The grand masquerade festival of the Caserta coast
The Castel Volturno Carnival is the masquerade event that colors the Domitian coast in the province of Caserta, Campania, every year. Promoted by the Municipality of Castel Volturno alongside local associations and volunteers, it is a popular, free festival that engages both young and old with parades, confetti, music, and games. Rather than a historic carnival featuring massive allegorical floats, it is a community-driven event rooted in local traditions and designed primarily for children and families.
The event spans two distinct days, touching different neighborhoods within the municipality. The first celebration is held in the Pinetamare area on the coast, while the highlight coincides with Shrove Tuesday and takes place in the Historic Center. In some editions, activities also reach the Baia Verde district to animate more parts of the town. From the morning, the streets fill with masks, entertainment, and games, including a prize-giving ceremony for the best children's costumes.
The most anticipated moment is the grand closing party in Piazza Annunziata, the heart of the historic center. From the afternoon until evening, the square transforms into an open-air stage with live music, dance shows, and a performance by the Carnival Company of maestro Francesco Di Napoli, accompanied by traditional games. It is the moment when the children's party becomes an event for the entire community, gathering to bid farewell to the Carnival together.
The Castel Volturno Carnival is designed first and foremost for children. The program includes entertainment and games, baby dance with balloons and mascots, popcorn and cotton candy, face painting, and dedicated play areas. Admission is free, ensuring everyone can join the celebration.
The success of the event relies on the collaboration between the Municipality of Castel Volturno and local associations, along with local schools that often handle the themed decorations. It is a grassroots festival that enhances the sense of belonging and the desire for togetherness in a young and vibrant community.
Situated at the mouth of the Volturno River, between Naples and Caserta, Castel Volturno is one of the most expansive towns on the Campanian coast, known for its sandy shores, pine forests, and the seaside districts of Pinetamare and Baia Verde. The Carnival is one of the occasions where the town shows its most authentic and participatory side, offering residents and visitors a moment of shared joy in the heart of winter.
The 2026 Castel Volturno Carnival brought the Domitian coast to life with two masquerade events. The first celebration was held on Sunday, February 15 in the Pinetamare area, while on Tuesday, February 17, Shrove Tuesday, the event moved to the Historic Center. The final day culminated in the grand party at Piazza Annunziata, featuring music, dance, and games for the entire community.
By car: Castel Volturno can be reached via the SS 7 quater Domitiana, which runs along the entire coastline; it takes about 40 minutes from Naples and Caserta.
By train and bus: The nearest station is Villa Literno, which is connected to Naples; from the regional capital, bus connections to the Domitian coast are available.
All Carnival activities are free of charge. The updated program and schedule are published on the official channels of the Municipality of Castel Volturno.
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Centro Storico e Pinetamare
Piazza Annunziata, 81030 Castel Volturno