The historic carnival of Anguillara Sabazia on Lake Bracciano
For more than thirty years, the Carnevale dei Fuorilegge has been the most anticipated winter event in Anguillara Sabazia, a picturesque fishing village overlooking Lake Bracciano, in the province of Rome and the heart of the Lazio region. Organized by the Carnevale dei Fuorilegge Committee with the support of the Municipality of Anguillara Sabazia and the Pro Loco, the carnival transforms the streets of the historic center into a long procession of colors, confetti, and masks.
The highlight of the event is the parade of allegorical floats, carefully crafted by local groups and brought to life by hundreds of costumed participants. The themes change every year, drawing inspiration from fairy tales, cartoons, and current events, offering children and families a fresh spectacle each time. The procession winds through the town to Piazza del Molo, on the lakefront, where the most scenic moments of the festival take place.
Two rituals define the event: the coronation of King Carnival, which marks the official opening of the festivities on the inaugural evening, and the burning of King Carnival on the final day, when the effigy is set ablaze to bid farewell to the carnival season in accordance with ancient popular tradition. Accompanying the parades are the Anguillara Sabazia Folk Group with their majorette performances, music, and, on the first evening, a DJ set at the Municipal Sports Field.
Along the route, from the pier to the 'soldati' area, a carnival market unfolds with stalls, traditional sweets, and handicrafts, while the public of all ages joins in wearing masks. Admission is free, and the festival attracts not only the residents of Anguillara but also visitors from neighboring towns in the Sabatino area.
The setting adds to the event's charm: Anguillara Sabazia is one of the most evocative villages in Lazio, with its historic center perched on a promontory and a lakefront overlooking the waters of Lake Bracciano. Experiencing the Carnevale dei Fuorilegge means discovering an authentic tradition deeply felt by the local community.
The event opened on Saturday, February 6th in the evening with the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups through the streets of Anguillara Sabazia, arriving at Piazza del Molo for the coronation of King Carnival at midnight, followed by a DJ set at the Municipal Sports Field. On Sunday, February 7th, in the afternoon, the gathering and departure of the procession took place from the roundabout along Via Anguillarese, led by the Anguillara Folk Group with majorettes, ending at Piazza del Molo for the burning of King Carnival. Both days featured the carnival market along the lakefront.
Both days: Carnival market from the pier to the 'soldati' area.
Anguillara Sabazia can be reached by car from Rome via the Via Braccianese or the A1/Cassia bis highway in about 45 minutes. By train, the Anguillara station is served by the FL3 regional line from Rome-Viterbo, just a few minutes from the center. Nearest airport: Rome Fiumicino.
The allegorical float parades start in the late afternoon and evening, arriving at Piazza del Molo on the lakefront. We recommend checking the official channels of the Carnevale dei Fuorilegge Committee for updated schedules and routes.
Admission to the parades and events is free. There is a carnival market along the lakefront.
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Piazza del Molo