The Enna Carnival: a celebration of masks, joy, and solidarity
The Enna Solidarity Carnival is one of the most beloved events in the Sicilian capital's winter calendar. Established in 2018, the event is organized by the associations Il Solco (chaired by Salvatore Astorina) and Hope APS (chaired by Walter Cardaci), with the patronage of the Municipality of Enna. The festival stands out from other Sicilian carnivals due to its strong commitment to charity: here, fun becomes a tool for inclusion, sharing, and fundraising for those in need.
The Solidarity Carnival is the result of an authentic networking effort involving institutions, schools, businesses, associations, and many volunteers from Enna. This public-private collaboration allows for the creation of a popular, participatory festival every year, capable of engaging children, families, and citizens of all ages in the heart of the historic center.
The program alternates between festivities in the square and the grand masked parade. Among the most popular activities are music, LED light shows, face painting, mascots, and performances by the Piccolo Coro Note di Luce. The highlight is the traditional parade of masked groups and individuals along the city's main streets, which concludes with the awarding of prizes for the best groups and most original costumes.
What makes this Carnival special is its charitable purpose: part of the proceeds is donated to local associations and projects. In recent editions, funds raised have supported initiatives like the Magma Association and aid campaigns for children in difficulty. The Solidarity Carnival demonstrates how a popular festival can become a concrete gesture of generosity for the entire community.
The event takes place in Enna, the capital of the province of the same name, in the heart of Sicily. Known as the "navel of Sicily" for its central location and for being the highest provincial capital in Italy, Enna offers a picturesque setting to experience the Carnival amidst history, tradition, and the warmth of the local people.
The 2026 edition of the Enna Solidarity Carnival, the eighth in its history, opened on Saturday, February 14 with "Carnival in the Square," featuring music, a performance by the Piccolo Coro Note di Luce, LED light shows, face painting, and mascots. The traditional masked parade of groups and individuals was held on Tuesday, February 17, along the streets of the center, with the final awarding of the best groups.
Organized by the associations Il Solco and Hope APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Enna, the festival took place with great participation despite the bad weather. Part of the proceeds was donated to charity to support local projects, including an initiative to help a child undergoing treatment. Parade applications were open until February 10.
Enna can be reached by car via the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Enna exit). The Enna train station is connected to the main Sicilian lines, while the nearest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa and Palermo-Punta Raisi.
Admission to the events is free. Applications to participate in the parade with masked groups or as individual masks can be submitted by contacting the Facebook pages of the organizing associations, Il Solco and Hope.
The events take place in the historic center of Enna: we recommend reaching the area on foot and wearing a costume to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.
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Centro storico di Enna