Children's Carnival
Cattolica's Carnival for families, with masks, music, and street artists in Piazza Roosevelt
About Children's Carnival
The Carnival Returns to Cattolica
The Children's Carnival is the masked festival that the Municipality of Cattolica, on the Romagna Riviera in the province of Rimini (Emilia-Romagna), dedicates to children and families. For an entire afternoon, the heart of the city, Piazza Roosevelt and the town center streets, transforms into a large open-air stage, enlivened by colorful masks, confetti, music, and shows designed for children and teenagers.
A Revived Tradition
As explained by Mayor Franca Foronchi and Councilor Elisabetta Bartolucci, Cattolica had been lacking a true Carnival event for a long time: hence the municipal administration's desire to revive this tradition and give the city back a structured popular festival. The stated goal is to make the Children's Carnival a fixed event on the city calendar, capable of uniting the community, promoting social interaction, and supporting the activities of the town center.
Parade, Artists, and Entertainment
The highlight of the event is the traveling parade that starts from Piazza Roosevelt and winds through the streets of the historic center. It is accompanied by musical bands, street artists, clowns, stilt walkers, acrobats, and illusionists, in a festive atmosphere designed to engage both adults and children. Participation in costume is the real protagonist: every year, hundreds of children fill the square with their disguises.
Cattolica in Winter Mode
The event is also perfect for those who choose the Romagna Riviera as a winter destination: an opportunity to discover Cattolica outside the bathing season, experiencing the town center on a festive day dedicated to families. Admission is free.
Children's Carnival — edition 2026
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 3 PM to 6 PM, Piazza Roosevelt and the streets of Cattolica's center transformed into the heart of a grand masked festival. It was the first edition of the Children's Carnival relaunched by the Municipality after years without a proper Carnival event in the city.
Hundreds of colorful little masks enlivened the square, accompanied by a traveling parade and shows for all ages. Mayor Franca Foronchi and Councilor Elisabetta Bartolucci emphasized the day's value as a moment of community and sharing, the first step towards making the Carnival a regular fixture on the city's calendar.
Programme Children's Carnival 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026 — from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- 3:00 PM — Gathering in Piazza Roosevelt and start of the costumed traveling parade through the town streets
- Live music with the "Ambassador" marching band
- Street performances by artists, illusionists, stilt walkers, and acrobats from the Euro Errani company
- Clowns, juggling, soap bubbles, confetti, and entertainment for children
- 6:00 PM — End of the festival
All activities took place between Piazza Roosevelt and the historic center, with free admission.
Highlights Children's Carnival 2026
Prices Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Children's Carnival
Where
Piazza Roosevelt and streets of the historic center, Cattolica (RN), Emilia-Romagna.
When
During Carnival period (February), in the afternoon. The exact date is announced each year by the Municipality of Cattolica.
Admission
Free admission.
How to get there
Cattolica is accessible from the A14 motorway (Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce exit) and the Adriatic railway line, Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce station. The center and Piazza Roosevelt are a few minutes' walk from the station.
Information
Municipality of Cattolica, tel. +39 0541 966111.
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Where does it take place — Children's Carnival
Piazza Roosevelt e centro storico
Piazza Roosevelt, 47841 Cattolica