Ercolano Carnival

Ercolano Carnival

The Ercolano Carnival is one of the most popular events on the city calendar. Organized by the Municipality of Ercolano, in the metropolitan city of Naples, it transforms the streets and squares of the Vesuvian town into a vibrant space of celebration, colors, and masks for several days. The event spans an entire week, with activities spread across various parts of the city and a program specifically designed for children and families.

Shrove Tuesday, the heart of the festival

The highlight coincides with Shrove Tuesday. The day begins in the morning at the Miglio d'Oro Park, where little ones find bouncy castles, baby dance, puppet shows, balloon art, music, popcorn, and cotton candy. In the afternoon, the city parade kicks off, traveling through the main streets of Ercolano: led by a horse-drawn carriage, followed by a marching band, majorettes, entertainers, jugglers, and mascots, amidst heaps of confetti.

The party in the square

In the evening, the festivities move to Piazza Trieste, where a stage is set up with speakers and DJs, balloon sculpting, face-painting, mascot shows, a costume parade, and music for dancing. Local artists take turns on stage until the final show by a comedian, closing the day on a high note.

A Carnival with a message

In recent years, the Ercolano Carnival has combined fun with a social message: the edition dedicated to the theme "Carnival: every woman matters: One less" integrated the festival into a week of initiatives regarding women's rights, culminating on March 8th with a theatrical performance at the MAV - Virtual Archaeological Museum focused on female figures in history. The event was held under the patronage of the Metropolitan City of Naples, as part of the metropolitan events calendar.

Ercolano, between Vesuvius and the sea

A town in Campania famous worldwide for the archaeological excavations of ancient Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, Ercolano offers Carnival-goers the chance to discover its heritage: from the archaeological site to the Vesuvian Villas of the Miglio d'Oro. The Carnival, free and outdoors, is an authentic way to experience the popular and communal spirit of this Vesuvian town.