Carnevale in Piazza Leopardi
Edition 2026 Street arts Folk traditions Folklore

Carnevale in Piazza Leopardi

The Carnival party for children and families in the heart of Recanati

Recanati — Macerata (043)
Dates 17 Feb — 17 Feb 2026
Location Recanati (043)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Recanati Carnival

Every Fat Tuesday, the famous Piazza Giacomo Leopardi in Recanati transforms into a giant toy land for children. Organized by the Pro Loco with the patronage of the Municipality of Recanati, Carnevale in Piazza Leopardi enlivens the historic center with inflatable games, music, entertainment, and a masked parade for the little ones. Don't miss the unmissable chiacchiere and frappe, typical Carnival sweets from the Marche region. A day of free colors and fun for everyone, in the Leopardian town of the province of Macerata.

Carnival in Leopardi's Town

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.

An Afternoon of Games and Entertainment

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:

  • inflatable games and entertainment areas for children;
  • music, songs, and dances for the little ones;
  • food and sweets stands with the classic chiacchiere and frappe, typical Carnival sweets;
  • lots of confetti to frame the party.

The Mask Parade

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.

Marche Tradition and Identity

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.

Useful Information

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.

Recanati Carnival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of Carnevale in Piazza Leopardi took place on Tuesday, February 17 (Fat Tuesday), from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in Piazza Giacomo Leopardi and the loggia of the Palazzo Comunale in Recanati. Organized by the Pro Loco with the patronage of the Municipality, the party enlivened the historic center with an afternoon dedicated to children and families, featuring games, music, and costumes.

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.

Programme Recanati Carnival 2026

Day's program (Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM), Piazza Leopardi and loggia of the Palazzo Comunale:

  • Inflatable games and entertainment areas for children
  • Entertainment with music, songs, and dances for the little ones
  • Little mask parade on stage: children's costume parade, no winners but a prize for everyone
  • Food and sweets stands: Carnival chiacchiere and frappe
  • Confetti throwing

In case of bad weather, the event will be held indoors in the Atrium and loggia of the Palazzo Comunale.

Highlights Recanati Carnival 2026

  • Children's masked parade with a prize for everyone
  • Inflatable games and musical entertainment
  • Chiacchiere and frappe, typical Carnival sweets from the Marche region
  • Free admission

Prices Recanati Carnival 2026

Free admission for everyone.

Practical information — Recanati Carnival

Where

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.

How to get there

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).

Times and admission

Afternoon of Fat Tuesday, approximately from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Free admission.

Tips

Event designed for families with children: bring your Carnival costume to participate in the mask parade on stage.

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Where does it take place — Recanati Carnival

Piazza Giacomo Leopardi

Contact Recanati Carnival

Recanati Carnival in brief

Street arts Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Playful Outdoor Free Macerata

History of Recanati Carnival