Baccanales – Jato Carnival

The Carnival of the Jato Valley

The Baccanales – Jato Carnival is a grand Carnival celebration that, every year between January and February, brings San Cipirello and the nearby San Giuseppe Jato to life. These two neighboring towns in the Jato Valley, located in the hinterland of the province of Palermo, Sicily, host the event together. The festival takes its name from the Bacchanalia, the ancient Roman festivals in honor of Bacchus, echoing their spirit of collective joy, masquerade, and festive liberation.

Allegorical floats and parades

The heart of Baccanales is the parade of allegorical floats: massive papier-mâché structures, the result of months of hard work by local groups, which travel through the main streets of both towns. Accompanying each float are choreographies performed by local dance schools, hundreds of young people in costume, music, and plenty of color. The caravan starts in San Cipirello and reaches San Giuseppe Jato, following a route that is reversed on different days to ensure both communities are involved in turn.

A festival that unites two towns

Baccanales is much more than just a parade: it is an experience that embodies the identity and sense of belonging of the Jato Valley. The event is organized by the Cresciamo Insieme association with the support of the municipal administrations of San Cipirello and San Giuseppe Jato, and is the result of a collaboration that has united the two towns around the Carnival for years.

• Parade of papier-mâché allegorical floats between the two towns
• Costumed groups and choreographies by local dance schools
• Entertainment for children, music, and performances along the streets
• Final awards ceremony for the floats and costumed groups

When it takes place

Baccanales is held during the Carnival season, with the main highlights concentrated between the weekend before Shrove Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday itself. The parades wind through the streets and squares of the centers of San Cipirello and San Giuseppe Jato, transforming the Jato Valley into a large open-air stage. Admission to the parades is free.