Amatriciano Carnival (horseback masquerade parade)

Carnival returns to Amatrice

The Amatriciano Carnival is the annual event that, between February and March, brings the colors and joy of Carnival back to the streets of Amatrice, the famous village in the province of Rieti, in Upper Lazio. The initiative was born from a desire to promote the area and keep the local economy alive during the slower winter months, offering the community and visitors a day of shared celebration.

The horseback masquerade parade

The heart of the event is the horseback masquerade parade, a feature that makes this Carnival truly unique compared to other celebrations across the peninsula. Knights and horsewomen in costume parade alongside performers, costumed groups, and floats in a procession that winds through the town and its surroundings. The day begins with the gathering of participants, often at a local farm, where traditional products are shared before the procession sets off along a secure route.

• Horseback parade open to costumed knights and horsewomen
• Participation of performers, costumed groups, and floats
• Music, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere in the town center
• Tasting of local products and regional specialties

A deeply rooted tradition

Carnival has deep roots in the culture of Amatrice and its hamlets, such as the ancient Castel Trione, where this long-awaited period has been celebrated for generations. Before the 2016 earthquake, the town prepared for Carnival with allegorical floats, groups, and performers, developing an original style over time that included simple hand-pushed carts—a typical and recognizable trait of the Amatriciano tradition. Today's event embraces this legacy and relaunches it as a symbol of continuity and rebirth.

Amatrice: between Amatriciana and rebirth

Known worldwide for its spaghetti all'amatriciana, Amatrice is a municipality in Lazio deeply marked by the 2016 earthquake and committed to a path of reconstruction ever since. Events like the Amatriciano Carnival have a value that goes beyond the party: they are an opportunity to come together, strengthen the sense of community, and attract visitors to a territory rich in nature, history, and authentic flavors, nestled between the Laga Mountains and the Tronto Valley.

An event for the community

Promoted by the Rete d'Impresa Amatrice with the involvement of CAT Confcommercio and the Lazio Region, and under the patronage of the Municipality of Amatrice, the Amatriciano Carnival is designed as a moment of popular participation. The formula combines equestrian spectacle, folklore, gastronomy, and fun for all ages, in a day that celebrates the identity of Amatrice and Upper Lazio.