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Explore Famous Italian Carnival Celebrations

Parade floats, elaborate masks, and festive parades await during carnival season in Italy. Explore the top Italian Carnival celebrations and plan your unforgettable carnival in Italy.

Last updated: 09.06.2025

Carnival in Venice: Masks and Timeless Elegance

If you had to name a few famous global festivals, the Carnival of Venice would surely come to mind. One of the most iconic Italian Carnival celebrations, it stands out as one of the best-known and most unique carnivals in the world. The history of this dazzling carnival in Italy dates back to 1296, when the Venetian Senate declared the day before Lent a public holiday filled with fun and festivities. Ever wondered why people wear elaborate masks and costumes during the Carnival of Venice? In those days, it was a way to erase distinctions of social class, religion, gender, and cultural differences—allowing everyone to celebrate together in true carnival spirit.
  • Dates of the Carnival of Venice

    From the 22nd February to the 4th of March, 2025

Planning to experience the magic of carnival in Italy? During the Venetian Carnival, grand parades and the festive atmosphere fill the calli and piazzas of Venice. One of the highlights is the spectacular "Flight of the Angel," held on Giovedì Grasso.

While enjoying this iconic Italian Carnival celebration, don’t miss the chance to indulge in traditional delights—especially frittelle (fritole), delicious fried doughnuts considered the signature dessert of La Serenissima.
TRAVEL TIP

If you start your Italian adventure in the capital, hop onboard a Rome to Venice train for a fast, safe and worry-free journey to the carnival.

Viareggio’s Spectacular Floats and Italian Carnival Spirit

Another must-see Italian Carnival celebration is the Carnival of Viareggio. Its first masquerade dates back to 1873, when the upper classes protested high taxes through a festive parade. Over the years, this vibrant carnival in Italy evolved into a spectacular event, best known for its grand animated parade featuring gigantic papier-mâché caricatures of celebrities and politicians. The festival’s symbol, a striking black, white, and red harlequin, adds to the unique spirit of the carnival season in Italy. Today, the Carnival of Viareggio spans an entire month, with lively events day and night, when colourful parades, carnival masks and costumes, concerts, and music draw thousands of visitors.
Carnival of Viareggio
The atmosphere is electric, as the city’s seaside promenade transforms into a giant open-air theatre filled with laughter and celebration. One of the main highlights is the renowned parade of colossal papier-mâché floats, crafted by local artisans with incredible skill and creativity. These towering, often satirical figures roll down the streets, delighting spectators of all ages. Each parade is accompanied by bands, dancers, and costumed performers, ensuring that the festive energy never wanes. Families, couples, and friends join in the fun, often dressed in their own carnival costumes to become part of the spectacle. The event’s vibrant spirit makes it one of the most cherished Italian Carnival celebrations. While in Viareggio, don’t miss the chance to sample Cenci—a sweet, crispy fried treat shaped like tatters, beloved during Italian Carnival festivities.
  • Dates of the Viareggio Carnival

    From the 8th February to the 4th of March, 2025

Ivrea’s Battle of Oranges: A Unique Carnival in Italy

Held in the Piedmont town of Ivrea, this Italian celebration is known for the spectacular Battle of Oranges. Officially established in 1808, the carnival in Italy likely dates back to ancient times. Its core tradition symbolises driving out a hated tyrant who starved the townspeople. During the 19th century French occupation, the celebration evolved into the iconic event it is today. The Battle of Oranges remains a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom. Today, the Carnival of Ivrea features vibrant parades with medieval costumes, folkloristic groups, and musical performances from across Italy and Europe. While enjoying the festive atmosphere of this unique carnival season in Italy, be sure to try Fagiolata—a hearty bean soup and beloved traditional carnival dish.
  • Dates of the Carnival of Ivrea

    From the 2nd March to the 4th of March, 2025

Putignano Carnival: One of the Oldest in Italy

The Carnival of Putignano, one of the most fascinating carnival celebrations, is held in the town of Putignano in the province of Bari. In fact, this historic carnival in Italy is one of the oldest and longest in Europe. It dates back to 1394, when the relics of St. Stephen were moved from St. Stephen’s Abbey to Putignano to protect them from Saracen raids. The event began with a religious procession, later evolving into a lively celebration of music, dance, and joy. Today, the Putignano Carnival kicks off on December 26th and continues until Mardi Gras, marking a vibrant highlight of the carnival season in Italy. To fully savour the experience, be sure to try Farinella, a traditional Italian chickpea pancake, much loved during this spectacular event.
  • Dates of the Carnival of Putignano

    From the 1st February to the 25th of February , 2025

Cento Carnival: A Vibrant Highlight of Carnival Season in Italy

The Carnival of Cento, a standout Italian Carnival celebration, takes place in the province of Ferrara, Emilia Romagna. Its origins are ancient, depicted in a 17th-century fresco painted by Cento native Gian Francesco. Today, this lively carnival in Italy is famous for its partnership with the Brazilian Carnival, officially twinned since 1993. The event features dazzling allegorical floats, elaborate carnival costumes, and vibrant masked wagons. Each year, Cento’s floats bring the spirit of the carnival season in Italy to Rio, proudly representing the world’s first and only foreign parade to participate in the iconic Night of Champions at the Sambadrome. This connection adds an exciting international flair to one of Italy’s most dynamic carnival celebrations.
  • Dates of the Carnival of Cento

    From the 25th January to the 18th of February , 2025

Carnival of Cento
The Carnival of Cento hosts a world-class parade and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Italian Carnival celebrations and one of the best festivals in Europe. Today, the spectacular event culminates in the vibrant Piazza Guercino, where crowds gather to witness the joyful spectacle. The parade features enormous papier-mâché floats, colourful masquerade figures, and lively dancing, all set to the rhythms of festive music that fills the streets. To truly savour this iconic carnival in Italy, indulge in the local favourite Castagnole—sweet, fried dough balls that are a beloved treat during the festivities. Whether you come for the dazzling floats or the vibrant atmosphere, the Carnival of Cento promises an unforgettable Italian Carnival experience.
Italy bursts to life during carnival season, with some of the most spectacular celebrations in the world. Why not add one of these unforgettable festivals to your private or small group tour of Italy? And if you’re eager to explore even more charming Italian towns, hop aboard a train or start planning your next adventure with us—Italy is waiting to be discovered!

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