Adriatic Carnival

A Summer Carnival on the Romagna Riviera

The Adriatic Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Gatteo Mare, a seaside resort in the Municipality of Gatteo, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, in Emilia-Romagna. Unlike traditional carnivals, which are celebrated in winter, here the party moves to the middle of July: the floats parade on summer nights through the streets of the center and the seafront, giving the seaside town an atmosphere reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro.

Floats and Masks

The protagonists of the evening are about ten floats, large and small, built with papier-mâché techniques and often dedicated to the great classics of popular imagination: in recent editions, floats inspired by Heidi, the Minions, Star Wars, the world of Barbie, and many other cartoon-themed masks have paraded. Confetti, candies, and gadgets are thrown from the floats to the crowd that fills the streets.

Brazilian Rhythms and Dance Groups

Accompanying the parade are dancers, percussionists, and drum groups that drag the audience along with samba rhythms. Among the most beloved performers are the Brazilian dance group Flores do Samba, dancers with bright, feathered costumes, and the singer Betobahia, author of summer hits, who mixes Latin rhythms and Romagna dialect from the moving floats.

The Parade Route

The procession starts from via Antonio Gramsci, at the corner of via Ferrara, and crosses the main streets of Gatteo Mare — via Gramsci, viale delle Nazioni, via Matteotti, and via Trieste — until it reaches viale Giulio Cesare. It is an event designed for all ages, perfect for those spending their holidays on the Riviera and looking for a family-friendly evening of celebration.

A Gatteo Summer Classic

Included in the rich summer program of Gatteo Mare, which features over two hundred events between May and September, the Adriatic Carnival has become a consolidated tradition of the town over the years. The event is organized by the Municipal Tourist Office with the patronage of the Municipality of Gatteo, and it is free admission.