Ascoli Piceno Carnival
The historic Carnival, one of the oldest in Italy, in Piazza del Popolo
About Ascoli Carnival
An ancient and popular Carnival in the heart of Piceno
The Ascoli Piceno Carnival is one of the oldest carnival traditions in Italy: its celebrations have been documented since at least 1229, placing it among the most deeply rooted historic carnivals on the peninsula. Unlike grand carnivals based on allegorical floats, Ascoli's Carnival is primarily a spontaneous, widespread street Carnival: the citizens of Ascoli themselves, in the main municipality of the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche), dress up en masse and flood the historic center, transforming streets and squares into a grand collective stage.
Piazza del Popolo, the Carnival's living room
The beating heart of the festival is the splendid Piazza del Popolo, one of Italy's most beautiful Renaissance squares, framed by travertine stone and the Loggia dei Mercanti. This is where the masked groups' appearances, performances, evening dance parties, and competition nominations are concentrated. The Carnival also involves other symbolic places in the center, such as the Cloister of San Francesco, the Corso, and the arcades, in a route that blends satire, music, and conviviality.
Traditional masks and King Carnival
Among the typical protagonists of Ascoli's tradition are masks like Lu Sfrigne and Buonumor Favorito, alongside the figure of King Carnival, who symbolically opens the festivities with his sumptuous attire. The true spirit of the festival, however, lies in improvisation and satire: each mask becomes an opportunity to joke with dialect and wit about local and national current events and personalities.
The masked group competition
The most anticipated moment is the masked group competition, divided into several categories (including the famous "Omnia Bona"). The groups parade and perform especially on Sunday and Fat Tuesday, when the final parade of all groups precedes the announcement of nominations in Piazza del Popolo. The awards ceremony, with the presentation of the Golden and Silver Mascherina and the Fanfulla Prize, is traditionally held the following Sunday at the Teatro dei Filarmonici.
Events for everyone
- The Schools' Carnival, which draws hundreds of students from the capital and the Tronto Valley;
- parties and workshops for children, with entertainment, face painting, and prizes for the little ones;
- concerts, DJ sets, and evening dance parties in Piazza del Popolo;
- moments of solidarity, such as the masks' visit to the pediatric wards of the Mazzoni hospital;
- traditional food and wine events, such as the "Raviolata" in the Loggia dei Mercanti.
An event of identity for Ascoli and the Marche
Organized by the Association Il Carnevale di Ascoli with the support of the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno, the Carnival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year from across the province and southern Marche. It is much more than a festival: it is a rite of identity that spans centuries and still sees Ascoli's citizens of all ages don costumes and joyfully reclaim the city's historic center.
Ascoli Carnival — edition 2026
Ascoli Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition was held from February 12 to 17, organized by the Association Il Carnevale di Ascoli (president Marco Olori) with the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno. With Piazza Arringo unavailable due to construction sites, Piazza del Popolo was the sole major gathering point for the festival.
The program featured events for all ages: the Schools' Carnival and children's parties on Fat Thursday, the visit of traditional masks to the pediatric ward of the Mazzoni hospital, the traditional Raviolata in the Loggia dei Mercanti, concerts, and evening dance parties. The historical masks like Lu Sfrigne and Buonumor Favorito, along with King Carnival, were the protagonists.
The highlight was the masked group competition: the final parade on Fat Tuesday and the announcement of nominations in Piazza del Popolo. At the awards ceremony on February 22 at the Teatro dei Filarmonici, the overall winner was the group 'La Bella Standa', with the Golden Mascherina awarded to Camillo Di Lorenzo and the Silver Mascherina to Lucio Sermarini.
Programme Ascoli Carnival 2026
2026 Program (summary)
- Thursday, February 12 (Fat Thursday): Schools' Carnival in Piazza del Popolo and Chiostro di San Francesco; children's parties with entertainment.
- Friday, February 13: visit of traditional masks to the pediatric ward of the Mazzoni hospital; in the evening, music and masked party in Piazza del Popolo.
- Saturday, February 14: children's workshop 'Stories of Masks and Carnivals'; masked group competition; Raviolata in Loggia dei Mercanti; evening ball.
- Sunday, February 15: midday Carnival and parade of registered groups; evening dance party in the square.
- Monday, February 16: evening event by youth associations in Piazza del Popolo.
- Tuesday, February 17 (Fat Tuesday): final parade of masked groups in the afternoon and announcement of nominations.
- Sunday, February 22: awards ceremony at the Teatro dei Filarmonici.
Highlights Ascoli Carnival 2026
- Masked group competition won by 'La Bella Standa'.
- Golden Mascherina awarded to Camillo Di Lorenzo, Silver Mascherina to Lucio Sermarini.
- Traditional masks Lu Sfrigne and Buonumor Favorito with King Carnival.
- Piazza del Popolo as the sole center of the festival, with thousands of visitors expected.
Prices Ascoli Carnival 2026
Practical information — Ascoli Carnival
How to get there
By car: Ascoli Piceno is connected by the Ascoli-Mare highway junction (A14, San Benedetto del Tronto/Ascoli exit) and the SS4 Salaria. During Carnival, the historic center has limited traffic: it is advisable to use peripheral parking lots and shuttle buses.
By train
Ascoli Piceno station is reachable via San Benedetto del Tronto; from the station, the historic center is reachable on foot or by city buses.
Dates and locations
The festivities take place on Carnival days (from Fat Thursday to Fat Tuesday), with the epicenter in Piazza del Popolo and the historic center. The awards ceremony is held at the Teatro dei Filarmonici.
Admission
Events in the square are free admission. Confirm the program, times, and shuttle services on the official website ilcarnevalediascoli.it and on the channels of the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno.
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Where does it take place — Ascoli Carnival
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo, 63100 Ascoli Piceno