Catignano Carnival - Hand-Pushed Floats
The eco-friendly carnival where the party is pushed by hand
About Catignano Carnival
The eco-friendly Catignano Carnival
In the small town of Catignano, located in the province of Pescara in the heart of the Abruzzo hills, the Carnival has developed a unique character over the years that sets it apart from traditional parades. Here, the motto is clear: "Here, the party is pushed by hand." Indeed, the allegorical floats are not towed by tractors or motorized vehicles but are moved exclusively by the participants' own strength, in a spirit of environmental sustainability that has become the event's defining identity.
A zero-impact parade
The parade features groups strictly on foot and non-motorized wheeled vehicles: bicycles, scooters, and hand-pushed creative floats—often built from recycled materials—are all welcome. Participation is free and open to everyone, and citizens are encouraged to unleash their creativity using eco-friendly means. It is a carnival that involves both young and old, transforming the streets and the central Piazza Marconi into a colorful open-air theater of masks, music, and joy.
The Luigi Lattanzio Award
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Luigi Lattanzio Award plaques, named after the historic organizer of the Catignano carnival. The award recognizes the most original floats and groups, keeping alive a deeply rooted local tradition and demonstrating the continuity of a festival that belongs to the town's community.
Organization and territory
The event is promoted by the Pro Loco Catignano, with the collaboration of local associations such as ARCI Cutina Omnia APS and Mousichè. The Catignano Carnival is also part of the regional "Carnival with the Pro Loco of Abruzzo" circuit, coordinated by UNPLI Abruzzo, which brings together over thirty events across the region. It is an appointment that celebrates Abruzzo's folk traditions and promotes a model of sustainable and inclusive celebration.
Catignano Carnival — edition 2026
Catignano Carnival 2026 - "No war"
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Catignano celebrated its eco-friendly carnival with a powerful message of peace and friendship: the theme of this edition was "No war." Participants gathered at 2:00 PM in Piazza Marconi, and the parade set off at 2:30 PM.
As per tradition, the parade exclusively featured groups on foot and non-motorized wheeled vehicles: bicycles, scooters, and hand-pushed creative floats, many made from recycled materials. Participation was free and open to all.
At the end of the event, the plaques for the 4th Luigi Lattanzio Award were presented to the most original floats and groups. The event was organized by the Pro Loco Catignano in collaboration with ARCI Cutina Omnia APS and Mousichè, as part of the "Carnival with the Pro Loco of Abruzzo" regional circuit by UNPLI Abruzzo.
Programme Catignano Carnival 2026
Program for Saturday, February 21, 2026
- 2:00 PM - Gathering of participants in Piazza Marconi
- 2:30 PM - Start of the hand-pushed float parade and masked groups
- Following - Entertainment, music, and party in the square
- At the end - Presentation of the 4th Luigi Lattanzio Award plaques
Highlights Catignano Carnival 2026
- Theme of the edition: "No war," a carnival of peace and friendship
- Floats and groups pushed exclusively by hand, without motorized vehicles
- 4th Luigi Lattanzio Award for the most original floats
- Free participation, with the use of recycled materials
Prices Catignano Carnival 2026
Practical information — Catignano Carnival
Where
The gathering and parade take place in Piazza Marconi, in the center of Catignano (PE), in Abruzzo.
How to participate
Admission and participation in the parade are free. Only groups on foot and non-motorized wheeled vehicles (bicycles, scooters, hand-pushed floats) are allowed. The use of recycled materials and eco-friendly means is encouraged.
How to get there
Catignano can be reached by car from the A25 motorway exit and via the provincial roads connecting the Pescara hinterland. The historic center is a short distance from the main roads of the Pescara province.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Catignano Carnival
Piazza Marconi