Carnevale InCamerota
The off-season carnival of Marina di Camerota, featuring papier-mâché floats and the sea
About Carnevale InCamerota
An off-season carnival on the Cilento coast
Carnevale InCamerota is one of the most joyful festivals in southern Cilento, distinguished by a unique feature: it takes place out of season, in spring, rather than in the weeks leading up to Lent. The reason is practical: in Marina di Camerota, a coastal hamlet in the Municipality of Camerota in the Province of Salerno, the April climate is mild enough to parade papier-mâché floats and host thousands of people—a feat far more difficult in the depths of winter. Thus, the seaside village effectively kicks off the tourist season with a day of music, masks, and color.
The parade of allegorical floats
The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats—true papier-mâché giants built over the preceding months by groups of volunteers, artisans, and young people from the towns of the Cilento and the Gulf of Policastro. The floats travel through the town center accompanied by costumed groups, choreography, entertainment, and music, arriving at the harbor area where they are presented to the public and evaluated by a jury.
The format is a friendly competition between communities: each town presents its own work, vying for awards for the most beautiful float, the best set design, and the most successful costumes, both individual and group. Beyond the rankings, the day is above all an opportunity for neighboring towns to meet and gather along the same waterfront for an afternoon.
A young but already popular event
The first edition was held in April 2024 and immediately exceeded the organizers' expectations, with floats arriving from Scario, Agropoli, Maiori, and Marina di Camerota, and the establishment of a special 'sympathy' award dedicated to the memory of a local youth. Since then, participation has grown year after year, and Carnevale InCamerota has become a permanent fixture in the Campania spring events calendar, drawing thousands of spectators along the route.
The participating towns
- Marina di Camerota — the host town, which fields the most impressive float each year;
- Scario and Policastro Bussentino — from the Gulf of Policastro;
- Celle di Bulgheria and Caprioli — from the Cilento hinterland and coast;
- Agropoli — featuring groups highly skilled in papier-mâché craftsmanship;
- Past editions have also seen the participation of Maiori, Ascea, Rofrano, and Alfano.
Atmosphere and audience
Carnevale InCamerota is designed for all ages: families with children, groups of young people, and curious visitors from all over the Cilento mingle along the route. Admission is free, and the day concludes at the harbor with the awards ceremony and a DJ set that keeps the party going until evening. Those arriving early can spend the morning visiting the historic center of Camerota Alta, the sea caves, and the beaches that have made this stretch of coast famous within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park.
The setting: Camerota and the Cilento
Camerota is a municipality in Campania overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, known for its cliffs and coves, its caves, and a living artisan tradition ranging from ceramics to fishing. Carnevale InCamerota fits into a local calendar rich in popular and religious events, from the rites of Saint Dominic to summer festivals, and is now one of the main tourism promotion events organized by the Municipality together with local associations: a way to showcase the village even outside the peak season.
Carnevale InCamerota — edition 2026
Six allegorical floats for the 2026 Carnevale InCamerota
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Marina di Camerota hosted the new edition of Carnevale InCamerota, confirming the spring carnival formula that has made this event one of the most popular in the Cilento. Six papier-mâché floats traveled the streets of the center to the harbor area, accompanied by costumed groups, choreography, and music.
Competing, in addition to the host town's float, were works from Scario, Policastro Bussentino, Celle di Bulgheria, Caprioli, and Agropoli. The theme chosen by Marina di Camerota, 'Mexico Ritmo y Pasion', prevailed over the competition: the jury awarded it first place and special prizes for best set design, most beautiful float, and best costumes, both individual and group. Second place went to Scario with 'Groovy Hippie' and third to Celle di Bulgheria with 'Mingardus, the enchanted valley'; the lineup was completed by Agropoli's 'Maradona' and Policastro's 'Women of the World'.
The organization was handled by the Municipality of Camerota through the Department of Tourism and Entertainment, led by Teresa Esposito, in collaboration with the InCamerota association and the 'Perla del Cilento' tourist office. The organizers reported a successful day, with thousands of attendees and strong involvement from neighboring communities.
Programme Carnevale InCamerota 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2026 — Marina di Camerota
- Gathering of floats and costumed groups in the early afternoon, near the Bolivar cinema
- Start of the parade from Via Bolivar and route through the town center
- Arrival of the floats at the harbor
- Presentation of the floats and costumes before the jury
- Awards ceremony for the winning floats and presentation of special prizes
- Closing DJ set at the harbor
Competing floats
- Marina di Camerota — 'Mexico Ritmo y Pasion' (1st place)
- Scario — 'Groovy Hippie' (2nd place)
- Celle di Bulgheria — 'Mingardus, the enchanted valley' (3rd place)
- Agropoli — 'Maradona'
- Policastro Bussentino — 'Women of the World'
- Caprioli
Following the established schedule, the gathering of the floats is set for 2:00 PM, the start of the parade at 3:00 PM, and arrival at the harbor around 6:00 PM, followed by the presentation of the floats and the evening awards ceremony.
Highlights Carnevale InCamerota 2026
- Six papier-mâché allegorical floats competing, one for each participating town
- The 'Mexico Ritmo y Pasion' float from Marina di Camerota, winner of the 2026 edition
- Costumed groups, choreography, and entertainment along the entire route
- Scenic arrival of the floats in the harbor area
- Awards for best set design, most beautiful float, and individual/group costumes
- Final DJ set extending the party until evening
- Thousands of attendees from all over the Cilento and the Gulf of Policastro
Prices Carnevale InCamerota 2026
Practical information — Carnevale InCamerota
How to get there
By car: from the A2 del Mediterraneo motorway, take the exit for Buonabitacolo and continue towards the Gulf of Policastro and the coast until you reach Camerota; from the north, take the SS18 along the Cilento and then the SS562 towards Marina di Camerota. On the day of the parade, the center is subject to traffic closures: it is advisable to leave your car in the peripheral parking areas and continue on foot.
By train: Pisciotta-Palinuro or Sapri stations on the Tyrrhenian line, then take a local bus to Marina di Camerota.
Admission
A free, open-air event open to everyone, with no tickets or reservations required.
Contacts
Municipality of Camerota — Department of Tourism and Entertainment. Information and registration for costumed groups: +39 370 1125516 and +39 348 3245117.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing (the sea breeze can be felt in April), and bring a mask or costume to get into the spirit of the festival. The harbor is the best spot to watch the presentation of the floats and the final awards ceremony.
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Where does it take place — Carnevale InCamerota
Vie del centro e porto di Marina di Camerota