Children's Carnival of Grottammare
The carnival for the little ones in the village of the Riviera delle Palme
About Children's Carnival
A carnival designed for the little ones
The Children's Carnival of Grottammare is one of the most heartfelt and participated events in the town on the Riviera delle Palme, in the heart of Piceno, in the province of Ascoli Piceno. Born in the early eighties, it has grown to become an unmissable event on the winter calendar of the Marche Region: not a carnival for adults, but a celebration built around the children of the nursery and primary schools of the Municipality, who are the true protagonists.
The squares in the center fill with color
For a few days, the center of Grottammare transforms: Piazza Fazzini, Piazza Carducci, and the Kursaal Hall become the stage for parades, shows, and choreographies. Hundreds of children, gathered in large masked groups representing the various city schools, parade in costume following the theme chosen for the edition. Itinerant entertainment, photobooths, markets, and the unmissable frappe, the traditional carnival sweet, offered by the town's bakeries, accompany the festive afternoons.
A different theme every year
What makes this carnival special is its ability to renew itself: each edition revolves around a common thread that links the costumes, choreographies, and decorations. Traditional Italian masks, themes related to the environment or caring for people, tributes to figures dear to the community: the Children's Carnival manages each time to combine fun with a small educational message, involving teachers, parents, and local associations.
A community celebration
Behind the celebration is the collective work of the entire town: the Municipality of Grottammare, the Parents' Committee of the Leopardi Comprehensive Institute, schools, local associations, and shopkeepers, who often decorate their shop windows with themed displays. Participation in all events is free, in line with the popular and inclusive spirit of the event. For families visiting the Piceno coast, it is a perfect opportunity to discover the authentic atmosphere of a village that, alongside its beaches and charming medieval historic center, knows how to warmly welcome the little ones.
Children's Carnival — edition 2026
From February 12 to 17, 2026, Grottammare celebrated the 42nd edition of the Children's Carnival, dedicated to the character of Harlequin and in memory of the cartoonist Angelo Maria Ricci. The free event involved all the nursery and primary schools in the town, with 470 participants including children and adults. The heart of the celebration was the grand parade on Sunday, February 15, in Piazza Fazzini, accompanied by shows, choreographies, and the traditional frappe offered by the town's bakeries.
Programme Children's Carnival 2026
Thursday, February 12 — Kursaal Hall
- 5:30 PM — Inaugural show "Harlequin's Arrival". Free admission.
Sunday, February 15 — Piazza Fazzini
- 3:00 PM — Grand parade with 470 participants in three large masked groups: "The Mischievous Harlequins!" (Speranza school, 145 participants), "Harlequin: Colors in Celebration!" (Battisti street nursery, 175 participants), and "Harlequin, a Thousand Colors, One Smile!" (Ischia/Ascolani schools, 150 participants).
- Show "Harlequin's Bubbles".
- Choreographies by Danzarte Cris Academy.
- Itinerant entertainment, photobooth, markets, and free frappe.
Tuesday, February 17 — Piazza Carducci
- 3:30 PM — Final party with magic and dance, with itinerant entertainment, photobooth, and markets.
Until February 18 — Shop Window Talent
- Decoration of 11 commercial shop windows in the center with creations by students from the "Ostilio Ricci" institute in Fermo, in collaboration with CNA Ascoli Piceno.
Highlights Children's Carnival 2026
Prices Children's Carnival 2026
Practical information — Children's Carnival
How to get there
Grottammare is located along the Adriatic coast, in the province of Ascoli Piceno. By train, Grottammare station is on the Bologna-Lecce Adriatic line; by car, it can be reached from the A14 motorway, Grottammare exit. The events take place in the town center, between Piazza Fazzini, Piazza Carducci, and the Kursaal Hall, all within a short distance of each other.
Admission
Participation in all events of the Children's Carnival is free.
When
The carnival takes place during the carnival period, between late January and February, over several days (opening day, main Sunday parade, and final Fat Tuesday celebration).
Tips
The event is mainly dedicated to children and families. It is advisable to arrive a little early for the Sunday afternoon parade, which is the most crowded moment.
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Where does it take place — Children's Carnival
Piazza Fazzini, Piazza Carducci, Sala Kursaal