The parade of allegorical floats through the streets of Capistrello, in the heart of the Marsica region
The Capistrello Carnival is the annual celebration held in the municipality of Capistrello, a village in the Marsica area, located in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. Nestled at the entrance to the Liri Valley, Capistrello has been a crossroads for centuries between the Fucino plain and the Lazio side towards Sora and Naples: a territory rich in history, preserving the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct built in 41 AD. It is in this setting that the community gathers every year for one of its most cherished festivals.
The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats, which travels through the main streets of the town. The gathering takes place at the Station Square (Piazzale della Stazione), from where the costumed procession sets off, bringing music, smiles, and a shower of confetti and streamers. The route concludes in Piazza Risorgimento, where the party continues with dancing, masks, and the joy of being together.
The Capistrello Carnival is organized by the Pro Loco of Capistrello APS in collaboration with local associations and is designed specifically for children, teenagers, and families. The preparation of the floats, the creation of costumes, and the setup of the masks involve numerous volunteers and different generations, making the parade a moment of connection that unites the entire town and opens its doors to visitors from the nearby towns of the Marsica region.
The event is part of the numerous gatherings of the Carnival with the Pro Loco of Abruzzo, a network of events promoted by the UNPLI (National Union of Pro Loco of Italy) that, during the Carnival period, enlivens the squares and streets of towns and cities in the region with parades, costumes, and popular traditions. The Capistrello Carnival thus fits into a broader calendar that celebrates the folklore and traditions of Abruzzo's villages.
Visiting Capistrello during the Carnival is also an opportunity to discover a village with ancient roots and a territory, the Marsica, famous for its mountain landscapes, its thousand-year history, and its authentic cuisine. The festival reflects the image of a vibrant and welcoming community, capable of passing on its traditions with enthusiasm and joy.
The 2026 edition was held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Capistrello, in the Marsica region. The program included a gathering at 2:00 PM at the Station Square and the start of the parade at 2:30 PM, with allegorical floats traveling through the main streets of the town amidst music, confetti, and streamers, concluding in Piazza Risorgimento.
The event, managed by the Pro Loco of Capistrello APS together with local associations, involved children, teenagers, and families in particular, fitting into the wider calendar of the Carnival with the Pro Loco of Abruzzo promoted by the UNPLI from February 14 to 21, 2026.
Capistrello is located in the province of L'Aquila, in the Marsica region. By car, it can be reached via the A25 motorway (exit at Avezzano or Cocullo-Canistro depending on your direction), continuing along the Liri Valley. The town is also served by the railway, with the Capistrello station located on the Avezzano-Roccasecca line.
The parade starts from the Station Square (Piazzale della Stazione) and travels through the main streets of the center, ending in Piazza Risorgimento.
The event is free, outdoors, and family-friendly. Comfortable clothing and carnival masks for children are recommended. For updated schedules and details, it is best to follow the channels of the Pro Loco of Capistrello.
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Vie del centro (Piazzale della Stazione - Piazza Risorgimento)