Cellole Carnival
Papier-mâché floats and masks along the streets of Cellole
About Cellole Carnival
The Cellole Carnival, heart of the Domitian coast
The Cellole Carnival is one of the most beloved popular events in the lower Caserta area and the entire Campania region. Each year, during the Carnival season, the small town of Cellole, overlooking the Domitian coast, transforms into a grand open-air stage. Papier-mâché floats, crafted over months by local artisans and groups, parade through crowds along the town center streets to Piazza Aldo Moro, the beating heart of the festivities.
A deep-rooted tradition
Originating in the 1950s, the Cellole Carnival has grown into a defining event for the community, attracting visitors from across the province of Caserta and the nearby gulf. Its cultural significance has been officially recognized through its inclusion in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Campania (IPIC), a testament to how vital the festival is to the identity of Cellole.
Floats, masks, and creativity
The true spectacle lies in the allegorical floats: massive papier-mâché structures brought to life by choreography, satire, and fantastical figures, often inspired by current events. Masked groups, dance schools, and performers parade around the floats, while the local citizens join in costume, turning every procession into a collective celebration.
A program for all ages
The event combines moments dedicated to children, such as the school costume parade and square entertainment, with major evening events featuring concerts and DJ sets. The symbolic handing over of the city keys to the King and Queen of the Carnival kicks off the festivities, which conclude with the traditional Mardi Gras Closing Party and the awards ceremony for the most beautiful floats.
An event for the region
Beyond the celebration, the Cellole Carnival serves as a promotional opportunity for Cellole and the entire Domitian coast. It showcases local craftsmanship, popular traditions, and a sense of community, offering residents and tourists days of joy, music, and color in the heart of the Campanian winter.
Cellole Carnival — edition 2026
Cellole Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition, presented by the Municipality of Cellole, brought thousands of people to the streets between February 13th and 17th. Five days of celebration featuring papier-mâché floats, the royal procession, and great music in Piazza Aldo Moro.
The festivities opened with the costume parade of Cellole schools, followed by the handing over of the city keys to the King and Queen of the Carnival, the two float parades along Corso Freda, and, in closing, the Mardi Gras Closing Party with the awards ceremony for the best floats.
Programme Cellole Carnival 2026
2026 Program
- Friday, February 13, 10:00 AM — Costume parade of Cellole schools through the city streets.
- Saturday, February 14, 4:00 PM — Handing over of the city keys to the King and Queen of the Carnival and Royal Procession.
- Sunday, February 15, 3:00 PM — First parade of allegorical floats from Alto Corso Freda to Piazza Aldo Moro; evening concert by Banfy.
- Tuesday, February 17, 3:00 PM — Second parade of allegorical floats; evening awards ceremony and Mardi Gras Closing Party with a DJ set by Diego Vitale in Piazza Aldo Moro.
Highlights Cellole Carnival 2026
- Two parades of papier-mâché floats along Corso Freda
- School costume parade and royal procession
- Concert by Banfy in Piazza Aldo Moro
- Mardi Gras Closing Party with DJ set by Diego Vitale and float awards
Prices Cellole Carnival 2026
Practical information — Cellole Carnival
Getting there
Cellole is located on the Domitian coast, in the province of Caserta. By car, it can be reached from the Cassino exit of the A1 motorway, continuing towards the coast, or via the SS7 Appia and the Domiziana (SS7 quater) roads. The nearest train station is Sessa Aurunca-Roccamonfina, on the Rome-Naples line via Formia.
Location
The parades cross the town center, starting from Alto Corso Freda and arriving at Piazza Aldo Moro, where concerts, DJ sets, and award ceremonies take place.
Admission
The parades and events in the square are free and open to the public.
Tips
We recommend arriving early on the days of the major parades: attendance is very high, and the streets in the center are closed to traffic.
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Where does it take place — Cellole Carnival
Piazza Aldo Moro