Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto Carnival
Allegorical floats, masquerades, and festive groups in the heart of this Messina town
About Barcellona Carnival
The Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto Carnival
The Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto Carnival, located in the Mela valley in the province of Messina, is a popular event deeply rooted in local tradition. Every year, it draws thousands of people to the streets of the town center and its neighborhoods, all attracted by the impressive papier-mâché allegorical float parades, masked groups, and the festive spirit that sweeps through the community.
Allegorical floats and masked groups
The heart of the festival lies in the parades of allegorical floats, crafted with great artisanal care by local associations and groups. The floats travel through the city's main squares and streets, accompanied by masked groups, choreography, and music. The creative rivalry between the master papier-mâché artists helps make every edition spectacular, confirming the Barcellona Carnival as one of the most cherished in the region.
An event for the whole community
Alongside the parades, the program includes activities for children, street entertainment, musical performances, and cultural events. Various local associations collaborate on the organization, while the Municipality of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto coordinates the event, which is also supported by the Regional Department of Tourism, Sport, and Entertainment of the Sicilian Region.
Between tradition and local identity
The Barcellona Carnival weaves folk ritual with the identity of this Messina town: the parades pass through historic neighborhoods like Sant'Antonino, San Francesco di Paola, and Petraro, turning the entire urban landscape into a grand stage. The festival is an opportunity for social gathering, celebrating Sicilian traditions, and promoting local tourism in a setting filled with color, joy, and public participation.
When it takes place
The event is generally held in February, during the Carnival season, with the main float parades concentrated in the final days of the festival. Dates vary each year depending on the liturgical calendar.
Barcellona Carnival — edition 2026
2026 Carnival in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto
The 2026 edition took place from February 8 to 17, enriched by significant new features: the debut of the official mascots Gottino and Barcellina, chosen via a social media contest, and the Barcellona Carnival Anthem, accompanied by choreography performed by local dance schools.
Float parades
- Sunday, February 15 (3:30 PM): departure from the Old Station square.
- Monday, February 16 (5:30 PM): parade along the Piazza Verga - Petraro axis, with entertainment.
- Tuesday, February 17 (3:30 PM): parade in the Sant'Antonino district and Grand Finale in Piazza Convento, with awards for masks and dances from 8:30 PM.
Two events for children were held in Piazza Duomo on February 8 and 12. Due to bad weather, one parade was rescheduled for Saturday, February 28, departing from the Old Station parking lots around 4:30 PM. Six associations participated in the organization, each with a contribution of 1,400 euros.
Programme Barcellona Carnival 2026
2026 Program
- February 8 and 12 - Children's entertainment in Piazza Duomo
- Sunday, February 15, 3:30 PM - Float parade, departure from Old Station square
- Monday, February 16, 5:30 PM - Parade along the Piazza Verga - Petraro axis
- Tuesday, February 17, 3:30 PM - Sant'Antonino district parade; Grand Finale in Piazza Convento with awards from 8:30 PM
- Saturday, February 28, approx. 4:30 PM - Parade rescheduled due to bad weather, departure from Old Station parking lots
Highlights Barcellona Carnival 2026
Prices Barcellona Carnival 2026
Practical information — Barcellona Carnival
How to get there
Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto can be reached by car via the A20 Messina-Palermo motorway (Barcellona exit). The Barcellona-Castroreale railway station is served by regional trains on the Tyrrhenian line. During the parades, traffic changes may occur in the town center.
Admission
The allegorical float parades and square events are free and open to the public. For information, the official info point is located at the Associazione Giovanile La Fenice, at Via Roma 215.
Tips
We recommend arriving early along the parade routes to secure a good viewing spot and checking the official Municipality channels and the Carnival's social media page for updated schedules.
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Where does it take place — Barcellona Carnival
Centro storico e quartieri cittadini