Corleone Carnival (I Riavulicchi)

The Riavulicchi Carnival

The Corleone Carnival, known to all as the Riavulicchi Carnival, is one of the most heartfelt and original carnival events in inland Sicily. It takes place in the historic center of Corleone, an important town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, transforming the streets and squares into an open-air stage of color, music, and joy for several days.

The absolute star of the festival is u Riavulicchiu, the typical Corleone mask: a demonic figure dressed in red and black, complete with horns, a tail, a whip, and covered in bells and cowbells. Despite their diabolical appearance, the riavulicchi are not sinister at all: they are cheerful and witty, dancing, jumping, and jingling as they run through the squares, alone or in groups, preceded by the sound of a horn.

History and Tradition

The Corleone Carnival has deep roots in ancient folk traditions and was revived with great fanfare in the 1990s after a long absence. Today, it has become a defining event for the entire community, attracting visitors from all over Sicily. The figure of the riavulicchiu recalls the devil from folk tales, while the final ritual of burning the nannu represents the purifying passage that marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent.

Festival Program

The Carnival takes place over Fat Saturday, Sunday, and Shrove Tuesday. Recurring annual events include:

• The parade of papier-mâché floats and masked groups through the historic center, accompanied by a marching band;
• The historical pageant of knights, featuring flag-wavers, musicians, and drummers;
• The Neighborhood Trophy, awarded to the group that created the best float;
• The reading of the nannu's testament and the final burning of the nannu and nanna;
• The masquerade ball in the square, in front of the Town Hall, which brings the event to a festive close.

An Authentic Carnival

Unlike large tourist-focused carnivals, the Corleone event retains a deeply popular and communal character: the floats are built by the neighborhoods, the masks are portrayed by the locals, and the festival is experienced as a moment of collective identity. For those visiting Sicily in winter, the Riavulicchi Carnival is an opportunity to discover an authentic and joyful side of the Palermo hinterland.