Carnival of Acireale 2025

The Carnival of Acireale 2025 (Carnevale di Acireale 2025) will take place between Saturday, February 15, and Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Acireale.

The Acireale Carnival, held every year in the charming town of Acireale, on the eastern coast of Sicily, is one of Italy’s most renowned and colorful festivals.

The Carnival of Acireale 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 2025?

The Carnival of Acireale 2025 will start 19 days before Lent and will end on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

In 2025, Shrove Tuesday will fall on March 4.

WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF THE ACIREALE CARNIVAL 2025?

The Carnival of Acireale 2025 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

Carnival of Acireale 2025

The origins of the Carnival of Acireale can be traced back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest carnivals in Italy.

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.

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 took care of the event for the next 60 years.

In 1930, floats decorated with flowers were introduced.

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

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

THE ALLEGORICAL FLOATS OF ACIREALE CARNIVAL

The main attractions of the modern carnival include the majestic allegorical floats, the floral floats, and the costumed participants who bring the streets of Acireale to life.

The allegorical floats are the crown jewels of the carnival, showcasing the artistic talent and creativity of the local craftsmen.

These floats are massive, often towering several meters high, and are adorned with intricate figures and scenes made from papier-mâché.

The themes of the floats range from classical mythology and historical events to satirical depictions of contemporary political and social issues.

Many allegorical floats are animated with mechanical components, bringing the figures to life as they parade through the streets of Acireale.

The process of creating these floats is a labor-intensive endeavor that begins months in advance, involving teams of artists, engineers, and designers who work tirelessly to perfect every detail.

Another highlight of the Carnival of Acireale is the floral floats, which are unique to this Sicilian celebration.

These floats are entirely covered in flowers, arranged in intricate patterns and designs that often depict scenes from nature, folklore, or history.

The vibrant colors and fragrant aromas of the flowers add an extra dimension of sensory delight to the parade, making the floral floats a favorite among spectators.

The creation of these floats is also a meticulous process, requiring the careful selection and placement of thousands of blooms to achieve the desired effect.

THE CARNIVAL OF ACIREALE TODAY

Today, the Carnival of Acireale is a grand spectacle that draws thousands of visitors from across the globe.

The Carnival of Acireale is not just about the parades. It is a multi-faceted celebration that includes a wide array of events and activities.

Street performances, concerts, and theatrical shows are held throughout the town, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Acireale’s historic Baroque architecture provides a stunning backdrop for these events, with the town’s piazzas and streets transformed into open-air theaters and stages.

The parades are the heart of the carnival, taking place over several days and nights.

Each parade features a procession of the allegorical and floral floats, accompanied by musical bands, dancers, and costumed participants.

The nighttime parades are particularly enchanting, with the floats illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates both young and old.

One of the most unique and cherished events of the Carnival of Acireale is the Battle of the Flowers (Battaglia dei Fiori).

During this event, spectators and participants alike engage in a friendly “battle” by throwing flowers at each other.

The air is filled with petals, and the streets are carpeted in a sea of blooms, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.

The carnival is also an opportunity to indulge in the rich culinary traditions of Sicily.

Street markets and food stalls pop up throughout Acireale, offering a wide range of local delicacies.

From arancini (stuffed rice balls) and cannoli (sweet pastry rolls filled with ricotta) to fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses, the carnival is a feast for the senses.

Visitors can sample these delights while enjoying the lively street performances and the vibrant carnival atmosphere.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE CARNIVAL OF ACIREALE 2025

During the Acireale Carnival 2025, between February 15 and March 4, the parade of allegorical floats will take place every Saturday and Sunday, on a predefined route.

The itinerary is triangular in shape, and it will start from Piazza del Duomo.

The parades 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 2025

The circuit of the Carnival of Acireale 2025 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€.