Elpidiense Carnival
Masks, colors, and tradition among the districts of Sant'Elpidio a Mare
About Elpidiense Carnival
A Carnival lasting almost a month
The Elpidiense Carnival is one of the most heartfelt popular festivals in the area of Sant'Elpidio a Mare, a hilltop village in the province of Fermo, in the Marche region. It is not a single event, but a widespread calendar that, between February and March, fills the historic center, squares, and districts of the city with colors, masks, and music. The program alternates moments for children, evening parties, creative parades, and a grand finale with a medieval flavor.
From Fat Thursday to Caos-Nevale
The opening is traditionally dedicated to children with Fat Thursday in the districts, followed on weekends by parties and masked events hosted in the historic district headquarters. The most anticipated moment is the Caos-Nevale, the masked parade that invades Piazza Matteotti with creative groups formed by schools, associations, and families: a festive and colorful parade that has become the pulsating heart of the event.
The Festa dei Folli, a medieval finale
Closing the Carnival is the Festa dei Folli (Festival of Fools), a re-enactment that brings back the spirit of the medieval Carnival, when for a day it was permissible to subvert social rules and anyone could pretend to be king. In Piazza Matteotti, jugglers, jesters, theatrical performances, masks, and costumes come to life, culminating in the final burning of King Carnival. The event is curated by the Ente Contesa del Secchio (Bucket Contest Authority), the association that preserves the city''s historical memory, and aims to de-seasonalize the re-enactment activities normally concentrated in the summer months.
A community celebration
What makes the Elpidiense Carnival special is its choral dimension: alongside the Municipality of Sant'Elpidio a Mare, the Pro Loco, the historic districts, local associations, the parish of Sant'Elpidio Abate, youth centers, as well as students, parents, and teachers collaborate. It is this network of participation that transforms the festival into an identity-building event for the entire Elpidiense community.
Why it's worth experiencing
- A widespread program lasting almost a month, between the historic center and the districts.
- The Caos-Nevale parade in Piazza Matteotti, lively and family-friendly.
- The charm of the medieval finale with the Festa dei Folli and the burning of King Carnival.
- An opportunity to discover the village of Sant'Elpidio a Mare and the hinterland of Fermo.
Elpidiense Carnival — edition 2026
The Elpidiense Carnival 2026 kicked off on Thursday, February 12, with Fat Thursday dedicated to children in the Cavaliera district, continuing for almost a month among the districts and the historic center of Sant'Elpidio a Mare. The event saw wide participation, with the city celebrating with parties, galas, and parades. The program combined family events, initiatives by the Youth Aggregation Center, library readings, and oratory activities, culminating in the grand finale on March 8 with the third edition of the Festa dei Folli.
Programme Elpidiense Carnival 2026
Thursday, February 12 – Fat Thursday
- Children's party in the Cavaliera district, opening the Carnival.
Weekend February 13-14
- Grand gala and traditional parties in the historic district venues.
Sunday, February 15 – Caos-Nevale
- Masked parade in Piazza Matteotti with creative groups from schools, associations, and families.
Widespread events
- Library readings, initiatives by the Youth Aggregation Center (CAG), and oratory Carnival.
Sunday, March 8 – Festa dei Folli (3rd edition)
- From 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM in Piazza Matteotti: re-enactment of the medieval Carnival organized by the Ente Contesa del Secchio.
- Theatrical performances and juggling, representations of the story of King Carnival curated by actor and director Roberto Rossetti.
- Masks and professional makeup for visitors, medieval costumes encouraged.
- Finale with the burning from which King Carnival attempts to escape.
Highlights Elpidiense Carnival 2026
Prices Elpidiense Carnival 2026
Practical information — Elpidiense Carnival
How to get there
Sant'Elpidio a Mare is located in the hilly hinterland of the province of Fermo. By car, it can be reached from the A14 highway (exits Civitanova Marche or Porto Sant'Elpidio), continuing inland. The nearest train station is Porto Sant'Elpidio, on the Adriatic line, connected by bus to the historic center.
Where it takes place
The main events are held in Piazza Matteotti and the historic center, with events also taking place in the city's districts.
Admission
Most events are free admission. For parties in the districts, there may be a fee: it's advisable to check the details on the channels of the Municipality and the Ente Contesa del Secchio.
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Where does it take place — Elpidiense Carnival
Centro storico di Sant'Elpidio a Mare
Piazza Matteotti, 63811 Sant'Elpidio a Mare