Carnival with King Gnocco
The carnival of Castel Goffredo led by the sovereign of gnocchi
About Carnival of King Gnocco
A carnival with its sovereign
The Carnival with King Gnocco is the carnival festival of Castel Goffredo, a municipality in the Province of Mantua in the Alto Mantovano region. The figure of King Gnocco, the town's traditional mask, is at the heart of the event: a jester sovereign who presides over the festival and distributes the symbolic dish, gnocchi, to his subjects. The character is played by an official performer, a role that ensures continuity of the tradition year after year.
Gnocchi take center stage
The most anticipated moment is the gastronomic one: King Gnocco's court arrives in Piazza Martiri della Liberazione, at the Sferisterio, for the ritual tasting of gnocchi from the sovereign's pot. Immediately after, the free distribution of gnocchi with meat ragù, prepared according to the traditional recipe, begins. It is the link between carnival and popular cuisine that makes this Mantuan festival unique.
The parade of floats
In the afternoon, the parade of allegorical floats and masked groups begins, crossing the center of Castel Goffredo with music, confetti, and masks for all ages. The day concludes with awards for the participants, recognizing the groups' efforts in building floats and costumes.
The Carnival of the Hills
The Carnival with King Gnocco is not an isolated event: it is part of the 'Carnevale dei Colli', the circuit that brings together the historical carnival events of the Alto Mantovano region. Participating means entering a tradition shared by several municipalities, of which Castel Goffredo is one of the most recognizable stops.
Carnival of King Gnocco — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the Carnival with King Gnocco returns to Piazza Martiri della Liberazione in Castel Goffredo. The day begins with the arrival of the court and the ritual tasting of gnocchi, continues with the free distribution of gnocchi with ragù according to the traditional recipe, the grand parade of allegorical floats and masked groups, and concludes with the awards ceremony. As a new feature for 2026, on Friday, February 13, King Gnocco will visit nursery, primary, and middle schools, with an evening dialect play at the San Luigi Theater. The event is part of the 'Carnevale dei Colli'.
Programme Carnival of King Gnocco 2026
Friday, February 13
- King Gnocco visits nursery, primary, and middle schools
- 9:00 PM — San Luigi Theater: dialect play
Sunday, February 15
- 2:00 PM — Arrival of the court in Piazza Martiri della Liberazione, at the Sferisterio, with the ritual tasting of gnocchi from the sovereign's pot
- 2:00 PM — Free distribution of gnocchi with meat ragù according to traditional recipe
- 2:30 PM — Parade of allegorical floats and masked groups
- 5:00 PM — Awards ceremony for participants
In case of bad weather, the event is postponed to Saturday, February 28.
Highlights Carnival of King Gnocco 2026
Prices Carnival of King Gnocco 2026
Practical information — Carnival of King Gnocco
When
Sunday, February 15, 2026 (backup date in case of bad weather: Saturday, February 28, 2026).
Where
Piazza Martiri della Liberazione, at the Sferisterio, and the center of Castel Goffredo (MN).
Admission
Free event and open to all. Free distribution of gnocchi with ragù.
How to get there
Castel Goffredo is located in the Alto Mantovano region, accessible from the A22 (Mantova Nord exit) and the provincial road network. The festival is concentrated in the historic center, around the Sferisterio.
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Where does it take place — Carnival of King Gnocco
Piazza Martiri della Liberazione (Sferisterio)
Piazza Martiri della Liberazione, 46042 Castel Goffredo