Bolzano Carnival / Fasnacht Bozen
The widespread carnival across the districts of the South Tyrolean capital
About Bolzano Carnival
Bolzano Carnival
The Bolzano Carnival (known as Fasnacht Bozen in German) is the grand popular festival that brings the capital of South Tyrol, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, to life every February. Rather than being concentrated in a single square, it is a widespread event that reaches the city's various districts through the collaboration between the Municipality of Bolzano, youth centers, neighborhood associations, and local carnival groups.
A festival in the neighborhoods
The heart of the Bolzano Carnival lies in its collective and local nature. Between Fat Thursday and Shrove Tuesday, the city lights up with color and music: masquerade parades, face painting, games, bouncy castles, magic shows, and entertainment for children and families take place in iconic spots like Parco delle Semirurali, the Talvera Festival Grounds, the Firmian district, and Piazza Nikoletti. Each event is designed to strengthen the sense of community and engage the youngest, often in collaboration with organizations like VKE and local social hubs.
The float parade
Among the most anticipated events is the float parade, which brings colorful floats and masked groups, accompanied by music, through the streets of Bolzano. The parade is traditionally animated by local carnival groups, including the Nuovo Gruppo Carnevalesco Pineta and the procession arriving from Laives, winding through the city's streets in a long, festive cortege.
Bilingual tradition
Like all of Bolzano's civic life, the Carnival reflects the bilingual identity of the capital: Italian and German coexist in the celebration, blending the spirit of the Mediterranean Carnevale with the atmosphere of the Central European Fasnacht. The result is a unique event capable of showcasing the dual cultural soul of South Tyrol.
An event for everyone
- Free admission to all events
- Activities dedicated to children, teenagers, and families
- Masquerade parades and float processions
- Street performances, magic, live music, and entertainment
- Creative workshops in youth centers and the library
Bolzano Carnival is a precious opportunity to experience the South Tyrolean capital in its most authentic and festive dimension, amidst popular tradition, creativity, and neighborhood participation.
Bolzano Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Bolzano Carnival brought the South Tyrolean capital to life with a rich calendar of widespread initiatives. On Thursday, February 12, for Fat Thursday, the Parco delle Semirurali hosted an open-to-all party from 2 PM to 5 PM with a masquerade parade, face painting, and music, while the Talvera Festival Grounds offered recreational activities in collaboration with VKE.
On Friday, February 13, the Polo Ovest in Firmian brought the party to the IPES apartment blocks on Via Mozart with the "Firmian's Carnaval". The float parade from the Laives Carnival, originally scheduled for Saturday the 14th, was postponed to Sunday, February 15 due to weather conditions, departing at 2 PM from Via Alessandria. On Tuesday, February 17, for Shrove Tuesday, Piazza Nikoletti transformed into a Carnival village with music, games, bouncy castles, and magic shows, while the Civic Library offered a creative workshop for children.
Programme Bolzano Carnival 2026
2026 Program
- Thursday, February 12 (Fat Thursday) — Parco delle Semirurali, 2 PM-5 PM: masquerade party, face painting, and music; Talvera Festival Grounds: recreational activities with VKE
- Friday, February 13 — Firmian, IPES blocks on Via Mozart: "Firmian's Carnaval" organized by Polo Ovest
- Sunday, February 15 (postponed from Saturday the 14th due to weather) — Laives Carnival float parade, departure at 2 PM from Via Alessandria along Via Bari, Via Parma, Via Sassari, Via Montecassino, Via Milano, and Via Torino
- Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday) — Piazza Nikoletti: Carnival village with music, games, bouncy castles, and magic shows; Civic Library, 10 AM: creative workshop for children aged 8-12
Highlights Bolzano Carnival 2026
Prices Bolzano Carnival 2026
Practical information — Bolzano Carnival
How to get there
Bolzano is easily accessible by train (Bolzano station on the Brenner line) and by car via the A22 Brenner motorway, taking the Bolzano South or Bolzano North exit. The Carnival events take place in various districts: Parco delle Semirurali, the Talvera Festival Grounds, Firmian, and Piazza Nikoletti are served by the SASA urban bus network.
Useful information
All events are free. The updated calendar with times and locations can be consulted on the Municipality of Bolzano's event portal (BZ Events). Some children's workshops require registration. It is recommended to check for any program changes due to weather, which may lead to the postponement of the float parade.
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Where does it take place — Bolzano Carnival
Centro storico e quartieri di Bolzano