Augusta Carnival
Float parades, masquerades, and festivities across Isola, Borgata, and Brucoli
About Augusta Carnival
The Augusta Carnival
The Augusta Carnival is the February highlight that brings the town of Augusta, a seaside city in the province of Syracuse, Sicily, to life. After a long period of silence—allegorical floats had disappeared from the streets of Augusta since 2008—the festival was officially reborn in 2023 through the efforts of the municipal administration, which relaunched the tradition by involving local associations and float builders.
Allegorical floats and costumed groups
The heart of the event lies in the parades of motorized allegorical floats, crafted by local master builders, accompanied by whimsical vehicles and costumed groups. Each year, the floats explore diverse themes ranging from current affairs satire to the worlds of fairy tales, fantasy, and escapism. Alongside the parades, the program features musical performances, children's entertainment, competitions, and activities for all ages.
A widespread festival: Isola, Borgata, and Brucoli
The Augusta Carnival is not confined to a single location but embraces several key areas of the city. The parades wind through the historic center on the Isola—passing through Piazza Castello, Via Principe Umberto, and Piazza Duomo—and the Borgata district, which hosts the final days and the grand awards ceremony in Piazza Fontana. One day is also dedicated to the charming seaside village of Brucoli, a hamlet of Augusta overlooking the sea.
A tradition reborn
Beyond the floats, the event recovers figures and rituals from the traditional Augusta carnival, such as the Serramonaca, a character dressed in white symbolizing the transition from Carnival to Lenten reflection. It is a way to combine the spectacle of the floats with the historical memory of the Megarian community.
Why attend
- Large motorized allegorical floats created by local builders
- A festival spread across Isola, Borgata, and the seaside village of Brucoli
- Live music, children's entertainment, and shows for all ages
- Free admission and a lively, authentic atmosphere in the heart of the province of Syracuse
Augusta Carnival — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Augusta Carnival, promoted by the municipal administration with the cultural association "Le libellule", brought three motorized allegorical floats to the streets, crafted by local builders: one more than in previous editions, with one float reaching nine meters in height.
The three competing floats: "Le mille e una notte di magia" (The Thousand and One Nights of Magic), inspired by the oriental universe and the figure of Aladdin; "Il ruggito selvaggio della foresta" (The Wild Roar of the Forest), with the lion as a symbol of strength and wisdom; and "Tic… i sogni di ieri, tac… i sogni di domani" (Tick... the dreams of yesterday, tock... the dreams of tomorrow), built around the image of a time machine.
The festival unfolded between the historic center on the Isola, the village of Brucoli, and the Borgata district, with animations, musical shows, and the final awards ceremony.
Programme Augusta Carnival 2026
Thursday, February 13 — Augusta (Isola)
- 16:30 — Gathering at Piazza Castello (Via Colombo)
- 17:00 — Parade along Via Principe Umberto and Piazza Risorgimento to Piazza Duomo, with entertainment by RSO Radio Studio Orientale
Saturday, February 14 — Brucoli and Augusta
- 16:00 (Brucoli) — "Wonders in the Square": mascots, stilt walkers, balloons, and entertainment in Piazza Castello Aragonese; parade through the village streets with a costume contest
- 19:00 (Augusta, Piazza Duomo) — Show with the band I Cianchino's
Sunday, February 15 — Augusta
- 10:00 — Children's entertainment in Piazza Duomo
- Carnival Circus Party in Piazza D'Astorga
- 16:00 — Allegorical float parade
- 19:00 — Entertainment with Solero in Piazza Fontana
Tuesday, February 17 — Augusta (Shrove Tuesday)
- 16:00 — Gathering between Lungomare Rossini and Largo Marco Polo
- Parade along Via Giovanni Lavaggi and Viale Italia towards Piazza Fontana
- 19:00 — Float awards ceremony and final musical show in Piazza Fontana
Highlights Augusta Carnival 2026
Prices Augusta Carnival 2026
Practical information — Augusta Carnival
Getting there
Augusta is located along the Ionian coast of the province of Syracuse. By car, it can be reached via the A18/A19 motorway and the SS114; take the Augusta exit. By train, the Augusta station is served by the Messina–Syracuse–Catania line. The nearest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa (about 40 minutes away) and Comiso.
Where it takes place
The parades cover the historic center on the Isola (Piazza Castello, Via Principe Umberto, Piazza Duomo), the Borgata district (with the awards ceremony in Piazza Fontana), and the seaside hamlet of Brucoli. During parade days, traffic diversions and parking restrictions are expected along the routes.
Tickets
Access to the parades and shows is free.
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Where does it take place — Augusta Carnival
Centro storico (Isola), Borgata e Brucoli
Piazza Duomo, 96011 Augusta