The grand Shrove Tuesday parade and the Carnival in the village of Casertavecchia
The Caserta Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in the capital of the Terra di Lavoro. Promoted by the Municipality of Caserta as part of the Comunalia festival, the event brings a popular celebration to the city's historic center, in the province of Caserta and the heart of Campania, combining street theater, tradition, and fun for all ages.
The highlight is the Shrove Tuesday parade, a true traveling theatrical feast that turns the streets of the center into an open-air stage. The procession starts from Piazza Dante, winds along via Mazzini and the historic center, and reaches the City Hall. Accompanying adults and childrenโwho are encouraged to wear costumesโis the La Mansarda โ Teatro dell'Orco company, which evokes the Commedia dell'Arte and its iconic characters, most notably an imposing giant Pulcinella, in a journey that recalls ancient carnival expeditions meant to bring good luck for the spring.
The festivities do not end on Shrove Tuesday but continue in the charming medieval village of Casertavecchia. Between Piazza Vescovado and the Cathedral gardens, the Carnival in the Village offers an afternoon dedicated to the little ones with entertainment, free bouncy castles, and many activities organized by Pro Loco Casertantica and Pro Loco Casali del Carolino.
The day in Casertavecchia concludes in the Cathedral, where the intimate atmosphere of the medieval church provides the backdrop for a candlelight acoustic concert. A evocative moment that blends music and heritage, giving the Caserta Carnival a more intimate and poetic dimension compared to the daytime festivities.
All Caserta Carnival events are free to attend. The format, designed for families, children, and lovers of folk traditions, makes this event an opportunity to rediscover the city center and the village of Casertavecchia during the most colorful time of the year.
The 2026 Caserta Carnival was divided into two main events dedicated to tradition and family fun.
At 5:00 PM, the parade departed from Piazza Dante, winding along via Mazzini and the historic center to the City Hall. The protagonist was the La Mansarda โ Teatro dell'Orco company, featuring a striking giant Pulcinella and characters from the Commedia dell'Arte.
From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, between Piazza Vescovado and the Cathedral gardens, there was entertainment and free bouncy castles for children organized by Pro Loco Casertantica and Pro Loco Casali del Carolino. At 7:30 PM, in the Cathedral of Casertavecchia, a candlelight acoustic concert took place in the medieval church.
Caserta is easily accessible by train thanks to the railway station just a short walk from the center and the Royal Palace. By car, take the A1 or A30 motorway exits. The village of Casertavecchia is located about 10 km from the center and can be reached by car along the hillside road.
All events are free. Access to the concert in the Cathedral is on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend wearing a costume and comfortable shoes to follow the parade on foot through the historic center.
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Centro storico di Caserta