Civitonico Historical Carnival
The grand papier-mâché float festival of Civita Castellana, in the heart of Tuscia
About Civitonico Carnival
One of the most famous historical carnivals in Lazio
The Civitonico Historical Carnival is the signature event of Civita Castellana, a town in the Viterbo Tuscia area in the heart of Lazio, in the province of Viterbo. With roots dating back to the 16th century, it is considered one of the oldest and most deeply felt carnivals in the region: in 2026, the city celebrates its 460th edition, a milestone that testifies to the vitality of a popular tradition passed down from generation to generation.
The papier-mâché floats
The heart of the festival lies in the impressive papier-mâché floats, built in the preceding months by local carnival groups. Every year, dozens of master papier-mâché artists, craftsmen, and volunteers work in workshops to bring to life gigantic moving figures inspired by satire, current events, and fantasy. In the 2026 edition, twenty-six masked groups paraded alongside the massive floats, accompanied by choreography, elaborate costumes, and live music that transform the streets of the center into a colorful traveling show.
'O Puccio, the symbolic mask
The central figure of the Civitonico Carnival is 'O Puccio, the mask-king who opens and closes the festivities. Presented during the opening ceremony in Piazza Matteotti, he accompanies the entire carnival season until the traditional concluding bonfire, a propitiatory ritual that symbolically marks the end of the Carnival and the arrival of Lent.
A carnival for the whole city
In addition to the gala parades, the program dedicates significant space to the little ones with the Children's Carnival, which sees hundreds of children parading in masks amidst musical and gastronomic entertainment. The event closes with the "La Città che Balla" (The City Dances) evening, featuring awards for the winning groups, a lottery, and the great final bonfire. It is a deeply identity-driven festival, capable of involving associations, schools, and families, and attracting thousands of visitors to Tuscia every year.
Organization
The event is organized by the Fondazione Carnevale Storico Civitonico, with the patronage of the Municipality of Civita Castellana and the support of the Lazio Region. The parades take place in the historic center, with departures and arrivals in the city's main squares.
Civitonico Carnival — edition 2026
The 460th edition
The 2026 Civitonico Historical Carnival celebrated its 460th edition, an important anniversary for one of the oldest traditions in Lazio. At the starting line were twenty-six masked groups led by large papier-mâché floats.
The program
The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, January 17 in Piazza Matteotti, with the presentation of 'O Puccio and the drawing of the parade order. This was followed by the Children's Carnival (Friday, February 13) and the gala parades on Sunday, February 15, and Tuesday, February 17. Due to bad weather, the parade originally scheduled for February 8 was rescheduled for Sunday, February 22, featuring the third gala parade and the closing evening "La Città che Balla", with awards, a lottery, and the burning of 'O Puccio.
The winners
In the float category, the Gruppo Jamaicano took top honors, followed by Cocorite and Cicirinella; among the free masks, the Gruppo Spritz stood out.
Programme Civitonico Carnival 2026
2026 Program (460th edition)
- Saturday, January 17, 3:00 PM — Opening ceremony in Piazza Matteotti: presentation of 'O Puccio and drawing of the parade order.
- Friday, February 13, 3:00 PM — Children's Carnival: masked parade from Largo Roma towards Piazza Matteotti, with musical and gastronomic entertainment.
- Sunday, February 15, 3:00 PM — First gala parade of floats and masked groups.
- Tuesday, February 17, 3:00 PM — Second gala parade of floats and masked groups.
- Sunday, February 22, 3:00 PM — Third gala parade (rescheduled from the date cancelled due to bad weather). 9:00 PM: "La Città che Balla" with awards, lottery, and the burning of 'O Puccio.
Highlights Civitonico Carnival 2026
- Twenty-six masked groups and impressive papier-mâché floats.
- The symbolic 'O Puccio mask, from its presentation to the final bonfire.
- The Children's Carnival with hundreds of little ones in costume.
- The closing evening "La Città che Balla" with awards and a lottery.
Prices Civitonico Carnival 2026
Practical information — Civitonico Carnival
How to get there
By car: Civita Castellana can be reached via the SS3 Flaminia or the A1 motorway (Magliano Sabina or Orte exits). By train: Civita Castellana-Magliana station on the Rome-Viterbo railway, or Orte station on the national line, with a connecting bus service.
Tickets
The parades take place along the streets and squares of the historic center and are free to access. For some evening events or special initiatives, participation fees may apply: it is recommended to check the official website and the Foundation's social media channels.
Tips
Arrive early to find a spot along the parade route and to park in areas outside the historic center, which is often closed to traffic during the events.
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Where does it take place — Civitonico Carnival
Centro storico di Civita Castellana
Piazza Matteotti, 01033 Civita Castellana