The Carnival party for children and families in the heart of Recanati
Carnevale in Piazza Leopardi is the event dedicated to children and families that, on Fat Tuesday, enlivens the heart of Recanati, the birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. For an afternoon, the scenic central square, dominated by the Borgo Tower and the monument to the poet, transforms into a sort of masked "toy land," welcoming young and old in a joyful and colorful atmosphere.
The event, organized by the Pro Loco of Recanati with the patronage of the Municipality, fills Piazza Leopardi and the loggia of the Palazzo Comunale with attractions designed for the younger generation. The program includes:
The highlight of the afternoon is the little mask parade on stage: children have the opportunity to show off their costumes in a real fashion show, with no winners but a prize for everyone. It's the most colorful party of the year, where the little ones are the true protagonists.
Carnival is one of the most cherished popular traditions in Italy, and in Recanati, it takes on a cozy and family-oriented dimension, far from the grand float parades but deeply rooted in the community's life. The choice of Piazza Leopardi, the main square of the historic center, inextricably links the festival to the city's Leopardian identity. The chiacchiere and frappe, fried and dusted with powdered sugar, are the sweet symbol of Carnival in the Marche region and have always accompanied these days of joy.
Admission to the event is free and open to all. In case of bad weather, the party will still be held indoors, in the Atrium and loggia of the Palazzo Comunale, ensuring the event takes place even with inclement weather.
On Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Piazza Leopardi in Recanati transformed into the most colorful party of the year. From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the square and the loggia of the Palazzo Comunale hosted inflatable games, food stands, sweets with the classic chiacchiere and frappe, and entertainment with music.
Songs and dances for the little ones provided the backdrop to a confetti-filled celebration, culminating in the little mask parade on stage: children could show off their costumes in a parade with no winners but a prize for everyone. Admission was free and open to all, with an indoor program planned in case of bad weather.
Day's program (Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM), Piazza Leopardi and loggia of the Palazzo Comunale:
In case of bad weather, the event will be held indoors in the Atrium and loggia of the Palazzo Comunale.
Piazza Giacomo Leopardi and the loggia of the Palazzo Comunale, historic center of Recanati (MC), Marche. In case of bad weather, the event will be held indoors in the Atrium and loggia of the Palazzo Comunale.
By car: take the Loreto-Recanati exit of the A14 highway, then follow the SS77 and SP to Recanati. By train: Recanati-Macerata-Montecassiano station is connected by bus to the historic center. Nearest airport: Ancona-Falconara (approx. 45 km).
Afternoon of Fat Tuesday, approximately from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Free admission.
Event designed for families with children: bring your Carnival costume to participate in the mask parade on stage.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Piazza Giacomo Leopardi