Caserta Carnival
Edition 2026 Theater Street theater Street arts

Caserta Carnival

The grand Shrove Tuesday parade and the Carnival in the village of Casertavecchia

Caserta — Caserta (061)
Dates 17 Feb โ€” 22 Feb 2026
Location Caserta (061)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Caserta Carnival

The Caserta Carnival transforms the historic center into an open-air theater. On Shrove Tuesday, a grand traveling parade departs from Piazza Dante and winds through the city to the City Hall, led by Commedia dell'Arte masks and a striking giant Pulcinella. The festivities continue in the medieval village of Casertavecchia with children's entertainment, free bouncy castles, and a candlelight acoustic concert in the Cathedral. A free event for the whole family, part of the Comunalia festival organized by the Municipality of Caserta.

Carnival in the heart of Caserta

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 grand Shrove Tuesday parade

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 childrenโ€”who are encouraged to wear costumesโ€”is 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.

Carnival in the village of Casertavecchia

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.

Candlelight music in the Cathedral

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.

A free celebration for the whole family

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.

  • Where: historic center of Caserta (Piazza Dante, via Mazzini, City Hall) and the village of Casertavecchia
  • When: Shrove Tuesday and Carnival Sunday (February)
  • Admission: free
  • For whom: families, children, tradition lovers

Caserta Carnival โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Caserta Carnival opened on Tuesday, February 17, with the grand Shrove Tuesday parade and concluded on Sunday, February 22, with the Carnival in the village of Casertavecchia. Two days of costumes, street theater, children's entertainment, and music, all free of charge, as part of the Comunalia festival organized by the Municipality of Caserta.

2026 Edition Program

The 2026 Caserta Carnival was divided into two main events dedicated to tradition and family fun.

Tuesday, February 17 โ€“ Shrove Tuesday Parade

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.

Sunday, February 22 โ€“ Carnival in the Village at Casertavecchia

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.

Programme Caserta Carnival 2026

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 โ€“ Shrove Tuesday Parade: 5:00 PM departure from Piazza Dante, route along via Mazzini and the historic center to the City Hall, with the La Mansarda โ€“ Teatro dell'Orco company and the giant Pulcinella. Sunday, February 22, 2026 โ€“ Carnival in the Village (Casertavecchia): 3:00 PMโ€“6:00 PM entertainment and free bouncy castles for children between Piazza Vescovado and the Cathedral gardens; 7:30 PM candlelight acoustic concert in the Cathedral.

Highlights Caserta Carnival 2026

The grand traveling Shrove Tuesday parade with the giant Pulcinella; the Carnival in the Village for children in Casertavecchia; the candlelight acoustic concert in the medieval Cathedral.

Prices Caserta Carnival 2026

Free admission to all events. Access to the concert in the Cathedral is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Practical information — Caserta Carnival

Getting there

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.

Admission and tips

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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Where does it take place โ€” Caserta Carnival

Centro storico di Caserta

Contact Caserta Carnival

Caserta Carnival in brief

Theater Street theater Street arts Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Outdoor Itinerant Free Caserta