Carnival of Acireale 2024

Find out more information about the Carnival of Acireale 2025!

The Carnival of Acireale 2024 (Carnevale di Acireale 2024) will take place between Saturday, January 27, and Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in Acireale.

The Acireale Carnival is known for the parade of allegorical floats, decorated with flowers and lights, accompanied by masked people and music bands.

WHAT ARE THE DATES FOR THE CARNIVAL OF ACIREALE 2024?

The Carnival of Acireale, one of the oldest carnivals in Sicily, is an annual festival which starts 19 days before Lent and ends on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

In 2024, Shrove Tuesday will fall on February 13.

WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE ACIREALE CARNIVAL 2024?

The Carnival of Acireale 2024 will take place, of course, in Acireale, in the historical center of the city.

The starting point for the parade of allegorical floats will be the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, which will then unfold along the main streets of the city.

SHORT HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL OF ACIREALE

The first documented information about a carnival in Acireale dates back to 1594, and appears on a payment made by the Municipality to the Capuchin friars for organizing the festivities.

At the beginning of the 17th century, it was customary to have a battle of oranges and lemons during the carnival. Despite the enthusiastic participation of the crowd, the Court issued a ban in 1612, prohibiting the practice.

After the terrible Val di Noto earthquake of 1693, which shook the eastern Sicily, the carnival was not held for several years, but the event was reborn at the beginning of the 18th century.

In 1880, the first papier-mâché floats were built and exhibited during the carnival.

In 1929, the Autonomous Company and Healthcare Station of Acireale (Azienda Autonoma e Stazione di Cura di Acireale) was established, the organization which took care of the event for the next 60 years.

In 1930, floats decorated with flowers were introduced.

In the 1990s, the management of the carnival passed to the Municipality of Acireale.

After the Second World War, the mini-wagons were introduced (called Lilliputs). The custom of mini-wagons only lasted until the end of the 1960s.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE CARNIVAL OF ACIREALE 2024

During the carnival, between January 27 and February 13, the parade of allegorical floats will take place every Saturday and Sunday, on a predefined route.

The itinerary, triangular in shape, will start from Piazza del Duomo, will continue on Corso Umberto, will reach Piazza Indirizzo, then left on Corso Italia, left again on Corso Savoia, and back to the same Piazza del Duomo.

FARES FOR THE ACIREALE CARNIVAL 2024

The circuit of the carnival is usually closed, with paid admission on Saturdays and Sundays. A daily ticket costs 5.00€, and a season pass with 5 admissions costs 20.00€.