Carnevale in Italy: Your Guide to the Best Carnivals

Experience the Magic of Carnevale in Italy in 2025

Italy is renowned for its vibrant and colorful Carnevale celebrations, where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy fancy dress costumes, parades, and delicious food. The customs of Carnevale vary from region to region, adding a unique touch to each celebration.

Carnevale is a time of joy and festivity that precedes the solemn period of Lent, observed by Christians around the world. The 2025 Carnevale season officially kicks off on Sunday, 16 February and culminates with Shrove Tuesday on 4 March.

Unveiling the Origins of Carnevale

The roots of Carnevale can be traced back to ancient Roman times, specifically the festival of Saturnalia, where social norms were turned upside down. Some believe that Carnevale originated from pagan rituals marking the transition from winter to spring.

Over the years, Carnevale festivities have been aligned with the Catholic calendar, leading up to Martedì Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, just before Ash Wednesday. The date of Carnevale changes annually based on the Easter schedule, with Easter falling on 20 April in 2025.

It is widely believed that the term “Carnevale” originated in Venice, a city synonymous with the festival. The word is thought to derive from the Latin expression carnem levare, meaning “to remove meat.”

During Carnevale in Italy, streets come alive with children donning elaborate costumes and showering the towns with colorful confetti, creating a festive atmosphere.

Now, let’s explore some of the best destinations in Italy to celebrate Carnevale.

Venice

Known as the queen of carnival cities in Italy, Venice hosts spectacular Carnevale events along its picturesque canals and historic squares. The city’s water parades, masked balls, and elaborate floats attract crowds from far and wide.

Carnevale di Venezia dates back centuries, with festivities facing periodic bans under different rulers. The highlight includes the Festa delle Marie pageant, where contestants vie for the title of the “most beautiful Maria.”

Viareggio

Viareggio, a coastal city in Tuscany, boasts a rich Carnevale tradition dating back to 1873. The city’s Sunday parades feature colossal floats adorned with papier-mâché caricatures, poking fun at public figures.

The iconic Burlamacco, a carnival clown, adds to the charm of Viareggio’s festivities.

For more details on the 2025 celebrations, visit the Viareggio Carnevale website.

Ivrea

Ivrea, a town near Turin, is famous for its ancient carnival traditions, notably the Battle of the Oranges – a unique food fight that symbolizes the town’s defiance against oppressive rulers.

Experience the thrill of this historic event and learn more about the 2025 carnival on the Storico Carnevale di Ivrea website.

Mamoiada

Embark on a unique Carnevale journey in Mamoiada, Sardinia, where dancing participants don distinctive costumes and masks, adding an air of mystery to the celebrations.

Join the Mamuthones and Issohadores in their mesmerizing dance and stay updated on the 2025 festivities through the Comune di Mamoiada website.

Acireale

Experience the magic of Carnevale in Sicily at the Carnevale di Acireale, a longstanding tradition dating back to the late 16th century. The town’s vibrant parade, featuring intricate floats and historical masks, creates an unforgettable spectacle.

Don’t miss the burning of “Re Carnevale” and the dazzling fireworks display that marks the culmination of the celebrations.

Fano

Discover the rich history of Carnevale in Fano, a town in Marche, dating back to 1347. Join the colorful parade led by Vulon, a local masked character, and indulge in the festive atmosphere with music and sweets raining down on the crowds.

Putignano

Explore the ancient carnival traditions of Putignano in Puglia, where the festivities kick off with a celebration in honor of S. Stefano. Delight in the diverse events dedicated to different categories of residents, culminating in a grand finale that promises an unforgettable experience.