Children's Carnival of Finale Emilia
The parades of allegorical floats in the heart of the Bassa modenese
About Children's Carnival
A festival that belongs to children
The Children's Carnival of Finale Emilia is one of the most heartfelt events of the winter calendar in the Bassa modenese, in the Municipality of Finale Emilia, in the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna). For three Sunday afternoons at the end of winter, the historic center transforms into a large open-air stage: the allegorical floats, built by hand by volunteers, parade through the city streets amidst confetti, music, and masks.
The only Carnival where children get on the floats
The feature that makes this event truly special is simple yet unique: here, children can safely climb aboard the floats and become the stars of the parade. From the top of the constructions, they throw confetti, sweets, and toys to the public, in a joyful atmosphere that involves entire families. It is not a Carnival built for tourists, but a community celebration that has renewed the same enthusiasm for decades.
The floats and the parade
Every year, several allegorical floats liven up the masked procession, accompanied by walking masks and costumed groups. The classic route starts from the De Gasperi Gardens and crosses the heart of Finale Emilia, passing through via Dante, viale Marconi, largo Cavallotti, via Sauro, and via Agnini. Along the streets, there are also food stalls with traditional specialties, such as gnocco fritto and sweet fritters.
A tradition built by volunteers
The Carnival is organized by the Finale Emilia Carnival Committee, a group of volunteers who design and build the floats throughout the year. Admission to the parades is by free donation: the donations collected, along with the traditional lottery, are used to fund future editions. In case of bad weather, the masked parades are postponed to the following Sundays.
Children's Carnival — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, the Children's Carnival of Finale Emilia returned with three Sundays of parades (February 1, 8, and 15), confirming the formula loved by families and children.
The allegorical floats, built by volunteers from the Carnival Committee, paraded through the streets of the center starting from the De Gasperi Gardens. As tradition dictates, children were able to climb aboard the floats to throw confetti, sweets, and toys to the public, accompanied by walking masks and costumed groups. Food stalls were also present along the route.
Programme Children's Carnival 2026
The Parades
- Sunday, February 1, 2026 — Parade of allegorical floats, starting from the De Gasperi Gardens.
- Sunday, February 8, 2026 — Second parade in the historic center.
- Sunday, February 15, 2026 — Final parade.
The parades start in the early afternoon from the De Gasperi Gardens, following the route that includes via Dante, viale Marconi, largo Cavallotti, via Sauro, and via Agnini. In case of bad weather, the masked parades are postponed to the following Sundays.
Highlights Children's Carnival 2026
- Allegorical floats built by hand by volunteers from the Carnival Committee
- Children climbing aboard the floats to throw confetti and sweets
- Masks, costumed groups, and food stalls in the historic center
Prices Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Children's Carnival
Where
The parades take place in the historic center of Finale Emilia (MO), starting from the De Gasperi Gardens and following a route along via Dante, viale Marconi, largo Cavallotti, via Sauro, and via Agnini.
How to get there
By car: Finale Emilia is accessible from the A22 (Mirandola/Reggiolo-Rolo exit) or the A13. By train: Finale Emilia station on the regional line. During the parades, some streets in the center are closed to traffic.
Tickets
Admission by free donation. Donations support the creation of floats for future editions.
Tips
An event designed for families. In case of bad weather, the parades are postponed: check the official channels of the Municipality and the Carnival Committee before you leave.
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Where does it take place — Children's Carnival
Centro storico di Finale Emilia
Giardini De Gasperi, 41034 Finale Emilia