Every year, the Sicilian town of Acireale comes to life with one of Italy’s most spectacular carnivals. Known for its showstopping parades, artistic floats, and lively street performances, the Acireale Carnival is often called “the most beautiful carnival in Sicily.”
Join us as we explore the rich traditions, events, and best tips for making the most of this iconic Sicilian celebration.
Acireale Carnival: A unique celebration in Sicily
On Sicily’s stunning eastern coast, between the city of Catania and the slopes of Mount Etna, Acireale is a town known for its baroque architecture, cultural heritage, and beautiful sea views. However, what truly makes Acireale stand out is its world-famous carnival.
Carnival in Acireale began in the 16th century, eventually evolving over the centuries into a grand festival that brings the community together. The event is celebrated with enormous papier-mâché floats, intricate floral monuments, and street performances. These floats are masterpieces crafted by local artisans, typically depicting mythical creatures, famous characters, and imaginative scenes. There is plenty of music, dancing and colourful costumes all over the streets of Acireale. It really is a sight to see for yourself!
Dates: Saturday, 15 February, to Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Location: Piazza del Duomo
History and traditions of the Acireale Carnival
The Acireale Carnival dates back to the 16th century, when locals began celebrating before Lent with spontaneous street dances, music, and playful antics. Initially, these festivities were unorganized and often quite rowdy. However, over time, the event evolved into a more structured and artistic celebration. Large parades with grand floats define the carnival starting in the late 19th century. Furthermore, in the early 20th century, papier-mâché floats became a signature feature of the event, depicting scenes from folklore, mythology, and contemporary culture.
In addition to these artistic key features, the carnival also embraced traditional characters like Pulcinella, a classic commedia dell’arte figure known for his mischievous and silly personality. This iconic mask has become a symbol of the carnival and frequently appears in parades and performances. As the carnival continued to grow, the 1930s introduced floral floats. They added a stunning visual element to the celebrations. These elaborate displays became so sophisticated that the Acireale’s Carnival was recognised as the third most important in Italy, following those in Venice and Viareggio.
Main events and parades of the Acireale Carnival Programme
Carnival in Acireale is from February 15 to March 4 2025, and the starting point will be from Piazza Duomo.
We must clarify that there are many paid events and some free events for the Acireale Carnival. We recommend visiting the official website to reserve your entry tickets as soon as possible.
Opening Parade
The carnival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony, featuring the handover of the city’s keys to King Burlone. This symbolises the start of the festivities, kicking off with live music, and the anogrol float.
Floral Float Parade
The flower-covered floats are a signature highlight of the Acireale Carnival. Do not miss this spectacular event, beloved by many.
Papier-Mâché Parade
The allegorical grotesque floats, crafted from papier-mâché, are vital to the carnival. As the “main event” for many, locals line the streets to see the commentary that each float is demonstrating, be it political or satirical.
Costume Contests
The famous costume contests are open to both locals and tourists. You are encouraged to wear creative and traditional attire, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Evening Fireworks
In the evening, the sky above Acireale lights up with spectacular fireworks displays.
Tips on where to stay and how to get around during the Carnival
Planning your visit to the Acireale Carnival means choosing the right place to stay and knowing how to get around. Especially as thousands of visitors will be in the city, booking early and finding accommodation centrally located can make a big difference. For a personalised, and comfortable stay, browse rental options with Sicily My Home. Of course, hotels and other lodging are available, but for a more authentic stay, an apartment in the city centre or a villa by the seaside can be the ideal choice for you and your group.
Moreover, getting around Acireale during the carnival is simple if you plan. The best way to move throughout the city is on foot, as many of the main events are within walking distance from central locations. Additionally, if you are arriving from other nearby cities, direct train connections from Catania and Syracuse are easy and stress-free. The town’s train station is conveniently located just a short walk from the carnival’s main event areas.
Recommended activities around Acireale
While the Acireale Carnival is the main attraction, the surrounding area provides plenty of activities to make your visit even more memorable. From exploring historical landmarks to savouring iconic Sicilian flavours, here are some must-do experiences near Acireale.
Start by seeing Acireale’s baroque architecture. The Cathedral of Acireale is a must-see. Nearby, the Basilica of St. Sebastian, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece, is the perfect stop. Finally, stroll through the Old Town and explore the charming streets.
Mount Etna is just a short drive away. As Europe’s highest active volcano, it is perfect for hikes, guided tours, and even wine tastings at vineyards along its fertile slopes. Alternatively, a day trip to the beautiful coastal town of Taormina is a great option.
Lastly, no visit to Acireale is complete without indulging in some authentic Sicilian street food. Try arancini, crispy rice balls filled with delicious ingredients, cannoli, sweet pastry tubes with creamy ricotta filling, and refreshing granita, a semi-frozen treat.
Why the Acireale Carnival is an unforgettable experience in Italy
The Acireale Carnival offers a unique celebration that showcases Sicily’s rich culture through vibrant music, art, and traditions. Its spectacular events undoubtedly make it a must-see for any traveller’s Italian bucket list. When you decide to book your Sicilian holiday, choose Sicily My Home for the best accommodation options on the island. You can easily find comfortable and beautiful rentals that are perfect for enjoying the Carnival in Acireale.
