Acquedolci Carnival (Nebrodi Carnival)

Sicily's third-largest Carnival

The Acquedolci Carnival, also known as the Nebrodi Carnival, is one of the most anticipated folk events of the Sicilian winter. It takes place in Acquedolci, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Messina overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea at the foot of the Nebrodi Mountains. Since 1998, it has been officially recognized as Sicily's third-largest Carnival, ranking just behind the historic events in Acireale and Sciacca.

A tradition born in 1922

The origins of the Acquedolci Carnival date back to 1922, when the community chose to overcome a difficult period in the town's history through celebration and joy. The first papier-mâché floats appeared in the late 1960s, and since then, the festival has grown into a major regional event, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to the town center every year.

Floats, masks, and the figure of Doroteo

The heart of the event lies in the papier-mâché floats, patiently built over months by local artisans and groups, which parade alongside vibrant masked groups, dancers, and musicians. Since 2004, the festival has featured its own official mascot, Doroteo, depicted wearing a green tunic and a mask, holding a sugarcane-shaped scepter—a symbol deeply tied to the local territory. At the end of the parades, a popular jury awards the Doroteo Prize to the most beautiful float and honors the best masked group.

Parades along Corso Italia

The parades wind primarily along Corso Italia and Via Ricca Salerno, the town's main arteries, with the highlights concentrated on Carnival Sunday and Shrove Tuesday. Amidst confetti, sweets, singing, and dancing, the entire center of Acquedolci transforms into a massive open-air stage, creating a festive atmosphere that engages families, children, and visitors from the surrounding Nebrodi towns.

A landmark event in the Nebrodi region

More than just a local festival, the Acquedolci Carnival is a vivid expression of popular traditions and the identity of the Nebrodi coast. It is a perfect opportunity to discover this corner of the province of Messina in the heart of winter, enjoying the hospitality of the locals and the craftsmanship of the float builders.