Cesano Carnival in Rome

A neighborhood celebration in the heart of the village

The Cesano Carnival is one of the most cherished annual events for the village of Cesano, a historic district within Rome's 15th Municipality. Located on the northwestern outskirts of the capital in the Lazio region, this carnival remains far from the typical tourist crowds, preserving the authentic spirit of a local village festival. The residents themselves, united under the Pro Loco Massa Cesana, take charge of building the floats, sewing the costumes, and organizing the parade.

The parade of allegorical floats

The highlight of the day is the procession of allegorical floats, which traditionally departs from the Casale dell'Agraria on Via della Fontana Secca 131. It travels through the village to the square in front of the Church of San Sebastiano on Via della Stazione di Cesano. Along the route, the parade passes through Piazza Antonio Basso, where it always draws a large and enthusiastic crowd.

The floats are crafted from papier-mâché and recycled materials by local groups, who choose different themes each year—often inspired by animation, fairy tales, and pop culture. Recent editions have featured displays dedicated to Barbie, 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Ancient Egypt, and environmental themes like the "L'Orto Amico" (Friendly Garden) float. The floats are joined by costumed groups who perform choreographies prepared over the preceding months.

Music, confetti, and food stalls

The parade is accompanied by live music and DJ sets, while confetti and streamers fill the air. Upon arrival near the church and the Casale dell'Agraria, food stalls serve seasonal specialties. Roman Carnival treats like frittelle, castagnole, and chiacchiere are must-haves, paired with hot drinks to ward off the February chill.

An event designed for families

Admission to the event is free and open to all, and its daytime schedule makes it particularly suitable for children. It is common to find entertainment, workshops, and games organized by volunteers alongside the parade. For many families in northern Rome, it is a perfect opportunity to discover a village that remains a hidden gem even to locals.

Cesano, a village to discover

Cesano is an ancient medieval settlement that developed along the Via Cassia. While now part of the municipality of Rome, it retains its distinct identity with its castle, churches, and surrounding rural landscape. The Pro Loco Massa Cesana, founded to promote this heritage, enlivens the local calendar with various initiatives throughout the year, including the historic Feast of the Holy Crucifix, which has seen over five hundred editions. The Carnival represents the most colorful and well-attended moment of this calendar and serves as a testament to the neighborhood's vibrant community spirit.

Why it's worth visiting

• An authentic community festival, free of charge and without grandstands, just a few kilometers from central Rome.
• Allegorical floats handcrafted by the village residents.
• A chance to explore Cesano, a historic village in the 15th Municipality often overlooked by tourist itineraries.
• Traditional Carnival cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages.