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Where to Celebrate Carnival in Italy: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Experience
- Giada Jannotti
- Feb 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Carnival in Italy is not just a celebration, but a true feast for the senses, bursting with colorful costumes, infectious music, and lively parades. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Venetian masks, the wild energy of a street parade, or the playful chaos of a historic reenactment, there’s something magical waiting for you. Each city boasts its own distinct flavor, creating a captivating tapestry of tradition and revelry. Let’s dive into the best Carnival destinations in Italy that promise an unforgettable experience.
Picture this: the sun setting over the Grand Canal as a gondola glides by, carrying figures dressed in luxurious 18th-century attire. Known for its opulent celebrations, the city transforms into a magical stage every February. Venice’s Carnival is the epitome of sophistication, where intricate masks and lavish costumes bring history to life.
Visitors can marvel at the splendid masks and costumes that often feature gilded details and historical references. One of the most thrilling moments is the "Volo dell'Angelo" (Flight of the Angel), where a performer dressed as an angel descends from the Campanile di San Marco, marking the carnival's official start.
Throughout the festivities, you can join in on masquerade balls hosted in historical palaces, savor Venetian dishes like risotto al nero di seppia, and enjoy street performances. The city becomes a living gallery where history and modern celebrations blend seamlessly.
If you thought Carnival was just about masks and mystery, think again! Along the Tuscan coast, Viareggio hosts one of Italy's most famous carnival parades. Each year, a staggering 600,000 people flock to this vibrant town to witness the stunning floats. These massive creations, often exceeding 20 feet tall, feature whimsical designs that poke fun at current events and social issues. Viareggio’s Carnival is a full-blown spectacle featuring massive, satirical floats that poke fun at politics, pop culture, and world events.
The energy is contagious, with music, dancing, and fireworks keeping the excitement alive throughout the night.
Beyond the floats, don't miss the chance to taste Viareggio's seasonal treats. Indulge in local delicacies, such as the delicious torta della nonna, giving you a sweet slice of Tuscan tradition.
Photos by Gianluca Pugliese
Carnival Tickets and Useful Information
You can buy your ticket to the Viareggio Carnival Parade online and directly at the box office.
Single-Event Tickets: Starting from €16.50
Discounted Ticket for the February 27th parade: From €15
6-Parade Pass: From €40
*Children under 1.20 meters tall can enter for free - provisions for disabled accessibility are still awaiting regulatory approval
WHEN: 2-4 March 2025
Ever dreamed of joining a giant food fight? For a carnival with a unique twist, visit Ivrea in Piedmont, famous for its exhilarating Battle of the Oranges. This extraordinary event draws thousands of participants, divided into teams that launch oranges* at each other in a playful reenactment of a historic uprising against oppression.
*The oranges used during this event are not intended for food purposes and are used exclusively for this battle.
The vigor of this battle captivates both participants and onlookers, with an estimated 40 tons of oranges used in the festivities. Designated zones allow spectators to watch the excitement unfold without getting splattered.
In addition to the orange battle, the carnival features traditional parades and performances that showcase the town's rich history. It’s messy, it’s wild, and it’s absolutely unmissable!
Check out the full 2025 program here.
Carnival Tickets and Useful Information
Tickets are available online at the price of €17,25 - children under the age of 12 and people with disabilities enter for free. If you are in a group of more than 20people, you'll benefit from one free entry.
With over 600 years of history, Putignano’s Carnival isn’t just old—it’s the longest-running in Italy! In Putignano, Apulia, the town illuminates its streets each year with cheerful lights as thousands gather to celebrate.
The carnival features a vibrant parade with artistic floats inspired by local folklore, excellent music, and engaging dance performances. Local food stalls tempt your palate with delights such as "cartellate," sweet pastries traditionally drizzled with honey.
Embrace the lively spirit of Putignano while enjoying the warm hospitality of its residents, who invite you to join in the traditions that have persisted through the ages. Expect humor, satire, and plenty of theatrical performances as enormous allegorical floats roll through the streets. If you love witty social commentary mixed with fun, this is the Carnival for you.
Acireale, located at the base of Mount Etna in Sicily, is renowned for its breathtaking floral floats. Here, creativity blooms—literally. This Sicilian town is famous for its unique flower-covered floats, where thousands of fresh blossoms are meticulously arranged into breathtaking designs. Against the backdrop of baroque architecture, it’s a mesmerizing sight you won’t find anywhere else.
With the stunning Baroque architecture serving as a backdrop, the parade features floats that are adorned with vibrant flowers, offering a feast for both the eyes and the senses. Witnessing these stunning creations against the backdrop of local music creates an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
Participating in Acireale’s carnival feels like stepping into a lively garden of color, ensuring memories that linger long after the festivities end.
Ronciglione’s Carnival is known for its Corse dei Barberi, a thrilling bareback horse race through the town’s streets, this event harks back to ancient Roman traditions. The festivities also feature lively parades, eccentric masked performances, and a unique tradition where townspeople dress as French soldiers and playfully “occupy” the city. It’s a mix of adrenaline, humor, and deep-rooted local culture that makes Ronciglione’s Carnival truly unforgettable.
WHEN: 16th & 23rd February and 1st, 2nd, 7th, 9th, 16th March
Think Italy and Brazil don’t mix? Cento proves otherwise! Officially twinned with Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, this small town delivers big on energy with samba dancers, vibrant floats, and a party atmosphere that rivals its South American counterpart. It’s the perfect fusion of Italian creativity and Brazilian spirit.
Discover the full 2025 program here.
Carnival Tickets and Useful Information
Full price tickets are available online at €18 or at the box office near the entrance - free entry for children under 1,20m tall.
Italy’s carnival celebrations are a dynamic mix of tradition, creativity, and local pride. rom Venice’s timeless elegance to Ivrea’s high-energy traditions, Italy’s Carnival season is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re here for the artistry, the history, or just the fun, each destination offers a unique way to celebrate. So, where will your next Carnival adventure take you?
