The Cisterna di Latina Carnival: a celebration of shows, rides, and parades in the heart of the Pontine Plain
The Cisterna Carnival is the most vibrant event of the year in Cisterna di Latina, a town in the province of Latina overlooking the Pontine Plain in the Lazio region. Every February, the town center transforms into a grand open-air stage: artists, masked revelers, and jugglers parade between Piazza XIX Marzo and Corso della Repubblica, while families fill the streets to soak up the joyful Carnival atmosphere.
The program blends animation shows, roving entertainment, and juggling with spectacular parades along the main street. The musical heart of the event is the «Città di Cisterna» Marching Band, which accompanies the performers and costumed participants, turning Corso della Repubblica into a vibrant trail of sound, color, and cheer. Street performances, suitable for all ages, bring the afternoons to life and actively involve the public.
A special focus is placed on younger visitors: free fairground rides are set up in Piazza XIX Marzo, opening in the late afternoon to provide children with hours of pure fun. Masks, confetti, and streamers complete a festive atmosphere designed for families, all within a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Over the years, the Cisterna Carnival has also become known for its allegorical float parades, curated by the «Amici in Festa» association. These massive, hand-built floats travel down Corso della Repubblica, followed by processions of masked participants. They represent one of the most beloved expressions of local Pontine culture and reflect a long-standing carnival tradition found throughout the province of Latina.
Organized by the Municipality of Cisterna di Latina, the Cisterna Carnival is much more than just a series of shows: it is a moment of identity and collective participation where local merchants, associations, and citizens come together to bring the center to life. It is a key date on the town's calendar that, between February and early March, draws people into the streets and renews the bond between the community and its traditions.
In 2026, the Cisterna Carnival focused on Sunday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 17, in the center of Cisterna di Latina. The traditional allegorical float parade of Shrove Thursday, organized by the «Amici in Festa» association, did not take place in the city—the floats were diverted to other municipalities in the province, including Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, and Latina—but the Municipality still guaranteed a rich program of entertainment. Street performances, juggling, artist parades, and performances by the «Città di Cisterna» Marching Band alternated between Piazza XIX Marzo and Corso della Repubblica, while free rides in Piazza XIX Marzo entertained the little ones.
Sunday, February 15 — from 3:00 PM: animation shows, entertainment, and juggling, with a parade of artists and the «Città di Cisterna» Marching Band between Piazza XIX Marzo and Corso della Repubblica. From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM: free rides for children in Piazza XIX Marzo.
Tuesday, February 17 — new animation moments, roving shows, and rides for families in the town center.
Cisterna di Latina is located along the Via Appia (SS7) and is easily accessible by car from Rome and Latina. The Cisterna di Latina train station is served by the regional Rome–Naples line (via Formia), with frequent connections from Rome Termini. Events take place in the town center, between Piazza XIX Marzo and Corso della Repubblica.
During the festival days, the section of Corso della Repubblica between the Via Manzoni/Via Rossini intersection and Piazza Battisti is closed to traffic, typically from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. We recommend reaching the center on foot and following signs for parking in the surrounding areas.
Participation in the shows is free, and the fairground rides in Piazza XIX Marzo are free for children.
Municipality of Cisterna di Latina — official website: www.comune.cisterna.latina.it
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Piazza XIX Marzo e Corso della Repubblica
Corso della Repubblica, 04012 Cisterna di Latina