The Casalnuovo di Napoli Carnival: floats, costumes, and free entertainment
Every February, the streets of Casalnuovo di Napoli fill with color, confetti, and masks for the Casalnuovo Carnival, also known by its motto "Dress up and join us." Now in its sixth edition in 2026, the event has become one of the most anticipated highlights of the carnival season in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania.
The heart of the festival lies in the papier-mâché float parades, crafted with passion by local volunteers, schools, and associations. The floats travel through the town's main streets accompanied by costumed groups, music, and entertainment, turning squares and avenues into a massive open-air stage. There is no shortage of children's shows, dancing, and family-friendly activities.
Conceived by Giovanni Nappi and promoted by local social associations, including "Una Città Che...", the Casalnuovo Carnival was born to strengthen the sense of community and encourage active citizen participation. The event also celebrates the tailoring tradition of Casalnuovo di Napoli, historically linked to the art of sewing, which is highlighted in several floats and the attention to detail in the costumes.
The festival spans four days, from the weekend through Shrove Tuesday, featuring evening and morning parades, activities, and shows centered primarily at the Parco delle Chiocciole. All events are free to attend, allowing families, children, and visitors to join the fun freely. The grand finale is dedicated to the awards ceremony for the most beautiful costumes, one of the most awaited moments of the entire edition.
Located in the hinterland northeast of the regional capital, the municipality of Casalnuovo di Napoli is part of the Metropolitan City of Naples, in Campania. The local carnival, which has grown with each edition, is now a perfect opportunity to rediscover the town center, from Corso Umberto to Piazza Municipio and the Tavernanova district, in an atmosphere of joy that unites different generations.
The sixth edition of the Casalnuovo Carnival takes place from February 14th to 17th, 2026, in Casalnuovo di Napoli. Four days of free festivities, featuring evening and morning parades of papier-mâché floats, costumed groups, music, and activities for children and families, concentrated primarily at the Parco delle Chiocciole and in the town center.
Floats depart at 4:30 PM from Parco delle Chiocciole and arrive at Piazza Municipio around 6:00 PM. The procession travels along Corso Umberto to the Totò statue, crosses Piazza Bottega, continues along Via Pigna and Via Roma, and concludes back at Piazza Municipio.
Departure at 10:00 AM from Parco delle Chiocciole. The parade reaches Tavernanova, Piazza Siani, and the area of the Chiesa della Visitazione along the Via Nazionale delle Puglie, extending the festivities to various neighborhoods of the city.
Activities, games, and shows at Parco delle Chiocciole from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. On Tuesday, February 17, the awards ceremony for the best costumes takes place, marking the grand finale of the event.
Casalnuovo di Napoli is located in the Metropolitan City of Naples, along the Via Nazionale delle Puglie. By car, it can be reached via the A1 motorway and the SS162 (Asse Mediano); by train, the Casalnuovo station is served by the Circumvesuviana Naples-Nola/Baiano line. The main activities take place at the Parco delle Chiocciole and in the town center, between Corso Umberto and Piazza Municipio.
All parades and shows are free to attend.
This is a family-oriented event: we recommend arriving early along the parade route and wearing a costume to fully immerse yourself in the carnival atmosphere.
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Parco delle Chiocciole