Carnival of the Worlds
The Carnival of Castel San Pietro Terme among masks, parades, and children's drawings
About Carnival of the Worlds
Carnival in the heart of Castel San Pietro Terme
The Carnival of the Worlds is the big Carnival celebration that animates the historic center of Castel San Pietro Terme, a spa town in the Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, every year. For one Sunday afternoon, the streets of the center fill with confetti, music, and masks: it is a popular, free event deeply connected to the community, designed especially for families and children.
The Mask Parade
The heart of the day is the masked parade that starts from Piazza Luigi Galvani, next to the former bus station. The procession crosses the center along Via dei Mille, Via Mazzini, Via Cavour, Via Matteotti, and Via Manzoni, arriving in Piazza XX Settembre, in front of the Town Hall. Traditionally, the Castel San Pietro Terme Municipal Band opens the parade, while along the route, there are entertainment groups, street bands, and batucada rhythms that involve the public.
Contests and School Participation
A characteristic that makes this Carnival special is its strong link with the local schools. Each edition is accompanied by a contest for the creation of the official poster, in which students from local schools participate: the winning drawing becomes the symbolic image of the festival. This is complemented by the mask contest, divided into several categories (single mask, baby, and groups), with awards held in Piazza XX Settembre. An exhibition also showcases the drawings made by children, displayed in the municipal premises on Via Matteotti.
Shows and Entertainment
In addition to the parade, the afternoon offers puppet shows under the archway of the Cassero or at the Cassero Theater, workshops for the little ones, carousels, inflatables, and lots of live music with DJs and vocalists. It is a perfect opportunity to discover the welcoming atmosphere of Castel San Pietro Terme, with its arcades, squares, and the festive spirit that characterizes the Emilian Carnival.
Carnival of the Worlds — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the Carnival of Castel San Pietro Terme chose the theme "of the Worlds," celebrating the cultures and colors of the entire planet. On Sunday, February 8, the historic center was filled with over a hundred masks registered for the contest, divided into three categories: single (ages 4 and up), baby (0-3 years), and group. The Municipal Band opened the parade, while along the route, the Batucada street band, DJs, vocalists, and volunteers from local associations enlivened the afternoon. The day concluded with awards in Piazza XX Settembre and the inauguration of the school drawings exhibition.
Programme Carnival of the Worlds 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- 2:30 PM — Gathering of masks in Piazza Galvani, next to the former bus station
- 3:00 PM — Start of the masked parade along Via dei Mille, Via Mazzini, Via Cavour, Via Matteotti, and Via Manzoni, with the mask contest and itinerant jury
- 3:30 PM — Inauguration of the school drawings exhibition at Via Matteotti 79
- 4:00 PM — Puppet show "Celestino Principe" by Compagnia Nasinsù, under the archway of the Cassero
- 5:30 PM — Award ceremony for masks and groups in Piazza XX Settembre, in front of the Town Hall
- 6:00 PM — Award ceremony for the drawings contest on the first floor of the Town Hall and "Masquerique" show at the Cassero Theater
The parade was officially opened by the Municipal Band. Along the route, entertainment was provided by the Red Cross, the TAO group, the Batucada street band, DJs, and vocalists.
Highlights Carnival of the Worlds 2026
Prices Carnival of the Worlds 2026
Practical information — Carnival of the Worlds
How to get here
Castel San Pietro Terme is located along the Via Emilia, about 25 km from Bologna. It can be reached by car via the A14 motorway (Castel San Pietro Terme exit) or by train, with the railway station on the Bologna-Rimini line just a few minutes from the historic center.
Where it takes place
The parade starts from Piazza Luigi Galvani and winds through the streets of the historic center to Piazza XX Settembre. Shows and awards ceremonies are held between the Cassero Theater and the Town Hall.
Information and contacts
Tourism and Culture Office of the Municipality, via G. Matteotti 79 - tel. +39 051 6954159. Admission to the festival is free; reservations may be required for some theater performances.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of the Worlds
Centro storico di Castel San Pietro Terme
Piazza Luigi Galvani, 40024 Castel San Pietro Terme