Aquesiano Carnival

The Aquesiano Carnival, one of the oldest in Lazio

Every February, the historic center of Acquapendente, a village in the Tuscia area of the Viterbo province, transforms into a grand open-air stage for the Aquesiano Carnival. It is one of the most deeply rooted masquerade festivals in Lazio, with traditions documented as far back as 1589, when chronicler Pietro Paolo Biondi noted a local craftsman described as an "inventor of new things" for his sacred representations and carnival masquerades. Since then, the Carnival has continuously evolved while maintaining its strong bond with the community that prepares for it throughout the winter.

Allegorical floats and traditional masks

The heart of the festival lies in the parades of masked groups and the papier-mâché allegorical floats, handcrafted by local artisans during the cold winter months. The papier-mâché technique was introduced in 1923, and since then, the floats have become increasingly elaborate, featuring animated structures and mechanical figures. Leading the processions is always the Saltaripe, the local mask that serves as the very symbol of the Aquesiano Carnival. The parades wind through the center, circling the statue of Girolamo Fabrizio, the illustrious physician and anatomist born in Acquapendente.

The Fregnaccia Festival

Alongside the parades, the historic Sagra della Fregnaccia takes place, a gastronomic event now in its 48th edition. The fregnaccia is the typical fried pastry of the Aquesiano Carnival, made with flour, water, and lard, and served with pecorino cheese, sugar, or chocolate. Established in 1978, the festival is now an inseparable part of the celebration, drawing numerous visitors every year to the stands managed by the Pro Loco.

The burning of the Carnival King

The Aquesiano Carnival concludes on Shrove Tuesday with a torchlight procession and the traditional burning of the Carnival King (the "Carnevalaccio"), an effigy burned in the main square to close the festivities, following an ancient rite that marks the transition into Lent. The event also includes a costume contest with prizes for the best mask and masquerade balls at the Teatro Boni.

An event by the Municipality of Acquapendente

The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Acquapendente in collaboration with the Municipality and local associations. For those visiting the Tuscia region, the Aquesiano Carnival is the perfect opportunity to discover a village rich in history—also famous for the Festa dei Pugnaloni—and to experience an authentic folk tradition of northern Lazio, far from the major tourist circuits.