Acireale Summer Carnival (Carnevale a Tavola)

The Summer Carnival in Acireale

In Acireale, near Catania, the famous Acireale Carnival—one of the oldest and most spectacular in Sicily—is no longer limited to winter. With Carnevale a Tavola, the grand, grotesque papier-mâché floats emerge from their hangars in the height of summer, transforming the city's Baroque historic center into an open-air stage filled with art, color, flavor, and excitement.

The Art of Acireale Papier-Mâché

The stars of the show are the allegorical floats crafted by the float-makers and papier-mâché masters of Acireale, true feats of engineering and craftsmanship that bring the town's streets to life. Adding a unique touch, the event now welcomes works from other major Italian and international carnivals: from the monumental "Satisfaction" float by Viareggio master Luca Bertozzi, to the "Siamo fuori dal gregge!" piece by Putignano's Francesco Lippolis, and the "Queen of Nice" alongside historical costumes from the Venice Carnival, plus traditions from Sciacca and Misterbianco.

Flavors and Traditions of the Terre di Aci

The "tavola" (table) in the name is no coincidence: the event weaves entertainment together with the promotion of local food and wine. The food area set up in Largo Giovanni XXIII hosts cooking shows and tastings dedicated to the excellence of the Terre di Aci, while squares and avenues host concerts, DJ sets, and shows for all ages.

A Festival Spanning the Baroque Center

The event unfolds across the iconic landmarks of Acireale's center: Piazza Duomo, Corso Savoia, Piazza San Domenico, Largo Giovanni XXIII, Villa Belvedere, and the Town Hall, a treasure trove of the city's Baroque scenery. The initiative is promoted by GAL Terre di Aci with the support of the European Union under the PSR Sicilia program and is entirely free to attend.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Edition

This summer appointment has become a classic August tradition in Acireale. While the exact dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced, the "Night of the Sketches" during the 2025 edition provided a sneak peek at the designs for the next carnival, featuring works dedicated to pressing current issues such as violence, climate change, and war. For updated dates, it is best to follow the official Carnevale di Acireale channels.