Bracciano Carnival

The Bracciano Carnival

The Bracciano Carnival is the most anticipated winter event in Bracciano, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital overlooking the lake of the same name, in the heart of the Sabatino district of Lazio. For several days, the village streets transform into a large open-air stage, where floats, masks, and music enliven the historic center and the Bracciano Nuova district, drawing both young and old into a celebration of color and joy.

The 2026 Parade Program

The 2026 edition featured several events held on Sunday, February 15, Tuesday, February 17 (Shrove Tuesday), and Sunday, February 22. The parades wound through the town center and the Bracciano Nuova district, starting in the afternoon and concluding with festive celebrations in the main town squares.

• Sunday, February 15: Parade in the town center starting from Piazzale Pasqualetti at approximately 2:00 PM, with a grand finale in Piazza IV Novembre.
• Tuesday, February 17: Parade of all floats and masquerades starting from Piazzale Pasqualetti in the early afternoon, arriving in Piazza IV Novembre.
• Sunday, February 22: Parade of masks, floats, and King Carnival in Bracciano Nuova, starting at 2:00 PM from Piazza delle Magnolie.

Floats, Masquerades, and King Carnival

The heart of the event lies in the allegorical floats, built with passion by the local districts and associations, which parade accompanied by costumed groups, music, and confetti. The figure of King Carnival leads the procession and symbolically closes the festivities. The event also features entertainment for children, traditional seasonal sweets, and the festive participation of entire families in costume.

A Community Event

The Bracciano Carnival is sponsored and funded by the Municipality of Bracciano and organized by the Carnival Association, with the involvement of the local districts, regional associations, and numerous citizens. It is a deeply popular and participatory festival, with free admission, which celebrates the sense of community and the local traditions of this Lazio town.

Carnival at the Odescalchi Castle

During the same carnival period, the famous Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano hosts its own themed events: in 2026, the ancient halls of the manor hosted a journey dedicated to the "Addams Family," with guided tours and workshops for children and adults in costume. This is a separate, ticketed initiative that requires booking and enhances the city's carnival offerings.

Bracciano and its Lake

Dominated by the massive Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano is one of the most evocative destinations north of Rome, famous for its volcanic lake, lakeside villages, and a lively tradition of festivals and re-enactments. The Carnival represents one of the year's most significant gathering moments, capable of attracting visitors from neighboring towns and showcasing the festive identity of this corner of Lazio.