Bolognetta Carnival – Festa Ru Nannu

A deeply rooted carnival tradition

The Bolognetta Carnival, also known as the Festa Ru Nannu, is the most anticipated event of the year in this small town in the province of Palermo, Sicily. Located less than thirty kilometers from the capital, along the road connecting Palermo to the hinterland, Bolognetta transforms for a day into a grand open-air stage, where masks, floats, confetti, and music fill every corner of the town.

The figure of "U Nannu"

At the heart of the event is the figure of "U Nannu", a massive straw puppet that symbolically represents the year that has just passed. The tradition is rooted in a historical custom: local figures, such as Domenico and Salvatore Dardi and Filippo Malleo, would accompany the effigy through the streets of Bolognetta in a procession that, "laughing, joking, and mocking," would put the community's vices and flaws on display. At the end of the day, the Nannu is set on fire in the final bonfire: a ritual that symbolically closes the old year to make room for the future and welcome the arrival of spring.

Parade, masks, and awards

The festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, many coming from neighboring towns like Marineo and Villafrati, as well as from Palermo itself. Over three hundred participants march in the procession, accompanied by entertainers, stilt walkers, and choreography. Along the route, awards ceremonies are held for the masked groups, with honors such as the "Nannu d'oro" (Golden Nannu), the "Niputi d'oro" (Golden Grandchild), and prizes for the most original and amusing costumes.

• Masked parade through the streets of the historic center, from the Bivio to Piazza Caduti in Guerra
• Burning of the Nannu, the highlight of the day
• Osteria del Gusto featuring tastings of local products
• Dancing, music, and DJ sets in the town squares

Sicilian flavors and atmosphere

The food and wine experience is a key part of the event: at the "Osteria del Gusto" set up in the square, visitors can sample local specialties such as bread and oil, sausage, wine, and traditional Sicilian Carnival sweets – sfinci and chiacchiere. The day concludes with dancing and music, in a festive atmosphere that makes the Bolognetta Carnival a moment of social cohesion and identity for the entire community.

When it takes place

Traditionally, the Bolognetta Carnival is held on the last Sunday of Carnival, between late February and early March depending on the year. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Bolognetta in collaboration with the Forum of Bolognetta Associations and the municipal administration, with the support of the Sicilian Region.