All Events in Sicily

The Carnival of Acireale 2027 will take place in Acireale, Sicily, from Sunday, January 31, to Sunday, February 14, 2027. The celebration transforms the historic centre into a large open-air stage dominated by monumental papier-mâché floats, mechanical figures, satire, music, lights, costumes, and public entertainment. Acireale’s winter carnival is particularly famous for its allegorical-grotesque floats, enormous creations built by specialised local craftsmen using papier-mâché, painting, mechanical systems, lighting, and sound. Their subjects frequently reinterpret contemporary politics, popular culture, social issues, and public figures through caricature, exaggeration, humour, and carefully constructed visual narratives. The floats are accompanied by individual masks, costumed groups, performers, music, and other activities spread through the central streets. The combination of moving sculptures and the city’s Sicilian Baroque architecture gives Acireale a visual character substantially different from carnivals based primarily on masks, balls, or static historical processions. Flower-covered floats also have a long history in Acireale, originating from decorated vehicles introduced during the 20th century. Today, however, the principal flower-float programme belongs to the separate Festa dei Fiori, held in spring, while the winter carnival concentrates primarily on the spectacular allegorical-grotesque papier-mâché creations. The event is deeply connected with local craftsmanship. Float construction involves sculpture, clay modelling, Read more [...]

Infiorata di Noto 2027, the 48th edition of one of Sicily’s best-known flower festivals, will take place from Friday, May 14, to Tuesday, May 18, 2027, in the historic center of Noto. The principal floral carpet will once again occupy the sloping Via Corrado Nicolaci. For several days, the street is transformed through large compositions made from flower petals and other plant materials. Artists work from previously selected designs, transferring their drawings onto the paving before filling the different areas with carefully arranged natural materials organized according to color, texture, and the requirements of each composition. The 48th edition will have a specific international historical theme. As part of Millenium 2027 – European Year of the Normans, the floral works will focus on the Norman history of Sicily and on the European territories that share elements of this medieval heritage. The designs are expected to explore aspects of the Norman period in Sicily, including historical personalities, monuments, decorative motifs, and the cultural interaction between Latin, Byzantine, Arab, and Jewish traditions. The project places the Noto event within a wider European program dedicated to Norman history and its legacy. The flower festival is traditionally one of the central events of Noto’s Read more [...]