Cinisi Carnival
Allegorical floats, masks, and the ritual of 'Lu Nannu' in the heart of the Palermo province
About Cinisi Carnival
The Cinisi Carnival, a living tradition
The Cinisi Carnival is one of the most heartfelt carnival celebrations in the province of Palermo, in Sicily. Every year, the Municipality of Cinisi, overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare just a few kilometers from the Falcone-Borsellino airport, comes alive for several days of festivities with allegorical floats, masks, and music, drawing a large crowd from the entire region.
'Lu Nannu', the heart of the festival
The symbolic character of the Cinisi Carnival is 'Lu Nannu', a typical local mask that opens every day of the parade and marks its most anticipated moments. The most characteristic rituals revolve around his figure: the arrival and the acchianata of the Nannu, the historical pageant that recalls the noble masquerades of 18th-century Palermo, the famous 'u Matrimoniu' (the masked wedding), and, concluding on Shrove Tuesday, the reading of the Nannu's Will, an ironic and irreverent moment that bids farewell to the edition.
Allegorical floats and costumed groups
Large papier-mâché allegorical floats parade along Corso Umberto I, the result of the hard work of local artisans and groups, accompanied by school floats, costumed groups, and choreographed dances performed by hundreds of children. The papier-mâché, colors, and music turn the town center into a long, festive procession.
Music and shows in the square
On the stage set up in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, nationally renowned concerts and DJ sets alternate with local artists and DJs. The Cinisi Carnival thus blends popular tradition with live entertainment, in a program that weaves together ancient rites and contemporary fun.
A free and popular event
The event, organized by the Municipality of Cinisi, offers free admission and takes place in the streets and squares of the historic center. It is the ideal opportunity to experience the Sicilian Carnival in its most authentic and communal dimension, amidst lightheartedness, local identity, and village celebration.
Cinisi Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Cinisi Carnival, originally set for February 12-17, was officially postponed by the Municipality of Cinisi to February 19-24, 2026 due to adverse weather conditions and the risk of strong wind gusts, which are dangerous for large papier-mâché floats. The program remained unchanged.
The event opened on Thursday, February 19, on Corso Umberto I with the grand inaugural parade and the arrival of 'Lu Nannu', followed in the following days by allegorical float parades, costumed groups, school floats, and the historical pageant. Among the most anticipated moments were 'u Matrimoniu' and, concluding on Shrove Tuesday, the reading of the Nannu's Will.
On the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando stage, Francesco Sarcina, the voice of Le Vibrazioni, performed on Sunday, February 22, and Gemelli Diversi performed on Monday, February 23, with the 'Tachipirina 500' DJ set, accompanied by local DJs. Admission to all events was free.
Programme Cinisi Carnival 2026
2026 Program (February 19-24)
- Thursday, February 19 — Inaugural parade on Corso Umberto I with the arrival of 'Lu Nannu'
- Allegorical float parades in papier-mâché along Corso Umberto I, costumed groups, and school floats
- Historical pageant and 'u Matrimoniu' (the masked wedding)
- Sunday, February 22, 10:00 PM — Concert by Francesco Sarcina (Le Vibrazioni) in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando
- Monday, February 23, 10:30 PM — Gemelli Diversi, 'Tachipirina 500' DJ set, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando
- Tuesday, February 24 — Closing with the reading of the Nannu's Will
Highlights Cinisi Carnival 2026
Prices Cinisi Carnival 2026
Practical information — Cinisi Carnival
How to get there
Cinisi is located in the province of Palermo, just a few minutes from the Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (Punta Raisi) airport. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (Cinisi-Terrasini exit). The Cinisi-Terrasini railway station is served by the regional line.
Where it takes place
The allegorical float parades wind along Corso Umberto I, while evening concerts and shows are held in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando.
Admission
Access to parades, shows, and concerts is free.
Tips
During parade days, the town center is closed to traffic: it is advisable to arrive early and park in the peripheral areas. Wear comfortable clothing and, for the little ones, masks and costumes to join in the fun.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Cinisi Carnival
Corso Umberto I e Piazza Vittorio Emanuele Orlando