Castenaso Carnival
The parade of allegorical floats in the heart of the Bolognese plain
About Castenaso Carnival
The Castenaso Carnival
When Carnival arrives, Castenaso transforms: allegorical floats parade through the town centre amidst confetti, streamers, and music, while the squares fill with masked children. We are in the Bolognese plain, a few kilometres from the regional capital, in a municipality of the Metropolitan City of Bologna that experiences Carnival as one of the most cherished events of the year. The festival is organised by Pro Loco Castenaso APS, in collaboration with the ComCom Merchants Committee and with the patronage of the Municipality of Castenaso.
A Village Tradition
The heart of the event is the parade of allegorical floats, which liven up the village streets with dancing, games, and lots of confetti. A whole day of festivities revolves around the floats, designed especially for families and children: inflatables, sweet stalls, cotton candy, and the unmissable hot crescentine with jam, served "like in the old days" from the morning onwards. It is the popular and authentic face of the Emilian Carnival, far from major tourist events but deeply rooted in the territory.
What to Expect
- The parade of masked floats along the town centre, in the early afternoon.
- Entertainment for children in Piazza Zappelloni: baby dance and face painting.
- The competition "The Most Beautiful and Original Mask", free and open to all.
- Throwing of sweets, plush toys, and shopping vouchers offered by ComCom merchants.
- Music, games, and inflatables throughout the day.
A Carnival for Everyone
Admission is completely free and the atmosphere is that of a village festival: neighbours meet, enjoy traditional Bolognese sweet street food, and let children run freely among masks and confetti. For those visiting the province of Bologna during Carnival season, Castenaso is a genuine stop to discover how Carnival is celebrated in the municipalities of Emilia-Romagna.
Castenaso Carnival — edition 2026
Castenaso Carnival 2026
On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Castenaso celebrated its Carnival with a day entirely dedicated to families and children, organised by Pro Loco Castenaso APS together with the ComCom Merchants Committee and with the patronage of the Municipality. Confetti, masks, and allegorical floats enlivened the town centre in a popular festive atmosphere.
Admission was free and the programme combined traditional gastronomy, entertainment, and the usual mask competition.
Programme Castenaso Carnival 2026
Sunday, March 1, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Festival opening with morning hot crescentine, with jam, "like in the old days".
- All day — Inflatables, sweet stalls, cotton candy, games, and music.
- 2:30 PM — Departure of the masked floats: cheerful parade along the town centre, with music, dancing, and confetti.
- From 5:00 PM — Piazza Zappelloni — Baby dance and face painting, distribution of sweets, plush toys, and shopping vouchers offered by the ComCom Committee merchants.
During the day, the competition "The Most Beautiful and Original Mask" took place, with free participation and open to all, with registrations by February 28th via email or on March 1st by 2:00 PM at the Pro Loco stand in Piazza Zappelloni.
Highlights Castenaso Carnival 2026
Prices Castenaso Carnival 2026
Practical information — Castenaso Carnival
When
The Castenaso Carnival is held on a Sunday between February and March, coinciding with the Carnival period. The day opens at 10:00 AM and continues until late afternoon.
Where
Centre of Castenaso (BO), with a parade along the town streets and entertainment in Piazza Zappelloni. Reference address: Via P. C. S. Nasica 2, 40055 Castenaso.
How to get there
By car from the Bologna ring road in a few minutes; by train on the Bologna–Portomaggiore line (Castenaso stop) or by bus on TPER lines from Bologna. Temporary traffic changes are planned in the centre during the parade.
Costs and contacts
Free admission. Information and mask competition registration at Pro Loco Castenaso (tel. 051 6049134, [email protected]).
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Where does it take place — Castenaso Carnival
Centro storico di Castenaso
Via P. C. S. Nasica, 2, 40055 Castenaso