Carnival in the Square

The family Carnival in Velina

Carnival in the Square is the festival organized by the Pro Loco of Castelnuovo Cilento in the village of Velina, located in the municipality of Castelnuovo Cilento, in the province of Salerno, Campania. This is not a grand parade of floats or a historical re-enactment; rather, it is an afternoon designed specifically for local children and families, with the central square transformed into a large outdoor recreational space. The formula is simple and well-tested—music, entertainment, colorful costumes, and plenty of inflatable attractions—and remains accessible to everyone as admission is completely free.

Piazza Ferrovia, the heart of the festival

The chosen venue is Piazza Ferrovia, the public space around which much of the daily life of Velina revolves. As the valley-floor district of Castelnuovo Cilento, it houses shops, services, and the weekly market. This is no coincidence: the square is spacious, flat, and easily accessible, making it the ideal setting for inflatables and allowing parents to keep an eye on their children in safety. For a few hours, traffic gives way to confetti, streamers, and masks.

The attractions: an open-air playground

The 2026 program centers on a large play area with numerous inflatable attractions, accompanied by live music and entertainment. Among the installations announced by the organizers:

• Ball pit, dedicated to the youngest children;
• Dino Slide and Simpson Slide;
• Shark Slide;
• Baby Lego Area, designed for toddlers;
• LOL-Unicorn Combo;
• Popcorn and cotton candy offered to all participants.

A Pro Loco festival for the whole town

Behind the event is the volunteer work of the Pro Loco of Castelnuovo Cilento, the same association that enlivens the local calendar throughout the year and also hosts the Parmigiana Festival in Velina, a gastronomic event held in mid-August that reached its thirty-sixth edition in 2025. Carnival in the Square follows the same philosophy: low costs for families, public spaces returned to the community, and an opportunity for intergenerational gathering during a time of year when, outside the tourist season, small Cilento towns have few collective celebrations.

Carnival in Cilento, around Velina

The Velina festival is part of a lively Carnival calendar in the Cilento district. A few kilometers away, in Marina di Casal Velino, the Casalvelino Carnival takes place, featuring the Festival of Cilento Floats, a parade of allegorical floats that includes groups from Castelnuovo Cilento as well as Ascea, Orria, and Felitto. Those spending a few days in the area can combine the afternoon of games in the square in Velina with the grand parade on the seafront, experiencing two complementary facets of the same popular tradition.

Castelnuovo Cilento, between the tower and the Alento valley

Castelnuovo Cilento is a small town of just over 2,800 inhabitants, nestled at an altitude of about 280 meters on a hill overlooking the Alento valley, in the heart of the Cilento National Park. The historic center is recognizable from afar by the medieval tower that marks its skyline, while the village of Velina has developed lower down, along the main thoroughfares. The patron saint is Saint Mary Magdalene, celebrated on July 22nd. The municipal territory is located a short distance from Vallo della Lucania, the historic capital of inland Cilento, and the beaches of Casal Velino and Ascea: a position that makes the town a convenient base for those who want to explore both the hinterland and the coast.

Tips for your visit

The afternoon timing makes the event particularly suitable for preschool and primary school children. It is advisable to arrive a few minutes early to find parking near the square and to come in costume: dressing up is an integral part of the atmosphere. As this is an outdoor event in mid-February, it is useful to wear warm clothing, especially for the latter part of the afternoon.