Castle Carnival
Edition 2026 Folk traditions Folklore Family

Castle Carnival

The Carnival celebration for children in Giglio Castello

Isola del Giglio — Grosseto (053)
Dates 14 Feb — 14 Feb 2026
Location Isola del Giglio (053)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Castle Carnival

In the heart of the medieval village of Giglio Castello on Isola del Giglio, the Castle Carnival is the most anticipated afternoon of festivities for the little ones. Organized by the Il Castello Association in the historic Sala dei Lombi, the event brings local families together for a traditional 'pentolaccia' game, music, vibrant colors, laughter, and plenty of fun. It is a simple, authentic gathering where wearing a costume is a must, bringing the joy of Carnival to the narrow streets of the island's highest village in the Grosseto Maremma.

Children's Carnival in Giglio Castello

When Carnival arrives, the medieval village of Giglio Castello fills with masks, confetti, and laughter. The Castle Carnival is a party designed specifically for the children of Isola del Giglio: an afternoon entirely dedicated to fun, organized by the Il Castello Association in the charming Sala dei Lombi, located in the heart of the hilltop village that overlooks the island.

Pentolaccia, music, and joy

The highlight of the party is the pentolaccia, the traditional Italian Carnival game that delights children: a large terracotta pot filled with sweets and surprises, hung high and struck in turns by blindfolded children until it breaks in a shower of candy. Surrounding the game, music, colors, masks, and various activities animate the afternoon. The organizers' invitation is clear: come in costume, because without a disguise, it wouldn't be Carnival.

A village tradition

The Carnival celebration in Giglio Castello is rooted in a long island tradition. For generations, the pentolaccia has been the event that marks the Carnival period on the island, celebrated with enthusiasm by local associations and families. Today, the Il Castello Association keeps this custom alive, transforming the Sala dei Lombi into a small kingdom of celebration for the children of the Municipality of Isola del Giglio.

Giglio Castello, a village to discover

The event is also the perfect opportunity to visit one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Giglio Castello, a hamlet within the Municipality of Isola del Giglio in the Province of Grosseto, Tuscany, is an authentic medieval village surrounded by massive walls and dominated by the Aldobrandesca Fortress. Its narrow alleys, stone houses, and sea views make it a fascinating destination in any season, and even more so when the village dresses up for Carnival.

Who is it for?

  • Families with children, both local and visiting
  • Those who love traditional and authentic small-village festivals
  • Visitors wishing to discover Giglio Castello outside the summer season

Castle Carnival — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of the Castle Carnival took place on Saturday, February 14, in the Sala dei Lombi of Giglio Castello. Organized by the Il Castello Association, the party offered the children of Isola del Giglio an afternoon of pentolaccia, music, colors, and plenty of fun, strictly in costume.

Castle Carnival 2026

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM, the Sala dei Lombi in Giglio Castello hosted the Carnival party dedicated to the little ones. The Il Castello Association invited children and families to celebrate together with the pentolaccia, music, colors, laughter, and lots of fun. As per tradition, guests were encouraged to arrive in costume to fully experience the Carnival atmosphere of the village.

Programme Castle Carnival 2026

Saturday, February 14, 2026

  • 4:00 PM — Opening of the party in the Sala dei Lombi, Giglio Castello
  • Pentolaccia game for children
  • Music, colors, and Carnival games
  • Afternoon dedicated to children, in costume

The party was organized by the Il Castello Association.

Highlights Castle Carnival 2026

The pentolaccia, the symbolic game of Carnival, with sweets and surprises for all children in costume.

Prices Castle Carnival 2026

Free admission. Event dedicated to children.

Practical information — Castle Carnival

Where

Sala dei Lombi, Giglio Castello, Municipality of Isola del Giglio (GR), Tuscany.

How to get there

Isola del Giglio can be reached by ferry from Porto Santo Stefano (Monte Argentario), with connections managed by the Toremar and Maregiglio companies (about a one-hour crossing). From the port of Giglio Porto, Giglio Castello is just a few kilometers away and can be reached by public bus or by car along the scenic road that climbs up to the village.

When

The event takes place during the Carnival period, in the afternoon. It is recommended to check the date and time on the giglioinfo.it website before setting off.

Costs

Free admission party dedicated to children. Participation in costume is encouraged.

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Where does it take place — Castle Carnival

Sala dei Lombi

Sala dei Lombi, Giglio Castello, 58012 Isola del Giglio

Contact Castle Carnival

Castle Carnival in brief

Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Playful Outdoor Free Grosseto

History of Castle Carnival