Bobbio Carnival
Edition 2026 Street arts Heritage Folk traditions

Bobbio Carnival

Floats and masks in the heart of Val Trebbia

Bobbio — Piacenza (033) Since 1979
Dates 15 Feb โ€” 22 Feb 2026
Location Bobbio (033)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Bobbio Carnival

The Bobbio Carnival is the big Carnival celebration of Bobbio, a medieval village in the Piacenza area overlooking the famous Ponte Gobbo. Since 1979, the "Quelli che Pontano" Pro Loco has brought colorful floats, masked groups, and confetti to the streets, animating the historic center with two Sunday parades and a highly anticipated masked ball. Amidst music, chatter, and fritters, it's a cheerful and popular event that grows each year in terms of floats and audience, designed for everyone, from children to adults.

The Carnival of Bobbio, a tradition dating back to 1979

In the heart of the Val Trebbia, the Bobbio Carnival is one of the most beloved events of the Piacenza winter. It takes place in Bobbio, a splendid medieval village in the Province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna), listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy and famous for its Ponte Gobbo, also known as the Devil's Bridge, which crosses the Trebbia river with its irregular arches. Organized by the Pro Loco "Quelli che Pontano", the event has been animating the town since 1979 and grows year by year in terms of both floats and public attendance.

Floats and masks through the village streets

The heart of the celebration is the parades of allegorical floats, built by masked groups from the area, which traverse the historic center starting from Piazza XXV Aprile. Amidst confetti and streamers, the masked participants accompany the floats with choreography, dances, and music, transforming the village streets into a grand open-air spectacle. Typical seasonal sweets, from chiacchiere to frittelle, are also available, along with the village atmosphere that makes this Carnival a truly popular event.

The masked ball and awards

In addition to the daytime parades, the program includes the traditional evening masked ball, the highlight of the festival, with live music, dancing, and the award ceremony for the most beautiful groups and masks. It's an opportunity to celebrate together the work of those who, for months, prepare the floats and costumes, in a spirit of community that is the true hallmark of the Bobbio Carnival.

Bobbio, a village to discover

Experiencing Carnival in Bobbio also means discovering one of the most charming municipalities in the Emilian Apennines: the Ponte Gobbo, the Abbey of San Colombano, the alleys of the historic center, and the flavors of local cuisine, such as Brachettone, a typical cured meat linked to the Carnival period. A combination of celebration, tradition, and heritage that makes this event an unmissable stop for anyone visiting the Province of Piacenza in winter.

Bobbio Carnival โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Bobbio Carnival took place in Bobbio over three days: Sunday, February 15th and Sunday, February 22nd featured parades of allegorical floats in the historic center, and Saturday, February 21st hosted the grand masked ball with awards for the most beautiful masks. The winning formula of the Pro Loco "Quelli che Pontano," active since 1979, was confirmed for 2026.

The Bobbio Carnival 2026 animated the historic center of Bobbio with two Sunday parades of allegorical floats and an evening masked ball. As stated by the Pro Loco president Giovanni Alberti, the 2026 edition confirmed the spirit of a festival that "brings joy since 1979," enriched each year with some novelty to surprise the public.

The program consisted of three events, including floats, masks, music, and typical Carnival sweets.

Programme Bobbio Carnival 2026

Sunday, February 15, 2026 โ€” Parade of allegorical floats

  • From 2:00 PM โ€” Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups through the streets of the historic center, starting from Piazza XXV Aprile, with confetti, streamers, music, and choreography.

Saturday, February 21, 2026 โ€” Masked ball

  • From 11:00 PM โ€” Masked ball at the sports area pavilion (Capannone Gamma, industrial area), with music, dancing, and the award ceremony for the most beautiful groups and masks.

Sunday, February 22, 2026 โ€” Parade of allegorical floats

  • From 2:00 PM โ€” Second parade of allegorical floats in the historic center, starting from Piazza XXV Aprile.

Throughout the village streets, during the festival days, chiacchiere, fritters, and mulled wine were distributed.

Highlights Bobbio Carnival 2026

The two Sunday parades of allegorical floats in the historic center and the Saturday evening masked ball with the award ceremony for the most beautiful groups and masks.

Prices Bobbio Carnival 2026

Free admission to the parades of allegorical floats in the historic center.

Practical information — Bobbio Carnival

How to get there

Bobbio is reachable by car via the SS45 of Val Trebbia, about 45 km from Piacenza. By train, the reference station is Piacenza, connected to Bobbio by intercity buses. The parades start from Piazza XXV Aprile, in the historic center.

Admission and times

Admission to the parades is free. The allegorical float processions generally start in the afternoon, around 2:00 PM; the masked ball takes place in the evening. It is advisable to consult the official Pro Loco channels for updated times.

Tips

Warm clothing for outdoor parades and masks or costumes to participate in the festive spirit. Opportunity to taste chiacchiere, fritters, and mulled wine in the village streets.

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Where does it take place โ€” Bobbio Carnival

Centro storico di Bobbio

Piazza XXV Aprile, 29022 Bobbio

Contact Bobbio Carnival

Bobbio Carnival in brief

Street arts Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Playful Outdoor Free Piacenza

History of Bobbio Carnival