Carnival of Wonders
Nettuno's carnival featuring parades, costumes, and neighborhood festivities
About Carnival of Wonders
A carnival that belongs to the whole city
The Carnival of Wonders is the most anticipated winter event in Nettuno, a town on the southern coast of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. For a few days in February, the urban landscape changes: the seafront, the historic center, and the outlying districts become one large, interconnected stage, filled with costumed groups, marching bands, dancers, and families in fancy dress. This is not a carnival built around a few monumental floats, but a choral celebration where participation matters more than the spectacle itself.
From the Tourist Port to Piazzale San Rocco
The heart of the event is the grand parade, which kicks off at the Tourist Port of Nettuno and winds through the city to Piazzale San Rocco. Along the route, groups perform twice: first in front of the Town Hall, under the watchful eye of an institutional jury, and again upon arrival, where they are judged by an artistic panel of industry professionals. This format rewards the preparatory work of schools and associations, who spend weeks crafting costumes, choreography, and sets.
Family Day and Zio Nettunello
The most popular day is dedicated to families, the Family Day: a masquerade parade open to everyone, with no selective registration, where anyone can join the procession. The day concludes with an awards ceremony and the presentation of the Zio Nettunello prize, the official mascot of the Nettuno carnival and a symbol of creativity, irony, and civic identity. It is the moment when the event shows its most authentic side: a community celebration before it is a competition.
Carnival in the Neighborhoods
One of the most successful initiatives of recent years is the Carnival in the Neighborhoods, which takes the party out of the center. On the final day, entertainment, music, and dance reach the various areas of the city, with activities specifically designed for preschool and primary schools. It is a concrete way to ensure no one is left out and that even those living far from the seafront can experience the carnival.
Music, swing, and lively squares
Alongside the parades, the program includes musical events in the city squares, particularly in Piazza San Giovanni, which has hosted various live bands and dance troupes over the years. The swing atmosphere, featuring jazz quintets and dancers, has given the Nettuno carnival a recognizable style, capable of attracting an adult audience alongside families.
Nettuno, between sea and history
Nettuno is more than just its carnival. The medieval village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Forte Sangallo (which gives its name to the organizing Pro Loco), the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Goretti, and its proximity to Anzio make the city a pleasant destination even out of season. Experiencing the carnival here means discovering a seaside resort in its most authentic version, when summer tourism gives way to the daily life of the residents.
Organizers
The event is promoted by the Pro Loco Forte Sangallo in collaboration with the Municipality of Nettuno, with artistic direction entrusted to industry professionals and the support of local entities such as BCC Nettuno, Marina di Nettuno, and Tekneko. Registration for the processions generally remains open until a few days before the event and is reserved for schools, associations, families, and spontaneous groups.
Carnival of Wonders — edition 2026
An edition spread across the whole city
From February 12 to 17, 2026, Nettuno experienced six days of celebration, with a format that alternated between large processions, musical events, and neighborhood activities. Artistic direction was entrusted to Giovanna Rinaldi, with organization by the Pro Loco Forte Sangallo and coordination by Area VI of the Municipality of Nettuno.
The four key moments
- Thursday, February 12: Grand parade of schools and associations starting from the Tourist Port and arriving at Piazzale San Rocco, with a double performance in front of the Town Hall (institutional jury) and at the finish line (artistic jury).
- Saturday, February 14: Live music in Piazza San Giovanni with the swing quintet Pash & the Jazz Mess and dancers from SwingLab.
- Sunday, February 15: Family Day, the grand masquerade parade open to everyone, concluded by the awards ceremony and the presentation of the Zio Nettunello prize.
- Tuesday, February 17: Carnival in the Neighborhoods, with entertainment, music, and dance in different areas of the city, dedicated in particular to preschool and primary schools.
Participation
Registration remained open until just before the event for schools, associations, families, and spontaneous groups, with applications via email or WhatsApp. All events were free to attend.
Programme Carnival of Wonders 2026
Thursday, February 12, 2026 — Shrove Thursday
Grand parade of schools and associations: departure from the Tourist Port of Nettuno, crossing the city, and arrival at Piazzale San Rocco. First performance of the groups in front of the Town Hall, before the institutional jury; second performance upon arrival, evaluated by the artistic jury composed of industry professionals.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Piazza San Giovanni: entertainment and live music with the swing quintet Pash & the Jazz Mess and performances by SwingLab dancers, for an evening dedicated to the swing atmosphere.
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Family Day
The most popular day: grand masquerade parade open to everyone, with families, spontaneous groups, and associations. Followed by the awards ceremony and the presentation of the Zio Nettunello prize, the official mascot of the Nettuno carnival.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 — Shrove Tuesday
Carnival in the Neighborhoods: entertainment, music, and dance in the city's various neighborhoods, with activities designed especially for preschool and primary schools.
Highlights Carnival of Wonders 2026
- The grand parade from the Tourist Port to Piazzale San Rocco with a double jury
- The Family Day on Sunday, February 15, open to everyone without registration
- The Zio Nettunello prize, the official carnival mascot
- The swing evening in Piazza San Giovanni with Pash & the Jazz Mess and SwingLab
- The Carnival in the Neighborhoods for preschool and primary schools
Prices Carnival of Wonders 2026
Practical information — Carnival of Wonders
Getting there
By train: Nettuno station, the terminus of the regional FL8 Rome Termini-Nettuno line, is just a few minutes' walk from the center. By car: take the Roma-Pomezia (SS148 Pontina) or the Via Nettunense; during the parades, road closures and detours are expected in the center, so it is best to park in the peripheral areas.
Prices
Access to the parades and square performances is free. Participation in the processions as a group requires prior registration.
Tips
Bring children already in costume: Family Day is open to everyone and no reservation is required. February days on the coast can be windy, so dress warmly.
Information
Registration and information: [email protected] or WhatsApp +39 392 6864700.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of Wonders
Centro storico, Porto Turistico e quartieri di Nettuno