Angri in MaskPlay Carnival

A Carnival that speaks the language of cosplayers

In Angri, located in the heart of the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese area in the province of Salerno, the Carnival has found a unique formula with "Angri in MaskPlay". Instead of a traditional float parade, it is a grand day of celebration in the Villa Comunale, where classic masks mingle with costumes inspired by anime, manga, comics, and video games. The result is an intergenerational event that brings together children in traditional carnival attire and adult cosplayers who spend months crafting their costumes.

The grand cosplay parade

The highlight of the day is the cosplay parade curated by the AC Neaplis Association, a Campanian group specializing in pop culture. The now-widespread practice of dressing as characters from anime or video games becomes a spectacle open to the entire city. In the afternoon, the parade transforms into a contest: adults and children perform before a jury of experts, who evaluate and reward the best interpretations, recognizing the dedication and passion invested in the costumes and performances.

Entertainment, games, and street performers

The event's format alternates between moments dedicated to children and entertainment for everyone:

• performances by street artists and roving entertainment throughout the park's paths;
• interactive games for children in an atmosphere of magic and fantasy;
• the masquerade parade with a contest for the most original costumes;
• the closing DJ set, featuring a musical selection ranging from cartoon theme songs to 80s and 90s hits, and even remixes of Sanremo Festival songs.

A charitable Carnival: the "Sulle Ali dell'Unicorno" project

What sets "Angri in MaskPlay" apart from a simple costume party is its charitable purpose. The event is dedicated to the "Sulle Ali dell'Unicorno" project, promoted by APS NOMOS ETS, which raises funds for the Pediatric Onco-Hematology department of the Umberto I Hospital in Nocera Inferiore, supporting children facing onco-hematological conditions and their families. Participation is free and open to all; those who wish to contribute can do so via donations through the association's website and channels. It is a simple way to turn a fun Sunday into a concrete gesture for the local community.

Organizers

The event is the result of a collaboration between APS NOMOS ETS, the AC Neaplis Association, and CM Advisor, with the patronage of the Municipality of Angri and the support of councilor Mariagiovanna Falcone. This structure combines social volunteering, cultural associations, and local government, allowing for a unique Carnival format in Angri.

Angri, between the Lattari Mountains and the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese

Angri is situated at the foot of the Lattari Mountains, in the area of Campania that serves as a bridge between the Vesuvius plain, the archaeological area of Pompeii, and the mountain passes leading to the Amalfi Coast. The Villa Comunale, the town's central green space, is the natural stage for the event. Easily accessible on foot, it allows for the distribution of entertainment, the stage, and the audience in an intimate, family-friendly setting. In Campania, the Carnival remains a moment of strong popular participation, with neighborhood parties, parades, and events organized by local associations: "Angri in MaskPlay" represents its contemporary version, open to the world of pop culture.

Information on the 2026 edition

At the time of writing, there are no official announcements regarding the dates and program for a new edition of "Angri in MaskPlay" for 2026. We recommend checking the channels of the Municipality of Angri and the organizing associations, as well as the local press of the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese, to learn about any potential updates for the Carnival season.