Carnival Party

Children's Carnival in Cetara

The Carnival Party is the special Carnival event that the Municipality of Cetara hosts for its youngest residents and their families. Far from a traditional float parade along the main street, this is an intimate, child-friendly morning celebration held in the Mario Benincasa multipurpose hall, the town's primary indoor event space. Music, colors, smiles, and a touch of magic: this is the winning formula for an event where everyone—kids and adults alike—is encouraged to wear a costume.

The 2026 Edition Program

The 2026 edition took place on Tuesday, February 17th, on Shrove Tuesday, with a program packed into the morning hours. It kicked off at 10:00 AM with the Carnival Baby Dance, a lively session of music and movement designed to get children into the festive spirit. At 11:00 AM, it was time for the Meet & Greet with Pinocchio, offering the chance to take and print a souvenir photo on the spot.

• 10:00 AM — Carnival Baby Dance;
• 11:00 AM — Meet & Greet with Pinocchio, with on-site photo printing;
• Following — theatrical performance «A Puppet named Pinocchio» by the Compagnia Citrea.

The morning concluded with the theatrical show «A Puppet named Pinocchio», performed by the Compagnia Citrea. This adaptation of Collodi's masterpiece guided children through the fantastic world of Italy's most famous puppet, filled with stories, adventures, and surprises. The theme of Pinocchio served as a unique thread, seamlessly connecting the entertainment, the character meet-and-greet, and the live performance.

The Mario Benincasa Hall: Cetara's Event Hub

The «Mario Benincasa» multipurpose hall is Cetara's indoor community space, located next to the town hall on Corso Umberto I. Equipped with audio-video systems and climate control, it hosts shows, public meetings, and community initiatives throughout the year. In the municipal winter calendar, it often becomes the ideal refuge: in a seaside village where February wind and rain can disrupt outdoor plans, an indoor hall ensures the children's party goes on regardless of the weather.

Cetara: A Fishing Village on the Amalfi Coast

Cetara is one of the smallest and most characteristic towns on the Amalfi Coast, in the province of Salerno, Campania. With just over two thousand inhabitants nestled between Mount Falerzio and the sea, a viceregal tower guarding the beach, and a church with a majolica dome, it is the quintessential fishing village. For centuries, life here has revolved around tuna and anchovy fishing, which gave rise to the famous colatura di alici (anchovy sauce), a legacy of the Roman garum and now a renowned gastronomic specialty known throughout Italy.

Compared to its more tourist-heavy neighbors—Amalfi, Positano, Ravello—Cetara has maintained an authentic, small-town feel, with a calendar of events that follows the seasons: the winter Carnival, the patronal feast of Saint Peter the Apostle in June, and «The Blue Nights» and the Night of the Lampare in summer. The Carnival Party is part of this local fabric, designed primarily for those who live in the village year-round.

Carnival in Cetara: A Community Tradition

In recent years, the Cetara Carnival has been organized by the Municipality in collaboration with the Youth Forum, featuring allegorical floats built by local youths and dance groups that bring together children, teenagers, and adults. Parades typically wind through the village from Piazza Europa to Largo Marina, past colorful houses and the small harbor. The Carnival Party is the dedicated segment for the youngest, ensuring that even preschool children can enjoy the festivities safely, whether watching a show or joining a group dance.

Tips for Families

The event is designed for preschool and primary school children, but the indoor format makes it suitable for older siblings as well. Costumes are highly recommended: dressing up is part of the fun and makes for a better photo with Pinocchio. Since the event is concentrated into a few hours, it is best to arrive promptly at 10:00 AM so as not to miss the opening baby dance. For updates—final schedules, potential changes, and new initiatives—refer to the official channels of the Municipality of Cetara and the local Amalfi Coast press.