Atessa Carnival
The grand parade of floats and masks in the historic center of Atessa
About Atessa Carnival
The Atessa Carnival
The Atessa Carnival is one of the most cherished events of the carnival season in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo. Each year, the historic center of this ancient village transforms into an open-air stage where allegorical floats, masks, and music enliven the streets and squares. The event is organized by the Tocca la Luna Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Atessa, involving the entire community alongside carnival groups from nearby towns.
The parade in the historic center
The highlight is the grand parade that winds through the historic center: the picturesque route starts from Piazza Oberdan and reaches Piazza Garibaldi, passing through Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Leading the procession is the Dragon, the symbol of Atessa linked to the town's legend, which precedes the delegations of masks and allegorical floats arriving from neighboring towns such as Casoli, Tornareccio, and Torino di Sangro.
Music, entertainment, and gastronomy
The festival is not just about floats: along the route, you will find entertainers, musicians, DJs, jugglers, and stilt walkers, as well as workshops and face painting. A special role is played by the "Città di Atessa" Band, accompanied by majorettes, who set the rhythm for the parade. There is no shortage of food stalls offering local specialties, making the day a true occasion for celebration and conviviality.
- Parade of allegorical floats and masks in the historic center
- The Dragon of Atessa leading the procession
- Town band, majorettes, DJs, and entertainment
- Workshops and face painting for children
- Food stalls with typical Abruzzese products
A celebration for the whole community
Alongside the main parade, the Atessa Carnival always dedicates an event to children, with indoor entertainment featuring dancing, games, soap bubbles, and costume parades. It is this dual spirit—popular and family-friendly—that makes the Atessa Carnival a defining event for the village and the entire Abruzzo Region, capable of drawing visitors from across the Val di Sangro area.
Atessa Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Atessa Carnival offered two main appointments. On Tuesday, February 17, for Shrove Tuesday, the Municipal Department of Culture organized an indoor event dedicated to children in the multi-purpose hall of Piazza Oberdan, featuring entertainers, dancing, games, a costume parade, soap bubbles, and many surprises.
On Saturday, February 21, the Grand Carnival took place with a parade through the historic center, from Piazza Oberdan to Piazza Garibaldi along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The procession was led by the Dragon, the symbol of Atessa, followed by delegations of masks and floats from neighboring towns, the "Città di Atessa" Band with majorettes, DJs, face painting, jugglers, and food stalls.
Programme Atessa Carnival 2026
Highlights Atessa Carnival 2026
Prices Atessa Carnival 2026
Practical information — Atessa Carnival
How to get there
Atessa is located in the province of Chieti, in the hinterland of the Val di Sangro. By car, it can be reached from the A14 motorway exit (Val di Sangro) and the Fondovalle Sangro; the historic center is accessible from the multi-story car park in Piazza Oberdan.
Admission
Participation in the parade and carnival events is free.
Tips
We recommend arriving early to park near the historic center and wearing costumes to fully experience the festive atmosphere.
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Where does it take place — Atessa Carnival
Centro Storico di Atessa