Cittadella Carnival
Floats, masks, and luna park within the medieval walls
About Cittadella Carnival
Carnival in the Walled City
Every February, Cittadella, in the province of Padua, celebrates Carnival by transforming its medieval historic centre into a stage of colours, masks, and merriment. The event, organised by Pro Cittadella, runs from Shrove Thursday to Shrove Tuesday with a programme that involves children, families, and fans of Venetian carnival traditions.
From Children's Carnival to Float Parade
Shrove Thursday kicks off the festivities with the Children's Carnival, entertainment for the little ones in Piazza Pierobon. The highlight is Shrove Tuesday, with the grand parade of allegorical floats that winds through the town's streets, followed in the evening by the traditional 'Testamento e Fogo dea Vecia' in Piazza Pierobon: the propitiatory rite of burning the 'Vecia' (Old Woman), an ancient custom that symbolically marks the end of winter and Carnival.
Masks on the Walls and Luna Park
Among the most original initiatives is the competition 'The Most Beautiful Mask on the Walls of Cittadella': participants in costume walk along the ramparts of the walls, where they are photographed to compete for the title of the most beautiful mask. For the entire duration of the Carnival, the luna park is set up at Piazzale di Villa Rina, offering fun for families.
Tradition and Community
The Carnival of Cittadella combines the charm of its medieval setting—the elliptical city walls with their 32 towers—with the vibrancy of Venetian popular traditions. A community event that, thanks to the efforts of Pro Cittadella and local associations, enlivens the city in the heart of winter and attracts visitors from all over the province of Padua.
Cittadella Carnival — edition 2026
The Cittadella Carnival 2026 takes place from February 12th to 17th. Shrove Thursday, February 12th, is dedicated to the Children's Carnival, with entertainment for children in Piazza Pierobon from 3:30 PM. Shrove Tuesday, February 17th, is the main day, with the parade of allegorical floats starting at 2:30 PM and, in the evening, the traditional 'Testamento e Fogo dea Vecia' in Piazza Pierobon at 8:45 PM.
The competition 'The Most Beautiful Mask on the Walls of Cittadella' is held on February 12th and 17th. The luna park is set up at Piazzale di Villa Rina from February 12th to 17th, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Organised by Pro Cittadella.
Programme Cittadella Carnival 2026
Thursday, February 12th — Shrove Thursday
- Children's Carnival: entertainment for children in Piazza Pierobon from 3:30 PM
- 'Most Beautiful Mask on the Walls' competition on the ramparts
Thursday, February 12th to Tuesday, February 17th
- Luna park at Piazzale di Villa Rina (Via Riva del Grappa), open 3:00 PM–10:00 PM
Tuesday, February 17th — Shrove Tuesday
- Parade of allegorical floats from 2:30 PM through the town centre streets
- 'Most Beautiful Mask on the Walls' competition
- 'Testamento e Fogo dea Vecia' in Piazza Pierobon at 8:45 PM
Highlights Cittadella Carnival 2026
The Shrove Tuesday parade of allegorical floats; the 'Fogo dea Vecia' in Piazza Pierobon; the masks competition on the walls; the Children's Carnival and the luna park.
Prices Cittadella Carnival 2026
Practical information — Cittadella Carnival
How to get there
Cittadella is in the province of Padua. By car from the A4 (Grisignano di Zocco exit) or the A31; by train, Cittadella station is on the Padua-Bassano del Grappa line. The parades take place in the historic centre, and the luna park is at Villa Rina (Via Riva del Grappa).
Admission and times
Events in the square are free admission. Children's Carnival from 3:30 PM; float parade on Shrove Tuesday from 2:30 PM; 'Fogo dea Vecia' in Piazza Pierobon in the evening. Luna park attractions are paid.
Contacts
Pro Cittadella — [email protected] — Pro Cittadella Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Cittadella Carnival
Piazza Pierobon e centro storico
Piazza Pierobon, 35013 Cittadella