Amalfi Grand Carnival

A city-wide Carnival in the historic centre of Amalfi

The Amalfi Grand Carnival is the festive celebration promoted by the Municipality of Amalfi, in the province of Salerno, in the heart of the Amalfi Coast in Campania. Rather than focusing on large allegorical floats, this is a widespread carnival: for three days, the squares and narrow alleys of the Ancient Maritime Republic become an open-air stage where the public doesn't just watch, but participates—dressed up and in costume—in the performances taking place in the city's most beautiful spots.

The three main hubs of the festival reflect the town's identity: Piazza della Bussola, overlooking the sea, is dedicated to street theatre; Piazza Duomo, with its monumental staircase, serves as the natural backdrop for the costume parade; and the Ancient Arsenale of the Republic, the medieval shipyards where Amalfi's galleys were once built, now provides a perfect indoor space for children's shows.

«Wonder», the keyword for 2026

The edition held from 15 to 17 February 2026 was built around a specific theme: Wonder. Circus acts, music, choreography, eccentric make-up artists, and the art of disguise created a deliberately diverse programme designed to engage children without boring adults. The finale took place on Shrove Tuesday, with a performance in the Arsenale dedicated to the masks of the Commedia dell'Arte and Italian carnival traditions.

What to see during the three days

• Street theatre and contemporary circus in Piazza della Bussola, featuring street performers and physical comedy.
• Parade and awards ceremony for the Mascherine Amalfitane: the most iconic moment, showcasing costumes handmade by local families.
• Dance troupes from the Maiori Grand Carnival, invited from nearby Maiori, bringing the colours and choreography of the Coast's most famous carnival to Amalfi.
• Family shows and workshops in the Ancient Arsenale, featuring theatrical plays and interactive activities for children.
• Street entertainment with jesters, jugglers, and face painting throughout the historic centre.

The link with the Coast's Carnival

The Amalfi Carnival does not exist in isolation: it has long collaborated with the Maiori Grand Carnival, the historic event in Maiori which celebrated its 51st edition in 2025. The two administrations coordinate their calendars to avoid overlaps, allowing visitors to attend multiple events in the same period along the Amalfi Drive. This is a typical feature of the Coast: towns pass the baton of the festival to one another, turning the Carnival into a journey from one village to the next.

Why visit Amalfi during Carnival

Outside the peak tourist season, Amalfi reveals its most authentic face: the Cathedral of Saint Andrew with its mosaic facade, the Cloister of Paradise, the covered alleys, and the Paper Museum just up the Valle dei Mulini. The Carnival is the perfect opportunity to explore all this in a festive, village-like atmosphere, with the square's cafes bustling and pastry shop windows filled with chiacchiere and sanguinaccio. The city is compact and entirely pedestrian-friendly: you can walk from one show to the next in half an hour without ever needing a car.

An event designed for everyone

The municipal administration has long insisted on one point: the programming must be free and accessible, with activities spread throughout the weekend leading up to Shrove Tuesday, with a special focus on children and inclusion. No tickets, no mandatory reservations for outdoor shows: just head to the square, preferably in costume.