Collevecchio Carnival

The Collevecchio Carnival

Every year, during the Carnival season, the village of Collevecchio dresses up for its allegorical float parade. Located in the province of Rieti, in the heart of the Lazio Sabina, this small town of just over 1,500 residents turns its medieval streets into a stage of color, masks, and cheer. The Collevecchio Carnival is one of the most anticipated winter events in the area, involving the entire community, from local associations to village families.

The allegorical float parade

The highlight of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats—authentic papier-mâché masterpieces built with passion by local groups, accompanied by walking masked groups, confetti, and music. The procession winds through the center of Collevecchio amidst crowds of spectators, creating a joyful atmosphere that draws visitors from neighboring towns in the lower Sabina, such as Magliano Sabina, Stimigliano, and Tarano. There is no shortage of food stalls offering traditional Carnival treats, from frappe to castagnole, along with entertainment specifically designed for children.

A village with a long history

Collevecchio is more than just its Carnival. The village, which officially emerged in the mid-13th century, preserves a fascinating historic center: the Porta Umbra with its watchtower, the Renaissance-era Palazzo Coperchi attributed to the school of Antonio da Sangallo, the 17th-century Palazzo Apostolico that once served as the seat of the Governor General of the Sabina, and a refined neoclassical theater from the early 19th century. Walking through the village streets during the parade means immersing yourself in a unique historical setting, where the popular tradition of Carnival dialogues with centuries of history.

A community tradition

Like many Carnival celebrations in the Rieti province, the Collevecchio event is born from the commitment of local associations and the support of the Municipality of Collevecchio. The event is part of the rich calendar of the Rieti Carnival, which animates numerous villages in the Lazio region between January and February with parades, floats, and masks. For the Collevecchio community, it is above all an occasion for gathering and sharing, capable of uniting different generations around a tradition that is deeply felt and renewed year after year.

When and where

The Collevecchio Carnival takes place during the Carnival season, generally between February and early March, along the streets of the historic center of Collevecchio. As it is a street festival, admission is free and suitable for everyone. It is advisable to check the exact date and updated program with the Municipality of Collevecchio and local Pro Loco offices, as the calendar may vary from year to year based on the Carnival Sundays.