Castelvetrano Carnival

The Castelvetrano Carnival

The Castelvetrano Carnival is one of the most cherished folk festivals in the Castelvetrano area, a town in the Province of Trapani, Western Sicily. Its roots run deep in the community's past, when the Carnival served as a collective moment of expression, satire, and renewal, capable of narrating the city's story through symbols, characters, and traditions passed down through generations. After an eight-year hiatus, the event has returned to animate the historic center, immediately winning back the hearts of the locals.

Lu Nannu and la Nanna

The absolute stars of the festival are the historic Lu Nannu and la Nanna masks, which embody the most authentic soul of the town's Carnival. Their presence accompanies the entire week of festivities and culminates in the two most anticipated rituals: the Testamento di lu Nannu (Nannu's Testament), a satirical reading in dialect that mocks the year's local events and personalities, and the abbruciata di li Nanni, the symbolic bonfire that closes the festival on Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent.

Allegorical Floats and Parades

The program revolves around the parades of giant papier-mâché allegorical floats, built by local master craftsmen and accompanied by music, masked groups, and plenty of fun. Alongside the traditional Nannu and Nanna float, there are floats inspired by characters beloved by children, from classic animation icons to contemporary cartoon stars. A central role is played by the schools of Castelvetrano: high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and kindergartens participate with masked processions, choreography, and performances, alongside local associations and dance schools.

Atmosphere and Gastronomy

Throughout the Carnival, the Sistema delle Piazze and the streets of the center, from Corso Vittorio Emanuele to Piazza Carlo d'Aragona and Piazza Umberto I, fill with colors, confetti, and music. There is no shortage of entertainment for children, evening shows with music and DJ sets, and an exhibition area featuring traditional Sicilian food and crafts, where visitors can taste Carnival sweets and local specialties.

An Event for the Whole City

Organized with the support of the Municipality of Castelvetrano and the involvement of local volunteers and associations, the Castelvetrano Carnival is a free event open to everyone, designed for families, children, and visitors. It is the ideal opportunity to discover a popular tradition of Western Sicily, just a short distance from the Selinunte Archaeological Park.