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 [...]
All DO in Acireale
The most important event in Acireale is the Carnival, which takes places every year in January or February, and is known for the impressive allegorical floats which parade through the streets of the town.
Other important events are the Feast of San Sebastiano, which takes place every year on January 20, and the Feast of Santa Venera, the patron saint of the town, which takes place every year on July 26.