The Acireale Carnival, 9 miles north of Catania, lasts several weeks and ends on Mardi Gras, February 9 in 2027. The Fondazione Carnevale di Acireale sets the parade days each year and publishes them with the program. Satirical papier-mâché floats and flower floats ride a circuit through the old town, along with masked groups and bands.
The floats: satire in papier-mâché, pictures in flowers
The carri allegorico-grotteschi poke fun at today's society; their figures are made of papier-mâché in the town's workshops. The carri infiorati carry designs made of flowers. Single masks and miniature floats compete in their own categories.
The route
Since the early 1980s the parades have followed a circuit along Corso Italia, Corso Savoia and Corso Umberto and through Piazza del Duomo. Exhibitions and concerts take place inside the circuit.
Tickets
You enter the circuit through controlled gates at the ticket booths. In 2026 entry was paid on most days and free on four; tickets were sold online and at the booths. The 2027 rules come out with the program.
Four centuries of carnival
The first record of carnival in Acireale is a payment order issued by the town's magistrates in 1594. Around 1600 revelers pelted each other with oranges and lemons until a decree banned it in 1612. The first papier-mâché floats were built in 1880.
Spring and summer: the Festa dei Fiori and the summer carnival
In spring the flower floats return for the Festa dei Fiori, held May 2 to 4 in 2025. In summer a lighter edition follows, the Carnevale estivo.
Other carnivals in Sicily
Sciacca on the south coast and Termini Imerese east of Palermo also celebrate through Mardi Gras. In Sciacca the parades run on two weekends, and the town sets the days each year.
Planning your stay
In 2027 the carnival season overlaps with the Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania, February 3 to 5. Holiday homes nearby include Santa Venerina (5 miles) and Giarre (8 miles), and there are more in Taormina.
