Aragonese Carnival
Handcrafted allegorical floats and a traveling disco through the streets of Aragona
About Aragonese Carnival
The Aragona Carnival: A Community Celebration
In the heart of the Agrigento province, in Aragona, Carnival is much more than just a parade; it is a town festival that involves the entire community every year. With nearly forty editions behind it, the Aragonese Carnival has established itself as one of the most heartfelt and well-attended carnival events in the Agrigento area, attracting visitors from neighboring towns as well.
Handcrafted Allegorical Floats
The heart of the festival lies in the allegorical floats, authentic works of craftsmanship made entirely by hand by the local youth. As the organizers explain, the process takes months: "it starts with welding and shaping the iron, and finishes with polystyrene and papier-mâché." Each float is born from a satirical or topical idea, interpreted with true Sicilian irony.
A Traveling Disco Through the Streets
During the festival days, the parade turns into a true traveling disco that moves through the streets and squares of Aragona, animated by popular and dance music. The morning parade and evening festivities are accompanied by children's entertainment, dancing, and fun for all ages.
Youth Groups: The Engine of the Festival
The organization is entrusted to the APS Rinascita association, in collaboration with the MOB groups (boys and girls aged 13 to 22) and TNT (young people aged 25 to 30, who mentor the younger ones), along with the Gimkana group and the Ara Vintage association. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Aragona and is supported by voluntary contributions from local businesses and the Aragonese community. It is a model of a self-managed festival that makes youth involvement its hallmark.
Aragona and the Agrigento Territory
Aragona is located in the province of Agrigento, in Sicily, just a few kilometers from the famous Valley of the Temples and the Maccalube Nature Reserve. The Carnival represents one of the most significant social gatherings of the year for the town, an opportunity for cultural promotion and shared celebration that renews the bond between the town's generations every year.
Aragonese Carnival — edition 2026
Aragonese Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition concluded with the parade on February 26th, following the days of celebration that brought the center of Aragona to life. The event was marked by an episode that united the community: on February 7th, a fire destroyed an allegorical float during preparations. The young people of the MOB group launched a fundraiser ("Let's start again from the ashes") and, as Mayor Giuseppe Pendolino emphasized, they "had the courage to get back up after the fall and rebuild the float in just a few days".
During the morning parade, a delegation of group leaders from the Sciacca Carnival participated, engaging the crowd with music and dancing. For the little ones, the stilt-walker "Natale Master Pasticcione" was present with his mascots. The festival, organized by APS Rinascita with the MOB, Gimkana, and Ara Vintage groups and the patronage of the Municipality of Aragona, confirmed its role as a moment of strong social cohesion.
Programme Aragonese Carnival 2026
The festive days of the 2026 Aragonese Carnival concluded with the grand parade on Thursday, February 26th.
- Morning parade of allegorical floats through the streets of Aragona, with the participation of a delegation of group leaders from the Sciacca Carnival.
- Children's entertainment with the stilt-walker "Natale Master Pasticcione" and his mascots.
- Musical performances and dancing along the route, in the spirit of the "traveling disco".
Among the floats, the one dedicated to artificial intelligence created by the MOB group was particularly appreciated, having been rebuilt in just a few days following the fire on February 7th.
Highlights Aragonese Carnival 2026
- The rapid reconstruction of the MOB group's float after the fire on February 7th.
- The participation of group leaders from the Sciacca Carnival.
- Entertainment for children with the stilt-walker "Natale Master Pasticcione".
Prices Aragonese Carnival 2026
Practical information — Aragonese Carnival
How to get there
Aragona (AG) can be reached by car via the SS189 Agrigento-Palermo road; it is about 15 km from Agrigento. The Aragona-Caldare train station is served by the regional line. The nearest airport is Palermo "Falcone-Borsellino".
Where it takes place
The allegorical float parades travel through the streets and squares of Aragona's town center.
Admission
The event is free and open to the public.
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Where does it take place — Aragonese Carnival
Centro storico di Aragona