Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival (with Sausage Festival)
The most beautiful Carnival in the Iblei Mountains, featuring allegorical floats and the historic Sausage Festival
About Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival
The historic Carnival of the Iblei Mountains
For generations, the Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival has been one of the most beloved events in the province of Ragusa and all of southeastern Sicily. In the picturesque village perched on the Iblei Mountains, nicknamed the "Balcony of Sicily" for its panoramic views, the festival transforms the streets and squares of the historic center into a stage of color, music, and imagination. It has long been known as "the most beautiful Carnival of the Iblei," a title earned through the craftsmanship of its allegorical floats and strong community participation.
Ministerial recognition
In 2026, the Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival reached a historic milestone: the Ministry of Culture officially included it among the Historic Carnivals of Italy, making it the only carnival in the entire province of Ragusa to hold this prestigious title. This achievement rewards the continuity of a tradition passed down year after year and places the event on a national stage.
Allegorical floats and masks
The heart of the festival lies in the parades of competing allegorical floats, built over months of work by local groups, accompanied by mini-floats and masked groups that enliven Corso Europa and Piazza Duomo. Alongside the creations of master float builders, models made by students from the "S.A. Guastella" Comprehensive Institute also parade, a sign of involvement that starts in schools and families. Itinerant entertainment, creative workshops, live music, and moments dedicated to children complete a program designed for all ages.
The Sausage Festival
The most anticipated moment for food lovers is the Sausage Festival, which traditionally takes place on Carnival Monday in Piazza Duomo. For over forty years, this gastronomic event has drawn thousands of visitors, who gather around smoking grills to enjoy roasted Chiaramonte sausage—a symbol of Iblean peasant culture—accompanied by music and festivities until late at night.
A hallmark of local identity
Included in the calendar of major popular festivals in the province of Ragusa, the Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival is much more than a parade: it is a community occasion where the Municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi, the Pro Loco, schools, and float-building groups come together around a shared tradition. Amidst the scent of sausage, confetti, and the fantasy of the floats, the festival renews the most authentic soul of Iblean Sicily every winter.
Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival — edition 2026
Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival 2026
The 2026 edition, from February 15 to 17, was historic: the first since the event was included among the Historic Carnivals of Italy by the Ministry of Culture. On Sunday, February 15, the festival opened with the parade of competing allegorical floats, including "Coriandoli e delirio al Fantabosco" and "Nostalgia 90", along with the mini-float "Oltre lo schermo" and the masked group "Tra maschere e leggende".
The Sausage Festival and events
On Monday, February 16, the program combined exhibitions ("Stories and costumes of the most beautiful Carnival of the Iblei" at Sala Sciascia), the Fantacarnevale for children in Piazza Duomo, and the 42nd Sausage Festival. Tuesday, February 17, the peak day, featured the grand parade of floats from Corso Europa to Piazza Duomo, with a food area starting at 7:30 PM and, at 9:30 PM, the awards ceremony for the models by students of the "S.A. Guastella" Comprehensive Institute, the floats, mini-floats, and masked groups, with the presentation of the Golden Book.
Programme Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15
- Parade of competing allegorical floats: "Coriandoli e delirio al Fantabosco" and "Nostalgia 90"
- Mini-float "Oltre lo schermo" and masked group "Tra maschere e leggende"
Monday, February 16
- Exhibition "Stories and costumes of the most beautiful Carnival of the Iblei" (Sala Sciascia)
- Fantacarnevale for children in Piazza Duomo
- 42nd Sausage Festival in Piazza Duomo
- 90s-themed musical show
Tuesday, February 17
- Grand parade of allegorical floats from Corso Europa to Piazza Duomo
- Food area from 7:30 PM
- 9:30 PM Awards ceremony (student models, floats, mini-floats, masked groups) and presentation of the Golden Book
- Final closing party of the Carnival
Highlights Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival 2026
Prices Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival 2026
Practical information — Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival
How to get there
Chiaramonte Gulfi is located in the Iblei Mountains, in the province of Ragusa. By car, it can be reached via the SS194 and provincial roads connecting Ragusa, Vittoria, and Comiso. The nearest airport is Comiso (Ragusa), followed by Catania-Fontanarossa. The reference railway station is Ragusa, with onward travel by bus or car.
Where it takes place
The parades and main events are concentrated in Piazza Duomo and along Corso Europa, in the historic center of the town.
Practical tips
Admission to the parades and public areas is free. It is advisable to arrive early on peak days (especially Shrove Tuesday and the day of the Sausage Festival) to find parking and fully enjoy the atmosphere. Comfortable and warm clothing is recommended for the Iblean winter evenings.
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Where does it take place — Chiaramonte Gulfi Carnival
Piazza Duomo e Corso Europa
Piazza Duomo, 97012 Chiaramonte Gulfi