Amandola Carnival of the Paniccià
One of the oldest historical carnivals in the Marche region, in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains
About Carnival of the Paniccià
The historical Carnival of Amandola
In the heart of the Monti Sibillini, in Amandola (Province of Fermo, Marche), the Carnevale de li Paniccià is one of the most deeply rooted and ancient masked festivals in the region. Every year, the town in the Fermo area comes alive with allegorical floats, masked groups, music, and confetti, attracting crowds from all over the Sibillini valley. The event, organised by the Pro Loco Amandola together with the Municipality of Amandola, the La Cucuma Folk Group, and the Gruppo di Amandola, will celebrate its 41st edition in 2026.
The meaning of the name "de li Paniccià"
The curious name of the festival has its roots in the Middle Ages: "li Paniccià" was the nickname given to the inhabitants of Amandola who were involved in dyeing fabrics, the famous "panni" (cloths) that made the town prosperous. An identity-linked name that connects the Carnival to the artisan and mercantile history of the town, once an important centre for the processing and trade of textiles.
The parade of allegorical floats
The highlight is the grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups, which winds through the town's streets, culminating in Piazza Risorgimento, where the awards ceremony takes place. The floats, often ironic and satirical, are also created by local schools and neighbouring municipalities: in recent editions, floats from Montemonaco, Comunanza, Montefortino, Sarnano, and San Ginesio have participated, confirming the festival's regional scope. The procession is accompanied by folk groups and street entertainment.
The burning of King Carnival
Symbolically closing the celebrations is the traditional Bonfire of King Carnival in Piazza Risorgimento, preceded by music and a lottery draw. The burning of the effigy represents the end of winter and the arrival of the warmer season, an ancient rite common to many popular Italian carnivals.
A Carnival for the whole community
In addition to the parade, the Amandola schedule includes numerous dancing evenings at the Dancing delle Stelle, the Children's Carnival, and convivial moments that liven up the entire carnival period. From 2026, the festival will also feature the first Carnival Camper Rally, a sign of the event's growing tourist appeal. Visiting Amandola during Carnival means discovering an authentic Sibillini village at its most festive and participatory moment.
Carnival of the Paniccià — edition 2026
The 41st edition of the Carnevale de li Paniccià was held in Amandola from Friday, February 6th to Saturday, February 21st, 2026, organised by Pro Loco Amandola, the Municipality of Amandola, the La Cucuma Folk Group, and the Gruppo di Amandola. The heart of the festival was the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups on Sunday, February 8th, in Piazza Risorgimento, accompanied by the Flag-throwers and Drummers of the City of Gualdo Tadino. Among the year's new features was the first Carnival Camper Rally (February 6th-8th).
Programme Carnival of the Paniccià 2026
Friday, February 6th - Sunday, February 8th
- First Carnival de li Paniccià Camper Rally (30 spots available)
Saturday, February 7th
- 9:00 PM — "Vegliòne con le Penne Nere" with Luca Sabatini, at Dancing delle Stelle
Sunday, February 8th
- 3:00 PM — Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups through the town streets, culminating in Piazza Risorgimento with awards ceremony
- Guests: Flag-throwers and Drummers of the City of Gualdo Tadino, DavidJ, Valentino Valemix
- (In case of bad weather, the parade was postponed to February 15th)
Thursday, February 12th
- 3:00 PM — Children's Carnival, at Dancing delle Stelle
Saturday, February 14th
- 9:30 PM — Dancing evening with Fabrizio and Raffaella, at Dancing delle Stelle
Monday, February 16th
- 9:30 PM — Dancing evening with Roberto Carpineti, at Dancing delle Stelle
Tuesday, February 17th
- 7:00 PM — DJ music, lottery draw, and Bonfire of King Carnival in Piazza Risorgimento
Saturday, February 21st
- 9:30 PM — "Let's celebrate the Big Carnival", grand finale at Dancing delle Stelle
Highlights Carnival of the Paniccià 2026
- Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups (Sunday, February 8th)
- Flag-throwers and Drummers of the City of Gualdo Tadino
- Bonfire of King Carnival in Piazza Risorgimento (February 17th)
- First Carnival Camper Rally
Prices Carnival of the Paniccià 2026
Practical information — Carnival of the Paniccià
How to get there
Amandola is located in the Province of Fermo, at the foot of the Monti Sibillini. By car: from the Adriatic coast (A14 motorway, Pedaso or Porto San Giorgio exit), follow the Tenna valley road towards Amandola. The nearest train stations are Pedaso or Porto San Giorgio-Fermo, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Where it takes place
The central hub of the festival is Piazza Risorgimento, where the parade arrives and the awards ceremony and Bonfire of King Carnival are held. The dancing evenings take place at the Dancing delle Stelle.
Admission and information
The parade and events in the square are free admission. For information: Amandola Tourist Office, tel. +39 0736 840731, email [email protected]. The main parade will be postponed in case of bad weather.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of the Paniccià
Piazza Risorgimento