Carnival in Italy 2026 is shaping up to be a highlight of the calendar. With celebrations spanning most of February, and in many places starting as early as late January, the season brings spectacular parades, centuries-old traditions, elaborate floats, historic masks and lively festivities from north to south.
Key Dates and Overview
- Official Carnival Period (National): the season runs widely across Italy from Thursday 12 February to Shrove Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
- Many famous carnivals begin days or even weeks earlier, with events as early as 31 January in cities like Venice and Acireale.
Highlights of Major 2026 Carnivals
Venice (Carnevale di Venezia)
Dates: 31 January – 17 February 2026
This is Italy’s most famous Carnival, world-renowned for its elegant masks, baroque costumes and dramatic events such as the Flight of the Angel over St. Mark’s Square.
- Official site: Carnevale di Venezia official website
Viareggio (Carnevale di Viareggio)
Dates: 1 – 21 February 2026
Famous for its giant papier-mâché floats parading along the seafront, Viareggio is one of Europe’s most spectacular carnival events. (dealsForme)
- Official site: Carnevale di Viareggio official website
Putignano (Carnevale di Putignano)
By Iceyes – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6046969
Dates: 1 February – 17 February 2026
One of Europe’s oldest carnivals, Putignano is famous for satirical floats, colourful masks and the traditional Festa dell’Orso (Bear Festival).
Official site: Carnevale di Putignano official website
Acireale Carnival (Carnevale di Acireale)
Dates: 31 January – 17 February 2026
Set in Sicily, this elegant carnival features artistic, flower-bedecked floats and is ideal for families and lovers of craftsmanship.
- Official site: Carnevale di Acireale official website
Rome (Carnevale di Roma)
Dates: 12 – 17 February 2026
Rome’s Carnival brings historical costumes, music and theatrical parades to iconic settings like Piazza del Popolo and Via del Corso in the city’s historic centre.
- Note: Rome’s programme is organised by the Municipality of Rome and related cultural associations; specific “official” site links are typically published through Comune di Roma event pages and local tourism platforms.
Other Notable Carnivals
- Cento Carnival (Emilia-Romagna): Known as the Carnival twinned with Rio, with lively floats and live shows.
- Foiano della Chiana Carnival (Tuscany): One of Italy’s oldest documented carnivals, dating to the 16th century.
- Carnivals in Sardinia: Including traditional Mamuthones and Issohadores of Mamoiada, and the Boes and Merdules of Ottana.
