Carnival of Acireale guide
Known as **the most beautiful Carnival in Sicily**, the **Carnival of Acireale** transforms this elegant Baroque town near Catania into a stage of color, art, and celebration. Combining centuries-old tradition with floral artistry and satirical creativity, it’s one of Italy’s most spectacular Carnival events.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
Carnival of Acireale — Sicily’s Grandest Celebration of Color and Creativity
🎭 Overview
The Carnevale di Acireale is one of the oldest and most famous in Italy, dating back to the 16th century. Originally a simple folk celebration of masks and mischief, it evolved into a magnificent festival featuring mechanical floats, floral sculptures, costumes, and parades that fill the streets every winter — and again in summer for a smaller edition.
Held in the historic center of Acireale, just north of Catania, the event reflects the city’s Baroque elegance while embracing the joyful chaos of Sicilian culture.
🕰️ History and Origins
- The first written record of Acireale’s Carnival dates to the 1500s, when locals wore masks and threw lemons and oranges at each other in playful battles.
- By the 17th century, this evolved into a more organized festival with music and public performances.
- In the 20th century, the introduction of papier-mâché floats brought artistry and competition to the event.
- Since the 1930s, flower-covered floats (carri infiorati) have become a signature feature, showcasing Acireale’s mastery of floral design.
🌺 What Makes It Unique
The Carnival of Acireale stands out from other Italian carnivals because of its fusion of art, satire, and flowers:
- Allegorical floats: enormous moving sculptures made of papier-mâché, often depicting political or social satire.
- Carri infiorati: floats covered entirely in real flowers — daisies, marigolds, carnations — forming intricate designs.
- Masked parades: locals in elaborate costumes reenact traditional characters like Peppe Nappa, the Carnival’s symbolic figure.
- Music and fireworks: brass bands, folk groups, and nightly shows animate the Baroque streets.
📅 When and Where It Happens
- Main edition: January or February, leading up to Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday).
- Summer edition: usually in May or August, featuring the floral floats.
- Location: Piazza Duomo, Corso Umberto, and Corso Savoia — Acireale’s historic center.
The entire town becomes a pedestrian zone filled with confetti, food stalls, and music.
🍊 What to See and Do
- Watch the grand parades of allegorical and floral floats, often illuminated at night.
- Visit the Flower Float Exhibition (Esposizione dei Carri Infiorati) to see the intricate details up close.
- Enjoy live concerts, puppet theatre, and street performances across the city.
- Taste local treats like granita, arancini, and zeppole from street vendors.
- Buy souvenirs and handmade Carnival masks crafted by local artisans.
👑 Iconic Figures
- Peppe Nappa: the cheerful, gluttonous symbol of Acireale’s Carnival, who leads the parade and distributes wine and laughter.
- Re Carnevale (King Carnival): represents the spirit of festivity, crowned at the start and symbolically burned at the end to mark Lent’s beginning.
📸 Tips for Visitors
- Book early: hotels in Acireale and nearby Catania fill quickly.
- Arrive early for parades — especially in Piazza Duomo.
- Try local specialties: almond pastries, pistachio sweets, and fresh granita.
- Bring a camera: the floral floats and Baroque backdrops are perfect for photos.
🧭 Summary
The Carnival of Acireale is Sicily’s most vibrant festival — a celebration of art, satire, and community spirit. With its blend of Baroque splendor, floral creativity, and timeless humor, it transforms the streets into a living theater of color. Whether you visit in winter or summer, Acireale’s Carnival offers a joyful glimpse into the island’s heart: playful, artistic, and endlessly alive.