Cantalice Carnival
The parade of floats and masks that brings color to the village of Cantalice in the Rieti area
About Cantalice Carnival
The Cantalice Carnival, a celebration in the Rieti hills
The Cantalice Carnival is the signature festive event of Cantalice, a charming village perched at the foot of Mount Terminillo in the province of Rieti, in the heart of Lazio. Managed by the local Pro Loco, the event draws families, children, and curious visitors from neighboring towns every year for a day of color, music, and cheer that brings the historic center to life.
The parade of floats and masks
The heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats and costumed groups, all handcrafted by passionate local volunteers. The procession winds through the streets of Cantalice amidst confetti, music, and the festive participation of the residents, culminating in the awards ceremony for the most original floats. The day also features entertainment for children, the distribution of traditional seasonal sweets, and convivial moments that celebrate the local culinary heritage and the warmth of the Cantalice community.
A tradition of the Rieti Carnival
The Cantalice Carnival is part of the rich Rieti Carnival calendar, which lights up numerous villages in the Rieti province throughout February with parades, floats, and masks. In this context, Cantalice showcases its unique identity, where masquerade festivities blend with hospitality and tradition: the gathering at the Church of San Giuseppe, the procession through Piazza della Repubblica, and the arrival at Madonna della Pace trace a path through the places most dear to the community.
An event for the whole family
With its popular and free-to-attend character, the Cantalice Carnival is designed for everyone to enjoy: children in masks, costumed groups, music in the streets, and traditional flavors. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the Rieti Sabina region and to participate in a festival that renews the community spirit of Cantalice year after year.
Where it takes place
The event unfolds in the historic center of Cantalice (ZIP code 02014), starting from the area near the Church of San Giuseppe and ending at the Madonna della Pace site. The village is easily accessible from Rieti, the provincial capital, and serves as a pleasant starting point for excursions toward Mount Terminillo and the trails of the Sabina region.
Cantalice Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Cantalice Carnival was held on Saturday, February 14, coinciding with Valentine's Day, confirming the traditional appointment of the village of Cantalice, in the province of Rieti. The day, organized by the Pro Loco, combined the masquerade party with the village's tradition and hospitality.
The gathering of floats and masks took place at the Church of San Giuseppe starting at 11:00 AM, with the parade departing at 1:00 PM, passing through Piazza della Repubblica and arriving at Madonna della Pace, where the highlight of the show was scheduled for 2:30 PM. Among the allegorical floats in the parade were themes such as "Back to the 90's," "Magic," "Farmers," and "The Flintstones."
Programme Cantalice Carnival 2026
Program for Saturday, February 14, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Gathering of allegorical floats and costumed groups at the Church of San Giuseppe
- 1:00 PM — Start of the parade with a passage through Piazza della Repubblica
- 2:30 PM — Arrival at Madonna della Pace and main show with floats, masks, music, and entertainment
Among the allegorical floats of the edition: "Back to the 90's", "Magic", "Farmers", "The Flintstones".
Highlights Cantalice Carnival 2026
- Parade of allegorical floats created by local groups
- Route from the Church of San Giuseppe to Madonna della Pace
- Music, confetti, and children's entertainment
- Awards ceremony for the most original floats
Prices Cantalice Carnival 2026
Practical information — Cantalice Carnival
How to get there
By car: Cantalice can be reached from Rieti in about 15 minutes via the SS4 Salaria and the provincial roads toward Terminillo. From the A1 motorway, the recommended exits are toward Rieti. By train: the reference station is Rieti, which is connected to Cantalice via local bus lines or car.
Program and schedule
The day begins with the gathering of floats and masks in the morning at the Church of San Giuseppe, followed by the start of the parade in the early afternoon, and the main show later in the afternoon, concluding with the final awards.
Admission
Participation in the parade along the village streets is free and open to everyone.
Information
For more information, you can contact the Pro Loco of Cantalice (ref. Ivan, tel. +39 348 7127943).
Tips
Comfortable clothing, masks, and costumes are welcome. Ideal for families with children.
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Where does it take place — Cantalice Carnival
Centro storico di Cantalice