Casteldaccia Carnival
Floats, masquerades, and local flavors in the heart of the Palermo province
About Casteldaccia Carnival
The Casteldaccia Carnival
The Casteldaccia Carnival is one of the most cherished winter festivals in the town, located in the heart of the province of Palermo, Sicily. For several days, between Fat Thursday and Shrove Tuesday, the town's streets and the central Piazza Matrice fill with allegorical floats, masks, music, and the scent of traditional pastries, drawing residents and visitors alike into a vibrant celebration of color and flavor.
A Century-Old Tradition
The festival is rooted in a century of local carnival history, which is now also showcased through a digital exhibition dedicated to the Carnival's hundred-year milestone. This tradition is preserved and promoted by the "Peppino Clemente" Casteldaccia Carnival Association, officially established in December 2016, which organizes a packed program of events each year that attracts a large audience from neighboring towns.
Allegorical Floats and Masquerade Groups
The highlight is the parade of allegorical floats—massive structures featuring animated mechanical devices that travel through the town center accompanied by walking masquerade groups. The procession traditionally follows a route along Via Ugo La Malfa, Via Comiso, Via Naurra, Via Moncada, Piazza Orlando, and Via Roma, culminating in a grand finale in Piazza Matrice with music and dancing.
Sicilian Taste and Tradition
Beyond the parades, the Casteldaccia Carnival is a true gastronomic event. Among the most beloved traditions is the free tasting of "Donna Itriya" pasta with pork ragù and Corvo wine, which in recent years has been joined by the Cannolo Festival and competitions dedicated to traditional carnival sweets, from chiacchiere to cannoli prepared by local master pastry chefs.
For Families and Children
The program offers plenty for children, including a school masquerade parade, entertainment in Piazza Matrice, and family-friendly games. The festivities conclude on Shrove Tuesday with the highly anticipated carnival lottery draw, with prizes displayed at the Association's headquarters.
Casteldaccia Carnival — edition 2026
Casteldaccia Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition brought the center of Casteldaccia to life from Friday, February 13 to Tuesday, February 17. The opening day featured a school masquerade parade at 9:30 AM and children's entertainment in Piazza Matrice at 11:30 AM, followed by the inauguration of the photographic and digital exhibition dedicated to the hundred years of the Carnival.
On Sunday, February 15, the grand parade of allegorical floats and masquerade groups took place, departing at 4:00 PM and arriving in Piazza Matrice around 8:00 PM. Monday, February 16, featured the traditional free tasting of Itriya pasta with pork ragù and Corvo wine. On Tuesday, February 17, the final parade concluded the festivities, followed by the carnival lottery draw at 7:00 PM in Piazza Matrice.
Programme Casteldaccia Carnival 2026
- Friday, February 13 — 9:30 AM school masquerade parade; 11:30 AM children's entertainment in Piazza Matrice; 6:00 PM photographic and digital exhibition on the hundred years of the Carnival
- Sunday, February 15 — 4:00 PM parade of allegorical floats and masquerade groups, arrival in Piazza Matrice around 8:00 PM
- Monday, February 16 — 6:00 PM free tasting of Itriya pasta with pork ragù and Corvo wine
- Tuesday, February 17 — 6:00 PM final parade; 7:00 PM lottery draw in Piazza Matrice
Highlights Casteldaccia Carnival 2026
- Parade of allegorical floats with animated mechanical devices
- Free tasting of Itriya pasta with pork ragù and Corvo wine
- Digital exhibition on the hundred-year history of the Casteldaccia Carnival
- Entertainment and masquerade parade for children
- Grand carnival lottery draw
Prices Casteldaccia Carnival 2026
Practical information — Casteldaccia Carnival
Getting There
Casteldaccia is located in the province of Palermo, along the Tyrrhenian coast. By car, it is accessible via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Casteldaccia exit). By train, the Casteldaccia station is served by the Palermo-Messina regional line.
Admission and Prices
Access to the parades and main activities is free. Carnival lottery tickets are available for a symbolic cost (approximately 2.50 euros). Gastronomic tastings organized by the Association are free while supplies last.
Tips
The parades are concentrated in the afternoon and evening: we recommend parking outside the town center and walking to Piazza Matrice, the heart of the festivities.
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Where does it take place — Casteldaccia Carnival
Piazza Matrice e vie del centro