Capranica Carnival

A carnival in the heart of Tuscia

The Capranica Carnival is one of the most beloved popular festivals in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio. Perched on a tufa spur along the Via Francigena, the village of Capranica transforms its streets and squares into an open-air stage for several weeks in February, where colorful confetti and marching bands delight families, children, and visitors alike. It is a tradition that renews the community's bond with its medieval historic center every year.

The float parades

The heart of the festival lies in the parades of handcrafted floats, built over months of hard work by local groups and associations. On Carnival Sundays, the procession winds through the historic center, starting from the Stazioncina area along Via F. Zuccari and climbing up to Piazza San Francesco, next to the historic church that houses the famous twin sarcophagus. Accompanying the floats are masquerade groups, street performers, marching bands, and plenty of entertainment designed for audiences of all ages.

Shrove Tuesday

The highlight is Shrove Tuesday, when the town experiences the most intense day of the Carnival with a grand celebration dedicated to children, spontaneous masquerades, and the traditional burning of the effigy, which symbolically closes the festivities before the start of Lent. It is the moment when the entire Capranica community gathers in the squares to bid farewell to the carnival season together.

Flavors and traditions

The Capranica Carnival is not just about masks and floats; it is also an occasion for gastronomic conviviality. The Pro Loco distributes traditional seasonal sweets along the streets of the center, such as frappe and castagnole, alongside hot dishes served in Piazza San Francesco. It is a way to warm up the winter days and strengthen the spirit of shared celebration that characterizes the small villages of Tuscia.

A community festival

Organized by the Pro Loco Capranica with the involvement of local associations and the Municipality of Capranica, the Carnival is an event built entirely by volunteers and residents. Preparation begins well in advance through public meetings open to anyone wishing to contribute with ideas, floats, and new costumes: a collective effort that keeps one of the village's core identity traditions alive every year.