Carnival in the Center (Fondi Carnival)
Two afternoons of masks, music, and parades in the heart of Fondi
About Fondi Carnival
A town-square Carnival in the heart of the Fondi Plain
In Fondi, located in the heart of the Latina province, Carnival is more than just an event: it is the moment when the historic center reclaims its squares. For two afternoons, the city's living room at Piazza IV Novembre fills with confetti, costumes, and music, while the surrounding streets host attractions, stalls, and families arriving from across the lower Lazio region. It is a grassroots celebration, organized by the Municipality of Fondi and the Pro Loco in collaboration with a dense network of local associations.
La Carnevalata, the masked parade
The core of the event is "La Carnevalata," a parade organized by the Filippo II Association - Contrada Sant'Andrea together with a dozen local groups. The procession brings together masked troupes that parade through the center accompanied by music and choreography, in a format that has quickly won over the locals: from the competitive allegorical floats of the early editions to the costumed groups, the idea remains the same: bringing the city's neighborhoods and associations out into the streets. Participating groups over the years have included the "Giulio Cesare" association, the "Amici di San Raffaele," the "Contrada Selvavetere," "Le Querce, radici e tradizioni," and "A tutto tondo," along with the Nicholas Green Park and various dance schools.
Carnival in the Center: inflatables, magic, and baby dance
The second soul of the festival is called "Carnival in the Center" and is designed primarily for children. Large inflatable attractions and game stations—target shooting, bowling, soccer goals, ring toss—are set up in the town squares, while the stage hosts entertainment, children's dances, and magic shows. Street performers and costumed characters are also on hand to entertain the public between performances.
The "Masked Young and Old" contest
Those who love dressing up will find their stage in Fondi: the "Masked Young and Old" contest awards the most beautiful, imaginative, or original costumes, both individual and group. Categories cover all age groups, from infants to adults, and participation is free with on-site registration during the festival days. Winners receive prizes offered by local businesses in the center.
Fondi, the city and its context
Situated in southern Lazio, between the Ausoni Mountains and the coast of the Gulf of Gaeta, Fondi is a city of ancient Roman origin that preserves a historic center clustered around the Baronial Castle and the Giudea, the ancient Jewish quarter. The Carnival is part of a city calendar rich in popular events and represents, along with the summer season, one of the times when the center records the highest turnout. The event is also supported by the Fondi Più Consortium and Confcommercio Lazio Sud, confirming the close bond between the festival and local commerce.
Who is it for?
- Families with children: inflatables, games, children's dances, and magic shows occupy most of the afternoon.
- Fans of popular traditions: the Carnevalata is an opportunity to see the local neighborhoods and associations in action.
- Passing visitors: admission is free, and the historic center is entirely pedestrianized during the events.
Fondi Carnival — edition 2026
2026 Carnival in Fondi
The 2026 edition of the Fondi Carnival took place on Sunday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 17, with headquarters in Piazza IV Novembre and additional activities in Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica. Two afternoons, from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, built around a central stage and a trail of attractions for the little ones.
The direction of the shows was entrusted to presenter Gaetano Orticelli, who alternated between animation, dancing, and music. Both days featured the magic show by Mago Berny at 5:00 PM, for a total of about eighty minutes of performances.
On Sunday, February 15, the highlight was "La Carnevalata," now in its third edition: departure at 3:30 PM from Piazza Gianni Rodari with five masked groups parading through the city center, organized by the Filippo II Association - Contrada Sant'Andrea. On Tuesday the 17th, for Shrove Tuesday, it was time for "Carnival in the Center," also in its third edition, with the children's costume parade, four large inflatable attractions, and game stations (target shooting, bowling, soccer goals, ring toss).
Throughout the event, the "Masked Young and Old" contest was held, open to individual and group costumes of all ages. The organization was handled by the Municipality of Fondi with the Pro Loco, the Fondi Più Consortium, Confcommercio Lazio Sud, and numerous local associations.
Programme Fondi Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Piazza IV Novembre
- 2:30 PM — Opening of the festival, entertainment and music with Gaetano Orticelli on stage
- 3:30 PM — Departure of "La Carnevalata" from Piazza Gianni Rodari: parade of five masked groups through the city center (3rd edition, organized by the Filippo II Association - Contrada Sant'Andrea)
- 5:00 PM — Magic show by Mago Berny
- Until 7:00 PM — Dancing, children's dances, and entertainment in the square
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 — "Carnival in the Center" (3rd edition)
- 2:30 PM — Opening of attractions in Piazza IV Novembre, Piazza Duomo, and Piazza della Repubblica
- Children's costume parade through the historic center
- Four large inflatable attractions and game stations: target shooting, bowling, soccer goals, ring toss
- 5:00 PM — Magic show by Mago Berny
- Entertainment, children's dances, and music until 7:00 PM
Throughout the event
- "Masked Young and Old" contest for individual and group costumes, all ages
Highlights Fondi Carnival 2026
- "La Carnevalata" — parade of five masked groups, Sunday, February 15 from 3:30 PM
- Mago Berny — magic show at 5:00 PM on both days
- Four inflatable attractions and children's play area on Shrove Tuesday
- "Masked Young and Old" contest with prizes for the best costumes
- Children's dances and live music hosted by Gaetano Orticelli
Prices Fondi Carnival 2026
Practical information — Fondi Carnival
How to get there
By car: take the Fondi-Sperlonga exit from the SS7 Appia; the center is just a few minutes from the junction. Those arriving from the A1 motorway can exit at Frosinone and continue on the Frosinone-Latina expressway.
By train: Fondi-Sperlonga station on the Rome-Naples line via Formia, connected to the city center by local buses.
Admission and hours
All events are free to attend. Activities are concentrated in the afternoon, roughly from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Tips
During the festival, the center is closed to traffic: it is best to leave your car in the peripheral parking lots and reach Piazza IV Novembre on foot. For the costume contest, registration is done directly on-site during the afternoon.
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Where does it take place — Fondi Carnival
Piazza IV Novembre e centro storico
Piazza IV Novembre, 04022 Fondi