareggio Carnival
Dates: February 8 to March 4, 2025.
Another Carnival that should absolutely be mentioned is the one in Viareggio. Here it is a big celebration from February 8 to March 4. District parties, concerts, some of the most beautiful, large and spectacular masked floats, performances and cultural events. In this town, Carnival is part of the community, part of the culture of the people and is organized with the utmost dedication. The tradition dates back to 1873. There are many events for more than 20 days in which you can do anything among confetti, streamers, masks and pancakes. Take a read here.
Don’t forget to get your tickets at the link we leave you.
The Carnival of Ronciglione
Dates: February 16 to March 4, 2025.
Ronciglione’s is considered among the oldest carnivals in Italy as well as among the most beautiful, conveying passion, fun and frenzy. It is part of the culture and tradition of the people of Ronciglione. It seems to have its roots in the 1500s. Most famous is its Gala Course attended by about a thousand people including masks, floats and other figures.
It is a dense spectacle of enveloping colors made possible thanks to the inventiveness, passion and dedication of the Ronciglionesi who work hard, already several months before the event, to ensure that the Grandiose Gala Course maintains its centuries-old and glorious fame, as we read on the website.
The program is quite dense, take a look at it here.
The Castrovillari Carnival
Dates: February 23 to March 4, 2025.
From Sunday, February 23 to Tuesday, March 4, Castrovillari, in the province of Cosenza, will welcome you with a carnival rich in history and tradition. Get ready to witness the contrast between King Carnival and Lent, a ritual with roots dating back to 1635.
The International Folklore Festival will take you on a journey through world cultures, while the contest for floats and masked groups will ignite your curiosity. Don’t miss the Grand Gala of Folklore, where you can enjoy performances by groups from all over Europe and beyond.
The Schignano Carnival
Dates: February 23 to March 4, 2025.
The small village of Schignano, in the province of Como, comes alive with one of Italy’s most mysterious carnivals. The “Brütt” masks, hand-carved from wood, will transport you to an almost surreal atmosphere. The flight of the Carlisepp on Shrove Tuesday is a moment of pure carnival magic. Attend the parades on Feb. 23 and March 1 to fully immerse yourself in local traditions.
The contrast between the “Brütt” and the “Bei” will tell you stories of emigration and peasant life, in a typically Lombard mix of merriment and melancholy.
You can take a look at the program here.
Tricarico Carnival
Dates: January 16 to March 2, 2025.
Tricarico will amaze you with a unique carnival. Masks of cows and bulls, with their cowbells and colorful ribbons, transform the streets into a festive herd. This Lucanian carnival is a festival of colors and sounds rooted in ancient fertility myths. Don’t miss the nightly serenades, a custom that will make you feel part of the local community.
Between masks, songs and traditional dances, you will have an authentic experience in the heart of Basilicata.
The Carnevalone of Montescaglioso
Dates: Feb. 22 to March 4, 2025.
Montescaglioso presents a carnival with a double soul. The Mardi Gras “Carnevalone Tradizionale” will surprise you with its symbolic masks such as Carnevalone, Quaremma and Carnevalicchio. In contrast, the parade of floats of the “Carnevale Montese” will show you the more modern and satirical side of the festival. Admire the skill of the local paper mache masters and get caught up in the goliardic atmosphere that pervades the streets of this Matera village.